The Capitalistic Government trying its hardest to break down Unionism

*THE WORKER* 
Brisbane, April 4, 1891

The last fortnight has seen the climax of the capitalistic conspiracy against unionism. With 1500 or so police and military occupying a few places along the railway lines the Government has felt itself strong enough to invite lawlessness by the wholesale arrest of union officials upon evidently trumped-up “conspiracy” charges. Fortunately, private warning had been given of what might be expected and ample arrangements made for the prevention of all excitement among unionists, for peaceful submission to arrest and for the filling of all offices as officials were arrested.

The Barcaldine arrangements in particular were so perfect that half a dozen or half a hundred committees would have been forthcoming in due order had they been required. The preposterous “conspiracy” charges have thus utterly failed in their purpose and can have no effect but to emphasise the alliance existing between organised Capitalism and the Government. McIIwraith and Donaldson are both in the middle of the squatters' association and Griffith will sell himself to either of them if thereby he can hold office.

Among the Unionists Arrested.

Among the union officials arrested under this fictitious “conspiracy” charge are: Chairman Bennett, Secretary Fothergill, and Delegates Ryan and Murphy, of the Central District Strike Committee, Barcaldine; Secretary Blackwell, of the G.L.U. Barcaldine; Branch Secretary E.H. Murphy, of the G.L.U. Roma; Central District Organisers Taylor at Clermont; Forrester at Roma; Fanning at Charleville; Camp-chairman Griffin at Clermont; while H. Smithbarry, appointed by the C.D. Strike Committee to replace Taylor at Clermont was promptly arrested in pursuance of the evident attempt of the capitalistic Government to prevent unionism from having officers.

Secretary Chas Seymour, of the F.S.U.A., who with the consent of his union had been representing the General Executive, A.L.F., at Barcaldine, had just left the Central District on his return to Brisbane, when the arrests began. It was expected that he would be arrested on reaching Brisbane, Good Friday eve, but for some reason or other he was not molested. On Tuesday last Seymour started again for Barcaldine in response to a request to the General Executive from the Strike Committee; his arrest is hourly expected. Besides the above named some 30 others have been arrested, whose names will be published as soon as obtainable in order that unionists may know who are suffering for the Cause. It should go without saying that should any man who has anybody dependent upon him be arrested simply for his connection with unionism, such cases should be the special care of every union in the country.