The New York herald., 1921-04-25

SpectUi Cuote 10 HE NEW 1ORk tiEhhLD.
Copyright, 1921, by THE NEW York HERALD
New York Herald Bureau,
London, April 23.
England is beginning week of his
tory, during which the wisdom or
lack Of wisdom among her leaders
and workers will decide the rate OF
her future progress and recovery. 1t
would be difficult to exaggerate the
Importance of the two problems that
are to he settled during the next few
be declared in the coal fields and
other industries, and the second IS
how far the British Government will
agree with the French Government
In enforcing German repara tions by
the occupation OF mining cities and
other sources Of wealth in the event
directly related.
The industrial situation in Great
Britain Is becoming more tragic while
debating Is resumed. In spite of the
enormous relief to all patriotic opln-
Ion when the strike was cancelled by
the Triple Alliance on the eve Of ac-
ton, the long continuance of idle
ness in the coal fields Is causing
widespread distress. Lack Of fuel is
devitalizing every great industry, as
the stocks have run out. The north
Of England and the Midlands, where
most OF the factory cities are concen-
trated, are becoming alarmed by the
who are not employed because the
furnace fires have flickered out.
on Verge OF starvation.
The miners in many districts are
on the verge of starvation because
their local associations have ex
hausted their funds. Women are
pawning their clothes, furniture and
even their wedding rings In Cardiff.
Liverpool and many other towns
thousands Of children are dependent
upon charity for their daily food and
there one sees the pitiful sights of
working families waiting outside re
lieving offices clamoring for small
doles to help them over the next few
days.
Despite this actual distress and the
wailing of hungry children the rank
and file Of the miners remains stub
born against surrender. From many
districts have come stern resolutions
10 maintain the original demands for
4 national basis for wages, Joined
with violent accusations of betrayal
against their partners in the Triple
Alliance Of labor
During the last week the general
public has been educating itself into
a closer knowledge Of the true facts
by means OF manifestoes printed
about both sides of the case by the
miners and the owners and Industrial
experts. There Is common belief
that the Government and the owners
acted In way which was needlessly
provocative 70 the coal workers. risk.
Ing 4 social upheaval by an abrupt
and unjust ultimatum.
Narrow Escape From Disaster.
II Is hardy doubted now by all hon
est thinkers with some knowledge OF
human passion that England by
difference OF only few hours es-
capped civil conflict on a scale men
acing the ruin of the nation. The
Triple Alliance decided against a gen.
cral strike, knowing that the result
would be disastrous 10 organized
labor. which was hopelessly divided
against Itself MS well as 10 the whole
country. With millions of men utterly
idle the strike would have followed
the usual course Of mob psychology
from sullen inactivity 10 inevitable
disorder.
The volunteer defence force would
have fired on riotous crowds. and
without any direct revolutionary i'm
pulse there would have been some
thing like revolution unless all his
vvry Is u mockery. What have said
many times in the United States is
true, namely. that the British people
are instinctively and traditionally OPP