The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-04-16
BRITISH LABOR
FORCES in SPLIT.
Miners Deserted by R., r. and
Transport Workers.
Determined to Continue Fight
for Naturalization.
MEANS END OF "BIG THREE"
Radical Divisions in Unions
Call Deserters ''TraitOrs.o
Failure at Critical Moment
Blamed Upon Miner Chief.

London, April 16.-Striking coal
miners, deserted by their allies of the
triple alliance, determined today 70
carry on" pending a general confer
,ence of representatives of all sections
next Friday.
The announcement was made by
Frank Hodges. secretary of the Min
?rs federation, follow ing a meeting os
the executive council which adjourned
at noon. He said hat work would
not be resumed anywhere until mex.
weeks confer had decided upon
a course of action.
Labor Forces Split.
Labor forces of the country are
today apparently broken into sections
as a result of the refusal of the trans
port workers yesterday to continue
their support of the strike. Opinion
prevails In some quarters that the
action means the death of the triple
alliance"
This view is not held universally,
but without doubt the split will have
serious effect upon all labor. yes
terday, was the heaviest defeat that
has befallen labor within the memory
of man. begins the laborite Herald s
comment on the sensational break.
1T is no use to minimize it. The
workers have not stood together and
they have reaped the reward"
Miners Made Mistake
The newspaper declares that Frank
Hodges, secretary of the miners Or
ganization. made a tactical mistake by
altering the old formula of the union
during his address before commons on
Thursday night.
The old machinery has failed" the
nCaIJJ 1Ac e-+r,x ,x-%
afresh and get a machine that will
work and develop new spirit. This
is not the end; it is the beginning
Whether the Miners federation in
its turn will split up as predicted il
icate but it is known he has the sup
port OF a, strong minority.
Times Calls It Circus.
The London Times gives a graphic
account of what happened at the fate
full meeting of the triple alliance
yesterday. 1.-THE proceedings deve1-
oped,' says an eye witness quoted by
the Times, Into the biggest circus ever
seen. Extremists of all sections tried
to keep the battle flag unfurled and
C. T. Cramp. president of the Railway
Mems union. led in the attempt to Sc
cure postponement instead of cancel
lation of the strike.
determinations were mutual and
while the transport workers were par
ticularly accused of not desiring fully
to support the miners, they retorted
by referring to the weak kneed action
which led to the matter of cancelline
the strike order being raised at this
juncture at all. 1t was argued that
the miners should have stood by the
offer made by Mr.. Hodges. When il
became evident the break was coming
IC
bounded"
Radicals Are Disappointed.
Shouts of traitor and other simi-
lar epithets were heard. Character
istic of editorial comment is the fol-
lowing from the Morning Post: "The
bluff was called and it failed. These
powerful trades unions must be taught
that it is not their business to govern
the country
Reports from provincial centers
mention the bewilderment and bitter
disappointment felt in the extremist
section of the miners, railroad men
and transport workers at the failure
of the triple alliance strike.