Not Over Yet.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 17, 20 January 1914, Page 5

Not Over Yet.

SOUTH AFRICAN STRIKE.

BUT THE DANCER PAST.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 8.5 a.m.)

Capetown, January 19

While the industrial difficulties are by no means over—indeed, a settlement is scarcely yet begun—the immediate prospect of Red Ruin and the breaking up of law is past. The | Government’s call to arms was responded to by all well-disposed perIsons throughout the Union irrespective of race, party, or the considerations which ordinarily divide peojple. The Indians, led by Gandi, | stood aloof, and the natives, ooedient to a message from General Botha, remained quiet. The issue I thus became a clear-cut issue between Constitutionalism on the one hand and Anarchy on the other. Constitutionalism has prevailed at a cost which in, the end may be anything from a quarter to half a million; the exact amount depends on how long the active citizens’ forces remain on duty. While gradual demobilisation has already begun, it will not bo unduly hastened, and it is noteworthy that the Government, even after demobilisation, will remain in control of areas with considerable forces on the plea that the men having been got together, the present is a good opportunity for them to undergo regulation training. The attitude of the commandoes is significant. They came out with alacrity, but they let it be understood that they had enough industrial unrest and tlueats of social upheaval, and wanted this trouble settled once and for all. There is little doubt that if the settlement"* were what they desired, or was a weak settlement, they v ould return disgusted to their homes, anthey would be slow to come out again. They seem, however, satisfied with the Government’s firmness and determination.

ON THE RAND.

Johannesburg, January 19

Williams, a Labor member of the Rand municipality, has been arrested.

The town and the reefs are now quiet. The police are unarmed, but the armed sentries remain at the railway stations, bridges, and other vital points. ,

“THE STRIKE HERALD.”

Pretoria, January 19

Yesterday, a leaflet entitled ‘‘The Strike Herald” was circulated freely. The contents were of such a nature that the police surrounded the printing offices and arrested five men, who were imprisoned. The police took possession of the second number ol the issue, which was almost ready for printing.

EXPLOSION IN A MINE.

Johannesburg, January 19

An attempt was made on Saturday night to destroy the engine-house of the Yogelstruis’ estate. The mine c-ge, containing the skipman, who was lowering a package, was thrown through a window of the enginehouse. The smell of a burning fuse attracted the driver’s attention, and he stop ped the engine, saving the skipman’s life. He rushed to the door, which he had barely reached before the explosion occurred. The perpetrator escaped.

RAILWAYMEN RESUME.

Pretoria, January 19

The whole of the running staff signed on this morning, and some have already resumed. r PARLIAMENT TO MEET AT THE END OF THE MONTH.

SOME IMPORTANT MEASURES.

EXPERIMENT IN MOBILISATION.

HICHLY SATISFACTORY.

(Received 9.20 a.m.)

Capetown, January 19

Parliament meets in the ordinary course on January 30th. Althougn a postponement was anticipated, this now seems improbable. The Government will ask Parliament to pass a Bill of indemnity for measures taken during the crisis, and in the present temper of the community the Bill is not likely to encounter serious opposition. So far as the heavy cost of the crisis is concerned, this will be borne with fortitude if they represent the price of prolonged relief from the industrial paralysis which has been afflicting th<T country, more especially as they also represent the price of what proved to be the most gratifying experiment in the mobilisation of eighty thousand men, the success of which was a surprise even to the most enthusiastic believers in the

Union’s newly-born defence system. Apart from the Indemnity Bill, stringent industrial measures providing for governing trades unions, the settlement of trades disputes, dealing with strikes, public meetings, and the maintenance of public order generally will be proceeded with. The session promises to be a very heavy and interesting one. Meanwhile the authorities are continuing to arrest labor leaders in different parts of the country, the most sensational being that of Cresswell. It is reported that Legislator Andrews was also arrested. With the exception of Legis-

lators Madeley, Haggar and Mathews, general secretary of the Miners’ Association, Johannesburg, practically lone of the influential labor leaders •emain. The present position is that :he railway strike is practically ended except in the Pretoria workshops ind to a limited extent at Durban, ieither interfering with the restora-

tion of a normal train , service. At i meeting of Durban strikers yester-

lay, speakers urged continued solilarity. The proceedings did not effect the general situation. The tuning strike is coming to an end. There is a .complete absence of the disturbing factors which made the July strike so grave. Taken all ■ound, the outlook is more hopeful than for some time. The Cape Province rail way men, whose attitude throughout was regarded as a key to the railway situation, are warmly praised for their loyalty to the Administration, which had a vital bearing on the issue.

DURBAN MEN RESUMING.

(Received 11.55 a.m.) Durban, January 19

A number of employees at the workshops are resuming. Resistance has practically collapsed. Raiburn and Tilbury, two prominent local Laborites, were arrested.

PRETORIA MEN RESUME.

(Received 11.55 a.m.) Pretoria, January 19

Twenty-five men returned to the workshops. A big crowd watched thorn, but thera was ho hostilo demonstration.