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109 used to dry the wet clothes inside the Mills. Now: the officers, as soon as they see the clothes hanging, tear it to pieces. I have heard innumerable stories of provocation and I have no reason to disbelieve them altogether. I have always taken into account the factor of exaggeration, though invariably I have found the labourers accurate and cautious in their statements which I had occasion to verify. THE GRATUITY FUND The Gratuity Fund deserves a word: I do not for one moment doubt the bona fides of Messrs. Binny & Co., but the way in which they have grabbed the money as per their recent notice leaves a bad taste in the mouih. Do they look upon this Fund in the light of insurance against strikes? If so, are we not justified in looking upon their various institutions of beneficence as insur: ance against self-respect, independence ard dignity which the labourers might display? In a speech I delivered on the 13th of July I said: What is the use of recreation grounds and nightschools and museums when men's self-respect, is killed and they are desired not to show it? What is the good of educative and pleasure-giving institutions when the very soul of the labourer is crushed, when he has no time from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M." What is the use of the Gratuity Fund if it is to be a stri ke-insurance ? Is tbat the way Messrs. Binny & Co. would give Economic freedom to their men? Do they think that English Labour would tolerate such a coursc for one hour ?