1914-09-26a

The outburst of fervent patriotism that had swept over Hamilton upon the news that war had been declared was a distant memory by the end of September, 1914 .

Total and absolute commitment to war had been eroded for many reasons, not least the dreadful casualty numbers resulting from action in Belgium and France.

An example of the decided change in opinion by some of the population was shown by the following letter to the editor which appeared in the Hamilton Spectator on September 26, 1914:

“Not long ago there appeared in the paper a letter written by a lady in which she censured mothers for not being more enthusiastic about giving their sons to war, and the sons for not being more eager to volunteer for the service of their country.

“Brave words, noble sentiment, but –

“She said she had no son. Why ? Was it because like so many great ladies, she feared her maternal duties would interfere too largely with her social ones and personal pleasure?

“There are many such one we know who would be very indignant if they were called upon to do anything so unaristocratic, so plebian as to raise sons. How could they be expected to realize the feelings of a mother who really had; who had bent, perhaps, in anguish, over the sick bed of a tiny man-child, and hour after hour, day by day, fought the grim destroyer an inch at a time, to keep her darling?

“There are many women who have done this? From such a one those sentiments of noble self-sacrifice would ring true.

“Let them speak; if they will not, let there be silence.

“Who can blame them if their hands cling lingeringly over their loved one, loath to part with them after they have won him to a semblance of robust manhood. Sooner or later they may be forced to loose their hold.

“Thank God, my sons are not of eligible age for war, and I pray their time on earth may have passed ere they are called upon to do their duty in such wholesale human slaughter as this, into which the domineering, inflated pride of a Kaiser and the dueling instincts of Frenchmen have drawn our Britain.

“ Would not any Christian mother shudder to think of her boy dying in a frenzied, perhaps blaspheming attempt to kill his fellow man?

“Oh, would it not be more becoming for every mother of every nation involved to go (upon their knees if necessary) to the higher powers, to sue until they are granted peace!

                                                                                                MATER

¹  “ A To the Editor : A Mother’s Feelings”

Hamilton Spectator.   September 26, 1914

 

1914-09-21yy

The war in Europe was the near-constant topic of conversation in Hamilton during the month of September, 1914.

The war theme even dominated many of the sermons preached from Hamilton pulpits all across the city.

Two such sermons, delivered on September 20, 1914, received coverage in the next day’s issue of the Hamilton Spectator.

At the Centenary Methodist church on Main street west, the pulpit was occupied by a visiting member of the clergy, Rev. W. R. Young, pastor of the Broadway tabernacle in Toronto.

Part of his sermon was selected for inclusion in the Spectator:

“At the present time, the nations of the world are engaged in an awful conflict. It may be a little premature to predict what the result will be, but the Kaiser of Germany, under the delusion that he was especially appointed by God, sent forth his millions against the world, while posing as the anointed of the Most High, and seeking to have himself proclaimed, William I, emperor of Europe.

“But it is God’s purpose to smash despotism which is blocking all true progress among the nations, and the present century, which is being ushered in with war and bloodshed, will close with the downfall of despotic rule, and for nothing else, does God allow the present conflict to continue, fully knowing that from out of all this chaos and misery will rise a better Christian world.”¹

¹ “Yellow Ward in World’s Hospital : Interesting Sermon on This Theme in Centenary Church”

Hamilton Spectator.               September 21, 1914.

At the Central Presbyterian Church, Rev. W. H. Sedgewick, in his evening sermon, focused on some of the phases of the development of German culture, taking as his text 1 Corinthians Chapter 8, verse 2 “Knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth up.”

Rev. Sedgewick said that the world had been staggered by what he called “the breakdown of civilization in the centre of the world’s culture.”

Acknowledging that Germany had led the world in many ways and to its  scientists, scholars and artisans the world owed a great debt.

If just knowledge was enough, Germany might well be impregnable, but, said Rev. Sedgewick:

“ ‘ By terrible things in righteousness, God is teaching Germany and the world the insufficiency of knowledge and science.’ ” ¹

The minister then turned his attention to the influence, on the German upper class, of Nietzsche, the German philosopher. He felt that the significance of Nietzsche’s teachings could be seen in the worship of power and force, and the might, not right, should prevail. Cruelty and murder were seen by those influenced by Nietzsche, as legitimate methods of progress, and that attitude had saturated the attitudes of the German war lords :

“ ‘The only comment on such actions is found in the text of my sermon,’ said the reverend speaker.”¹

 

1914-09-30qq

As the month of September was coming to a close, there were still reports of Hamiltonians arriving home, escaping the war zones in Europe.

