142 LABOUR IN MADRAS sonable, as the resolution contends. I have studied with care all the demands that the Tramwaymen, bave put forward. I know the history of the Movement. I know about the two strikes within a short period of time-which in itself is a condemnation of the manage ment of the Madras Tramway Company. Now, Gentle men, as you are aware, the Tramwaymen have united themselves into an organization and bave copied the western system of an organised campaign for the redrese sing of their grievances. There is nothing wrong in such a banding together, in the forming of such an organization. You are aware also how some European capitalists in this city have trotted out on another occasion in reference to another matter the statement that they would recognize any Labour Union which has no connection whatsoever with political agitation, Well, Gentlemen, you are aware of what took place some months ago in reference to the lock-outs of the Buckingham and the Carnatic Mills. On account of the pressure of labour work it was necessary for me to get people interested in this work to take up the responsibility of various Unions, and on that account it came to pass that several Unions which were established by me passed out of my hands into other hands more capable than my own. Now the Tramway Union elected as its President a man who is not a political agitator, Mr. Kumaraswamy Chettiar. (Cheers) I know he has done admirable work, not only during the strike, but long before the strike. I know that social uplift work has been carried on by him and others who work with him. He is not, as I said, a political agitator. The central point towards which all arguments and struggle in this particular
