The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-10-20
Basis for Settlement of British
Strike DisapprOved.
Union Leaders Showing Will
ingness to Compromise.
PRODUCTION is CHIEF ISSUE
Lloyd George Ready to Recede
on Wage Stand.
Increasing Number of Industries
Are Shutting Doors.

London, Oct. 20.-Transport work
ers and railway men marked time to-
day. refusing to rush into a strike in
support of the British miners
The parliamentary council of trans
port workers and railway executives
met briefly today but adjourned with
out action. The railway men were
said TO be evenly divided on the ques-
ton of going out with the miners.
Lloyd George Pessimistic.
This official view of the strike situa-
ton was given out today by Premier
Lloyd Georges residence: "The strike
is no nearer solution than it was be-
Iore the statements. made yesterday
in the house of commons The de-
bate there yesterday resulted only in
clearing of the atmosphere showing
the government firmness for a settle
ment based on tribunal or provisions
for increased production If a wage in
crease is granted. 1t also showed the
miners determined to stand by their
demand for an unqualified increase in
wages"
No meeting between government
representatives and the miners is
sight now. The government is conf
dent of the full support of parlia-
ment. it was declared. Miners repre-
sentatives agreed with the Downing
street view that a solution was no
nearer.
Ready for Compromise.
He has stated plans for tentative
wage increase pending a complete ad-
justment would not be satisfactory as
that method of meeting the present
situation would threaten trouble later.
Coal production, he holds, must be
augmented, and he may submit some
proposals which will deal with this
phase of the situation.
!, This mornings newspapers com
ment appreciatively on the calm and
d1gnif1ed tone yesterday in the house
and the absence of provocative words.
journals maintaining that altho the
deadlock still exists, the debate has
cleared the stage for a compromise.
Ia Production the Issue.
One possible basis for a settlement
is set forth by the Daily Mail, which
| says If the miners are willing defi-
nitely to agree that an advance of two
Shiflings given now may be Withdrawn
| at the end of December If production
is not increased by that time the gov
ernment will consider such a proposal.
/ The government, however. will inflex-
iiblN insist upon its position regarding
production, the newspaper says.
One of the strongest rumors relat-
ring to a possible, ,settlemept comes
from the South wales coal field which
has been recognized as the main CEN
ter of disaffection and extremism.
. A Cardiff dispatch to the London
Times, says it is stated there the end
of the deadlock may be reached in
or days
Industries Are Closing.
In the meantime reports of the clos
ing of Industries accumulate coupled
with assertions that workers in other
trades who are losing employment
thru the miners strike are showing
resentment.
The executive committee of the Ma
tional Union of Railway Men planned
to meet today and 1t was believed GER
tain the attitude to be assumed by this
organization toward the miners strike
would be considered. Two weeks ago
the committee decided by the margin
of one vote not to join the strike but
there are indications the decision may
not be final
The Transport Workers union has
not taken definite action on the situa-
ton as yet but there is some appre-
hension that it may join forces with
the coal diggers.