The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-31
NEW STRIKE SOLUTION
German Leaders Form What Is Called
 SRed Cross of Industry"
Rx Associated pr...

Stuttgart, October Alderman indus trial leaders believe they have found an effective weapon for fighting general strikes in the Technische Nothlife, known in Germany and Denmark as the Red Cross of industry" As evidence they point to the fact that the organization crushed general strike in the state or Wuerttemberg in five days when that state was menaced with a complete paralysis of all industrial activity.
 The Technische Nothlife was organ ized about a year ago and is operating under the direction of the minister of the interior. In normal times only a skele- ton office is maintained, which occupies itself with preparations for an emer gency. Wuerttemberg is divided into 1gp subdistricts. each of which has leader whose duty is to prepare a list of voluil- teers able in emergency to operate all the essential industries of the community. The head offices in the city are fur nished with complete list of such vol unteers. The active technical emer- gency managers of essential industries usually are named as chiefs for those industries and they presumably gre non- union men. Among the volunteers listed are university students, engineers. pro- fessors in the polytechnic institute. and unskilled workmen from every class cf society.
 The central organization makes pro- vision for bedding. foodstuffs and army Kitchens for the volunteers who camp by their jobs
 Each volunteer is informed in advance where to report and upon the notifica- ton of strike proceeds to that post where the Technsche Nothlife has deliv- cred supplies considered sufficient for the duration of the strike. It is claimed that in very short time the central of- flee thus can furnish an operating force for each industry.
 The general strike here was called as a protest against the 10 per cent tax on workmen's wages. It was arranged by the communists, but adhered to by the majority socialists, the more conserva- tive labor clements and trade unions. Distribution of food ceased, ald gas, electric and water service was abar- doned. The community was confronted with possible chaos when the Technische Nothlife stepped in. assumed control and manned every essential post, vacated by the strikers, including the highly technl- cal positions
 There was some difficulty in finding men fitted to aid in the heavy work, such as firing furnaces, for few of the volun- teers had been accustomed to such labor, but this was solved by working very short shifts. The majority of the 265 men working and living in gas works 3IGTc pOlytecHulC StuuentS.
 There were even union labor men among the volunteers. for some of the labor leaders believe that certain indus tries must be kept going to prevent the collapse of a community and that only the Technische Nothlife can do this. Some of the conservative labor leaders felt that the control of their organiza- tions might slip out of their hands into those of the extreme radical elements, who would tie up all industries if it were not for the Technische Nothlife. For these reasons they have made no oppo- sition to union men volunteering TOT service with that organization.
 The strike began at midnight Saturday. the volunteers were ordered on duty Sunday morning and by Monday morn- ing the industries were functioning on reduced capacities. but by Wednesday morning normal production had been at tained.
 Motor trucks were requisitioned for the distribution of food to the volunteer workers and an appeal was issued 10 labor, philanthropic and social organfza- tions to aid in protecting the workers and property. The members Of the Technische Nothlfe are under obiiga- tions to carry no arms.
 In less than five days the strikers be- gan to return to work, and as each one took his place. member of the Tech nische Nothlife quit unostentatiously an1 in less than a week the strikers were again at their posts.
 E Chiefs of the Technische Nothl!fe Tn charge of industrial plants, at Stuttgart were carefully instructed to obtain wit ten statements as to the condition of the plants when the strikers returned. so E that fhe radicals could not subsequently, practice sabotage and charge that 1t was fhe wopa of the Technische Nothlife.
 
 Forty gallons of turpentine from Douglas fir tree is not an uncommon