The attempt to overthrow Mr. Havelock Wilson and his Union
began about a fortnight ago, when Mr. Walsh (the President of the Seamen's Union at Sydney) and Mr. johannsen incited British seamen arriving at Sydney to repudiate the agreement which had been made on their behalf at home. A general strike at the Australian ports was soon in preparation. Mr. Bruce, the Prime Ministet of the Commonwealth, took swift action. He issued a proclamation declaring operative certain clauses of the Immigration Act which authorize the deportation of persons convicted of offences against the public interest. Next, Mr. Bruce telegraphed to the State Premiers, pointing out that it was intolerable that Australians should try to dictate wages and conditions in a British industry, and incidentally he appealed to Englishmen to compare their conditions with the conditions of constant strike, unemployment and riot which had been brought about by extremist leadership in Australia.
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