One hundred years ago
THE MINERS of Carmaux have gone back to work, on the advice of M. Cle- menceau; and M. Loubet, as per agree- ment, has consequently pardoned the rioters, most of whom have also been reinstated by the Company. Opinion is greatly divided in France as to the mer- its of the compromise; the old parties, whose opinion prevails with the corre- spondent of the Times, maintaining that a great blow has been given to Capital, and the partisans of Labour that the Government have rather turned their flank. Neither side allow enough for the accidental connection between the strike and the idea of civil equality, or for the loss sustained by the men, which is equivalent to a fine of £20,000. There can be little doubt, however, that the school of Frenchmen which holds that the State should keep all mines in its hands, has gained an important advan- tage, which may not, however, turn out to be beneficial to democracy. The moment the mines are State property, and unprofitable, the idea, so often sug- gested, of working them by convict labour will begin to be popular. The French have not our lenity for criminals, or the "galleys" could not continue to exist.
The Spectator 5 November 1892
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