CENTRE PARTY UNION AND MIDDLE-CLASS DEFENCE ORGANIZATION.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In the commotion that has been caused by the recent strikes of dock and transport workers, and by the preparations for other strikes on a still larger scale, a great deal has been heard of the interests of labour. Without saying one word to the detriment of the genuine workers, I should like to point out that there are other interests involved—interests which are equally vital and very far-reaching—those of the middle classes.
When Socialist agitators influence working men to come out on strike, and not only to stop the machinery of industry, but to jeopardize the food supply of great cities, they are com- mitting a crime against the public, and, in particular, a crime against the women and children. It is high time that those classes which are most seriously affected should take steps for self-protection.
There are many forms of protection, both official and unofficial, for the working classes ; but the middle class have to depend entirely on their own efforts. We do not find that the Home Secretary or the President of the Board of Trade is particularly concerned about the loss and inconvenience caused by the strike mania among thousands of middle-class, and especially the lower middle-class, homes. There is no Middle Class Party in Parliament to stand up for the people, who, after all, are the backbone of the country. And yet the interests of the middle classes must be considered.
As the Secretary of the Centre Party Union (with which is incorporated the Middle Classes Defence Organization) I write to suggest that all members of the middle classes—and in particular strong, healthy young men—who wish to ensure, so far as possible, a proper food supply in the event of any further attempts being made to interfere with the normal distribution should put themselves in communication with me with a view to the formation of a corps of volunteer workers. The proposed corps is not intended to take part in any so- called " strike-breaking operations," but it is intended to ensure maintenance of the public food supply at all costs, and to this end it will be prepared to render volunteer assistance in any quarter where necessary.—I am, Sir, &c., S. CLEAR DRIVER, Secretary. Centre Party Union 47 Middle Classes Defence Organization, 14 Great Smith Street, Westminster, S.W.
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