[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR "]
Srn,—The proceedings of the last sitting of the Standing Committee on the Trade Unions Bill deserve more considera- tion than they have received. Mr. W. Guinness moved a new clause providing in effect that there should be no immunity in respect of tortious acts committed otherwise than in further- ance of trade disputes. The object was to neutralize the recent judgment of the House of Lords, which has Spread consternation throughout the country. The Attorney-General could not accept the clause; "the Act of 1906 represented the well-considered policy of the Legislature, and could hardly be looked upon as a controversial measure, for no division was taken on its third reading in the House of Commons." The clause was rejected without a division. The Tory Party apparently "learn nothing." They had not learned in 1906, and they have not yet learned in 1912, that they do not get, and have no chance of winning, the working-class vote which is controlled by the trade-union caucus. They have a large working-class vote, for the most part of men who are opposed to the tyranny of that caucus, and who look to the Tory Party to attain some measure of freedom from it. Straight and honest voting on the Bills of 1906 and 1912 would have retained, indeed largely increased, that vote. In view of the conduct of the Tory members in shirking divisions on these Bills, it is no wonder that Conservative employers and Con- servative working men are alike in despair.—I am, Sir, &c., G.
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