Miss Marion Mattice had been home just a few days when she was interviewed by a Spectator reporter about her recent experiences. She was an artist and had been sketching on the continent when the war began.

After arriving at New York City from Italy on the steamer, San Guglielmo, of the Siculo-Americana line, Miss Mattice journeyed the rest of the way by train.

Upon arrival home, she had a riveting tale to tell her family, and later the man from the Spectator:

“Miss Mattice describes her stay since the war broke out, and her journey home as one not to be forgotten.

“She was more fortunate than many, being able to get her checks cashed, which helped her overcome many obstacles. At first, the tourists were very much disconcerted when they found that they were unable to get money unless holding the American Express checks; that in most cases their steamer tickets to return home were absolutely useless because of the boats that were withdrawn; the loss of their baggage while fleeing from various cities, and the necessity for many to walk miles to reach a neutral country, the trains being used for mobilization; but it was not long before the counsuls were doing all in their power to give assistance, obtaining money, steamship passages and railroad transportation for those in need.”¹

¹ “Miss Mattice Arrives Home : Has Some Exciting Experiences Abroad.”

Hamilton Spectator.    September 30, 1914.

Marion took pains to note the excellent treatment she receives in one country:

“Much kindness was shown by the Italians in Venice and other places who, when their banks were closed for several days, without money themselves, kept their hotels and boarding houses open to many of the penniless refugees who came flocking into their country.”¹

Marion concluded with some remembrances of her passage across the Atlantic and arrival at New York City:

“Upon very short notice, the San Guglielmo left Naples with some 800 cabin passengers, and other 500 others, who were forced to take steerage passage, for which they paid $110. Poorly-cooked food caused several to become ill and because of the crowded condition and warm nights, many of the passengers were unable to sleep in their berths, and made improvised beds on deck.

“A good deal of excitement was caused near Gibraltar, when the San Guglielmo was pursued for some distance by a torpedo boat, but the neutral flag saved the vessel from any serious delay.

“The dock at Brooklyn was decorated with flags, a band played and the waiting crowd cheered lustily as the boat approached its landing place.

“Tearful faces told the tale of some who had been unable to get in communication with their friends who were abroad.”¹

1914-12-24rpp

It was only two years since Rotary International established its first service club in Canada. Two years later, the City of Hamilton had a Rotary Club, and for the Christmas season of 1914, the club organized a major fund-raising effort for the Local Relief Fund.

The idea was to enlist the finest musical talent in Hamilton and present a concert at the Grand Opera House, all receipts going to help Hamiltonians in need at Christmas.

As described by a reporter in attendance, the concert, held two days before Christmas day, 1914 “attracted a large and interested audience, and it proved to be one of the most enjoyable musical events of the season. The affair was under the auspices of the members of the Rotary club, and the talent secured was of the best.”¹

¹ “Relief Concert”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 24, 1914.

The concert was too full of highlights to compliment one performance over another so note was of every musical artist and their contribution to the evening’s success:

“The program opened with the 13^th Royal Regiment band’s master piece, the William Tell overture, and, as usual, it was given a magnificent rendition.

“Then came the Hamilton Male quartet, which sang that patriotic song, Hail, Hail, King George, in splendid style.

“Mr. Frank Blachford, always a favorite with Hamilton audiences, contributed  to the enjoyment of the evening with two numbers in the first part, assisted by W. H. Hewlett. George Allan, the baritone, sang England’s Battle Hymn, assisted by the Male Quartet, and this was followed, in turn, by the rendition of the selection from Attillia, by the band, which closed the first part.

“Roy Anderson, solo cornetist of the band, opened the second part, playing The Lost Chord, with band accompaniment. His solo was beautifully played and merited the encore which was demanded.

“The humorous qualities of the Male Quartet demonstrated themselves in the encore given in the second part. The singing of this organization was greatly enjoyed.

“The rendition of Massenet’s Meditation, by Mr. Blachford, was an artistic piece of work.

“Tommy Atkins, that ever-popular war song, was sung by Mr. Allan, assisted by the Male Quartet. The dash and spirit of the song were truly interpreted by these artists to the utter satisfaction of the audience.

