The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-06

A very notable illustration Of what
is possible in the way of Improved re-
lations between workmcn and their mas
ters has been afforded recently IN the
iron trade in England. Owing TO a
number Of causes, the prices obtained Tor
the manufactures Of iron OF late nave
been very low, and at the same time
the demand has fallen off. Hence, II
became necessary to reduce wages, and
instead of engaging in ruinous strike,
the men faced the situation with in
telligence and good feeling. Since 1t
was believed that foreign establishments
were making gains at the expense of the
English. il was decided TO appoint a
committee, made UP of employers and
men, 10 visit these establishments and
study their methods and processes. with
a view TO obtaining suggestions OF posi-
BILE improvements This plan was car
ried out, and a number of the principal
establishments of Belgium and Germany
were inspected. What is equally re-
markable. as showing the improved rela-
tons between competing employers, the
foreign managers, who were informed
of the purpose Of the visit received the
committee with the greatest courtesy,
and gave them every facility In their
tour of inspection. Ii was reserved for
some Dl lllt btl man li'Ns ifAtNAH ~ N--
tinguish themselves by attacking the
English visitors as spies, and denounc-
ing them. as having procured admission
10 the foreign establishments by false
representations. There Is little doubt
that a large part Of the hatred ana
jealousy that exist between nations Is
due to the lies OF journalists and this
incident is a proof Of il. Whether the
committee obtained any ideas Of prac-
teal use or not cannot yet be told, but
their expedition suggests how much may
be accomplished by patience and for
bearance In settling trade disputes.
The Trade-Union Congress in England
has opened with substantial victory
for the conservative element. For
number of years set of soclalistic agi-
tators have been trying TO induce the
trade unions 10 endorse their theories,
and last year they succeeded in getting
the Congress 10 pass a resolution IN
favor of the naturalization" of land
and capital. This resolution was very
far from expressing the real convictions
of the members OF the unions, and, as
was very clearly explained in recent
letter from our correspondent IN London,
the Oldest and best managed OF these
organizations, determined to- rid them
selves of the control of the radicals.
This they appear now 10 have accom-
plished as our correspondent predicted,
by securing the adoption of TWO new
rules one of these simply provides
that no person who does not follow
trade shall be admitted as delegate
TO the Congress as representative OF
the union OF that trade. The effect or
this is to exclude a number Of agitators,
whose labOrs are oral rather than man
ual Mr.. John Burns. and other repre-
senatives of labor" I'm Parliament, VIII
hereafter be unable 10 appear as so ac-
crediated by the trade unions, and their
Congresses will now be directed by bust
ness men, and not by half-crazy theorists.
The second rule is directed against the
trade councils" which are not properly
trade unions, but are composed OF mem
bers elected by the unions. These bodies
have gone actively into politics, and are
responsible for many of the schemes OF
municipal socialism" which have been
attempted in England. 1t appears from
the report of yesterdays proceedings that
the socialistic element was defeated by
a vote OF two to one. and the result Is
extremely creditable 10 the good sense
of English workingmen. Their trade
unions have for many years been increas-
ing in wisdom and In favor, discouraging
strikes and deyoting themselves TO I'M
proving the condition of their numbers.
The action of the Congress last year
was. therefore highly discouraging 20
those who have the true interests of
workngmen at heart, and the course
now adopted Is correspondlngly cheer
ing.-New York Post.