He finally came to the conclusion that this was but another instance of an "Intellectual" studying the social and economic side of Industry from first-hand observation.

It was a common enough thing in the Old Land.
He was conscious of a little contempt for this dilettante sort of Labour Unionism, and he was further conscious of a feeling of impatience and embarrassment at Captain Jack's presence.

He belonged to the enemy camp, and what right had he there?
From looks cast in their direction it was plain that others were asking the same question.

His thought received a sudden and unexpected exposition from the platform from no less a person than Mr.Wigglesworth himself to whom as one of the oldest officials in Unionised Labour in the town had been given the honour of introducing the distinguished visitor and delegate.
In flowing periods and with a reckless but wholly unauthorised employment of aspirates he "welcomed the (h)audience, (h)especially the ladies, and other citizens among 'oom 'e was delighted to (h)observe a representative of the (h)employing class 'oo was for the present 'e believed one of themselves." To his annoyed embarrassment Captain Jack found himself the observed of many eyes, friendly and otherwise.

"But 'e would assure Captain Maitland that although 'e might feel as if 'e 'ad no right to be 'ere--" "'Ere! 'Ere!" came a piercing voice in unmistakable approval, galvanising the audience out of its apathy into instant emotional intensity.
"(H)I want most (h)emphatically to (h)assure Captain Maitland," continued Mr.Wigglesworth, frowning heavily upon the interrupter, "that 'e is as welcome--" "No! No!" cried the same Cockney voice, followed by a slight rumbling applause.
"I say 'e is," shouted Mr.Wigglesworth, supported by hesitating applause.
"No! No! We don't want no toffs 'ere." This was followed by more definite applause from the group immediately surrounding the speaker.
Mr.Wigglesworth was much affronted and proceeded to administer a rebuke to the interrupter.
"I (h)am surprised," he began, with grieved and solemn emphasis.
"Mr.Chairman," said the owner of the Cockney voice, rising to his feet and revealing himself a small man with large head and thin wizened features, "Mr.Chairman, I rise to protest right 'ere an' naow against the presence of (h)any representative of the (h)enemy class at--" "Aw, shut up!" yelled a soldier, rising from his place.