General Strike 1926

“It is the women who have to find and put the dumplings in the stew.”

A look at the General Strike in the North West through local newspapers.

Introduction

For those not familiar with the General Strike, the key issue was the position of the mining industry, particularly the wish of Coal Mine owners to lengthen the working day and cut wages. When asked to negotiate even more, the President of the Miners Union, Herbert Smith said ‘we have nowt to give.’

A nine month Government subsidy to avert a crisis in the mining industry, and maintain miners’ wages, finished on May 1st, 1926. The subsidy had been in operation since July 1925. Since then, the Government had had time to prepare their strategy to defeat any industrial action with the idea that strike action following the removal of the subsidy would be presented as ‘a threat to the State.’ In the event of a General Strike, the Government was to claim that it was run with Soviet money and the Secret Services ran an intensive surveillance operation in the run up to the anticipated strike action to provide evidence of alleged constitutional overthrow. In addition, twelve leading Communist Party members were charged with sedition and imprisoned in November 1925. If the Government had time to prepare for the strike, then the TUC General Council equally had time for preparation of their strategy. The ‘Triple Alliance’ (Miners, Railway Workers, and Transport Workers) was extended to an ‘Industrial Alliance’ including engineers, iron & steel trades, and many others. The principal question of the General Strike was how would the TUC General Council manage their resources, and would they obtain broad public support? Equally, would the Government line that this was an attempt at overthrowing the Constitution prevail?

The General Strike lasted from May 3rd to May 12th1926. This brief day by day account is written from the reports in local newspapers in order to convey how it felt in various towns and cities of the North West. Unlike today, most local newspapers were locally owned. That is not to say they were objective, in fact all of them supported the Government. But their coverage offers an insight into how the General Strike might have been experienced in North West communities. Included in this day by day account are the copies of the TUC produced British Worker to contrast with the local newspapers. (Copies of the British Worker can be found on the internet, but these copies are with thanks to the excellent libcom.org website. The British Worker - general strike newspaper, 1926 | libcom.org Extracts from local newspapers are courtesy of a subscription with the British Newspaper archive. Home | Search the archive | British Newspaper Archive 

Saturday May 1st. 1926

In local newspapers there was a sense of anticipation – but they also reported the possibility of the Strike being called off. The official Government communications journal The London Gazette carried the details of the Emergency Proclamation of a State of Emergency under the terms of the Emergency Powers Act (1920) The TUC was clear as to which services would be on strike and which vital services had to be continued. The Liverpool Echo concluded that with the TUC in charge ‘there is virtually created a Soviet System of ruling events.’ The same newspaper also noted that ‘troops were being moved into South Wales, Lancashire and Scotland.’ The Manchester Evening News carried all the Government business but also published the statement of Mr. Bevin, the General Secretary of the Transport Union, who said this was a war ‘forced by sordid Capitalists.’ But there was ‘hope’ to report in that negotiations were still taking place.

The view of the Manchester Evening News in an editorial entitled ‘What Fools We Are’ spread the blame for the current situation and wrote ‘the whole nation must share the guilt for allowing the situation to develop to such a point that we are held up to the world as objects of ridicule.’ The paper also carried an interview with a ‘miner’s wife’ in Pendleton who said, ‘it is the women who have to find and put the dumplings in the stew.’

Monday May 3rd. 1926

The Lancashire Evening Post reported the breakdown of negotiations and some of the optimism of the weekend had disappeared. The Government had earlier in the day offered further talks if the miners were to accept the deal on offer – even though the possibility was only of a further two weeks of subsidy and then wage reductions and a longer working day. Later in the day the Post noted the comments of the Government that the TUC was already preparing for the strike. The Government made a reference to ‘freedom of the press’ and portrayed the TUC as taking actions which presented ‘a challenge to the constitutional rights and freedom of the nation.’ The Manchester Evening News noted that the Chief Constable had said that any special constables recruited would have one job only – ‘for the maintenance of law and order.’ In Salford, a room was set apart in the Town Hall for all those who wished to volunteer. The Liverpool Journal of Commerce reported that the expected troop movement announced on Saturday had taken place but only to help the police in the event of law and order breaking down. In a long editorial the paper wrote of ‘the biggest industrial struggle she has ever faced.’ The main point raised in the editorial was ‘is this country to maintain an organised and stable State, or is it to undergo the chaos and misrule of Russia?’ This reflected the Government line but the Journal went further in claiming that, quoting the Duke of Northumberland, Russian money was fuelling this dispute. Being a Journal mainly concerned with shipping, it thought that seamen in Liverpool would be too sensible to strike. The General Strike began at Midnight on May 3rd.

