The Trade Union Congress, after shelving a resolution against "direct
action;" proceeded on Friday week-to demand, on a motion by Mr. J. H. Thomas, " the repeal of the Conscription Acts and the immediate withdrawal of British troops from Russia," failing which a special Congress should be called " to decide what action shall be taken." Mr. Smillie took• occasion to explain that he was " an evolutionary revolutionist." He wanted an industrial revolution because life was not worth: living, but he did not wish to see" an armed or a• bloody revo- lutiom" Yet he gave " the lie direct " to Mr. 'T. Shaw, who on the previous day had charged him with deliberately fomenting revolution. Mr. Clynes at once pointed out that, though Mr. Smillie might not want violence, he would cause it by " direct action " or a general strike which the Government and the community would certainly resist. " Direct action," said Mr. Clynes, " would immediately begin the breaking of workmen's heads and the breaking of women's hearts." It would-stultify the Labour Party in Parliament and would encourage other sections to use similar methods against anyLabour Government.
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