106 LABOUR IN MADRAS as in the days gone by, so also the labourers in Madras and elsewhere, will not, with folded hands, slavishly accept any kind of ill-treatment. Let Messrs. Binny & Co. realize that those days are gone, never to return. Messrs. Binny & Co."would cordially meet more than half way a properly constituted Union ”—but who is to decide the propriety of the constitution? Imagine Mr. Lloyd George telling Mr. Henderson, “I will cordially meet a properly constituted Union not headed by politicians." It is for the labourers to say who should be their leaders, and what shall be the constitution of their Union; it is not for Messrs. Binny & Co. to dictate. 1 submit that the two recent Lock-outs some how produce the impression that they are meant to bring the labourers to a position where they may find it necessary to disavow the Labour Union and compel its dissolution. Personally I am detached; if the labourers are weak and take that course, J bave no objection ; they will have to pay the price of such a disastrous course. As long as I am at the head of it, my advice will always be what it has been-“Be united, selfrespected and do not tolerate insults of words or blows from employers, be they European or be they Indian, and demand courteously what you think to be right.” My method has been one of compromise to bring about a harmonious and amicable settlement. I did it at the Choclai Mills, with the help of the Indian employers to the satisfaction of both parties. If Mr. Symonds had allowed me, I would have done the same for his Mills and there would have been no trouble. My letter to him, dated 30th May was polite, and if he thought my requests were not reasonable he would
