Evening star., 1926-08-22

Y ONDON.-The appeal to America by Brit
ish labor behalf of the miners wives
and children and Premier Baldwin's de-
- NAL that there is any starvation in min
ing districts may justly me in analyzing the
present situation Of the great British coal
strike for American readers.
It is a drama of historic importance rails
ing many problems Of world interest 1t is
than economic struggle between
group Of British workmen and their employers.
Behind it there are international forces at work.
as in the attempt of Moscow to make this
part of their program for a world revolution
by heavy contributions to trade union funds in
return for allegiance from the miners lead
ers. Moral and spiritual forces are also play
ing part in this industrial drama. a storm
Of controversy has been raised by the inter
vention Of certain English bishops, who for
muated their own solution for a settlement
Of this dispute by what they believed to be
Christian principles. That solution was re-
jected instantly by the British government,
because it proposed to further subsidize the
mines for four months, to be followed by a
discussion which may lead to nothing.
X X ):
1t has also been rejected by the miners
themselves. who desire further subsidy of
wages, but refuse compulsory arbitration,
which would certainly reduce their future
wages. Has the church any authority to butt
in upon economic disputes? Those who hold
fast to economic laws and their irresistible logic
Indignantly deny any SuCh claim by spiritual
leaders. Others believe that there will be no
industrial peace unless economics and their
old cruelties of supply and demand subject
to Christian principles
Meanwhile. what is actually happening down
in those coal districts. where more than a mil
lion men have been idle 16 weeks? What is
happening in the minds of British political
leaders like Premier Baldwin, who, after his
magnificent leadership during the general
strike has been strangely silent and. inactive
like Ramsay Macdonald. who some of
his followers playing MOScOws game, which
he hates in his heart. though he does not
pudiate their folly, or like Cook, the miners
leader. who defeat at hand and wishes
still leave him in power before his miners
federation crumbles to bits?
X x
In those mining districts Of England, Scot
land and Wales tempers rising and nerves
are a-rack. After nearly Is weeks the trade
union pay has given OUT credit is exhausted
in cooperative stores and idleness has lost its
charm Men tired of walking about streets
Public houses closed to them because they
have no beer money. Movies beyond their
means Their wives are sick and tired of hav
ing them home all day There is starva
ton yet. but short rations. Their children are
we'll fed by school meals provided out of the
rates. No dole is allowed out of government
funds for out -of-work miners who could work
if they liked but poor relief is provided out of
rates to all men and women sufficient for their
physical needs and for keeping up their homes.
In many districts it has been liberal, but it is
now being tightened up, and, although 1t is
enough for life there is margin for the little
comforts and amusements which make life
worth living. Russian money still arrives.