The Times of Tuesday startled the commercial world by an
article which implied that the new Union of Shipowners intended to "lay up" all shipping in order to compel the sub- mission of the labourers' Unions connected with their industry. The statement was at once denied, and, as far as any immediate purpose was concerned, was incorrect; but it appears that the Shipping Federation did at the beginning of this week issue a letter to all local branches in which, referring to a telegram about a possible " lay up " of all vessels, the Secretary writes : —" The step is of the very highest importance, and only to be taken after most mature consideration. At the same time, it is becoming evident, from some special cases to-day, that this may have to be taken in the near future, and the federation must be prepared to make such a stand as will effectually meet the federation of all trades against free labour which has already been partly accomplished." It is clear, therefore,
that the proposal, which we have discussed elsewhere, has been considered, and is still held in reserve as an ultimate weapon. Whether such a suspension of commerce were caused by masters or men, its results could not fail to be disastrous to the country, and to the carrying-trade, of which Britain has now almost a monopoly, and to cause it deliberately would be an attack upon the State.
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