Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-09-30
BRITAIN MEETING
CRISIS IN STRIKE
Railway Service Reported I'M
proving-Trains Follow
Schedules
STRIKERS HINT OF AID
BY the Associated Press

London, Sept 30.--Great Britain is
making headway in dealing with the
national strike of her railwnymeD, the
government reported today. The official
communique from Downing street at
noon announced that the railway serv-
Ice was improving, more trains having
been run than called for under the
echedules prepared by the companies
yesterday. This was in line with fore
casts that oettermeut of condition in
this respect might be expected today.
1t is anticipated in government circles
that the service of street cars and omni-
buses wiz cease today. The order stop
ping service, it is possible, may be is
sued ut any moment.
Attempt to dcrail trains, which oc-
Cured yesterday FOR the first time since
the beginning Of the strike, were re-
ferrcd to by tn. Downing street state.
lnent as "some minor acts of sabotage
These, IL was explained, had caused no
loss of life and the necessary steps had
been taken to deal with this phase OF the
situation.
Meanwhile, the distribution of food
Is proceeding satisfactorily, the authori'
ties announce, this being due largely ITO
the admirable spirit and efficient work
of volunteers The offers of voluntary
service, It is declared, are "ovcrwhelm-
ing"
Hints Of sympathy Strikes
No statement on behalf of the men
was Forthcoming during the morning,
hut the latest explanations from their
leaders. were not lacking in explanations
of determination to carry the struggle
through. James Henry Thomas, secre-
tary of the National Union Of Railway
men, in an announcement at an open
dir meeting during the forenoon, indi-
Gated that the calling in of help from
other labor bodies was contemplated.
He declared that the railwaymen would
not continue to refuse offers OF SYM
pathetic strikes from other unions. This
was considered most signiiicent III view
Of the meetings of the Transport work
ers and Vehicle Drivers called Tor today
TO decide upon their attitude.
The meeting of the executive body OF
the transport workers was n prolonged
one. After their prolonged discussion
the members of teh body tis afternoon
went to the Ministry of Labor.
Military guards were placed on all
trains in the northern section today,
with instructions to take effective meas
ures against interference with their op-
eration. e..
Further secessions from the ranks of
the striking railroad men were reported
by okcials this morning, but generally
the union ranks are remaining firm,
with the possibility Of the transport men
joining them today. "
Londoners generally have rapidly ad-
justed themselves TO the strike condi-
tions, smilingly accepting the inconveni
ences caused by the lack of transporta-
tion and the restriction of supplies. A
few minor disturbances are reported
from provincial centers, where volunteer
workers on the railroads have been
hooted.
The government announced this
morning that livestock that had been
abandoned in transit by the strikers and
the horses belonging to the railroad
companies that had been left without
attendance were being cared for by the
authorities.
Strikers Resent Use of Troops
Employment of troops to protect rail
road property is being resented by
strikers at some places, apparently
through the fear that the soldiers may
be used as strike breakers. ..,
Speakers at meeting at Nuneator,
Warwickshire, warned the government
that serious consequences would follow
the employment of troops. The dock
laborers at Newport, Monmouthshire,
have threatened to strike If soldiers iu-
terfere with railwaymen.
The Herald, organ for labor, features
what it describes as an "ominous move
I. ment of troops and complains editor
ially that everything Is done to give
an air of violence to what on the ken's s
part is peaceful, lawful movement for
better wages"
Government officials have issued regu :
lations providing for price fixing and
restricting the consumption of staple
foods. Motor lorries are bringing milk
and foodstuffs into the city and sys-
tenn OF distributing has been worked
cut by the cabinet. Possession of all
the transport machinery used during the
war makes the governments task easier
than had been expected.