The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-10-04
Government Takes Steps To
Put Down Amy Riots.
Summon Special Deputies and
Call for "Citizens' Army
STILL TRY FOR SETTLEMENT
Possibility of Mediation Slim
Many Proposals Fail.
Calamity of Unthinkable Size
Upon Us, Says News.

London, Oct. All special depu-
ties were ordered to report immedi-
ately at headquarters by the police
commissioner this morning.
Efforts of trade unionist mediators
to find some means for bringing the
government and leaders of the Nation
al Union of Railway Men together
have not been abated in spite of the
breach in negotiations. Fourteen
CHOSEN delegates met this forenoon at
the headquarters of the transport
workers federation for the purpose of
formulating further proposals 1t is
expected they will approach Premier
Lloyd George Monday and place their
propositions before the trades congress
to be held Tuesday.
All Proposals Rejected.
The governments proposal of a sew
en- days truce, during which the rail-
way men were to return to work pend
ing further negotiations, was rejected.
At the same time all efforts of the
transport workers federation to pro-
vide basis of agreement between the
strikers and the government ended in
complete failure.
The ministry of labor today posted
notices requesting urgently that two
thousand volunteers offer their service
as drivers.
The cabinet met early this forenoon
at the residence of Premier Lloyd
George. There were many conjectures
among the people whether King
George, who will arrive in London
this evening, will be likely to invoke
his authority and reassemble parlia-
ment in view of the threatening aspect
of the strike situation. This sugges-
ton meets with all around approval
in labor circles, where 1t is considered
that public discussion would alleviate
the crisis.
Worst Labor Crisis i'm Her History.
Never in the history of the British
empire have the people faced a mere
grave labor crisis. Latest Develop
ments seem to indicate the govern
ment and the national union have
settled down to a protracted struggle.
The government has appealed TO the
people to form a citizens army" to
aid in the work of maintaining the
food supply of the country. while
union leaders who have been in con-
ference here have started for big la
Dor 'centers turnout the British Isles
to engage in a vigorous campaign. In
the meantime some improvement in
railroad service is reported.
The press generally reflected pes-.
simism.
A. G. Gardiner. writing in the Daily
News. says cit is useless to delude
| ourselves over the governments opti-
4
paralyzed. A calamity of unthinkabie
dimensions is upon US"
Two of the principal financial week
! lies. the Statist and the, Economist.
both welding great influence, make
notable pleas for a balanced view Of
the strike, advocating Justice to the
strikers and a cessation of the bitter
| language INDUCED in by some newspa-
| pers.
| Government Largely to Blame.
| at is clear the strike ought never
| to have happened" says the Econo-
mist, but it is by no means clear. as
i is too generally assumed by the we'll
| to-dos. that the responsibility lies with
| the wage earners and their lenders
! The whole position is marked by an
I extra ordinary lack of ciearness, for
which the government is to a great
extent responsible.
Labor is determined not to return
4 to it's pre-war position and 1t is per-
fectly right. We say nothing of other
considerations. we cannot afford to
prosper at the expense of the health
and welfare of large part of the
community.
| 1.-THE government must not think
that because the public volunteered to
do all possible to meet the situation.
the railway mems cause is generally
unpopular Their method Of springing
the strike suddenly is almost univer-
sally condemned, but the desire for
better distributor OF Wealtn - now
one Of the most popular sentiments
prevalent.
"The cause OF the under paid work.
/ ers has many champions among those
who have worked the hardest to de-
4 feat the strike"
"Citizcns Army Called For.
"It is extremely regrettable." says
! the Statist, that bitter feelings have
been stirred up. The premier himself
I used language which ought not to
come from the head of the govern
ment and the example he has set Is
| being followed by every wretched
/ writer who wishes to curry favor with
| the powerful"
The most Sensational feature OF Of
fetal statements which have been is
| sued. was that calling for citizens
army" This was issued too late for
/ any general comment IN this morn
ing's newspapers. but sufficient promi-
! hence is given il in the news columns.