20 JANUARY 1912, Page 3

The official figures of the coal strike ballot were declared

at the Birmingham Conference of the Miners' Federa- tion on Thursday. The number of those who voted for the strike was 445,801, and of those against 115,921. This is a majority of nearly four to one in favour of the strike. In only one district—Cleveland—was there a majority against a strike. In spite of this we are of opinion that, if adequate preparations arc made, if the public show no panic, and further if the masters, as we believe they will, show their willing- ness to grant all reasonable demands on the part of the men in regard to exceptional places, there will be no strike.