New-York tribune., 1919-07-24
British Labor
Calls Vote on
! Direct Action
Miners, Railway Men and
Transport Workers Defy
Trade Union Leaders in
New Blow at Government
Netr York Tribune
european Bureau

tCorv-ish' 'el9 New York Tribune Incl
LONDON. July 23.-England's indus
trls' out'ooS was further complicated
to-day by the decision of the Triple
Alliance of Miners. Railway Men and
Transport Workers, at joint meeting
OF executives, to submit referendum
to ,he members for authority to carry
ou; the policy OF direct action
This decision was taken in defiance
Of the attitude Of the parliamentary
committee Of the Trades Union Con
gress and the Labor party executives.
The chief items OF the Triple Alliance
programme are the abolition Of CON
scription. withdrawal from Russia and
non -intcrvention Of the military in
trade disputes.
TIE coal miners also held a meeting
to-day. AT which there was no sign Of
any Intention 70 moderate their de-
mands
Numerous cries of distress are heard
in many parts of England. where the
national machinery has been thrown
out Of gepr by the strike. Railways
announce the immediate curtailment Of
service. Sailings from Liverpool have
been interrupted owing to dock
troubles and thousands of persons are
out of employment because of the IN
dustrial troubles.
Strong Stand Urged
Many persons are asking whether
now is not the time for the govern
ment to take a strong stand on the
II.
and if this policy is not adapted to
the long, bitter struggle likely to en-
sue.
There we're many local fluctuations
in the strike to-day. the most impor-
tart being the return Of 10000 Mon
nouthshire men to work. while in Not
tinghamshire a similar number struck
in sympathy with the Yorkshiremen
By the week end it is estimated that
100000 will be out Of work in the
Leeds textile industries.
SO far only a few hundred sailors
are actually pumping at the pits in
an effort to save the mines from de-
structon. Late Yesterday mass meet
ing Of Lancashire miners. after pass
lng a resolution prote sting against
the increase in the price OF coal and
another pledging their support to Rob
erf Smillle. decided to return to work
Amid the industrial upheavals comes
me announcement that D. Matthews.
Lloyd Georges coalition candidate OF
the Swansea bye election, won a seat
in Parliament by a majority OF only
1000 over his Labor opponent. COM
pared to q majority Of nearly 5000
ct the general election. It was ex-
pected that the announcement of the
Increased cost of coal would insure
ro-
dldate.
Sheffield Plants Close
More big factories we're shut down
IN Sheffield to-day for lack of coal. If
the strike lasts a week practically all
the workers in Sheffield will be idle
The great Nickers plant possesses suft
cent coal to last only three more days
Andrew Bonar Law stated in Parlia-
ment last evening: The strike is
spreading to slight extent in Ian
cashlre. Nottinghamshire and Mon
mouthshlre. In a few more mines
pumping has stopped. In small
number il has been resumed"
serious factor in the situation is
tnat considerable time must elapse
before the men can resume work.
LONDON, July 23.-Troops were
area
affected by the coal strike Sir Eric
Geddes. the government representative.
explained that the move was for the
protection OF the navy men engaged in
keeping the mine pumps in operation
In making his explanation Sir Eric
laid emphasis upon the statement that
the troops would be kept out of sight
as much as possible and that the police
would be responsible for the protection
Of citizens
Sir Eric sent invitations to-day to
TIE Yorkshire Miners Association rep
resentatlves asking them to meet him
Tomorrow in Leeds to consider the
strlke situation. He is now at Leeds
Coal Restrictions Urged
He sent kilograms also to the Lord
Mayor and Councils Of the principal
cities and towns in Yorkshire. Ian
cashire No.tinghamshire and Derby
snire emphasizing the necessity of re-
strcting the use Of coal and notifying
them that drastic restrictions will be
put upon railroad service.
IN talk to newspaper men at Leeds
Sid Eric Geddes used strong words.
he said:
The government is determined that
~ the resources Of the state. whethe r
.ney are resources Of citizens or armed
A"iSrc o! tne OIOWO. Shal! De uSeQ TO
prevent ruin TO the community. Be-
cause. il those mines are flooded. it will
Cause great unemployment and for
many months will prevent the output
. coal which tho industries Of the
country need 70 keep them from being
ruined
IT Is not 70 take any part in fight
irg the strike that We are here. but
save The lie Of the nation as far
a. "e car. feel, and the government
'efis, .ha' those who advocated tine
policy q stopping pumping at the
m,aes Fave not realized the length &c
shicn y might go.'
George Meets Owners
prem'er Lloyd George and severa
nefnbers of the Cabinet. including An.
a'eS Hrnar Law, Sir Auckland Gedde
"a S'r Robert g. Horne, conferred
'ta The mine owners to-day. Th'
iisrier VIII meet the officers Of th'
miners federation tom orrow.
'rsre IL no doubt that Lloyt
'eoFge government mas met the mos
-efl'r> situation in domestic affair
sns' !, nas yet had 10 deal with. on
s'ien may bring 20 focus all the labo
Lecpatent which has been accumulat
N' Hnce the arnist.ce. The Premie
~ re other ministers wore seriou
aess 'o-day; 'ncy were in conference
'Hr noDr.
me disclosuye by a labor paper re
,h'ly of secre. circular which tn,
af oHiee sent 70 officers. asking vha