The sun., 1919-10-06
BIZ TIA Associated Press.


LONDON, Oct. with dramatic sud-
denness in the quiet of the London
Sunday afternoon it was announced to
knot of people waiting in Downing
street that the great railway strike,
which appeared to have brought the
country almost to the brink of revo-
luton, was settled and that the strik-
ers would resume work as quickly as
possible.
The terms of the settlement are in
the nature OF a compromise. The Ma
tional Union of Railwaymen agrees to
call off the strike and the Government
consents to a renewal Of the negotia-
tons, the continuance Of the existing
wage scale for another year, instead of
six months, as previously offered, and
the establishment of a minimum wage
o. 81 shillings (s12.75) while the cost
of living is 10 per cent. above the
pre-war level.
The settlement was the result of a
long conference to-day between a trade
union delegation, including representa-
tiyes Of the railway mems union. and
Premier Lloyd George and Andrew
BonaS Law in the famous conference
loOm in Downing street. Prior to this
there was a Cabinet meeting.
Due 10 stand of Moderates.
1t is conceded Oh all sides that the
settlement is the outcome of the mod
Nl.a
executives of the transport workers
federation and men like Arthur Hender-
coli and John Robert Clynes, who
throughout have set their faces steadily
against the idea of sympathetic strike
until every possible avenue OF mediation
had been explored.
James Henry Thomas, secretary of the
National Union of Railway Men, mad a
tremendous ovation tonight when he ap-
reared to address some 5000 men at
Albert Hall. 1t was an impressive mo-
ment, when. after the hurricane of cheer
ing subsided. the audience rose and sang
Abide With Me-"
Secretary Thomas, in the course of
his speech, paid warm tribute to the
great and worthy part the Premier
had played in assisting them to reach
what Mr.. Thomas would not claim as
victory, but as IAN honorable settle
rent II was the Premier who had in
yted the deputation to see him to-day,
and there had been no question whatever
Of asking the men to surrender.
Secretary Thomas asserted that this
had been the greatest fight of organized
workers in history and that it had been
conducted solidly, Loyalty, peaceably and
Orderly, and in this, he believed, the
railway men had given an example to
The world
Resignation of Geddes Denied.
Runners were current tonight that Sir
Eric Geddes Minister of Transport, had
resigned, but according to an authorized
statement, the rumors were unfounded
Inc conference of trade unions called
Tor Tuesday, and other arrangements
contingent upon the continuance of the
strike have been abandoned, but II is
stated that the organization for the for
iHation of citizen guards VIII not De
mlefered with.
The conference in Downing street was
very friendly affair. All present
seemed 10 anticipate a settlement, ana
after Premier Lloyd George had ex-
planned the new terms he left the dele
gates to discuss them. When the lunch-
con hour arrived the Premier suggested
mat all stay instead of separating. A
rad was made on the Downing street
commissarlat, and finding 1t equal to the
needs Of the large party, jovial meal
followed the Premier's secretaries car
f}lng the joint and assisting In carving
H. while jokes flew around the tablo
The conference was then resumed, anq
al us conclusion Secretary Thomas rose
and, addressing the Premier. said he
could not allow the momentous meeting
10 close without expressing the appre-
cation Of the delegates at the states
mahllke and impartial way the Premier
ana Ronar Law had conducted the nego-
uatons and their patient consideration.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the
compliment in a genial speech, admitting
Nat the delegates had met all arguments
WI an open minded and concillatory man
,tr lie expressed the hope that all
n'oor organization would approach ques-
uohs concerning their welfare IN The
SsntMEed OF Second Page. t