consider "constructive
measures for the improvement of industrial conditions and the increase
of efficiency." They will not be confined to specific points of dispute.
They are to be established in industries which are "highly organised,"
where the employer and employed already possess some definite
association or union which represents them respectively. There are to be
national, district, and workshop councils set up. Their object differs
from that of the Conciliation Boards for Arbitration or the Trade Boards
established to settle some specific question such as a minimum wage to
be paid, or some question that has given rise to a dispute between
employers and employed. Such a mode of settlement is a great advance on
leaving differences to be settled by an industrial war--a strike or
lock-out. The Boards will still be needed, just as arbitration tribunals
will be required to settle specific disputes between nations. The aim in
both cases is to substitute arbitration for war (or its equivalent) or
threats of war. Something more is aimed at in the establishment of
Industrial Councils. They contemplate a "continuous and constructive
co-operation of Capital and Management on the one hand and Labour on the
other." They are not tribunals for the settlement of disputes which have
arisen, but joint committees which can discuss and propose methods of
dealing with any question affecting working-conditions generally, e.g.,
the introduction of new machinery and its effect on employment and the
status as well as the wages of the workpeople, and even its economic
effect generally. Suggestions can be made as to changes which may
"increase output or economise effort" and eliminate waste. The effect of
any alterations on the health of those engaged in any industry would be
within their purview. The idea is to promote co-operation, to make all
recognise certain common interests, not merely to adjust competing
claims. In international affairs the nearest analogy would be a League
of Nations for promoting the common interest of all. While, of course,
the main object of such a league is common action to prevent breaches of
the international peace by restraining wrong-doers, it should not be the
sole object. In the case of Industrial Councils the object is to promote
the general welfare of all engaged in the trade and to increase
productive efficiency, as well as to secure fair terms between the
parties and prevent disputes. If such a Council