1918-10-22Speeches

The public meeting to approve the formation of Women’s Volunteer Auxiliary to help meet the urgent need for nursing care in Hamilton because of the influenza epidemic was held in City Hall Council Chambers on October 21, 1918.

The meeting provided a means by which they could deliver important messages, not only to those in attendance, but to the public generally through newspaper reports on what was discussed.

Hamilton Mayor Booker, who had called the meeting, was the initial speaker :

“He stated that many reports were in circulation which were causing close to manic. He stated that one minister he knew made the assertion that there had 500 deaths in this city from ‘flu.’ He deprecated that sort of talk.¹

¹“100 Volunteer Nurses Soon Ready to Help : Hamilton Branch of Women’s Auxiliary Organized : Need of Nurses for Influenza Victims is Urgent”

Hamilton Herald.    October 22, 1918.

As the Spanish Influenza was entering its third week in Hamilton, with no immediate end, the medical health officer, Dr. Roberts, and all those connected with the board of health were utterly exhausted:

 “Dr. Roberts stated that the hospitals were full, and visitation of homes that were afflicted was the only course that could be pursued to advantage. He therefore went on record as being in favor of the forming of the auxiliary. He stated that with seven or eight nurses last week, over 300 visits had been made, and in some cases the stay lasted as long as 13 to 20 hours. He also admitted that the board of health was not in a position to meet its obligations so far as nursing was concerned.”

          There had been conflict between the Hamilton Board of Health and the doctors of the city. However, representing those doctors at the public meeting, Dr. Mullen was conciliatory:

“Dr. Mullin stated that confidence was necessary. ‘We must bear in mind that the board of health is doing a lot of work that the public find hard to appreciate.’

“He said : ‘The medical profession is, and will do its utmost to combat this epidemic. Twenty-five per cent of the doctors in this city have been hit with the ‘flu.’ Several of them have been very close to the great beyond, and Dr. Graham has passed away, a victim to it. He pointed out how the seriousness of epidemic had been demonstrated in the past two weeks by the advent of well over 6000 cases. He also laid emphasis on the necessity of caring for those who were afflicted and who were unable to be cared for in the hospital. The doctor laid great stress on the prevention of the disease, and announced that the incubation time of the germ was two to four days, and that a person could be infected for that period without any visible sickness or the disease making itself manifest. A mask was not an absolute protection, and it was his wish not to enforce people to wear them, as they would become careless with them, and thus cause the wearing of a mask to be dangerous.

“ ‘In quiet talk,’ the doctor continued, ‘germs from the nose and throat carry a distance of four feet away from the person, and loud talking, coughing and sneezing propel the germ at least ten feet. You can see how urgent it is that every precaution be taken, and that gatherings be refrained from. The best-organized health departments in America have almost fallen down in the battle against this epidemic, and should it gain a headway here the casualties would be appalling. There is no question but what the disease is being spread mostly by people who do not know they are infected. I do not think that people infected and people who are recovering cause very much spreading. There are cases on the wards that are exceedingly sick, and who die within a few hours of their hospital admittance. There is no better scheme to cope with the situation than this S.O.S. call

          “ ‘It must be impressed that after the temperature is again normal that it is necessary to stay in bed at least three days. A strange thing in this disease is that the majority of those who die have had partial recoveries, and gotten up before it was time. Those who do always have a relapse, and many of them prove fatal. Inflammation of the lungs sets in, and with this complication that at once become a serious case. Hamilton has made a name for itself in matters of finance, but I contend that this is far more important than any Victory loan yet launched.”¹

1918-10-22Churches Closed

On Sunday October 21, 1918, the edict of the Hamilton Board of Health went into effect, banning gatherings of 25 people or more, including at church services.

