Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-09-14
triple ALLIANCE HELD
Il MENACE TO BRITAIN
Regarded by Other Labor Organizations
y As Sel6sh Attempt by Minor
Y ity to Rule.

Kule.
I on these subjects were sufficiently sat
| isfactory.
Condemn Alliance Principles.
The ,Rt. Hon. J. Il. Clynes of the
General Workers Union said recent
": THE triple alliance is an out
standing example of the very action
which In others labor is called upon
to denounce." In an article in the
Democrat, entitled "Britain's Danger"
W a. Appleton called attention to
| the fact that the triple alliance rep
resents less than one-sixth of the
working population. He regards it
as endeavoring to secure special ad-
vantage at the expense of the rest
OF the working class. He reasons that
damage to other industries. even if
only temporary, must reduce the de-
mand for coal and the need for trans
port and entail the loss of overseas
markets.
The labor press and leaders friendly
to the alliance point out that through
its strength for direct action - the
threat Of strike-were obtained the
recent concessions from employers
and the government resulting in con-
siderable wage advances, the forty
seven-hour week and the recognition
Of higher standards in working con-
ditions in the three industries Trade
union opponents Of the alliance. while
admitting it's effectiveness for wage
advances and the like up to the pres
emit time, are profoundly disturbed
at its methods as applied to political
purposes. Recognising it's exercise of
power not only for trade union OBJ
Act hrut 60 Lea
an extraordinary event in British his
tory. they inquire with concern as to
the probable limits Of this power and
its eventual social effects. They are
aware. as it's supporters say. that if
the triple alliance wills il the, indus
or again. 1T can hold up the economic
life Of Great Britain" This theoreti-
cal truth would be the more signifi-
cant if spoken of British industrial
unionism in its entirety. No graver
social problem could be before Britain.
Great Crises Suggested.
Whether, to compel naturalization
of one industry after another. the
nation is to be held up by a force
within itself superior to it's constitu-
tional lawmaking powers. how often
and to what extent that force is to be
aggressfveiy employed. what radical
economic congratulations will be de-
manded through it. what will be tho
action against it by the government
backed by other social forces-these
questions suggest crises which the
country may possibly be called upon
TO face They lead to the vital ques-
ton: Is Britain's present social sys-
tenn to be overturned by a consolida.-
ed mass of men who rightfully or
WrongfuHy are malcontents or is pro-
gressive social improvement to come
through the operation of legislative
methods and ameliorative forces. some
or which are already important aids
In the country's economic life2
The nations hope is that the cat
aciysmic strike by the "one big
union" may never come. From mem
pers OIL the triple alliance itself have
come proposals for Matchmaking by
legitimate means the industries in
which its members are engaged. A
detailed plan for nationaiizing the
mines. transmitted to the coal COM
mission by an Official of one of the
miners unfons.-was published in full
IN the newspapers of the time and at
tracted general attention. Besides.
from the Fabian Society another plan
was brought forward embodying. it
10 commonly said, ideas long discussed
throughout the kingdom among the
Moderate socialists. and the guild So
ciansts were last spring discussing a
tniro plan, one of mingled compensa-
ton and confiscation.
Ownership by State Proposed.
The Railway Clerks Association
100000 members) has issued the
draft Of a national transport services
bill which makes provision for the
purchase by the state of all the rail-
ways In the United Kingdom, with
canals, hotels, docks, harbors and
auxiliary services to the railroads.
All to be managed by and for the bene-
mt OF the state. The bill and the notes
attending it. a considerable docu-
ment OF f1fty-seven printed pages.
gives numerous particulars Of the
proposed operation. It also provides
Tor the coordination of road, motor,
aerial. coastal and steam packet trans
port services as part of national
system. 1nasmuch as this plan was
made up by railway clerks Of every
grade, many of them concerned in a
large way in the operation of the
present transport services, it may be
regarded as having merits deserving
serious attention. When an investi-
gator has heard trade union leaders,
men of caution and common sense
occupation. giving reasons for their
belief that mines and railroads can be
operated by the employees, inclusive of
the grade Of superintendent and man
ayers, the project appears one en-
tfrely different from those brought
forward by the old.time visionary
theorists bent on Matchmaking indis-
criminately capital and land-and
labor
: For state ownership of railways
there is, Of course. ample precedent,
but operation by employees become di-
rectors and controllers is an untried
plan. Since both the miners and the
railway men propose compensation to
present owners. with continuance of
the wage system for the operatives,
their outlook contemp1ates legitimate
procedure. on-communistic owner
ship and a form of operation in theory
democratic.
Differs From United States.
British trade unionists who are not
thorough going socialists hold that
the usual arguments against state
operation. of commercial or. manufac-
turing enterprises fan of in force
when applied to the mines and raii-
roads of the kingdom. They say that
arguments which hold good against
nationalizing in the United States.
Win us great area and population and
many state governments. do not fit in
with conditions in 'Britain-nor, they
lsay, has land and mine ownership the
same validity in Great. Britain with.
the present generation that it has In
america The social abuses to be cor
'rected. especially in regard to housing
and harsh treatment. are more acute
and more numerous. Both mining and
railroad operation have been weighted
down through the rack rent and
blackmail rent Of the British land
lords. The majority of the railway