LABOUR IN MADRAS 189 the masses in India--and among them are the factory labourers-have a culture of their own. Their power of understanding political and economic issues and suggesting proper remedies in a practical manner is well known to those who have worked for and with them. Their political instincts are clear and strong. Their ability to organise themselves was recently manifested in the formation of the trade unions in Madras referred to above; and it will be an agreeable surprise to lovers of labour in Great Britain to note that a few months ago in Bombay a general strike of textile workers was declared and maintained for several days withcut any trade union organisation in existence there. That strike involved some 70.000 labourers. This instance is given to show that Indian labourers do possess the capacity to combine and organise effectively. Lack of education, however, prevails. A few employers have opened schools for the children of their employees. Much is made by clever capitalists of such institutions, and instances are not wanting where the Government have given prominence to such ventures. But attention must be drawn to the important fact that it is one of the devices to enslave labour. To quote a retired weaving-master, Mr. M. C. Sitaraman, of the Carnatic Mills at Madras: “The school, general and tecbnical in character, is the best part of the whole affair --the best part of the institute from the manufacturers point of view This pays him in rupees, annas, pies. This scbool trains up boys to become intelligent and skilled labourers and cooly clerks. This serves as a strong link of connection as well between the employers and the employees even under strained relationship.” Even the
