The Trade-Union Congress rose on Saturday last. On the day
before, it elected the Secretary to the Parliamentary Com- mittee. Three candidates stood, namely, Mr. Fenwick, M.P. (the holder of the office), Mr. Woods, M.P., and Mr. Tom Mann. The last ballot was between Mr. Woods and Mr. Fenwick, with the result that Mr. Woods was elected by 211 votes to 141. The election turned on the Eight-hours question. It will be remembered that Mr. Fenwick took a strong line against the compulsory eight hours for miners, and supported the Local-Option Clause. His defeat was, of course, a great disappointment to Mr. Fenwick; but nothing could have been in better taste than the spirit in which he- accepted it, His speech was a model of gentlemanly feeling,. and without a trace of jealousy. AU that he was anxious for was that the Congress should give Mr. Woods proper clerical assistance in the conduct of his office.
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