20 APRIL 1895, Page 3

The delegates of the New Unionism, who call themselves the

Independent Labour party, met at Newcastle on Monday under the auspices of Mr. Keir Hardie. We iiave noticed their resolutions elsewhere, but must men- tion here that they assented, after some demur, to Mr. Hardie's policy, which is that all candidates supported by his followers, should refuse to support any political party, and should, if elected, form a faction within the House like that led by Mr. Parnell. The resolution which embodies this policy, was carried by 38 to 24, but it created much demur, and it is doubtful whether, despite the Bristol precedent, it will be obeyed. It appears that those who elect the delegates are most reluctant to pay ls. a year for membership ; and though the resolutions were frankly -Socialist, the delegates refused to adopt that title. It is probable that the entire body is feebler and less coherent than it is believed to be, but it will doubtless increase the strength of the Conservative party. Resolutions threatening the security of property always do. Of the knowledge of the leaders an idea may be formed from the fact that they supported a proposal for a pension of 10s. a week to all workmen over fifty-five, without indicating any source for the money. The proposal would cost, it is said, about eight times the Poor-rate.