The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-10-04
BRITISH STRIKE
OUTLOOK GRAVE
Series Of Conferences Between
Government and Unions
Fruitless.
VIOLENCE BREAKS OUT
Thomas, i'm "Statement to
America" Insists Men
Are Justified.
VIOLENCE BREAKS OUT
Spscidl cable DespdtcA TO THH suS.

Special Ca6le DespdtcA TO The Sun.
Copyright. 1919 all rights reserved.
LONDON. Oct 3.-Little or no prog
ress was made to-day in bridging the
wide gulf that separates labor and the
Government despite many confer
ences. The width of this gulf was in
dcated in statements issued by Pre-
mier Lloyd George and James H.
Thomas, secretary OF the Railway
mems Union. during the day.
The Premier declares the men must
return to work before any settlement
will become possible; Thomas asserts
the men will die of starvation before
they will return unless previously
there is satisfactory adjustment of
their demands. ..
In view of this situation the public
is preparing for a continuance OF the
struggle, which means probably SYM
pathetic strikes by other workers, es-
pecially by the bus men, taxi drivers
and tram men, involving additional
discomfort and increased paralysis of
the country's business.
Violence Breaks Out.
The latest reports on the operation
OF the railways indicate that the vol
unteers are gaining sufficient knowl-
edge Of the work to keep the traffic
moving. Their success, however, was
attended by the first outbreak of real
violence. At Clapham a striker threw
corrosive fluid at volunteer on a mo-
tor truck, injuring him to such an ex-
tent that he may lose both eyes.
The strikers also assaulted several
volunteer workers In various parts OF
London, beating and kicking them. One
truck driver was'hit with brick. Dur
ing the morning Secretary Thomas met
the American newspaper correspondents
and submitted to them a written state
ment of labor's case. He talked for
half an hour upon the situation. and
repeatedly referred to his power as a
labor leader, not in a spirit of bravado.
but with an almost fanatical belief in
his ability to guide labor to victory.
He believed that his efforts only could
avert widespread anarchy, and it was
his efforts he declared, which had pre-
vented the whole fabric OF organized
government from shrivelling under the
fire of revolution.
Repeatedly he emphasized his desire
to keep the strike from spreading. II
understand fully the Governments po-
sition," he said, 'and realize 1t would
be dangerous for one section OF the
community to force its will upon the Gov.
ernment, because ! know how close we
are to-day TO something worse than the
railway strike. l shall always leave
the door open to negotiation"
Thomas Sees Disaster.
Asked as to the possible duration of
the strike. he pounded the table, ex-
claiming: my good man, II this strike
| continues another week there will not
any country left"
one hears wild scraps OF orator-y on
the sidewalks, Socialist speakers de-
claiming to little knots OF men, much
like the scenes at the beginning OF the
war. Even in higher circles there is
an air OF suppressed excitement In
/ the prominent hotels men talk In whis-
| pers OF what is coming they drag their
friends into secluded corners to impart
| news of impending disasters.
The saner element looks forward 10
the next few days with extreme anxiety,
but with full confidence that the Gov
ernment will be able to keep lawlessness
we'll in hand. II the strike Is not settled
and other unions join the railwaymen Il
will mean trouble and strong methods
will be used. The Anal settlement will
leave no doubt about Englands ability
| to maintain a representative Govern
ment which will not be afraid Of dicta-
tion from any class OF the community.