The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-10-08
STATE OWNERSHIP OF. THE RAILROADS English Strike Results
 Agitate Matter HOME RULE POPULAR Contains Element of Risk, But Nerer- theIess Should Be Tried-ln
 teresting Programme of
 Unionist Party
By PAUL LAMBETH

| London. October 7.-(Special) or | the results of the recent great strike Il England and the tying up of the ITS | railroads because of labor troubles haF been a very general discussion of th' question of the state ownership of tht railroads and there has been a somewhat astonishing sentiment in favor or Such action.
 It is said that both Chancellor Lloyd George and Home Secretary Churchill are strongly inclined towards the idea oi state ownership and there is no doub' they are the strongest men in the cabinet It is hardly probable that the present agitation will lead to any definite action along that line for the present at least but on the other hand, there is no deny ing the fact that such action Is by nc means impossible after the government has gotten home rule. the insurance bill Welsh establishment and one or two other pressing matters off it's hands.
 When the demand for standardization oi railways began to attract serious consid- eration five years back the newspapers were flooded with protests, not onl from railway directors and officials, but from shareholders.
 Now holders of shares, which they have seen all but tumble out of the gilt-edged security basket, are anxious lnquiring through the same journals whether share holders would not find their interests pro- tected more effectively against strikes by government ownership than under the existing system.
 One "stockholder of 20 years standing says he would be happy to exchange my 4a fo,- hxrr rrnU m. ment." Others say substantially the same thing.
 There is a good chance for more "so- cialism' in England before many years have passed.
 Speaking of home rule, it is to be noted that many influential unionists are coming around to the opinion that the time has come when a measure of home rule should be graned to Ireland. Following tie re- markable letter of Sir A. Conan Doyle to Belfast anti-home rulers, who had asked him for an expression to be met with a statement absolutely favorable to home rule, has been followed by other union- ists with similar expressions. One Tony, member of parliament, goes so far as to suggest a conference between the four leaders of the liberal conservative, for Irish and labor parties, with leading Ui- ster anti-home rulers for the purpose of preparing & measure which might be adopted without opposition.
 Sir Conan Doyle's position is worth re- lating. He says:
 'I think solid, loyal Ireland is the enc thing the empire needs to make it impreg> nable and I believe that the men of the north will have patriotism so broad and enlightened that they will understand this and will sacrifice for the moment their racial and religious feelings in the con viction that they are truly serving the empire.
 'There may be an element of risk in home rule, but we ran the risk in Canada and Africa, so surely we need not fear after two successes to try 1t once again. I believe that after an experience of united, friendly Ireland nothing would induce the north to go back to the old | conditions