The decision of the American Federation of Labour not to form its own political party is interesting and important, In other countries, Labour hus eventually sought to secure its own representation in the various Legislatures, and in a comparatively [short time has succeeded in making its weight felt and indeed in ultimate-securing office. Under the influence of the conservative leaders the Federation defeated the proposal, Jand those who advocated independent faction in the Congressional and Pr dential elections next defeated. While a Party which fable to throw its weight from one Jot the major Parties to the other may at times wield a considerable Jamount of influence, and indeed prove fa thorn in the side of the Govern-Jment—as the Home Rule Party did on one or two occasions in the House Jof Commons when the Liberals and Conservatives were so closely matched in numbers—it is never, s0 long as it falls to come forward as political entity, likely to secure power. It oan, therefore, only proceed by a system of bargaining which In the long run merely amounts to compromise in which Labour as 1 rule gets the worst of the bargain, Coaservative opinion amongst the Republicans and Democrats must to very great extent be hostile towards even the legitimate aspirations of Labour, and its only chance'of finally achieving its objects is to form a parly which may carry its weight into [Congress and make it felt. Thus the [desire expressed for a constituljonal amendment providing for Federal regulation of hours wages and trade labour interests have no political stick Jor their own to wield at Washington, Indeed were a Labour Party actually in existence, and. in power. it 1 [doubtful whether the passage of such Jan amendment would be any the easier, but it is quite certain that so ong as it has to depend upon bargaining before the elections there is only the remotest likelihood of its ever attaining its ambition. A Labour Party will doubtless one of these day! be formed, but the more that is postponed the more distant will be all those reforms of which It is so much in demand
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.