Day One Tuesday May 4th. 1926

The Liverpool Journal of Commerce prominently carried the words of the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, ‘The Government has been challenged by an alternative Government. I do not think the leaders… realised that they were threatening ordered government and going nearer to civil war than we have been for centuries.’

The Penrith Observer emphasised that the TUC intended no harm to food and health supplies. For entities such as hospitals, it was clear that ‘food, milk, medical and surgical supplies shall be efficiently provided.’ The newspaper also laid out the guiding principles of Government conduct: ‘Decentralised services, Civil Commissioner, Local Recruiting, Feeding the Population, Commandeering Transport, Coal Rations and Special Constabulary.’

The chair of the TUC, Arthur Pugh was given space in all local newspapers to note that negotiations were, in fact, terminated by the Government. In return it was claimed by the Government that the TUC was already taking ‘overt actions.’ The Parliamentary reports carried the speech by the Prime Minister in which he stated, ‘I became convinced that Mr. Pugh and those with him were not in control’ and it was therefore not possible to continue talks. The references to ‘overt actions and no control’ related to one incident – this was the Daily Mail story. Printers at the newspaper took exception to the editorial in the Mail which was entitled ‘For King and Country’ and included the following: ‘a General Strike … is a revolutionary movement intended to inflict suffering upon the great mass of innocent persons and thereby put forcible restraint upon the Government.’ In truth this was little different from official Government rhetoric but the action by the printers was used as an indication by the Prime Minister that already the strike was out of control. It seemed as if the edition in Manchester would be unaffected but around 10.00 in the evening, one of the main printing unions, NATSOPA, called out workers there. Another flashpoint affecting the London editions was that workers had also taken exception to carrying articles which looked to enrol volunteers for key work in the city.

It was some days before local newspapers caried the full story. The Burnley Express carried the story of how J. H. Thomas of the Railway Union had been negotiating with the Prime Minister when the ‘Daily Mail’ incident had occurred. All local papers covered the proceedings in Parliament when Thomas, speaking as an MP, pleaded for negotiations to continue. Winston Churchill, later in the night, made a statement that the Unions were aiming for ‘some kind of Soviet of trade unions.’ Finally for this day, the Yorkshire Post looked at how newspapers abroad were covering the Strike. The Herald Tribune wrote ‘the British temperament makes a revolution impossible’ The New York Times wrote ‘the Labour Leaders were apparently as much dismayed as anybody.’

Day Two Wednesday May 5th, 1926

The Rochdale Observer reported that all was quiet in Rochdale but later in the day there were more vehicles around and volunteers were appearing on the streets. For a lot of local newspapers, they were unable to publish as printers withdrew their labour. For example, the Birmingham Gazette published a series of cables on plain newsprint, “Baton Charges were made last night near Poplar Hospital and casualties were numerous” throughout the day. The Burnley Express wrote that ‘the country is to be put to the inconvenience, loss and turmoil of a revolutionary upset.’ It further regretted that ‘mainly women and children’ would be affected. Normal life went on; the Burnley Express reported that Burnley FC had avoided relegation and a local issue – the building of local tramways – dominated the front page. Local newspapers in the larger towns and cities were unable to print. Local reporting was sparse and when it happened it highlighted on the actions of volunteers in keeping essential services in operation. The Liverpool Echo was also issuing cables “Situation still unchanged. Miners’ executive meeting 10.00 a.m. No discussions between Govt and TUC in prospect.”

The Rochdale Observer was in a position to report events locally – the fact that the paper was still being produced allowed strike news to be presented. It reported the setting up of local committees for coal rationing but also carried first hand news that the spinning mills were all closed but, if they did resume they would be reducing their consumption of coal by half in order to preserve stocks. The railway service from Rochdale was not running – the paper visited the scene and reported ‘Rochdale Railway Station presented a forlorn appearance yesterday morning,’ ‘Prospective passengers to Manchester turned up in fairly large numbers… and charabancs were in very great demand.’

Although local observation was an invaluable resource, it was hampered by reporting yesterday’s news. BritishWorker1.pdf 

Day Three Thursday May 6th, 1926

The Liverpool Echo was still distributing pages of newsprint carrying cables and reported that Labour MPs were anxious to obtain an honourable settlement for the TUC. This was not locally produced but news supplied by the Press Association, so there was no way of knowing whether local Labour MPs had been asked for their views. The Ormskirk Advertiser had a full Parliamentary report but little of local news. It did carry an editorial which referred to the ‘unprecedented’ action being taken by workers in support of miners. It also echoed the Prime Minister’s statement from earlier in the week that no ballot of union members had taken place. It reported – ‘by wireless’ – that the MP Mr. Saklatvala had been arrested for making seditious remarks. It described the MP as ‘a Parsee and an avowed member of the Communist Party.’ The Ormskirk Advertiser also reported that a ‘former Socialist MP G.H. Roberts thought that ceasing printing was an unwarranted interference with the liberty of the press.’ A special edition of the Echo and Express Bulletin in Liverpool claimed that ‘those who suffer are not the Capitalists but the workers.’ It also carried the news that ‘the strike has not shaken the confidence of international finance.’ It also noted that the Liverpool Transport Strike of 1911 had a much more significant impact on Liverpool than the General Strike. Today, traffic was heavy and plenty of food was available. It carried a small article claiming that ‘thousands of men’ had returned to work. No detail was given.

