A Congress of Trades' Unionists has been held at Birmingham
to consider the proposed legislation upon their associations. The spirit which prevailed was not altogether commendable. The delegates ask protection for their funds, and the abolition of all remaining laws against combination, but they do not seem will- ing to concede the counter-claim of the State to abolish coercion in every form. The practice of picketing was openly defended, and a resolution was passed condemning any attempt on the part of Government to examine their books. There is fairness perhaps in the last objection while other Insurance societies are exempt from inspection, but if the workmen knew their own interest they would secure equality by insisting on inspection for all. The policy of laissez-faire is the policy of the rich, who know they can take care of themselves, not of the poor, who cannot. On the other point, the repression of coercion, they have no moral case, and the Legislature must stand firm. They have no more right to watch and insult a man for employing non-unionists, than for drinking tea instead of cocoa.
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