12 MAY 1923, Page 3

The Labour Party seems to us to be extraordinarily unforeseeing

in its hostility to the Bill. The special constables will be a State force existing for the main- tenance of public order. The Labour Party has as much interest in public order as anybody else ; and very likely it will be found to have a good deal more, for, when public indignation is directed against Labour, Labour may need protection. The special constables will be held to strict accountability for their acts. No Government would dare to use them in a manner which provoked public resentment. All these facts are a safeguard for the Labour Party. Yet it seems to be quite unaware of the advantages. The special constables really stand between Labour extremists and the creation of Fascisti.