In the Ormskirk Advertiser Premier Motor Coaches ‘will be pleased to give special quotations for long or short distances whilst the strike continues.’

The Liverpool Echo carried an article explaining that the National Sailors and Firemen’s Union had taken out an injunction against one of their own branches to stop them calling a strike. The Union emphasised that no strike could be called without a ballot and a two thirds majority. The paper also carried news of incidents in South Wales and Bath in which the representatives of printers had decided to return to work stating that ‘we were legally and morally wrong in leaving work without giving the usual and proper fourteen days’ notice.’ The Lord Mayor of Liverpool stated that all was quiet and ‘the public of the city have nothing to fear.’ BritishWorker2.pdf 

Day Four Friday May 7th, 1926

By today the weekly newspapers were appearing and printing articles looking back on the progress of the strike. The Runcorn Weekly News reported that all bar three of the bus workers were on strike but they had also made it clear that they would return to convey foodstuffs if required. The paper also reported that ‘the first train was seen in Garston.. having left Liverpool Central at 7.30 in the morning.’ It added that ‘the guard was an official in a bowler hat.’ On top of that ’a goods train passed through Runcorn on Wednesday.’

The Millom Gazette, though critical of the Government’s failure to intervene before the General Strike was called, described the ‘Daily Mail incident’ a poor excuse for breaking off negotiations. Despite criticism of the Prime Minister the paper blamed the Miners Leaders and alleged that ‘some of them are (and have openly declared themselves) to be under the influence of people who mean no good to the country.’ The Lytham Times noted that the British Gazette, the official Government mouthpiece, had appeared twice in one morning and The Times had appeared in a four page edition. It also marked, without reporting any content, the first edition of the British Worker. This publication was produced by the Publicity Committee of the TUC General Council and was intended to keep up the morale of those on strike and reassure them that the action was proceeding with solidarity. It was to ensure that the propaganda of the Government published British Gazette was countered. The TUC paper suffered from printing and distribution problems and although the highest print run was around 700,000, it is not clear how many communities in the North West were able to get hold of it. The Lytham Times reported that news of a possible train for the North from London Euston attracted several hundred people and the heavily loaded service left at 10.00. Trains were reported to have left Preston for Blackpool; goods trains were running and volunteer drivers were moving many people across London. The Lytham Times carried the news that ‘the Government will take effectual measures to prevent the victimisation by Trades Unions of any man who remains at work.’ Many local papers covered the news that Mr. Saklavata M.P. had now been imprisoned for two months.

The Lytham Times concluded that the general feeling in the area was that the situation was dealt with ‘calmly and philosophically.’ Some local industries were on strike, but order was maintained. The paper summed up what was often true across Britain, ‘removed from industrial centres, the borough is not likely to be brought into touch with the tragic realities of the question.’

The Ramsbottom Observer carried a notice that ‘the compositing and mechanical staff has been withdrawn under the conditions of the General Strike.’ It carried little news of the strike but did draw a parallel with the 1826 loom breaking disturbances. The Widnes Weekly News described the Liverpool Docks ‘as silent as the Sahara’ on day one of the Strike but much more active since then. BritishWorker3.pdf 

Day Five Saturday May 8th, 1926

The Wigton Advertiser looked at the local coal situation in a number of articles and noted that the British Gazette, although it was said that it was being distributed by aeroplane, had not yet reached Wigton. It was noted that ‘his Majesty was keeping closely in touch with the situation.’ The Liverpool Echo praised just how quiet Liverpool was and labelled it as the ‘city of sanity.’ Five newspaper sellers were charged with shouting at tramcar drivers – ‘you dirty scabs. Come out you Blacklegs.’ The Echo praised the state of the country but noted occasional rioting and said that ‘it is noticeable how foreigners seem to be instigating this local friction and then slipping away from this rough and tumble.’ The Burnley Express editorial observed that it was now clear that the General Strike was a mistake, with particular reference to the lack of voting for individual union members. In the news column it was said that the number of trains and buses running in Burnley had increased day by day. The Rochdale Observer alongside other local papers, emphasised that the TUC should have given sufficient notice of the strike action. The consequence was to upset ‘the sanctity of agreements and create an undesirable atmosphere.’ Rochdale was calm and the paper thought that the TUC should receive some credit as it had issued instructions to behave responsibly. In Rochdale, a special committee had been set up to deal with any issues which might arise. The committee meets at least twice a day and ‘deals with matters arising out of the strike.’ The purpose of the local strike committee is ‘the prevention of any interference with the distribution of food supplies and the transportation of goods for housing schemes.’ BritishWorker4.pdf 

