WILD SCENES IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2633, 2 December 1915, Page 5

WILD SCENES IN LONDON

COLONIAL SOLDIERS AND THE ANTI-CONSORIPTIONISTS. By Telegraph—Press AFpcK-.tfctlon—Copyright London, November 30. There was pandemonium at the Memorial Hall for twenty minutes when the colonial soldiers took charge of an anti-conscription meeting. Asphyxiating gas from largo stink bombs were launched; then the soldiers unceremoniously routed the speakers. . LABOUR LEADER'S COMMENT. (Reo. December 1, 5.35 p.m.) London, November 30. Mr. J. ,H. Thomas, Labour M.P.,and organising secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, in a special interview, commenting on the riotous scenes at the Memorial Hall, said: "Labour is not connected with any peace movement, but my union of 300,000 railwaymen and other largo unions have unanimously resolved against conscription. Labour throughout the_ war has shown unmistakably its,readiness to give every assistance in the. successful prosecution of tho war, Trade union rules, tho result of years of agitation, have gone overboard; they have either been abandoned or amended, in view of the increasing production. Unquestionably Labour supports the war, believing that the contest is ono of freedom against militarism."

The unity of the nation, lie said, was essential. Political factions, religious differences, and social distinctions, sTliould bo swept away in a determination to present a united front to tlie enemy. The sole .danger to this unity wns the "introduction of conscription, which would undoubtedly lend to friction, and, I am afraid, serious revolt." Tlie response of the colonies had stirred the Mood of the British workers—particularly tho sacrifice of tlie Australians and ftew Zealandcrß in Gallipoli. Wo woro not fighting German militarism/in order to set up another form of militarism in our midst. There would 1)0 many social and industrial problems to bo considered after tho_ war, and tliat would b'o the testing ti«i<> for labour, "hat I hope that our strength will bo such that it will influence tho riolicios of lilie Government and prevent a violent reaction and a paralysing of industry. EaSWs utmoßt efforts will be directed io this end."-