STIFF, UNCOMPROMISING ATTITUDE OF THE MINERS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14294, 4 March 1912, Page 7

STIFF, UNCOMPROMISING ATTITUDE OF THE MINERS.

"BEND OB BREAK THE NATION."

LONDON, March 2. Mr Smillie, in an interview, said:—' "Tho Government havo asked the miners' representatives to justify the schedule. They will do this, but they cannot negotiate with a view to a possible reduction, as tho executive of the Miners' Federation aro not authorised to agree to a reduction. Tho owners must first signify their acceptance of the rates asked. Wo have already reduced the figures to tho lowest point, and aro not prepared to leave it to Government officials to say what is a reasonablo minimum."

Tho "Daily Chronicle" says that the stiff, uncompromising attitude of tho miners has grievously disappointed their friends. Tho prevalent impression in tho House of Commons is that tho miners have committed a gigantic blunder. Hitherto public opinion has been with them, but the demand for "nothing but the schedule" will alienate sympathy.

"Tho "Daily Telegraph" says:—"The nation is confronted with a simple straightforward threat that the Miners' Federation will break the country if it cannot bend it."

Tho "Daily News" ur_es tho miners not to put themselves in the wrong. The Government cannot permit all the details of a settlement to bo imposed on a national industry without examination.