13 JUNE 1891, Page 3

Up to Friday evening, the omnibus strike continued, though there

were signs that classes of the men were anxious to give way. The Companies have granted the twelve-hours day, subject only to imperative exigencies, but declare that they cannot give a day a fortnight or an increase of wages, as that would leave them wholly without a dividend. They also say that no serious alteration of fares is possible, as it would reduce traffic too much. It would be found perfectly possible if the cost of feeding the horses rose much ; and the public, to judge from all one hears, considers the penny charges un- fairly low ; but the' Companies know their own business best. If they hold out, the men, it seems dear, will yield, as they have not sufficient funds for a protracted contest ; but there will be a root of bitterness left, and it is a pity that the time question cannot be settled once for all by granting the Sunday rest as well as the twelve-hours day. Would it not pay to put on the road still larger omnibuses, with three horses P They cost no more for their human labour. The strike, though a great inconvenience to many deserving classes—all daily governesses, for example—has not worried London half so much as was generally expected.