On Friday week Mr. Arthur Henderson, accompanied by his secretary
and Mr. Huysmans, travelled to Folkestone with the intention of crossing to France. The crew of the steamer in which they had booked their passage refused to carry them. The crew left the vessel and declined to return till Mr. Henderson and his party had disembarked. This is the most dramatic illustration we have yet had of the resolve of seamen to boycott not only Germany but those whom they suspect of aiding Germany, whether directly or indirectly, wittingly or unwittingly. It was a remarkable event, and for our part we like a strike which arises out of patriotic motives better than a strike which sets aside all the interests of the country. Many Liberal newspapers have been furious at the action of the seamen inspired by Mr. Havelock Wilson. That the refusal to carry such a man as Mr. Henderson is a disagreeable incident Mr. Havelook Wilson acknowledges ; but all that the argument of the angry newspapers amounts to is that almost any one may strike with impunity, and with the worst of motives, and be forgiven, but that the gallant seamen may not !
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