The strike agitation in Holland hangs fire a little. The
Bill for the repression of strikes is exceedingly drastic, com- binations . to force employers to raise wages or to shorten hours being made punishable by imprisonment or heavy fines; but though it is introduced by the Ministry, and will, it is believed, pass, there is some hesitation, and the Bill has been referred to a Committee. A brigade of soldier artificers who will be able to work the railways is meanwhile being formed, and all dangerous points occupied by troops. The workmen's Associations have arranged that should the Bill pass, all workmen throughout the country shall go out on strike, and it is believed that orders to that effect will be generally obeyed. According to a Times correspondent., the German Emperor has forwarded remonstrances to the Hague pointing out the injury which, if the railways are stopped, will be done to German trade. This is a very serious menace, as it indicates an intention at Berlin to interfere; but the hope of a compromise has not yet been abandoned. The terms of com- promise, however, are not stated ; nor, indeed, is it quite clear why the employers have pressed Government to take so strong a line just now. They have managed strikers very well hitherto.
