Osaka, May 13.
The electrical workers' strike here has proved a complete failure. Half of the workmen who were discharged on Monday have returned and been re-employed. On the first day of the strike the company paid ten yen to each workman remaining on duty and the same amount to those who returned to work. There has been no_ interference with the city's light and power, but the power-houses are still strongly guarded.
The workmen's agitation has merely afforded the company an opportunity to reduce its staff by weeding out undesirable employees.—Reuter.
A Figur wits tHe Poutce.
Osaka, May 16.
The discharged electric workers here are becoming surly and un-july. On Saturday night an indignation meeting was held, whereat a young woman—the wife of one of the workers—denounced the company's actions. Her harangue was greeted with tremendous applause.
Finally the meeting became so riotous that the police undertook to disperse the crowds, who passed into the streets. in procession, but again encountered the police. A fight ensued, wherein a number "i both police and demonstrators were injured.
On Sunday morning, the labourers, assisted by the Yuaikai Union, held processions and meetings throughout the day and into the night, when they again encountered the police, who arrested their leader, Sato, the head of the Osaka Yuaikai. The labourers, who outnumbered the police, thereupon became infuriated, and the police were forced to release Sato. All the demonstrators then dispersed, but their temper is surly, and further trouble is feared.—Reuter.
Osaka, May 17.
The dispute between the Osaka Electric Light Company and_ its employees has been settled. The Company capitulated and agreed to recognize the union and to take back all the workmen who had been discharged. The union, on the other hand, has undertaken to give a fortnight's notice in the event of any future strike.—Reute ComMenTING on the promised institution of a Formosan Advisory Council as a "stride towards the goal of self-government," the "Japan Chronicle" says "Considering that the new Council will be strictly advisory, that two-thirds of its members will be officials and the remainder selected from among Japanese and native residents, this stride towards the goal is a first step which is not costing a very great deal. However, there is a recognition that 25 years of intensive official government in Formosa have not had the ideal result that had been hoped for and this recognition is something to the advantage of the Formosans."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.