[A skeleton issue of the Church Times, the first of two during the General Strike, was set up in type by the proprietor himself with the help of the overseer, Alfred Sargent, and consisted of only two pages, printed locally and distributed to postal subscribers and to retailers within reach of the office in Portugal Street.]
NEVER, as it seems to us, has there been a greater tragedy of blundering than the strike which is threatening the very life of the nation. There has been a wealth of good intention, an obvious and honest desire on all sides to avoid a conflict, a general abstention from provocative speech, and with all this the Government and the Trade Union Council have been unable to find a way to peace. This is no time for criticism, and we have no desire in these sad days for the apportioning of blame. It is the evident duty of all Christians, each in his own way, to demonstrate a continued devotion to the great principle of human brotherhood, by word and action, to hasten the end of of the dispute, and to secure an end which shall satisfy justice and be without bitterness. For this, at least, all must earnestly pray. Masses will doubtless be said in churches throughout the land on Sunday with the special intention of supplication for the return of peace to our country, and Catholics will show their patriotism when the reverently kneel in prayer before the Holy Sacrifice.
The Church Times digital archive is available free to subscribers.