One of the most vocal critics of the decision to prohibit church services in Hamilton was Rev. C. B. Kenrick, of St. Philip’s church. In an interview with the Spectator, Kenrick argued forcefully against the edict against church services, even when efforts were proposed to limit more than 25 congregants to enter a church building at any one time, while other certain meetings of 25 or more attendees were allowed:

“The churches were doing a hard and necessary work in the community, and the authorities had given them many knocks. Recruiting meetings and entertainments held under various pretexts had unsettled people’s habits in churchgoing on Sunday evenings. Now the board of health had shut up the churches altogether. What he especially objected to was the interdicting of the brief relay services at which no more than 25 people were to have been present, on which the Church of England clergy had unanimously resolved. Even early communion service was forbidden.¹

¹  “Another Protest : Rev. C. B. Kenrick Takes Exception to Closing Churches”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 22, 1918

Reverend Kenrick was withering in his criticism of the Hamilton Board of Health, wondering why places of business and manufactories were allowed to continue but not the city’s churches :

“Why, he asked, if the danger were so great, were not the factories and the stores closed? He did not think the doctors were of one mind in the matter, and declared the closing of churches was just a piece of camouflage to fool the public and satisfy a clamor in certain quarters. It was as futile a preventive measure as it was wicked. The Lord had commanded him as a priest to ‘do this in remembrance of Me.’ Was he to harken to the board of health when they said to him, ‘Don’t do this?’ St. Paul had an unmeasured contempt for human laws when they conflicted with the laws of God. If the apostle had been in Hamilton at the present day, he would have directed the clergy to ignore the proclamation, and continue their work as usual. And they should be willing to go to prison for their convictions, as St. Paul did – if the medical board dared to send them there.”¹

Pushing back against the notion that only places important to the war effort were allowed to stay open, Reverend Kenrick ended his outburst as follows :

“Gatherings essential to the winning of the war were exempted from the provisions of the proclamation. Thereby the doctors showed their lack of religion and faith. Prayer was essential to the winning of the war, and united prayer was more efficacious than that offered by individuals. The offering of the church’s oblation at the altar was much more important than knitting socks or making Red Cross bandages. Yet assisting at the altar and receiving communion was forbidden, while attendance at Red Cross meetings was encouraged. He stigmatized the interdict as inspired by the enemy of mankind. While the doctors had different theories and treatments, and churches were open in Toronto, while they were closed here, there was one piece of advice which he could give them about which there was no doubt, and that was ‘My brethren be strong in the Lord, and in the Power of His might.’ ¹

1918-10-22 Volunteer Nurses

“The formation of the Ontario Emergency Volunteer auxiliary, for the purpose of coping with the influenza epidemic, is an excellent movement in harmony with the spirit of these times of unselfishness and sacrifice. The object is to give these women workers a hurried training to fit them for the duties they will be called upon to perform.”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 17, 1918.

The ever-deepening crisis of the Spanish influenza in October, 1918 was prompting all sorts of emergency measures. Additional hospitals were opened on a temporary basis by the Hamilton Board of Health, although it was difficult to get enough nurses due to the widespread shortage, and the fact that nurses were not immune to being laid low by the ‘flu.

Almost immediately the new hospitals, just as was the case with the already established hospitals, were filled to overflowing.

The idea, initiated by the provincial board of health, was to provide nursing care, in the homes of those who had been stricken by the disease. Local municipalities were instructed to form organizations to procure and train as many volunteer nurses as possible, as quickly as possible:

“ These women – S.O.S., or Sisters of Service – will act as volunteer assistant nurses, or go into the homes and nurse influenza patients. Mrs. Henry Carpenter will organize the local branch immediately.”¹

¹ “Fighting Influenza”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 17, 1918.

There was a strong initial reaction to the call for volunteer nurses:

“So far twenty women have volunteered to Mrs. Harry Carpenter for service under the banner of the Canadian Emergency Nursing league, and in the course of another day, arrangements will be made for the opening of a lecture course by physicians, when a local branch of the league will be formed. Any woman who will volunteer for this work, in case her services are required, is requested to communicate with Mrs. Carpenter at Regent 2333.”²

²“Cars Must Travel With Open Windows : Stop Order Will Be Enforced, If Necessary, at Certain Periods of the Day : Only Four Persons Allowed in Elevator at Same Time  - Other ‘Flu’ Restrictions”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 17, 1918.

