We are glad to be able to record that the
intervention of the President of the Board of Trade in the Lancashire cotton- trade dispute has proved successful. The terms of the settle- ment, which were announced at Manchester on Thursday, secure an advance of wages, though not to the extent de- manded, to the Oldham operatives engaged in the fine-spinning branch of the trade. Replying to a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Macara, chairman of the Conference, and seconded by Mr. T. Ashton, president of the Operatives' Association, Mr. . Lloyd-George said that his first experience of a great labour difficulty in Lancashire had convinced him that Lancashire people had an extra dose of British tenacity, British pluck, and, perhaps, British stubbornness. It also convinced him that Lancashire people had an exceptional dose of British common-sense, and that had triumphed over all obstacles. He congratulated the delegates heartily on the splendid good sense and good feeling which had enabled them to arrive at an exceptionally good settlement for both sides. We may add that the country will feel specially grateful to Mr. Lloyd-George for refusing to allow a grievous domestic affliction to stand in the way of his rendering prompt and effective assistance in the cause of industrial peace.
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