On Thursday, Mr. J. H. Wilson moved the adjournment of
the House to call attention to the Hull strike, his excuse being that the Shipping Federation were engaged in contravening certain Acts of Parliament, and generally acting illegally. "It was part of the business of the Shipping Federation to create riot and disturbance, and to get the police called in. He was surprised that the Government did not put the law in force against the employers as well as against the workmen." They also shipped. seamen illegally. Mr. Wilson warned the House that a crisis was impending, and that the workmen would have to make strikes' "national instead of local." As to the soldiers, they were sent about to make a show and in- timidate the workmen. It was quite right to have a force in reserve, but why were the men not kept in barracks till required P Mr. Asquith made an excellent reply. The Govern- ment was in no way supporting the Shipping Federation, It was merely complying with the request of the local authorities, who were primarily responsible for the maintenance of law and order. As to the alleged military parade, Mr. Asquith
warmly e the conduct of the officers and men" during the whole of these trying times." In the end, the motion was negatived without a division. Mr, Asquith has undoubtedly managed the Hull difficulty with great discretion, and has shown himself able to be absolutely firm in the House without unduly irritating the Labour leaders.
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