The coal strike continues ; but both masters and men
are at last getting tired of it. The former have exhausted their stocks, and the latter are weary of short commons, often reduced to bare bread. They still receive subscriptions ; but you cannot practically keep a population in health on doles. The Committee of Coal-owners has therefore agreed to meet the representatives of the Miners' Federation, and discuss the whole question "without preindice." It is believed that the result will this time be some sort of agreement, and possibly the establishment of a joint Board of Conciliation. It is well that the strike should end, for it impedes industry and hurts the poor all over England ; but we fear the muddle will not be ended with the strike. Millions have been wasted, and even now neither owners nor miners have a ease which plain men can understand. Do the owners get enough interest on their capital? Have the miners wages enough for civi- lised maintenance? Nobody really answers those questions ; and till they are answered, nobody can suggest permanent terms of peace. For the present, the old wages can be paid ; but by the summer there will be another strike or lock-out, whichever it really is.
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