A proper organization needed to be formed for the oversight of the volunteer nurse auxiliary:

 “A meeting of the board of health was held this morning, at which plans were made for the organization of a local branch of the Ontario Emergency Voluntary Health auxiliary, which has been authorized by the provincial board of health. It was decided to hold an organization meeting at the city hall on Monday afternoon at 4 o’clock, at which all citizens who have the interests of the public health at heart are asked to attend. It was stated that the meeting does not come under the prohibitions of the board of health, as it is directly incidental to the stamping out of the disease.”³

³“6,600 Flu Cases Here Since Outbreak : Car Windows Open, Passengers Shivered ; Masks in Public Not Approved By M.H.O. : Are Useless and Probably Harmful”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 18, 1918.

The Hamilton City Council Chambers were filled for the public organizational meeting of the Sisters of Service. Although the number in attendance vastly exceeded the number of people allowed at any public meeting as per the Board of Health ban, health officials ruled that as the meeting was called for the purpose of investigating ways to deal with the epidemic, the attendance rule could be overlooked:

 “About fifty representative citizens attended the meeting called by Mayor Booker yesterday, for the purpose of organizing a local branch of the Ontario Emergency Health Auxiliary to help fight the Spanish influenza. The mayor briefly explained the object of the meeting and then requested Mrs. Henry Carpenter, who was appointed by the government as vice-president for Hamilton, to outline the work which the auxiliary would be called upon to do.

“Mrs. Carpenter stated that since she had received notification from the government of her appointment about a week ago, she had been working in conjunction with the board of health, and had succeeded in organizing two classes of 75 and 100 volunteer workers who, through the kindness of Doctors Holbrook and Mullen, and Miss Insole, had been instructed in the many ways they could help in cases where nurses were unavailable. This was only a temporary means of dealing with the situation, and a strong organization of medical, professional and business men and women was required in order to accomplish the results desired. She suggested this organization be formed at once.

“Medical Health Officers Roberts told of the great task devolving upon him in fighting this epidemic. The board had done everything possible, but with the hospitals full and in many cases whole families down with the disease and no one to wait upon, a very serious proposition was before the city. An advertisement in the papers for nurses had resulted in seven or eight offering their services. These nurses had made over 300 visits, their visits covering periods from 2 to 24 hours, and many calls had necessarily gone unanswered. He congratulated Mrs. Carpenter on the splendid work she had done.

“Norman Clark, chairman of the board of the health, commended Mrs. Carpenter for the work already accomplished, but said a regular committee should at once be organized. He suggested that either Mayor Booker or Controller Thomas W. Jutten be appointed president. Mrs. Carpenter, Vice-President, as per request of the provincial organization, and that a secretary be appointed by the executive committee. These suggestions were acted upon, Controller being elected president. The matter of financing the scheme was completely in the hands of the city, and while the expenditure should be judiciously and wisely considered, no money should spared in assisting to stamp out the disease.

“Dr. Mullin thought that the best possible means had been used from the very first by the board of health. Panics, created by false statements, did much harm and he considered that if citizens knew that everything possible was being done for their welfare, exaggerated statements would not have any adverse effect upon the people. The medical profession had done, and is doing, everything within its power to assist the board and help the people. Twenty-five per cent of the men in practice in this city have been hit by disease, two or three of men very seriously, and one, Dr. Graham, had died from it. In two weeks, 6,000 cases had been treated, so that while people should realize the necessity of looking after those not in hospitals. ‘The disease,’ said the doctor, ‘spread more largely those those who have not taken the disease, two or three before the patient feels ill, and it is during that time that there is the greatest danger to others. Whether one wears a mask or not is a matter of fashion. It is not an absolute protection and must be used with judgment.’

“The organization proposed was declared by the speaker to be one of greater importance to the country than any Victory loan yet launched, and the help of every individual, and the help of every individual was needed, he said.

“T. H. Pratt deplored the time lost in organizing committees. He thought that with the two hospitals filled to capacity and two emergency hospitals also full, committees of ladies should be set to work at once and that instructions be issued by the board of health.

“Dr. John P. Morton, speaking for Russell T. Kelley, president of the board of trade, moved that the board of trade be a committee to get in touch with the male organizations, and the Local Council of Women, be a committee to get in communication with ladies’ organizations and have a large executive appointed with representatives from all the local clubs and societies. This resolution was carried and meetings will be called by the presidents of these two organizations at once.

