Since we wrote last Friday an extraordinary change has come
over the crisis in the coal industry. During the week the ballot has been proceeding throughout the different areas with the result that, out of a total membership of .588,000,, there was a majority of 42,998 (244,011 to 201,013) against resuming work pending a settlement of the minimum rates of wages by the District Boards. One might have supposed that this would mean the continuance of the struggle, but as far as we can judge there need be no fear on this ground In the first place, the Executive of the Federation have recommended the resumption of work because two-thirds of the members of the unions have not declared that the strike shall proceed. This recommendation will come before a National Conference of the Federation which is to meet in London this afternoon. :If the recommendation of the Executive is endorsed by the Conference, it will become obligatory upon all members of the Federation, and the strike will be at an end. During the week a very consider- able number of pits have been opened, and on Thursday there were probably at least 50,000 men actually underground. We have little doubt, even if the miners in certain coal- fields where the unions still have funds hold out till the Boards have drawn up the schedules of minimum rates, that by this time next week there will be a general resumption of coal-getting.
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