Belgium has been the scene of serious riots, chiefly in
the mining district round Charleroi. The miners are, it is said, overworked, being often engaged from 4 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. ; they have the sympathy of the labourers, and have recently organized a general strike. As they tried to make this strike universal by threatening all who did not join, they were attacked by troops, and dispersed, losing eleven or twelve men. The Government, for some hours, expected a general insurrection, but by latest advices all Was quiet. An almost similar riot, though less important, broke out in the colliery district of Wigan last Tuesday, the grievance being a xeduction of wages. The miners turned out to prevent " knob- sticks " entering the pit, and it was necessary to summon soldiers to protect Wigan. A body of 400 men really marched on the
town, but were dispersed, after some rough work with stones, by the constabulary. The district is still disturbed.
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