17 JANUARY 1920, Page 2

It seems that up the last moment in the discussion

of the delegates the issue was in doubt, and the final decision to accept the Government offer was rather a surprise. Outside observers do not find it easy to understand why the railwaymen hesitated. The scheme by which the representatives of the workers virtually become railway directors, quite apart from the great increases in wages, is a tremendous step forward. It is bound to have its echoes in every industry in the land. Nevertheless, Mr. Thomas is not confident even now that the railwaymen will settle down. As the discussions of the past week may provide some clue to trouble that may yet come, we may here summarize briefly the principal events which have happened since we went to press last week.