We have given elsewhere reasons for thinking the men in
the wrong which we expect even the men to endorse, but the out- break of feeling against them has been of the most cruel and selfish character. We speak the literal truth when we say that there are rich men in London who would have shot them rather than use candles for three nights. The Chartered Company, which, no doubt, was exceptionally ill treated, its managers having no quarrel with their men, has determined to dismiss permanently all the strikers, 1,400 in number, a tremendous punishment for men most of whom are only maintaining their point of honour. Even magistrates have caught the infection, and we notice with regret that Mr. Arnold, usually equable, has declared resistance to the gas men an excuse for breaking the law. Philip Thorne was charged with being drunk, and admitted the charge ; but it appeared he had accepted work in a gas works. Thereupon Mr. Arnold said, " I won't punish you, you are discharged," and in the next breath fined a cobbler for the same offence half-a-crown. If the Unionists once distrust the equal administration of the law, we shall have a huger Ireland in our midst.
