19 MAY 1894, Page 2

A grand conference of miners is going on in Berlin,

and the- English, represented by Mr. Burt, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Woods, and others, are taking a leading part. The English meet with their customary fate. The Germans, Austrians, Frenchmen,, and Belgians admit that their English brothers manage business admirably, give valuable information, and will do- practical good, but they find them intolerable all the same. They are affronted with English arrogance and English indifference to "ideas," and even style them " Conservative- hypocrites." The English, it would seem, having a majority, claim the chairmanship every day ; but on Wednesday this created such a scene that they gave way, with apologies. At first Mr. Wilson and the rest did not understand what the- fuss was about, doubtless setting down the protests, gesticu- lations, and refusals to serve as "foreigners' folly." It is- curious, considering how calm our countrymen are, that this. impression of their disagreeableness should cling to them everywhere, and nullify the respect gained by their solidity._ Indians or Americans would bring precisely the same charges- as the Continental miners do. Another cause of aggravation is the Englishmen's prosperity. The miners of Durham and Northumberland have twice the Belgian wages for seven, hours' work instead of thirteen.