Evening journal., 1921-04-14
BRITISH STRIKE
DUE TOMORROW
fcontlnued from, frst pagel


ganized and placed, at stragetic po-
sitions in readiness 10 take strikers
places and keep essentials going.
Reports from the mining regions
indicated it would not.take much to
start open hostilities between the
strikers and the volunteers back by
government forces. Thousands Of
idle miners lounged about the streets
OF the towns. Some massed around
improvised rostrums where red"
orators made speeches. They were
not moiested by troops or police
Let them blow off steam" was
the word passed along the line.
In the black country" where tall
stacks have for years belched forth
clouds of smoke by day and whirling
clouds OF sparks by night, there were
many idle plants. An unnatural
quiet hung over the area usually
roaring with activity Here, too
thousands of men thrown out OF
work. swarmed in the streets and
their temper was uglier than that of
the strikers.
Additional guards were in evidence
today at railroad centers and along
the principal railway lines. This
was the only sign, however, that the
nations railways were on the verge
OF a great tieup. Railroad workers
were going about their business as
usual" In fact many OF the rank
and file did not appear to be figuring
on going out at all. The guards
along the line were inconspicuous.
There was no display of arms nor
anything TO irritate the workers.
Fearing a complete tieup will be
brought about by a walkout of trans
port workers. many of the larger
hotels in London and other cities of
England and Scotland were laying in
extra food supplies today. Rows OF
lorries were backed up at their store
room entrances while employees toll
ed overtime to get the emergency
provisions unloaded. The same
thing could be seen at some Of the
larger residences.
Hotels were overcrowded, due to
thousands Of business men seeking
city accommodations fearing the
strike will prevent them reaching
their Offices from their homes.
Sleeping space within walking dis
tance was at a premium.
The Prime Minister made a deter
mined effort to fix the blame and the
motive for the strike. In a letter to
the triple alliance heads he pointed
out the seriousness OF their attack
on the nations industries. He said
they had refused reasonable offers
FOR settlement and asserted he would
like TO know the grounds on which
they had determined to infilct such
a blow on their fellow countrymen.
The missive it was expected would
remain unanswered.
Women will have a prominent
part in the battle. Women depend
ents OF the strikers will be among
the chief sufferers Among other
classes. women who did var work
were Offering their services "in any
capacity" In London more than
1000 enrolled for duty as truck
drivers, police women. stokers and
gtorehouse workers.
Lloyd George, il was said. made a
strong appeal to the triple alliance
chieftains TO defer the strike order
which will halt railways and trans
port throughout the United King
dom. pointing out the grave danger
70 the nation which will be brought
about by such a tieup coming. on
top OF the mine strike.
Labor is understood TO believe it's
very existence is at stake. however.
and that II the miners failing in their
hght against lower wages there will
be a general wage reduction In all
trades This sentiment was con-
veyed 20 Lloyd George.