Evening star., 1926-05-03

of the governmental subsidy to the
coal industry was out of the question
In making this declaration, the
premier said that the government s
single aim had been to obtain the
assent of both parties to the rec
ommendat in the recent report
of the royal commission with a
view to placing the industry on an
efficient and self supporting basis.
Mr.. Thomas. who spoke after the
premier declared passionately that
there was still a solution for the sit
uation.
Whatever the result of the strike
he said, ANY man is a blind idiot
and fool who does not see that the
economic facts of the coal position
will remain. There was no other
course open to labor but to strike
Asks Commons to Act.
Mr.. Thomas declared that parlia-
ment could force an honorable settle
ment and said he would make his
contribution whenever the opportuni-
" offered.
Former Premier Lloyd George, fol-
lowing the railwaymen's secretary,
pleaded for recpening of the negotia-
tionS.
Mr.. Lloyd George proposed that the
miners be asked to discuss wages, but
not to pledge themselves to reduc-
tions in advance.
He begged the government once
more to make an effort for peace. If
there was a disposition to resume
the negotiations. he said, the govern
ment should make its position clear,
and should also state whether 1t
would preside over the negotiations.
Tn Sr,rh 1sfroJ1yY7 CT q ha haljnV
the House should agree to limited
continuation of the coal subsidy.
Referring to Premier Baldwins re
mark about civil war. Mr.. Lloyd
George said that If ballot were taken
in Great Britain not 2 per cent of the
people would vote for revolution.
This situation is not revolution
he said. but plain economic dispute
in which Justice Is wanted
Prices Begin to Rise.
Food prices already have begun to
rise. The milk dealers announced
that owing to the prospects of re-
stricted transportation milk would be
boosted Cd "a cents) within few
DAYS. While a good many thousands
of pounds of meat are in storage,
dealers said meat also was likely to
increase in price Immediately and the
same holds true of fresh vegetables
and fruit.
The government has repeatedly re-
quested householders to refrain from
boarding. explaining it's emergency
service plans.
Many housewives, however. have
shown a tendency to disregard the
governments request and as early as
Saturday began scurrying about buy
ing timed foods in such quantities
that numerous dealers already have
limited their orders.
Crowds at Official Offices.
Downing, Whitehall and the other
streets where the government offices
and bureaus are located were crowded
all day. Premier Baldwin and most
of the members of his cabinet used
the rear or side entrances.
Mr.. Churchill, however. not realiz-
ing the extent of the crowd in Down.
ing street, left by the front door and
was imediately hemmed in. Police
were called to clear the way for him.
The crowd was good natured, being
composed mainly Of curiosity seekers.
Crisis Came Early Today.
The crisis eliminated early today
when the government announced that
it's negotiations with the Trades Union
Congress in an endeavor to prevent q
walkout of the workers in various
trades had broken down. The an
nouncement said the government