“”Dr. Duval, of the Canadian Chiropractic college, offered the assistance of the young doctors who are studying there at present.

“A strong appeal is made to all who can give assistance of any kind to do so without delay. Those who are unable to give time to nursing are reminded that the I.O.D.E. has opened a kitchen at the First Methodist church, where dainties are being prepared for those who are unable to secure them. Workers who can only give part time will be given an opportunity of helping stamp out the epidemic if they will volunteer their assistance to the officers in charge.”⁴

 ⁴“Organization is Effected to Fight Epidemic: Volunteer Health Auxiliary Branch Formed : Two Large Classes Already Assembled : Executive Composed of Representative Citizens”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 22, 1918.

Less than a week later, an investigative report on how the Sisters of Service effort was progressing, appeared in the Hamilton Herald:

 “During the course of the past few days, a Herald man visited some of the houses where volunteer were stationed. The conditions under which the brave women were fighting the influenza were appalling and well-nigh unbelievable. At one place, a dirty, little one storey frame house, the front parlor was occupied by a half ton of coke and various other articles. The other small front was occupied by four persons – a man sixty years of age, a woman of 22 years, and their two children. Besides the ‘flu’ another more dreadful disease was only too evident. The adults were not married and the place, one of two or three such houses, had long borne a disgusting reputation, according to statements made by neighbors. One nurse, without help, had to wash the diseased people, and scrub up the whole filthy place, a negro ordering her about, meanwhile. The mother has died, the father is dying and the two children, whose little bodies, in addition to being racked by ‘flu’ are suffering from another disease.

                   HAD HARD TIME

“In the house, one nurse stayed on duty, alone, for 38 hours and had to go 24 hours without food. After defending herself against several foreigners who did not know that the proprietor of the place was dying and who tried to enter the place late at night, the nurse was forced to call the police for protection.

“ ‘They’re short of nurses,’ she said, ‘and yet they leave a nurse and two little kiddies in a place like this instead of taking the children to the hospital and releasing the nurse for other duty.’

                   COULDN’T GET FOOD

“ ‘When,’ the nurse added, ‘I asked the board of health for food because I could not leave my patients, my request was referred to the relief department. Yesterday, through the efforts of Relief Officer McMenemy, the children were admitted to St. Joseph’s hospital. And when Dr. Roberts, four or five days ago, was asked to come and investigate the house the house in which he sent me a volunteer nurse, he came, with Inspector Shain, put his head inside and hastily withdrew to the alley, where he called me and told me ‘it wasn’t so bad.’ On being told that it was too much to ask a nurse to clean up such a place, Dr. Roberts told me that it was troo much to ask a nurse to clean up such a place, Dr. Roberts told me that if I couldn’t do the work, the department could quite easily get someone who could.’

                   ANOTHER BAD CASE

“At another house in the west end, to which a nurse was sent, the same filthy conditions prevailed. The nurse was left alone with a man, his wife and two children. The wife died of the ‘flu’ and the others were dying. Just about an hour before the man died, he became delirious, and, in a very angry mood, got out of bed. The nurse rushed to the door and asked the people who were clustered outside to hold the two children while she tackled the man. No one would raise a finger to help and, while the people looked on, the nurse had to shield the children and handle a 200-pound man alone.

                   COULDN’T GET RELIEF

“Several other cases on which nurses had been left without relief for 30 and 36 hours at a stretch were reported by the nurses to the board of health, with a request that they be relieved. One nurse said that the answer she got was : ‘You’ve got to stay there whether you want to or not. WE haven’t anybody else to send.’

“And yet one more nurse was ordered, shortly before midnight, to leave three or four dying people alone and go to another address. Dr. Carr begged her to stay at her post, but the board of health had ordained otherwise and the people were left to their fate.

                   MENACE TO PUBLIC

“And, regarding the board’s failure to investigate conditions properly, it was stated by nurse that two fruit stores were continuing to do business, the proprietor of each flitting from the room where his wife and children were dying of the ‘flu to the store where the fruit was offered for sale. Dozens of people suffering from the disease were sending their laundry to public laundries, too.

