New-York tribune., 1912-04-07
Civil War in England

copyright, 1912. G. W. smalley.l

In which to set out the reasons Of the
Welsh owners for refusing to Join the
English owners in their surrender on
the question Of principle. Two years ago
the Welsh miners came to an agreement
with the Welsh owners. by the terms OF
which both owners and miners are
bound for five years. The agreement
has therefore still three years to run.
The miners have now struck in violation
of this agreement. They do not deny It's
binding force. IT was made in March,
1910. for five years, was recommended
by the Miners Federation Of Great
Britain, was ratified by ballot by a
three-fOurths majority Of the colliery
workmen in South Wales and was after
ward signed by every one of the accred-
tied representatives of the workmen
upon the Cancellation Board. The own
ers hold themselves bound by It. They
explain, moreover. that theirs is largely
an export trade. for which they arc
obliged to make long contracts in ad-
vance. If this agreement is to be torn
up by the men the stability of the trade
anu liif tpllilutUte VI IOTtiSD DuS VIII
alike be disturbed The interests of
South Wales. owners. miners and the
population generally, are, in the owners
view, contingent on the observance OF
the agreement.
That is why they have thus far re-
fused to allow the agreement TO he torn
up and flung in their faces. There arc
other reasons. If this agreement is not
binding no agreement is or will be bind
ing. The Government propose compul-
sorry arbitration. but they make no pro-
vision Of any kind for the enforcement
of the award when made. What reason
is there to suppose the men will abide
by #? No agreement could be hedged
about with more complete and stringent
sanction than the present one. Yet the
Government, so far as the public knows,
thinks the breach of it unimportant. In
there have been many such. and in no
report of any speech by any Minister
concerned in the negotiations. is there
so much as a reference TO this contract.
OF to the breach Of il by the miners, or
TO any guarantee for the observance of
any future compact or any award.
1t is not a strike. II is a state Of war.
The South Wales miners are in the
hands Of the Syndicalists. the extreme
socialists, of whom Mr.. Victor Harts-
horn is the leader. The miners are the
best paid workmen in the kingdom.
The wages" says Mr.. d. 4. Thomas,
whose statement and figures are not dis
puted. in the South Wales coalfield are
the highest in the whole of the Old
World" Mr. Hartshorn talks Of coal
mining as penal servitude" for the min
ers. Welsh owner told me on Sunday
that nothing will tempt the miners 10
give up this penal servitude" and en-
gage in other work. One of his largest
pits, or more than one, was temporarily
closed some time since for repairs. His
men walked four miles to work in an
other pit. On the way 10 II. and near
their homes, they passed large tinplate
and other factories which were clamor-
ing for men and paying high wages.
Not one OF the miners would take a Job
Other owners have told me the same
thing Once a collier always a collier;
not from necessity but from choice. SO
much for Mr.. Hartshorn's penal servi-
tude."
Such talk as his makes II plain that
the ultimate aim OF the Syndicalists is
10 ruin the mines and the owners. 1t is
the same elsewhere The Syndicalists
are In control OF the trade unions and OF
the minds of the workingmen of this
country. They mean nothing short OF
revolution and will shrink from no
means to bring revolution about. This
down a challenge. II Is the challenge
Cf a class 70 the whole community. To
the Government are intrusted the inter
ests and rights Of the community, but
they do not take up the challenge. They
close their eyes and ears 10 what Is 60
ing on about them. Their attitude to
the revoutionists is one of conciliation.
Of concession. They are apparently
ready to concede anything TO which they
can extort the owners consent. There
lies the danger. But the Government
are powerful, whether TO resist or sur
render, only so far as they represent the
spirit Of the people; and there are signs
that the people are beginning to feel
they will have TO take care Of themselves.
I do not think It desirable that society
should be resolved into its original ele-
ments for It's own protection, but better
that than itG defeat in a contest with a
class. G.. w. s.