New-York tribune., 1919-10-02
End of British
Rail Strike Is
Believed Near.
Conference Between Govern.
ment and Union Leaders
To Be Resumed To-day:
Observation-Disclosures

LONDON. Oct. BY The Asso-
ciated Press).- Premier Lloyd George
Informed eleven delegates Of the
Transport Workers Federation who
called on him at 8 P NJ. to-day as
Intermediates in the rail workers
strike that it was impructicnble tc
continue negotiations with the men un-
til they resumed work.
Later the following official state
ment relative to the conference was
issued
Replying TO a question from Mr..
Costing president Of the Transport
Workers Federation) the Premier
said:
am ready to receive the ex-
ecutive of the National Union of
Railwaymen and hear what they have
to say. but | am sure you will agree
that nothing is to be gained by am
blguity. more especially as there has
been great deal of misunderstand-
ing already. want, therefore, to
make II quite clear that in the gov
ernment's opinion it would be quite
impractlcable TO continue negotia-
t!olic UillIl WOTh Is resumed.
Apart from other considerations.
the Minister'S who would be con
cerncd in the negotiations could not
possibly attempt to deal with the
questions involved while their whole
energy was devoted as it must
necessarily be, to improvising means
for carrying on the life of the ma
ton
1t was officially announced that the
conference would be resumed Thurs
day.
Wants Parliament Called
William c. Adamson, miner. chair
man Of the Labor party in the House
of Commons and leader of the opposi-
ton there. has telegraphed TO the
Premier asking that Parliament be
summoned immediately Adamson's re-
quest repeated suggestions from vari-
Gus quarters that Parliament be called
to advise the government regarding the
strike
On leaving the conference one Of the
railway union delegates said that at a
meeting of the railmen's executives
Thursday the situation would be re-
viewed in light which he was not at
liberty TO explain. When asked CON
cerning Premier Lloyd Georges state
ment issued early in the evening this
delegate replied; That statement can
be read two ways"
There has been a remarkable IN
crease In the trains operating to- day,
according to the Ministry of Transport,
,
days total. exclusive of the tubes and
underground roads in London. which
provided much improved service. and
promise still better tomorrow. as hun
dreds Of men are beng trained.
Men Back in Large Numbers
1t IS asserted that the men are go
ing back to the railways IN large num-
bers, but it is difficult to say whethe n
trains are being operated b. volunteers
or returning strikers.
The food and other public services
continue efficient work, and the people
of London were much less inconven-
fenced to-day. owing 20 the resumption
OF the underground services, while
there was a complete absence of dis
order.
In anticipation of every conceivable
extension of the strike, the government
is preparing Tor a longer siege than
the public has heretofore expected.
Regarding the effect of the discon-
tinuance of sailings of American
steamers for British ports, il was stat
ed that the action Of the United States
authorities was justified in view Of the
difficulties in the handling of cargoes
unloadcd at British ports. 1t is esti-
mated that the country will not need
American foodstuffs, with the possible
exception of canned meats. for three
months.
1t is announced that the King and
Court viii return from Balmoral Sat
urday This may be indicative Of some
development in the political situation
and. unless the strike is ended before
that time, the journey will presen,
some difficulties.
Xiauua CeusOrsI,iu Ends