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 to settle outstanding disputes. The Royal Commission idea was accepted, both sides to render all possible assistance. The following telegram was sent out to all branches:—

"'Joint Committee have settled strike. Victory for trade unionism. All men must return to work immediately.'"

The Royal Commission, duly set up to investigate the working of the 1907 scheme, and to report what changes, if any, were desirable, held 29 sittings and examined 67 witnesses. Of its five members, two represented the companies and two the men, with an impartial chairman. The members were as follow:—

The first official intimation of the coming storm was a letter from the Sandhills branch, dated June 27th, stating that the branch had been requested not to handle any goods during the seamen's strike. and if they were hooked on to a blackleg train, say, for Hull or other ports, what would be their position? They asked if Mr. Bromley was available, and if it was not advisable for him to leave for Liverpool to watch developments. It was resolved: "That until the General Secretaries of the unions have corresponded with our own General Secretary we cannot entertain applications made by our branches." This did not assist the Sandhills branch much, did it? Events, however, were becoming cumulative. The members would not handle blackleg goods, and soon Liverpool was a great storm centre. At Horwich the works were already closed because eleven unions