The paralysis of trade in London has not involved any
paralysis of trade in the Kingdom, the total exports for August showing an increase of 9.65 per cent. over the same month last year, while the imports are greater by .66 per cent. The return for September will probably be less favourable, but it is nearly certain that the effect of the strike will fall on London, and not on England. Ships are diverted to other ports, especially Liverpool and Southampton, in which labour is not suspended. This relieves both Dock Directors and men of the charge of want of patriotism, as the depletion of London to the benefit of other English cities is a most patriotic object. The workers, though they may suffer intermediately, must at last follow their work, and the growth of London, which is becoming a menace to the nation, will thus be checked. If it stopped altogether, London would be much happier. It is simply impossible to organise any improvement, and more especially any improvement in the lodging of the people, while the capital adds to itself a new city of 80,000 inhabitants in every twelve months.
