Mr. Burt, M.P., in his monthly circular to the Northumbrian
miners offers some striking comments on the recent vote of their Association in favour of joining the Labour Representa-
tion Committee. The constitution of the Labour Repre- sentation Committee prescribes not only that a candidate shall pledge himself to act with a particular party, but that he shall in no circumstances assist any candidate who is not of that party. Mr. Burt points out with great force the effect
of such abstention in a case where no Labour or Labour Representation Committee candidate is in the field, and the contest is solely between a progressive and a reactionary politician. In such a case, "not a word may be said, not a line written by the L.R.C. candidate in favour of a person with whom he may be in complete agreement." Mr. Burt continues :—
"To the candidate who conscientiously agrees with the con- stitution of the Committee no difficulty presents itself. He may accept the position with alacrity and with perfect honour. But to the candidate who differs on essential points, the alternative presented seems to be whether he shall give up his principles, his independent judgment, and his convictions, or shall tacitly, tamely, and dishonestly accept—or pretend to accept—a con- stitution and opinions from which he utterly dissents. No one, however, is under compulsion to become a candidate. There is always one way of escape,—he can retire into private life."
It will be interesting to see what effect, if any, Mr. Burt's impressive warning will have on the impending vote of the members of the Mining Federation on this question.
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