MR. BOWLING AND TRADES COUNCIL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 988, 1 December 1910, Page 4

MR. BOWLING AND TRADES COUNCIL.

-"I WILL FIGHT THESE MEN." A paragraph which appeared yesterday, to the effect that Mr. Peter Bowling would not be accorded an official welcome by the local Trades Council, was yesterday commented upon by Mr. Bowling in person. "I want it clearly understood," ho said, " that no matter who may differ from me or agreo with me, it does not alter me in the least. I have yet, however, to meet the bona-fido trades unionist who will differ from me in my objects. Most men will have differences as to methods, but that has got nothing whatever .to do with principle. I have often met men in public life who on first acquaintance told me, just as plainly as the Trades Council here has told mo, that they differed from me. But after a. little conversation their differences seem often to disappear. Most people seem to take a delight in proclaiming that they differ with me. Probably they may bo afraid that I am what is called 'too extreme.' 'Nothing is so extreme as truth!' " Speaking at the Socialist rooms last evening, Mr. Bowling referred again and at considerable length to the attitudo of the Trades Council. "These men," 'he said, "should not have judged me on hearsay. They might at least have waited to hear mo. But it seems that they bad formed their opinions previous to hearing mo or seeing me, and that does not redound to thoir credit. I recognise that thero is only a thin crust of officialdom to-day round trado organisations which act in this manlier." In subsequent remarks Afr. Bowling disclaimed in explicit terms tho character, of ono given to turning tho other cheek. He was a. fighter and would fight these men. They should come forward and state what they took exception to in' his methods. If thej did. not tkwr .wore cowards. |