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/289

 caused all men to seriously think about their dependants in the event of themselves being struck. We never have had such a sad stream of obituary notifications in the history of the Society as in the last few weeks of the world war. The timeliness of the Executive's provision will therefore be more fully realised.

The next one I wish to quote had special reference to the increasing restlessness under the prolonged duration of the Truce of 1914:-

"'Resolved that the General Secretary place before our Solicitors the Truce agreement and all subsequent agreements since September 30th, 1914, affecting the Truce, war bonus, war wage, and eight hours agreements, for a definite opinion if a notice to terminate the agreement of the 1st October, 1914, by six weeks notice would be valid, and if not, why not? Also what powers we have to enforce the drafting of a new scheme of negotiation for our members; also what steps should be taken to allow us to put forward demands for improved wages and conditions of service for our members? Counsel's opinion to be taken if necessary.'"

Mr. Bromley spent his holiday in Scotland that year, and blended duty with pleasure by addressing quite a series of useful open and branch meetings, and by interviewing the General Manager of the N.B.R. in regard to several grievances. The Postal Censor stopped the transmission of the "Journal" abroad until the General Secretary visited the department and obtained a permit. One gets the thrill of the coming of peace to the nations on discovering a resolution like this:—

"Resolved that the Executive Committee, heralding with joy the signs of coming Peace amongst the sorrow-stricken and exhausted peoples of Europe, on the just and equitable basis set out in the 14 Points of President Wilson, and further recognising that a just and lasting peace cannot be brought about by Capitalist Governments and secret diplomacy, but can only be brought about by organised Labour in all countries, respectfully urge