Another contrast was afforded by the flat refusal of that
well- known pacificist, Mr. Smile, to resort to " peace by negotiation " when his own interests were at stake. Evidently he really knows the disadvantages of " peace by negotiation " and recommends it only when it concerns the interests of humanity. The Colliery Engine Men's Federation (the men who work on the surface) are afraid that the Miners' Federation (the men who work below the
surface) mean to absorb or coerce them. Accordingly the surface- men are asking for a peace conference. Mr. Smilfie's reply to the invitation on behalf of the Miners' Federation was memorable : " We can use the knock-out blow at any moment." Yet again Mr. Smillie threw over the idea of " peace by negotiation " in the dealings of Labour with the Government with regard to passports. He refused to admit—if it ever occurred to him—that Parliament was a superior political instrument to any trade union or Labour Congress. Nor did he admit—if it ever occurred to him—that there was any other method of dealing with the Government except by a crushing victory in the field. He urged the Congress to fight to a finish and make the Government give way about the passports. " We can bring the Government to its knees," he said, " by a general strike."
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