Page:Labour in Madras.djvu/166

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140
LABOUR IN MADRAS


come together examine all the factors of the dispute and give a correct and impartial judgment binding on both sides-that seems to me to be the best method that could be devised. It is not difficult. It has been done informally in this city more than once, and what has been done for one particular institution may be repeated for others. I have known these Tramway people for the last many months. When the Union was first started I was continuously consulted and I took a great part in the building up of the Union. It is necessary to realize that these men are not asking for something which is unreasonable or unjust. Study their case thoroughly, and I ask those of you who are interested to go to the Tramway Union head-quarters to see what kind of work has been done for them, what teaching has been given to them, what spirit permeates that institution, and find out whether there is any kind of disobedience or ill-feeling or any expression which may be regarded as in the nature of an evil. You will find these men sober, straightforward, reasonable ; and the greatest proof that they have given of the strength of their cause is that for a whole fortnight, without any outside financial aid, they have been able to stand on their own legs and keep up the strike with their own moral strength (Cheers). I believe that they will be able to do that still for another fortnight or more but of that we need not talk. Let the Tramway men show of what stuff they are made. I know them; and as their cause is just and righteous, they must succeed in the end. It is amazing for me to see such a lack of public interest in the matter. What is the public, which has been using the Tramway day after day for years, doing? LIN