Unrest

Last week there was considerable agitation in England over the terms of Premier Baldwin's coal subsidy (TIME, Aug. 31). The operators, supported by Mr. Baldwin, declared that the articles of the "coal truce" now in force permit them to lower the wages of certain miners, in accordance with the variable base rates of the 1924 wage agreement, which is now continued under the subsidy. The miners, headed by "Emperor" A. J. Cook, incendiary laborite, obtained what they considered expert legal opinion, to the effect that no wage reductions of any sort are admissible under existing agreements.

Mr. Cook declared that Premier Baldwin had "betrayed" the miners; and that in retaliation the miners would refuse to testify before the royal commission now investigating the coal situation, and would hold a special meeting on Oct. 9 "to consider the situation." Premier Baldwin sat tight. By some his action in backing the operators was considered "solidly determined," by other "inadept."

King George created a diversion by inviting his harassed Premier to spend the week-end at Balmoral Castle.