On Wednesday representatives of the Yorkshire owners came to London
to interview the Government and the offending terms were withdrawn. Lord Gainford explained in the House of Lords that he held the Yorkshire terms to be justifiable and even necessary, but he felt that in order to meet the wishes of the Government he and his friends in Yorkshire ought to give way. This was a frank and creditable action, but we cannot help saying that the owners would gain in general by more steadiness of judgment. They often speak in effect of the ditch in which they are fighting as the last ditch, yet afterwards find it possible to retire to another. Probably before these words are read the Hours Bill will have been passed. We shall then sec whether the owners' terms in most of the districts are good enough to bring the miners back to work. Judging by the terms so far published we cannot think that the return will be rapid. In most cases the terms hold out the possibility of reduced wages as well as a longer day. The owners do worse than the Report.
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