                    SAYS THERE ARE SLUMS

“ ‘And only three weeks ago I saw a long article in a Sunday school paper with this caption, ‘Hamilton Has No Slums. Thank God,’ ” remarked a nurse. ‘Why, if the board of health would only open its eyes and investigate, it would find that conditions here are far worse than in New York or London, England.

                   WITHOUT HELP

“The volunteers, too, claim that they are left alone in places where the dying people’s own relatives won’t come, and where no one will come near enough to help them. At one place a nurse, after cleaning up a filthy home, had to soak two girls of about 15 years of age in olive oil for three hours before it was possible to remove the dirt from them.

                             HEAVY EXPENSES

“And for all this, volunteer nurses received $15 per week. No matter whether they have done practical nurses for five or fifteen years, this is their salary. Trained nurses receive $20 to $25 a week. In addition, nurses’ uniforms must be changed every day. Their laundry costs more than five dollars a week and they have to supply their own meals generally their own masks and disinfectants, and pay $1for each injection of serum they receive, just like any other individual.

“ ‘If I die from want of serum and other things, it will be the board of health’s fault,’ one nurse told a member of that body.

“ ‘You’re paid for that,’ was the answer  she received.”⁵

⁵“Twelve More Deaths Here Due to Influenza : They Charge the Board of Health With Neglecting Them : Some Terrible Places : Houses in Which Some Have Worked Are Breeding Places of Disease”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 28, 1918.

There was no immediate solution for the nurses or the board of health in dealing with shortages of personnel to meet the demands. Many nurses toughed out the situation , while resignations were also very common.

1918-10-21ao HSR and the Flu'

The influenza epidemic had reached a very difficult level by the midpoint of October, 1918 was reached.

The Hamilton Board of Health had decided its power under the applicable provincial law could mean some drastic measures needed to be taken to help combat the spread of the disease, notably the closing of schools, churches, theaters, and the manner in which the Hamilton Street Railway allowed its streetcars to be operated regarding windows.

 On October 21, 1918, new regulations issued by the Hamilton Board of Health were legally put into effect. One of the new regulations proved to be much more problematic than the others. That was the order that all windows of all street cars had to remain open at all times:

“The greatest discomfort has been experienced on the street cars through the board of health’s order that all windows shall be thrown open. If the city is visited by wet weather, either the order will have to be relaxed or the situation will become intolerable. In the meantime, the crews of the cars are protesting vigorously, and Ald. Hodgson stated this morning that he had learned that a big crop of retirements from the staff of the street railway company was about due. Several of the men are reported to have taken cold and now confined to their beds.” ¹

¹ “12 Deaths and 80 New Cases Since Saturday – Hospital at Jockey Club Opened”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 21, 1918.

After a full day’s experience with the matter of keeping all windows in the cars open, no matter how old or wet the weather might be. The Spectator sent out a reporter who examined the whole matter carefully, interviewed several key people and finally presented his article as follows:

“That the board of health is so busy combatting the influenza that it had no time to look to the enforcement of its own order, that all windows on street cars should be opened wide, was the assessment of Dr. Roberts, M.H.O., this morning, when it was brought to his attention that the order was practically ignored today.

“ ‘The order is there, and so it stands,’ said Dr. Roberts, ‘but we are so busy attending to the sick that we haven’t time to look after matters of secondary importance.’

“ ‘But do you regard the enforcement of this order as of secondary importance?’ Dr. Roberts was asked.

‘ ‘No, I don’t; but we are so rushed that there is no time to enforce anything now,’ was the reply.

“The street railway employees held a meeting to decide whether they would take out the cars at all, and they finally decided to take them out of the barns, only on agreeing to keep all windows closed at 6.

“This was pointed out to Dr. Roberts.

‘ ‘Are the street railway employees to openly defy the board of health’s order, or will the order be relaxed?’ he was asked.

“Dr. Roberts replied that the order would not be relaxed, but at present, the matter would stand. The whole staff was so busy that nothing else could be attended to just now.

