Evening journal., 1921-04-05

sued by strikers.
LONDON, April S Omitted Press.)
-Britain's threatened general strike
was deferred today. when transport
workers adjourned without taking
vote.
Called to decide what action to
take in supporting the mine strike,
the transport workers considered
only routine reports. They are ex-
pected to take joint action with the
railway union whose executives meet
here tomorrow The three great
groups comprise 100000 workers.
Informal negotiations for settle
ment OF the strike are under way,
according to the Manchester Guar
dian.
The newspaper said the confer
ences we're begun by trusted inter-
mediaries Of the miners, owners and
the government
The nation today was thrown back
into war times by the strike.
To combat what was accepted as
la threatened Industrial revolution,
the government agencies were en-
powered TO assume control OF mines.
food manufacture and shipping,
street car lines canals, harbors. ex-
port trade, lighting and all means
Of transportation.
Some of these were to be taken
over.
Authorities were prepared to in
troduce the most severe restrictions
since the war.
To carry out its industrial pro-
gram, the Government already be-
gun extensive military and naval
4 movements. The navy recalled all
men from furloughs and stopped
leaves. Troops were distributed in
such way as TO give the Government
the greatest aid, both in carrying OF
Industries and in preserving tn,
peace.
The Governments promptness IN
meeting the strike challenge was dis
turbing to transport and railroad
leaders This may delay the strikers
until a conference is held.
Railway and transport workers
were anxious TO act. however, e
forestau any movement to cut thei
wages Nrhey believed any reduction
made for miners will be applied q
them next. Transporters appeare,
to be the reader to take strike ac
tion. The rail workers were expected
90 take more time before acting.
The coal mining industry oi
which the life of the nation depends
Is threatened with extinction by tn
strike. Evan Williams, leader of tn
colliery owners, warned today in al
exclusive interview with the Unite'
Press.
"The miners threaten to bring dis
, aster on owners and workmen alike,
I, | Williams said. We are doing ou
utmost to save the pits. and to saw
the worlSmen from the terrible con
sequences Of their action"
Flooding Of mines, destruction o
, property and excessive wage de
I mands will crush the industry, h
declared. No man will risk hi
finances i'm business which can b
. disrupted so easily, he said, and tn
present owners cannot AFFORD to sal
!. wage their ruined properties.
"The difference between us and tn
miners is basic" he said.
THE miners are demanding a ma
! tional pooling Of all mining and I'm
ance which will destroy efhcienc
and bring disaster TO owners an
workmen alike.
1T also will bring disaster TO ever
industry dependent upon coal, as we
. as the nation which exports it.
Even II the pooling plan wer
adopted IL would be necessary to- r.
q duce wages. So what the men real
. are demanding is a subsidy to mair
= tain pay at present high levels. The
a want other workmen taxed more
|, order to retain their own scale.
Mine owners are not trying
/, grind the men down, to crush II
i, money from their pockets. We wou
even risk losses by paying the sea
which the miners rejected. II u
price OF coal should decline the mil
owners would lose money on eve
l. ton.
n "I couldn't have believed that ol
r. workers would withdraw the safe
II men from the pits and run the ri'
e OF destroying machinery and iioodir
" the levels.
II Il only hope the men will retui
TO sanity before II is too late"
Williams. as president OF the Co
IT Mining Association. will have
p voice in the final negotiations.