The evening Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1918-1920, 1919-02-19
Issues Blunt Warning
Britain Will Refuse In
dustrial Prussianism.
WAR MAY YET BE LOST
Battle Victories Must Not Be Dis
sipated By Internal
Labor Strife,

LONDON, Feb. 19-Premier
Lloyd George has told the House of
Commons that the Peace Conference
had made progress beyond the most
sanguine anticipations and that it was
approaching an agreement on most
questions.
Referring to demands put forward
not to obtain fair conditions, but to
overthrow the existing order, to de-
stroy the Government" the Premier
declared:
"I say in all solemnity on behalf of
the Government that we are deter
mined to fight Prussianism in the ir1=
dustrial world exactly as we fought
it on the continent of Europe.
"If all classes OF the community
are prepared to make the necessary
sacrifices for the stability, security,
and freedom of industry, am pre-
pared to say, with full knowledge of
the consequences, that no section of
the community, however powerful
shall be allowed to hold up the whole
nation"
The Premier concluded with an ap-
peal that the victory won by battles
shold not be wantonly dissipated in
a few weeks frenzied strife.
William Adamson, leader of the La
Dor Party in the House of Commons
speaking today on the industrial situ-
alton, said that it was almost as
menacing and dangerous as war itself.
He said that the principal labor
amendment to the reply to the ad-
dress from the throne would relate to
the causes of industrial unrest.
'tI hope" he continued, t'that no at
tempt will be made to disappoint the
legitimate expectations of the work
ing people All sections of the pee
pie should understand that we have
reached the stage when we have laid
the cards on the table and when the
working class will refuse longer to be
treated as cogs in machine for mere
prOHC-HldklHg PURPOSES.
Mr.. Adamson said he regretted that
no mention had been made in the
Kings speech concerning pensions, or
of the disposal Of Government ship
yards, factories and other properties
on which millions had been spent, or
of Russia.
Mr.. Adamson said he spoke for the
party of Constitutional Laborites.
Referring to suggestion that the
present unrest had been caused by a
revolutionary group, he said his group
would never encourage revolution or
unconstitutional action. The revolu-
tionary elements would exercise little
influence unless there were genuine
grievances which they could exploit
Unfortunately there were many griev-
ances concerning wages and hours
of employment, and fear of more un-
employment was encouraging mono
poles which would make the cost of
living impossible.
Mr.. Adamson asked for statements
regarding conscription and for the
submission to aPliament of the final
peace terms before they are ratified.
Answering the claim that the La
Dor Party was the principal opposi-
ton in the House, he said the Labor
ties We're ready to support the Cover
nment in any acceptable proposal, but
that they would do their utmost to
prevent vested interests from .tpress-
ing down upon the brow of labor a
crown of thorns and crucifying the
worker upon a cross of gold"
Sir Donald MacLean, leader of the
Non-C Coalition Liberals, who followed
Mr.. Adamson, expressed regret at the
absence Of former Premier Asquith!
and said he hoped that the former
Premier would soon return to the
House.