“The closing number of the the program was a patriotic selection by the band.”¹

The audience was given a surprise by for the beloved former leader of the 13^th band but who had passed the baton to his son:

“During the course of the evening, an extra number was played by the band, directed by Lieut. George R. Robinson, the honorary bandmaster.

“The piece was The 13^th Inspection March, which the veteran bandmaster composed recently and dedicated to the 13^th Royal Regiment for use on review parades

“Lieut. Robinson was given an ovation upon his appearance at the head of his former command.”¹

The evening was a great success. All tickets to the concert had been sold previously by members of the Rotary club. All funds raised had already been forwarded to the Local Relief Fund, so they the money could be put to use to make Christmas day, 1914 a little merrier for many Hamiltonians.

1914-12-34eef

It was a serious charge that was being faced in Hamilton’s Police Court on Christmas Eve morning.

Despite the best efforts of the lawyer, hired to defend a foreman with the Hamilton Fire department, the steep bail set by the police magistrate would not be lowered to allow the accused to go home to his family on Christmas day.

The fireman, working out of the Sanford Avenue station, had been facing was called in the press “a very serious charge” preferred by a girl, fourteen years of age.

When the defendant appeared before Police Magistrate George Jelfs,  Crown Attorney Washington indicated that he was not ready to proceed and requested that the case be adjourned until after Christmas day. 

Magistrate Jelfs agreed to the adjournment request and set bail for the accused at $1,000.

The accused’s lawyer, C. W. Bell,  was a young and assertive, and ready to take on the veteran police magistrate in order to get his client released from custody to spend Christmas Day with his family:

“ ‘This man is respectable, and a hard-working fellow and until this charge was brought, his reputation was unsullied.  I want your worship to help him now, to help make his Christmas happier. I would like your worship to fix a reasonable bail so that he could spend Christmas with his family,’ said Mr.. Bell.

“ ‘I’ll fix it at $1,000 and not a cent less,’ replied the magistrate.

“ ‘But your worship is not doing that to help this man,’ added Mr. Bell.

“No. I am doing it because I consider it my duty. This man is charged with a serious offense against a girl who is fourteen years old. That girl came to my office and swore that he committed this offense. If I committed that offense and got out on bail fixed at $1,000, I’d run away,’ said the magistrate.

“ ‘No, you wouldn’t, your sense of justice is too highly developed  for that,’ replied Mr. Bell.

“ ‘It’s too highly developed for me to commit the offense,’ replied the magistrate.

“ ‘ And don’t forget that this man has not been found guilty of committing this offense yet,’ smiled Mr. Bell.

“ ‘No. I haven’t  forgotten it. I have not pre-judged him,’ said the magistrate.

“ ‘Taking what I have said into consideration, I am going to ask your worship again to fix bail at $500. Give this man a chance to spend Christmas with his family,’ said Mr. Bell.

“ No, it’s $1,000 or nothing,’ reiterated the magistrate.

“ ‘ And if you leave that rider, nothing, in there, I’ll be more than satisfied,’ laughed Mr. Bell.

“ ‘But I won’t. It’s $1,000 – and that’s final,’ ruled the cadi.

“The bail was not reduced when court adjourned.”¹

¹ “Fireman Held on Serious Charge : His Lawyer Pleaded in Vain for Small Bail : Magistrate Insisted on $1,000 Being Deposited”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 24, 1914.

1914-12-24eee

“While it contained everything needed for the Christmas table, the central market was in the nature of a disappointment this morning.”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 24, 1914

The Market Square was the place where city shoppers interacted with farmers bringing produce in from the townships surrounding Hamilton.

Traditionally, Christmas Eve was the busiest day of the year at the Hamilton Market but such was not quite the case on December 24, 1914:

“Snow drifts, which made the roads impassable in the outlying districts, kept many farmers away, and the varied and extraordinary activity of other years was missing.”

Hamilton Spectator.    December 24, 1914.

The Hamilton Market was in business, usually Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays except when special holidays interrupted the schedule. Most market days, the local newspapers assigned a reporter to head to the square in learn what the latest prices were learn what the latest prices for foodstuffs were, and report on what was or was not available for purchase.

The Spectator reporter who got the assignment on Christmas Eve morning, 1914, started his report by noting the increase in prices for poultry that day:

“Poultry, which has been comparatively cheap hitherto, took a sudden upward jump this morning, and perched alongside such upheard of luxuries as new laid eggs.

