(To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] Srn,—I have read with
much pleasure your article under the above heading in the Spectator of December 29th, and think that the oftener the subject is brought before the notice of all working men, and in particular the Trade-Unionists, the better will be the prospect of British commercial success in the "new century." Having spent five or six years in engineering workshops in England (both Union and non- Union), and for the last few months for further practical expe- rience having worked in a well-known factory of " labour- saving tools," &c., here in Berlin, I am amazed at the marked difference in the character of the mechanics. While in England (if not on piece-work) the aim of the average workman is to turn out as little as will possibly satisfy the foreman ; here I seldom see a fellow idling for even a minute, and the absence of "friendly conversation" in working hours is also noticeable. The military training which all able-bodied men receive here in Germany for two or three years has, I am bound to believe, no small amount of influence, as, being then accustomed to strict discipline, they will stand more pressure from those set in authority over them, and . until that part of the Trade-Union's power which in England tends to determine how much a mechanic is to accomplish in a certain time is effectively broken, I caroot but think that the British employers will have difficulty in successfully com- peting with either Germany or America. I certainly believe that when the British working man diligently applies himself to his work, he turns out quite as much as, or even more than, the average German, but it is the absence of honourable application which accounts for the disparaging figures you quote in the article from the Metallurgist. Hoping you will not allow this important subject to drop, and that you may find room in your next number for this letter, or as much of it as is worthy of insertion.—I am, Sir, &c., Emdeneretrasse 2, IL, Berlin, N.W. L. W. SMITE.
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