Early on Tuesday morning the French railway strike, -which had
rapidly dwindled in importance for some days, came to an end. The strike leaders issued an instruction to those who had ignored the Government order to mobilise to return to work quietly and in unison in order to manifest the discipline of their organisation. The leaders also explained that they asked for no terms from the employers, as any terms in the circumstances of admitted failure would neces- sarily be humiliating. M. Briand by his resolution and promptitude has thus scored, physically at all events, a complete victory. We should like to add, however, that we have no doubt that the French railwaymen have genuine grievances, and that it would be the part of magnanimity now for N. Briand to do even more than he has promised towards bringing about their redress. Of course the strike will be thoroughly discussed in the Chamber, and we hope that N. Briand will make it clear that he does not, as his critics say, deny the right to strike. In our view, every man has a right to strike, provided he breaks no con- tract, and keeps his agreements and his word. If he joins in a foolish strike, it will fail of its own accord. All general strikes are self-destructive. On the other hand, N. Briand would carry all moderate and sensible men with him in claim- ing for the Government the absolute duty of suppressing criminal practices by whatever means may be necessary.
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