The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-02-28
Situation Because of General
Strike Now at Crisis.
Government Takes Hand and
Trains Are Moving.
FOOD SUPPLIES THREATENED
General Railway Strike Ordered
Immediately.
Soviet AgitatOrs Are Denounced
by Professional Syndicate.

Paris, Feb. 2s.-A finish fight be-
tween the government and the strik-
ing railway workers was indicated to-
day. During the night the executive
council of the National Federation of
Railway Men secretly issued an order
for general strike. The strike is ef-
fective Immediately.
Railroad strike conditions thruout
France were considered near a crisis
this morning and belief was expressed
that breakdown of the strike move
ment or paralysis of the nations rail-
road system would ensue during the
day.
May Resume Traffic.
Operating conditions on the Paris.
Lyons & Mediterranean line and other
roads affected by the walkout of en-
ployes seemed to be slightly improved
last night. Traffic was shown to have
increased during the twenty-four
hours closing at midnight and IL was
believed that mobilization orders sent
to men of the Paris. Lyons & Mediter-
ranean and state roads would bring a
sufficient force to carry on normal
traffic.
The Revolutionary character OF
the strike as pointed out by Premier
Millerand in his address to the cham
Der of deputies yesterday apparently
had been averted today. The profes-
sional syndicate of French railway
workers issued an appeal denouncing
the soviet agitators who early had an
nounced their intention to control the
lines by soviets and discharge all
workers who refused to join them.
Government Takes Hand.
The appeal characterized the at
tempt TO produce a state of anarchy
thru stopping food supplies by the
| strike as a crime and high social
! treason" France. the appeal said has
| the greatest need for activity by all
workers to raise herself from her
ruins" 1t characterized tire strike as
I "anti-rational," concluding:
I'VE issued a formal order for all
: members to continue work"
| The council of ministers has decided
! to stablish two meatless days n week
should the strike render it necessary.
Workers Are Hampcred.
! Public opinion and the press. ex-
/ cept in radical circles, were violently
| opposed to the strike. 1t was esti-
! mated, however. that the walkout was
| more than go per cent effective in the
| Paris-Lyons-M M Mediterranean yst m .
| There was some service on the eastern
lines while in the north service was
normal
Suburban lines. which carry thou
/ Sd0uS Oh WOTkeTS 10 ana from NnelT
| tasks in Paris. were tied up late yes
| terday and thousands were forced to
seek lodging in the city proper or sleep
in the parks.
Troops Called Out.
Altho the strike order declares that
sabotage will not be countenanced.
the government Immediately ordered
troops to Paris to protect railway
property and prevent rioting.
The government this afternoon an
nounced it's determination TO fight the
strike to a finish. Following the is
I suance of the general strike order. the
government gave out a statement or
dering that it inends to use vigorous
measures" to maintain order and take
every precaution to prevent violence
or industrial inactivity.
The authorities will arrest anyone
resisting either the governments mo-
bilization order, or its order to requi-
sitlon motor trucks, pleasure cars and
airplanes to keep food supplies ana
the mails moving. the statement said