News of the Week
HE prospects of a " settlement " in the coal dispute are better than they have been at any time, if only cause appallingly bad leadership has now left the men e to faCe with a choice of evils—a choice that must be ade quickly. The choice is between worse terms than ere being earnestly pressed on the miners six months ago, d a refusal of all terms. Refusal means a collapse of e Miners' Federation—the symbol of the men's desire a national settlement. The signs are plain to read third of the total number of miners have already turned to work, and within a few days the Nottingham- hire miners may sign a complete district agreement that Gala automatically take them out of the Federation. 'hen we write these words the Delegate Conference of 'e Akers' Federation is on the point of deciding whether give the Executive of the Federation authority ceept increased hours. It may, of course, pass the Possibility of a decision on to the districts (just as the xeeutive passed the responsibility on to the Conference), r it may accept the Government's offer on condition that National Tribunal be set up. Bilt - then would e owners agree to the Tribunal ?
