The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-04-14
BRITISH UNIONS
HASTEN BATTLE
Only the Unexpected Can Pre-
vent Complete Tie-Up.
After Friday Only Autos and
Planes Will Operate.
ALL PARLEYS ARE FRUITLESS
Lloyd George Seeks to Put
Whole Blame on Miners.
Electrical Workers and Others
Join With "Big Three"

London, April 14.-The federation
of general workers, representing L.
100000 persons in more than 100 in
dustries outside the triple alliance
decided today to support the triple
alliance in its strike in the interest of
the striking miners.
London's strike army gained by the
thousand today
Leading an attack on Britains in
dustrial life. the miners gathered un-
der their colors the transport workers,
railwaymen, electrical workers and
scores of smaller unions.
Friday night, unless the unexpected
occurs, Britain will be thrown back
into the feudal ages. Transportation,
except for the modern automobile and
airplane, will rely on the horse and
mule for its power. Candle and oil
light will be used in the homes and
at outlying street corners where the
gas lamp has not been supplanteo.
To Tie Up Industry.
Reports to the miners showed their
strike to obtain a partial nationaliza-
ton OF the mining industry will Grip
pie all industry, kill some of it for the
time being, and seriously affect all
classes of citizens
Leaders of the triple alliance visited
Premier Lloyd George again today.
They made a sombre looking party as
they proceeded TO the Downing street
residence of the prime minister. Their
visit however, gave rise to hopes that
some sort of compromise might be
reached in the few hours remaining
before the strike becomes effectlVe.
The prime minister made deter
mined effort to fix the blame and the
motives 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 set
tIement and asserted he would like to
know the grounds on which they had
determined to inflict such a blow on
their fellow countrymen-
Meet Strike With Force.
Meanwhile. government prepara-
tfons to meet force with force went
ahead without slackening.
The people were calm but there was
ticeable were the number of soldiers
and sailors appearing in all industria
centers. When the strike becomes
operative they are expected to mount
guard in city streets, along the roads
and to stand ready to aid volunteer
w0rkmen who take the places of strik-
ers.
Labor is understood to believe tha
it's very existence is at stake, how
ever. and that if the miners fail il
their fight against lower wages, there
win be a general wage reduction in al
trades. This sentiment was conveyed
to Lloyd George.
Following the conference, the triple
alliance rushed its strike preparation!
while the government hastened trooI
movements and other measures being
taken to combat the great wallzout.
All ParIcys FruitIess.
Officials of the triple alliance o
labor visited Prime Minister Lloy,
George at his residence in Downin:
street this morning and began a con
ference which may have vital bear
ing on the industrial crisis confront
ing the country.
Journalists were told by J. II
Thomas, general secretary of the Ma
tional union of railway men, that tn
call of the labor men was at the in
vitation of Mr.. Lloyd George. but tn
public was left to speculate whethe
this might indicate a new NOV
toward a settlement of the labor con
trOVersy or whether the triple allianc
was merely delivering its answer t
the prime minister's letter, asking tn
grounds on which the labor force
had decided to call a strike on Fri
day.
This letter. which was delivere
yesterday was considered as an effor
on the part of Mr.. Lloyd George t
keep the door open for further nego
tiations.
The labor delegation left the prim
minister's residence after a two-hou
conference, saying he saw no prospec
for re-opening parleys for an adjust
Iilent of the strike situation.
War Clouds Loom.
There was a feeling of tension an
excitement in London today such a
prevailed only during the dark day
of 1914 and during the period whe
the German menace doomed neareS
The nations attention was rivete
on the house in Downing street, wher
the prime minister was trying to fin
a way out.
However, the government took II
chances. Troop concentration center
were very busy. Volunteer worker
were being organized and placed 8