We cannot see what is the objection to recognising the
Union for what it is worth. Why is it necessary to assume that recognition must mean alldwing the Union officials to speak for those who do not belong to their Society, or giving them the power of interference with discipline and of coercing non-Unionists P If we were the railway directors, we would say to the Unions :—" We will recognise you as spokesmen for those of our men who are in your Society ; but remember that such recognition does not in the least mean that we are going to give in to your general demands, or allow any inter- ference with our arrangements. Further, we warn you that no attempt at forcing men into your Unions will be per- mitted, and we shall visit any such attempt with the severest measures." Very possibly recognition of the kind we recom- mend would not stop a strike, but at any rate it would make the true issues clear to the public.
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