“It must not be supposed, however, that the birds were scarce, for they weren’t – just dear. There were plenty of turkeys, great big fellows, fat and plump and just the kind to inspire hopeful anticipation in the heart of a small boy.

“But they were at least five cents a pound dearer than they were a week ago. Dealers asked from 25 to 30 cents a pound for them.

“Geese sold from 14 to 16 cents a pound, and chicken from 15 to 18 cents a pound.

“Everybody, of course – or  nearly everybody – eventually carried home a bird of some kind – perhaps two

“One small boy staggered along after his mother with his arms tightly clasped around a turkey big enough to eat him on the spot had it been alive. Another struggled with a market basket, which he continued to fall over at intervals, upsetting the contents each time.”¹

¹ “Market Today Had the Glamor of Yuletide : Christmas Beef and Turkeys in Abundance”

Hamilton Spectator.     December 24, 1914

On the Market Square most goods were displayed and sold from farmers’ wagons in the open air, but there was one building, that was mostly for the use of butchers, the market hall:

“There was a brave display of Christmas beef. In the market hall, prize cattle from the Toronto cattle show had been dressed and the big carcasses suspended from rafters in the building. One prize steer weighed a mere matter of 1,530 pounds.

“Here, also, in addition to the usual and ordinary meats, wild ducks, deer and rabbits were also offered for sale.”¹

In 1914, most Hamiltonians did not put up Christmas trees until the day before December 25, and the Hamilton Market where a large number of trees were available:

“On the north side of the market were the great piles of fragrant Christmas trees, which are shortly to delight young Hamilton. There were baby trees and eight-foot trees and whopping big trees, intended for large parties or the department stores.

“The trees sold all the way from 25 cents to $2 each, depending on the size.”¹

Besides the trees and meat, there were many other items available on the Hamilton Market which would help make Christmas more pleasant in homes across Hamilton:

“Holly and mistletoe were also offered for sale, adding to the Yuletide glamor.

“All the trimmings necessary to go with the turkey dinner were there in great quantities; pumpkins for the pies, costing ten or fifteen cents apiece; cranberries for the sauce, celery and so on down the line from the homely ‘spud’ to walnuts.”¹

1914-12-31add

As readers of the Hamilton Spectator, during the afternoon of the last day of 1914, spread out their newspaper, an items which would have drawn much attention was a poem submitted by Hamiltonian John Stephen.

Entitled “The Auld Year” the poem was an anything but warm, nostalgic farewell to the year 1914:
          “O year that passeth on thy way

   Into the frozen wastes of night:

Ere ebbs the soul of dying day,

   O leave with some ling’ring light!

O year of tumult and of blood,

   That saw turb’d force grind forth in spate

And swash along in swirling flood,

   O take away these times of hate!

The year is passing. Ah! The strife!

   Can we the riddle read aright?

Have all the glories of our life

   Shriveled, shrunk to one word – fight !

The broken door, the gaping wall

   Stand black against  the spotless snow;

Poor shelter where the wounded crawl;

   Where laughter rang one year ago!

O stealthy robber of the home,

   That glides away beyond our ken,

Leaves altars rent ‘neath shattered dome;

   Give back, give back our hearts again! “¹

¹ “The Auld Year”

Hamilton Spectator.  December 31, 1914.

It would be a very different New Year’s Eve as 1914 turned into 1915 in Hamilton.

As described in the Spectator, there was a radically different atmosphere in Hamilton than there was just one year before:

“Hamilton will not bid goodbye to the old year with as much hilarity as usual this evening, owing to the fact that out of respect to the brave men who are fighting the battles of the Empire in Belgium and France they should ring out the old and ring in the new in a quiet manner.

“That is the reason why the watch-night services in the various churches will be better patronized than usual.

“It is many years since Canadians have had to bid farewell to a year that was so full of strife and unhappiness as 1914 has been.”²

² “Good-Bye Old Year : Hamilton Will Welcome in the New One Tonight.”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 31, 1914

However, there would still be some New Year’s Eve celebrations in various parts of the city.

For example the Savoy Theatre on Merrick street scheduled a late show, to start at 11:40, and which would be interrupted briefly at the stroke of midnight. The advance sales of tickets for that show indicated that it was to be well-attended.

Also there were to be many celebrations in private residences:

“Several house dances are also on the program for this evening, and the year 1915 will be ushered in with all the gaiety and pomp that could be expected under the conditions.”²