Mr. Mundella's address to the electors of Sheffield is the
ablest and the best yet put forward by a working man's candidate. Mr. Mundella is an employer, and well known to be strongly opposed to outrages ; but after repeating the usual Liberal creed, and declaring for "national, compulsory, and secular" education, he continues,—" The relations of capital and labour have for many years past occupied my attention. I maintain that in a frank recognition of the equality of the buyers and sellers of labour is to be found the true solution of the difficulties which beset this important question. I am in favour of legislation which shall render Trade Societies legal, which shall enable them profitably to invest their surplus funds, shall permit them to build and hold property, shall substitute clear and definite language for the ambiguous expressions, variously interpreted by the judges, which have subjected workmen to prosecutions for conspiracy ; shall refer all such cases to the judges of assize, and shall confer powers to prosecute and punish those who may steal or embezzle the property of a Trade Society. I look forward hopefully to the time when, by the adoption of Arbitration, Co-Operation, and Indus- trial Partnerships, Strikes and Lockouts shall become things of the past." Mr. Mundella will be a great addition to the House of Commons, more especially if he replaces Mr. Roebuck.
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