LABOR IN CONGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1920, Page 8

LABOR IN CONGRESS.

ME, THOMAS' ADDRESS. By ielegraph,— Press Assn.—Cooyrlsht. London, Sept. 6. The Trade tJnion Congress, which it is hoped will avert tlie threatened coal strike by securing mediation between the miners and the Government, opened at Portsmouth. Nine hundred and fifty delegates were present. Mr. J. H. Thomas, in his presidential addresß, said that looking at the position at home and abrpad, he would be an optimist indeed who could find occasion for anything but apprehension. Mr Thomas justified the formation of tho Council of Action, declaring that the Council was determined to see that the objects for which it was elected, namely, the complete independence of Poland J .nd peace with Russia, were achieved. He did not believe that the workers were anxious to fight against the consolidation of capitalist interests merely for the sake of fighting, but the other side must clearly understand that the years of sacrifice which had placed the workers in the position they held today must not he lost, and they would be prepared, not as a section but as a movement, to accept any challenge to their industrial freedom or economic emancipation. Referring to Ireland, Mr. Thomas said that the position was dangerous, and sooner or later could not fail to result in an open conflict, the effects of which would shake the very foundations of the Irish people. "They can |ttill be made the friends of England," Tie declared. "Let the Government drop the present Bill and cement that friendship with a bold clear recognition of Dominion home rule. Let the Government realise that militarism 111 Ireland has failed, as it was- bound to fail. You cannot, dragoon a nation by the sword." .—Renter.