The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-10-26
Negotiations Now Reach Stage
Satisfactory to All.
Raise fer Miners and Increased
Production Promised.
WAR POWER BILL HITS SAAG
Motion for Rejection Defeated
by Parliament 257 to SIS.
Strong Effort-Made to Have
Measure Withdrawn.

London, Oct. 26.-It was stated au-
thoritatively today that negotiations
now on at Premier Lloyd Georges
residence are expected to end the coal
strike.
With the announcement that the
results Of the discussions in Downing
street will be placed before a meeting
OF miners delegates, it was pointed
out that Lloyd George had declared
ne would not reopen formal negotia-
tons unless he was convinced a set
tlement was practically certain.
FRANK Hodges. secretary of the
miners federation. supported that in
depreciation when he said the confer
ence of delegates would decide wheth-
er the proposed terms should be ap-
proved and submitted to a union ball
lot.
The terms were saidhunofficialIy to
provide a two -shillings per day in
! crease for the miners with a stipula-
ton for increased production.
Fear Production Issue.
Laborites were understood to regard
the plan for increased production as a
dangerous precedent, but they were
anxious to avoid a general strike The
fear had grown that if a general strike
did develop, Lloyd George would seize
upon it to call a general election on
the issue, nation versus unions" In
that event they foresaw the return OF
1
heavy majorities
| Meanwhile, the trade union congress
went ahead with plans for an execu-
tive meeting Tuesday Originally
called to see what should be done to
1 support the miners, the congress now
Will consider the general labor situa-
ton. There was said to be a concerted
movement to create a high labor COM
mand and dissolve the council of ac-
ton formed to aid in obtaining peace
with Russia.
The miners strike has been expen-
sive for nation and men alike. Two
million workers were unemployed and
| 10000 more were on short time
Three hundred and fifty thousa nd
were obtaining strike benefits. 1t was
estimated the disturbance had cost
taxpayers $i5,000,00O and the miners
have lost $4o.000,000 in wages. In
addition, 100000 tons of coal that
should have been dug last week re-
main in the ground.
! Strong opposition to the government
emergency power BILL giving the ad-
ministration far-reaching authority in
the event of a general strike or of dis
orders was, anticipated in the house of
commons today.
| The measure entered the committee
stage of consideration and the govern
j ment issued instructions for all sup
porters to be present at today's ses-
sion of the house. In the house Of
/ SOIHillOHS ldSl night u InOtlOn IOE ltHe
rejection of the bill offered by William
c. Adamson, labor leader, was de-
feated by vote of 257 to IS, and the
measure was passed to second reading.
! Want Measure WITHDRAWN
Liberals and labor leaders, including
II. H. Asquith, former premier, J. NJ.
Thomas and Mr.. Adamson. labor lead
ers. and John Robert Clynes, former
| food controller, made strong appeals
| to\the government to withdraw the
measure which Adamson characterized
as panic legislation, which is always
| dangerous"
| Premier Lloyd George defended the
bill, which he declared was not intend
ed as an attack on trade unions, but
absolutely necessary to face the threats
of railway men and the triple alliance
to cripple our national life almost
| without notice"
| Further consideration of the bill
was prevented during the night ses-
sion, as r p. O'Connor. leader of the
Irish nationalists. secured permission
to begin the debate on events in Ire
land Mr-O'Connor discussed recent
acts of reprisal in the island, but no
new points were developed
|