BETRAYING THE CITY

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14832, 25 November 1913, Page 6

BETRAYING THE CITY

Last week we drew attention to tho similarity between the tactics of the Opposition in Parliament and tho tac,tics of the lied Federation outside it. That the forces of disorder, when operating against the public interest, always have somo main features in common, was further shown last night by the tactics of the Labour-Socialist members of the City Council. Like the Opposition and the Red Feds, they set out to assert the claim of a minority to prevent the constitutional majority from transacting the business required by the public interest. They successfully stonewalled until it was impossible for the Council to do its work. was disgraceful enough, and equally disgraceful, if it were not so absurd, would be the attempt of the strike sympathisers on the Council to slander tho special constables who have come forward, as public spirited citizens, to assist in defending the community against disorder and violence. The Labour members have not even begun to take steps so to speak and behave as to make their opinions worth anything to sensible folk. What, however, requires, and will assuredly receiye, the strongest condemnation, is the action of Messrs McCombs and Hunter in encouraging ' the City Council*s carters to go on strike, for that was the effect of their nullification of the Mayor's effort to. persuade the men to remain, loyal. These gentlemen were elected to safeguard the city's interests, and it is obvious that the city's interests require that the city's, workmen shall remain at work and perform tha work; necessary to the health and comfort of the city. Instead, however, of aiding" the Mayor's efforts, they betrayed their trust and so acted as to encourage the men to prove false to their duty. Their owa duty was to the citizens who elected them, and! not to She lawless organisation which is seeking to injure the citizens and the whole country as seriously as possible. The citizens may be trusted to do by the force of their votes in due course what the consciences of these Councillors cannot be trusted to do—namely, to dismiss them from the service of the city. We can look forward to ono good result of tho strike in the stimulus it will give to the public's hitherto weak interest in the principles that should rule the men engaged in local and general government. Bad faith will be watched for in future, and! driven forth, and with ft will bo driven forth those who, in the Cjty Council and in Parliament, have shown themselves so incapable of guarding the public interest.