South Africa.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1914, Page 5

South Africa.

CASE OF THE DEPORTEDS. SOME FIERY SPEECHES. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright l [United Press Association.] London, February 2. Mr G. H. Roberts, M.P., speaking at Oldham, emphasised the importance of not neglecting political means for trade union action. Ho argued that if the workers left Parliament to the employers and declared a general strike as was done in South Africa, some Botha' in Britain would immediately declare martial law and assume control of the community. While sympathising with South African workers, they constitutionally were not entitled to interfere with a selfgoverning dominion. It was lamentable that Botha, who so gallantly led troops in the cause of the workers, should now be destroying the citizens' liberty.

Mr W. J. Thome, M.P., at a building trade demonstration in Trafalgar Square, said Viscount Gladstone in July made a blunder, now a bigger one, and the greatest outrage ever perpetrated upon the liberties of the people. If the- Government dared they would prevent the deported workers being landed. A resolution demanding Viscount Gladstone's recall was unanimously carried. THE BENONI BOMBS. DEPORTED MEN WELL TREATED Capetown, February 2.

When the fuse was ignited and one of the Benoni bombs was thrown into the Kleinfontein dam, the explosion threw up dense volumes of water, J showing the violence of the charges. The police opened the deported strikers' final letters to their families before they were delivered. Apparently this will not throw new light upon ithe Government's coup. ! It is understood that the captain 'of the Umgeni was ordered to steam | off the usual line of route to avoid 'risk of the boat being stopped, j A fund is being organised in Johan'nesburg for the deported strikers' | families. Two detectives are to accompany the deported strikers, the Hatter travelling first-class and being specially well-treated. It is stated the only complaint made was that they were not provided with linen collars. Three were reported to be suffering from miners' phthisis, and they occupy an upper deck stateroom. The Umgeni wilT probably reach Eng\ land on the 22nd inst.

LAW AND ORDER WELCOMED.

Johannesburg, February 1

The majority of the workers appear to welcome the suppression of attempts at anarchy by martial law. Once protection was assured they began to flock back to work. The most striking testimony is found in the police records. Never since the war has the Rand been so free from crime. The task of industrial reorganisation is proceeding smoothly.

THE AUTHORITIES CONDEMNED.

(Received 8.0 a.m.)

London, February 2

Labor gatherings at the week-end vehemently condemned General Botha and Viscount Gladstone in connection with the deportations.

Mr Roberts, Labor Whip, in his speech at Oldham, said that until it was proved that Imperial troops and funds were the Party was powerless to interfere any more than to object to the Australian > Labor Party establishing a universal defence service.