British Labor Bids for Power/Chapter 2
2. Labor Statesmanship
Preparation for the coming struggle sounded through every session of the Trades Union Congress which met in Scarboro on September 7, 1925. During the previous session of the Congress at Hull, in 1924, extended powers had been given to the General Council. These powers had been put to excellent use the following July. Other struggles impended. Officials and delegates alike showed an eagerness to meet them.
More significant, perhaps, than any other single event of the Congress week was the opening address of the President, A. B. Swales (Amalgamated Engineering Union). President Swales is a trade unionist of long standing; he represents one of the most important of the national unions; for many years he has been looked upon as one of the "moderates" in the movement; he may fairly be said to speak for British Trade Union middle-ground opinion. Regarded from this background, his speech was doubly significant. It undoubtedly presents the point of view held by very large numbers of British Trade Union members at the present moment. Following are the main sections of the address: