The coal-porters threatened to strike out of sympathy with the
gasworkers, and thus, to the extent of their power, deprive London of heat and light. They are, however, reported to have abandoned the general movement, as their employers have conceded the wages they believed themselves entitled to receive. They still, however, threaten not to carry coal for the South Metropolitan Gas Company, but they may reconsider this decision. They have a right to strike if they please, but the public will show them no sympathy, and what is more to the purpose, their competitors, the unskilled labourers, will show none either. So large are their wages, which, accord- ing to their employers, range upwards from 68s. a week as a minimum, that there will be a rush for their work, and a rush of strong men who will not stand intimidation. They will, therefore, be beaten ; and they perceive this risk. It is to be noted that the New Radicals, with Mr. Labouchere at their head, condemn both gas-stokers and coal-porters as men who are striking inopportunely, and reducing the public to inconvenience. The public is not our Deity, but the State has a right to protect it, and of the soundness of the argument from opportunism there can be no question.
