UNEMPLOYED SCENES IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE.

POLICE BATON CHARGE.

The largest demonstration of unemployed ever seen in London was broken up after a bâton charge by mounted police in Trafalgar Square last night. Warning had been given to the organisers that the men would not be allowed to congregate in the square, and it was because they persisted in their intention that the trouble occurred. Several policemen are reported to have been injured, and about a dozen civilians were treated at the Charing Cross Hospital for cuts and abrasions. The demonstrators, who numbered nearly 10,000, approached the square from Charing Cross Road shortly before six o’clock with bands playing and banners flying, and a score of mounted police riding at their head. Mounted and foot police already occupied the square, and some hundreds of civilians awaited the arrival of the procession. Just before the Strand was reached a halt was called near Morley’s Hotel.

Some of the crowd attempted to reach the Nelson column, and orders were thereupon given for the square to be cleared. Unruly elements in the mob showed a disposition to challenge the authority of the police, and without further warning came the order to charge.

As witnessed by a representative of The Daily Telegraph from the steps of St. Martin’s Church, the baton charge was an affair of a few moments only. The roadway from the Nurse Cavell monument to Morley’s Hotel was blocked with men. Suddenly the mounted police could be seen turning their horses to face towards the National Gallery. Instantly there arose the cry, “The police are coming!” The crowd began to sway backwards and forwards, and then seemed to split as those nearest to Duncannon Street broke away and rushed for the Strand and safety. Nearer and nearer came the line of horsemen, using their long staves with telling effect on any party of men barring their passage. There was little attempt at resistance, but the prevailing desire to reach safety was hindered to some extent by the fact that the rear of the procession in Charing Cross Road, unaware of what was taking place, continued to press forward with determination. This approach to the square was, however, soon closed by a strong cordon of foot police.