ABSTRACT

THE facts and figures presented in the foregoing pages can point to only one conclusion—namely, that trade unions are destined to be an ever-growing force in industrial, social, and political life. The increase in membership of 27 per cent, in the decade 1892-1902, and in their funds of 116 per cent, per head during the same period, is an indisputable proof of their power and prosperity. It seems very unlikely that organizations which, in the face of every kind of obstacle, have achieved so striking a measure of success will ever allow themselves to be turned aside from the pursuit of the objects which for so many years they have faithfully sought. The precise proportion that trade unionists bear to the total adult male working population is not known ; it has been estimated at 18 per cent.—not a large proportion, it is true, but the unions include the most intelligent and able members of the working 183class, and possess an organization and discipline which enable them to carry through in the long-run almost any policy upon which they are determined.