Page:Engines and men- the history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. A survey of organisation of railways and railway locomotive men (IA enginesmenhistor00rayniala).pdf/182



HE crisis of 1907 passed without a strike, but it takes an important place in railway history, because it resulted in the establishment of the familiar machinery of the Conciliation Boards, and followed later by the Sectional Boards. When these latter started in 1908, it was decided to instruct delegates to refuse the offers of the companies to pay their expenses. The settlement secured in 1907 provided for an indirect sort of recognition, by the process of the Boards, and it was signed on November 6th by Messrs. A. Fox and J. M. Bliss, along with the solicitor. Mr. Tippetts, of London, for the A.S.L.E. & F. The records of the period are not ample, for great discussion and controversy seem to have eclipsed the chance of recording the events as they moved. Mr. Fox held in his speeches that recognition of itself was not worth fighting about, for it was only a means to an end, and not an end in itself. The Society was developing its national programme, and felt that if it were attached to the claim for recognition the cause would have been worth a fight.

Mr. Bell was out for recognition, and assured his members that nothing short of official recognition would be accepted. He was opposed ta Socialism, opposed to the nationalisation of railways,