The struggle in the United States between the State Govern-
ments and the "Knights of Labour" continues, the Knights in Kansas and Missouri resisting by force the orders to leave the railways free. The Knights, however, are said to be losing ground. They have adopted the Irish practice of boycotting, and are extending it,—even boycotting tradesmen who advertise in offending newspapers, and innkeepers who buy beer from recalcitrant brewers. The consequence is that the general body of tradesmen, non-workers, and freeholders are coming to regard the society as one which interferes with free labour, and are inclined to put it down. As the Militia are not handi-
craftsmen, as the elected officials are all of one opinion, and as Americans when excited have not the English dis- like to use force, it is more than probable that the leading Knights will be shot down, and that the association will collapse. The leaders are aware of the danger, and are inclined to compromise ; but the branches order strikes, and call upon the central body for assistance, and the central body, afraid of revolt, grants it even when disapproving. That was the way with the Jacobins, is the way with the National League, and will be the way with every combination against law. The central power grows moderate, bat it has no hold except from voluntary obedience, and the local agents find that obeying, though safer than tyrannising, is not half so pleasant.
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