Days Six and Seven Monday May 10th, 1926

Day Six (Sunday) & Day Seven (Monday)

The Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent reported just how quiet it was in London on the Sunday. It also reported an extract from the Government backed British Gazette which quoted remarks made by J.R. Clynes MP in 1919 who had said ‘remember you who seek for power that now it is your business within the lines of your rights to bow to the law so long as it is the law.’ In the case of direct action outside the law, ‘you cannot do it without anticipating a condition of civil war.’ Many papers quoted the judgement of Cardinal Archbishop Bourne of Westminster who condemned the strike unreservedly. The Liverpool Echo carried his words; ‘it was a challenge to lawfully constituted authority and inflicted, without reason, discomfort and injury on millions.’ Further, ‘it was a sin against obedience to God.’ One George Murker of Liverpool, a train driver, received 21 days for shaking a fist at a tram driver and shouting ‘scab’’ The Manchester Guardian was quoted by many local papers as having said ‘Why should not the King take a hand and call all parties together?

The Liverpool Echo reported that 13000 people had enrolled for essential services, including 1236 for work on the railways.

Day Eight Tuesday May 11th, 1926

Common to all local papers were two clear statements about the strike, the first being a statement by Justice Astbury in the Chancery Court that the General Strike was illegal and people inciting or taking part in it were not protected by the Trades Dispute Act. Secondly, the General Council of the TUC were clear that the strike would not be called off. The British Worker Issue No. 7 was quite clear that matters were proceeding smoothly and that great public support for the TUC was in evidence. BritishWorker5.pdf BritishWorker6.pdf 

The Liverpool Echo carried reports of further strike action and the Penrith Observer reported that at the major railway junction of Crewe all 10000 railway staff were on strike and only two trains ran with the signalling undertaken by draughtsmen. In fact, the local papers were reporting the impact of the TUC having called out another wave of strikers to intensify action. For Manchester & Salford this involved engineers and workers in shipyards. But, as the TUC intensified the strike, employers responded by pressurising those who had been out for a few days. The Penrith Observer praised the Prime Minister as being ‘courageous and determined’ and concluded that if he had not been so then violence and anarchy would have resulted. The paper concluded that of those on strike, ‘the only feeling they had was of intense disgust that they were being made unwilling pawns in a conflict for which they had no liking and condemned in unmeasured terms.’ Trade Unions are good for society but ‘when the government of such societies gets into the hands of unscrupulous extremists there can only be tyranny and hardship.’ The Penrith Observer concluded this lengthy editorial with a reference to Sir John Simon MP that the strike is unlawful and every person participating is liable to claims for damages. The Liverpool Echo, along with newspapers in Manchester, provided evidence that more trades were now striking. In the House of Commons, the Echo reported briefly, there was concern that the BBC had not been allowed to broadcast a sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury during which he had suggested peace terms. This was rectified later in the day. Although it was not immediately apparent the legal advice of John Simon MP and the legal judgement of Lord Astbury began to exert an influence. The suggestion was that the TUC, individual unions, or even individual strikers could be liable to pay damages. The Daily Mail called for the TUC to be abolished and claimed that there were 500 active Soviet agents in the country. BritishWorker7.pdf 

Day Nine Wednesday May 12th, 1926

Just after midday, the strike is all over. BritishWorker8.pdf 

Special issues of local and regional papers were rushed out, all with the simple headline ‘General Strike Off’.

The Rochdale Observer carried the words of J. H. Thomas MP, one of the chief negotiators for the TUC, that ‘I have never been in favour of a General Strike.’ He also requested no recriminations and considered that it was still possible to reach ‘an honourable settlement.’ The Burnley Express, writing before the confirmation of the strike having been called off, printed a list of local mills coming out on strike. In less significant news, it reassured readers that the local vet had taken over the feeding of the railway company horses. The local papers which had gone to press before the strike was called off all contain examples of further strikes beginning on the one hand and slightly more replacement voluntary services on the other. In the stop press of the Liverpool Echo the Mayor of Birkenhead uttered his ‘inexpressible joy’ at the strike being over.

Over the next few days, copies of the British Worker were published by the TUC General Council as below. This was to explain the TUC position on the end of the strike.

BritishWorker9.pdf BritishWorker10.pdf BritishWorker11.pdf 

The miners were now on their own.