The London Strike

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 41, 19 September 1889, Page 2

The London Strike

TO THE EDITOR OF THK STAR. Sir, — I would like to ask your correspondent, who signs himself " Justics,'' either to reverse his vpm de plume, oiapologise for his rash and unwarrantab c eensm-e on the London parsons, for not, as he assumes, doing their duty in connection with tho gL-eat strike. Is it not a fact that, Irom the Bishop of London to the humble ci y missionary, they have, one and all, w.- rmly sympathised with the strikers all thi ough the agitation ? Again, the sneer at the "Church" — whatever that means — for being occupied " split- . ting straws " instead of being "faithful to her mission," is so meaningless as to be unworthy of notice. Is the " Church," or are the parsons, to have a monopoly of the fight for fair play, or popular rights ? Is not faithfulness to duty bounden equally on all the four estates of the realm ? Seriously, — Why does not " Justice " touch on the principal cause of " poverty " and " slaver}' " of the London workman ? Does he know that this much sympathised with individual spends on worse than useless spirits, beer, &c, the lion's share of fifteen millions sterling per annum ! Or is "Justice" like our model colonial legislators who; while pretending to look for causes of depression and poverty, wilfully shut their eyes to the greatest cause of poverty, misery, and crime in existence. How much of the extra penny, an hour, to be given to the dock laborers, will find its way into the publican's till to purchase nails for his coffin, and rags for his children ? Where does " Justice " stand on the great question of prohibition, which has more to do with human well being than any other ? Most of your readers will be pleased to see, by laic telegram, that the other monster vice of the age has received a great blow by the death of the unscrupulous Prince of Monaco, and the consequent abolishion of gambling in that beautiful principality. The gamblers' morgue of Europe is closed, something indeed to be thanked for. — I am, &c, Another.