PARISIAN GIRLS ON STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 74, 2 April 1901, Page 4

PARISIAN GIRLS ON STRIKE.

PARADING THE BOULEVARDS, Paris, Foil. IS.

Tlio dressmakers’ strike threatens to extend beyond the capital. Lyons, Bordeaux, and Marseilles girls are agitati.ig the question whether this is not an opportune time to join the movement. About three-fourths of the Paris dressmakers are out, estimated at over six thousand.

Latterly the strikers have grown so pugnacious towards those who are still working that police details have been stationed at every shop in the far-famed Rue de la Paix, and it is now occupied by a veritable army of policemen. The girls now parade the boulevards, singing defiant songs and distributing pamphlets revealing the “ horrors r id mysteries of shops where dresses are made for millionaires and aristocrats.” Trim-dressed strikers are selling newspapers, especially La Fronde, which is conducted solely by women, the vendors crying ; “ Help the dressmakers’ strike ! Buy from us who are trying to resist the merciless grinding trust.” It has become quite the thing for society women to explore the Rue de la Paix under escort.

This is the most picturesque strike ever seen in Paris. Serious work 's accomplished, too. There are meetings twice daily at the Labor Exchange, and they have already revealed splend d orators. While the Managing Board is universally commended for its moderation and sensible handling of the campaign, both sides are equally determined. So far only five fr ms have given in.