THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 155, 25 March 1908, Page 4

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

He (whose letter lacks his' name) Brings to Truth ignoble shame.' Sir, —I am not surprised that your correspondent was ashamed.to attach his namo to his letter; lie is a typical. opponent of Labour's honourable cause, and shirks tho responsibility, of . his own opinions. His. arguments, too, are as weak as his courage.; 'Tis no reply to tho contention that a miner's " lot is not a lWppy ono" to say that they are better paid than other manual labourers. > A penny an hour more would lie quito enough' for liis argument; but how much dilfereuce; would that make, to tho lifo or work of the miner? ' •

" They luiv'o plenty "of, time at their , disposal," "Truth" says,for- recreation, sports, self-iihprovement, and advancement, also for gambling, drinking, aiid. idleness, just as they .-may- choose." A wilder statement could not bo imagined. Let " Truth " for a time .try eight or'ten hours .a day in a mine at pick and shovel work, and sco how much time; or-inclination he'll have at night for anything hut rest. Why, he'd bo longing • for his bed beforo he'd got half through the forenoon. He'd then havo moro respect-for'the men whom economic adversity had prevented from climbing tho social ladder. Nor would ho wonder at their drinking; 1 or sheer at their idleness, which is more often enforced than otherwise.

" Truth " says he knows miners who havo raised themselves to tho highest'position in tlio land, an insinuation that tho rest could do likewise if they choso. That is equivalent to saying miners are an unnecessary quantity, which is not tho truth anyway. Then he says: " Under Socialism all men would havo to bo equal." It is realty surprising how many men criticise Socialism without having the slightest idea of its principles. 'Twould he as impossible to make all men equal as to find "Truth's',' proper name. Socialists desire'equal opportunities for all mon, and would that all who are capable should do their duty to Society. Perhaps " Truth " will iscc this proved some day.

Concluding, your _ correspondent asks, " Who is most descrying of the sympathy of tho Government and people of tho Dominion, Mr. Leitch, who finds constant employment and all that good wages brings to 120 men, or Mr. Fitzgerald, the Socialist, jivho, as far-as I know, never gave a man a day's work or wages in his life?" In answer-'to this, I should opino that, both gentlemen being useful working members of Society, are entitled to an equal amount of sympathy, providing they are faithful to their class (the workers). Traitors deserve .neither mercy nor sympathy.—f am, etc., JAMES KNIGHT. -. Levin, March 23, 1908-