_An Associated Press dispatch from Geneva on July 15 said:_
A report has reached Basle that a big strike is threatened at the
Krupp Works at Essen, Germany, the movement being headed by the Union
of Metallurgical Workmen and the Association of Mechanics. They demand
higher wages, the report says, because of the increased cost of living
and shorter hours because of the great strain under which they work.
The workmen, according to these advices, are in an angry mood and
threaten the destruction of machinery unless their demands are granted
immediately, as they have been put off for three months with promises.
Several high officials have arrived at the Krupp Works in an effort to
straighten out matters and calm the workmen, the advices add, and
Bertha Krupp is expected to visit the plant and use her great
influence with the workers.
The Frankfort Gazette, according to the news reaching Basle, has
warned the administration of the Krupp plant of the seriousness of the
situation, and has advised that the men's demands be granted.
Meanwhile, the reports state, several regiments have been moved to the
vicinity of the works to be available should the trouble result in a
strike.
_A dispatch to The London Daily Chronicle, dated Chiasso, July 16,
reported:_
According to a telegram from Munich to Swiss papers, the German
military authorities have informed the management and union officials
of the Krupps, where disputes occasioned by the increased cost of
living have arisen in several departments, that in no circumstances
will a strike be tolerated.
_On July 19 an Associated Press dispatch from Geneva reads:_
An important meeting was held at Essen yesterday, according to advices
received at Basle, between the administration of the Krupp gun works
and representatives of the workmen, in order to settle the dispute
which has arisen over the demands of the men for an increase in wages.
Directly and indirectly, about one hundred thousand men are involved.
Minor cases in which machinery has been destroyed have been reported.
The military authorities before the meeting, the Basle advices say,
warned both sides that unless an immediate arrangement was reached
severe measures would be employed.
The Krupp officials are understood to have granted a portion of the
demands of the employees, which has brought about a temporary peace,
but the workmen still appear to be dissatisfied, and many have left
the works.
A strike would greatly affect the supply of munitions, and for this
reason the military have adopted rigorous precautions.
_On the same date the following brief cable was sent to_ THE NEW YORK
TIMES _from London:_
A telegram to The Daily Express from Geneva says many men have already
left the Krupp works because they are unable to bear the strain of
incessant labor, and would rather take their chances in the trenches
than continue work at Essen under the present conditions.
Some minor cases of sabotage have already been reported.