6 SEPTEMBER 1919, Page 2

The inciderate miners' leaders; presumably in order- to lend dignity

to Mr= 8mA:fie's retreat from an untenable position, spoke in 'ftetentr• of 'nationalisation as the only nieane Of getting cheap coal. Mr. Brace, who- is well known to be 'an: opponent of

direct action," compromised with Mr. Smile so far as to littggest' that' he might consider it in eertain.encumeteetces. Mr. Adamson, who is anything but a firebrand, adVited thee.public to 'diem:set-he -question instead of leaving it to bearguedbetviten the miners and-the coal-owners, and declared that "there was no half-way house " between the present system—whit:le served us Won until • the Government assumed control during the waY- and nationalization However, the miners' leaders- have clearly abandoned the idea of a general coat strike' for the purpose of hoeing • an unwilling GoVertimerit and nation to nationalize the Mines. That is all 'to the good. If the miners will now set to work 'in earliest to produce more veal,. Mr. Smillie's benevolent professions 'of concern lot the national interest will seem a little less unconvincing than they are at present.