New-York tribune., 1919-03-20
Outlook Better Since Rail
Nlen's Chief Returns From
Conference With Premier
Government Ready to Act
Danger of Cotton Workers
and Police Joining Triple
Alliance in Walkout
By Arthur S. Draper
NeW York Tribune
European Bureau

ANCV OTH IrlOur6
European Bureau
Copyright. 1919. New York Tribune Inc.)
LONDON, March 19.-No one here
knows whether Great Britain is on the
eve of great strike or the settlement
of its labor difficulties. This rrcer-
tainty has tended to demoralize the
whole industrial life of the country.
The outlook is considered slightly
better since the return of j. II. Thomas.
president of the railway mems union
from Paris, following consultations
with Lloyd George. 1nasmuch. how
ever, as the miners, railwaymen and
transport workers have united in a
triple alliance, it is necessary to settle
the demands of all three unions before
the danger OF general strike will be
avoided: The situation in the miners
case will not be known until after the
Sankey report is made public on Thurs
day.
President Thomas met the railway
executive committee Immediately upon
his arrival by airplane and later in the
day ne saw some of the government
ministers. The British press takes a
grave view OF the situation, many news
papers carrying strong editorials ap-
pealIng to. the workers to delay action
until after the peace treaty is signed.
Premier Watches Situation
Lloyd George is in hourly commun;.
cation by telephone with London. He
told President Thomas he was deeplv
concerned with the demands of labor
and that workers could be certain not
only of his sympathy but of 8 consid
Grafton of their claims.
Inc labor leaders are urging moder-
alton, but powerful elements in the
triple alliance are favoring a strike.
The government is taking precau-
tlonary measures, for a strike of the
triple alliance, even of short duration.
would be bound to result in food and
coal shortage, not to mention the
crippling Of industrial life.
If the government fails to bring
about a settlement by negotiation it
will act firmly and quickly. In addi-
ton to the triple alliance the strike
probably would involve policemen and
possibly Lancashire cotton workers.
At present there are approximately
100000 unemployed in Great Britain.
Northcliffe AssaiIs Officials
The Northcliffe press, powerful fac
tor in moulding public opinion and a
during the war, now is sharply attack
ing several government heads.
The Northciffe journals have also
Joined IN the criticism of the govern
ment for failing to announce a con-
structive policy for Ireland. The Home
Rule act was scheduled to come into
force six months following the signing
of peace.
There is no difference of opinion re-
garding the seriousness of the situation
IN Ireland, and here, too, the Premier
IS considered the only statesman capa-
bic of handling the problem.
On paper Great Britain looks like
a nation which is close to economic
collapse, but the prevailing pessimism
seems much too thick when actual
iacts are studied. The big business
interests are like Gagged lions; or in
many instances big business is at
complete standstill Even the money
market shows deadly dulness.
Imports on the Gain
During the war British imports ac-
eumulated balance of S1,0OO,00O,O 900,
while now there is monthly accumula-
non OF 100000 over exports During
the war British invisible exports, such
as shipping, freights, insurance and
fcdisconnting, dropped to almost moth
ing, while at the same time the coun-
'FF lost heavily in tonnage and in
percentage OF the worlds shipping.
More than 400 British exporters had
exhibits at the recent fair in Lyons,
france. but they got hardly any orders,
largely because the French government
refused TO issue the necessary licenses.
with wages steadily increasing.