“ ‘The weather is such that nobody will get any harm through the windows being left open, and, anyway, in other cities there are no street cars at all,’ said the health officer said. ‘The conductors tell me that they can’t keep the windows open. The passengers simply walk in and put them up again. What are we to do?’

“So the order remains at present partly ignored. The conductors and motormen are bitter in their complaints against the regulations, and it is forecasted that if it is rigidly enforced, scores of resignations are due. Already a large number of employees are off, having either quit or taken cold. There is a general disposition to defy the order. Most of the cars this morning had from three to six windows partly opened, while in some the windows were closed tight, the ventilators only being used. The discomforts attending the open cars were becoming unbearable, the men stated. Seven cars were out of commission on Sunday, and a large number yesterday, owing to the shortage of men. The company is paying men 55 cents per hour to work overtime.”²

²“Car Crews Opposed to the M.H.O.’s Order : Can’t Stand the Windows Open in Cold Weather : Twelve More Deaths Here Due to Influenza : Quantity of Vaccine Received from Toronto”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 22, 1918

(To Be Continued)

1918-11-11 Court House Service

“Under the auspices of the Canadian club of Hamilton, a service of praise and thanksgiving for victory and peace will be held on the Court House square at three o’clock this afternoon. The clergy of all denominations will take part in the responsive reading and prayer. A massed choir will sing and brief addresses will be delivered.”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 11, 1918.

While much of the city of Hamilton was in the throes of spontaneous, rousing and raucous celebrations set off by the news that an armistice had been signed, and that the guns of war had fallen silent, plans were being finalized to hold a sedate, prayerful service of thanksgiving in the afternoon at 3 o’clock.

Canadian Club representatives were hurriedly dispatched to the offices of the three Hamilton newspapers to request that a short insertion be placed announcing the service, especially when and where it was to take place.

Despite the short notice, when 3 p.m. arrived an estimated 5,000 people gathered in and around the Court House square, a crowd containing many soldiers in uniforms and men, women and children, from the very to the very poor.

As the members of the clergy, the singers of various choirs and the members of the massed bands were finally in place, the crowd grew quiet, and the service began”

“ ‘He hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree.

  ‘Our soil is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken and we are escaped.

  ‘The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

   “Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.’

“So chanted the thousands who filled the court house square yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock; and never, perhaps, were these triumphant and familiar verses spoken by the majority of those present with so great a realization of their full significance as on this occasion, when they expressed the measure of a thankful people’s gratitude to the Most High for deliverance from the horrors of war, and for the coming of peace.”¹

¹“Delivered From War, People Give Thanks : Thousands Attend Service at Court House Square : Awaiting the Future With Clean Hands and Hearts”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 12, 1918.

The Service of thanksgiving at the Prince’s Square was a complete contrast to the loudly boisterous behaviors being evidenced just a few blacks away:

 “Called by the Canadian Club, this service of praise and thanksgiving fittingly commemorated the great day that meant the end of bloodshed and despair, and the dignity and impressiveness of the short service should have been a silent rebuke to the many citizens whose only idea of venting their gladness was in noise and rowdyism. Upwards of five thousand people packed the Princes’ square and streets adjacent during the service, and a reverent hush pervaded the throng.”¹                 

“Following a sacred march, played by the bands, and the singing of the doxology, all heads were bared as his lordship the Bishop of Niagara uttered the invocation. Then came that wonderfully beautiful and appropriate old hymn, Unto the Hills, after which Rev. P. W. Philpott led in the responsive reading, which was followed by the singing of O God Our Help by the massed choirs and the people. Prayers were said by Rev. Wm. Sparling; and the musical part of the service was concluded by the singing of For All the Saints (in memory of the fallen); Nearer, My God to Thee, and the national anthem. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. W. B. Tighe.”¹

After religious items were finished the meeting concluded with some fiery words :

“The speaker of the occasion was W. H. Wardrope, K.C., president of the Canadian Red Cross, who delivered one of his characteristic addresses, fraught with devout and fervent patriotism.

“ ‘After four and a quarter years,’ began Mr. Wardrope, ‘victory rests upon our banners; and we can say, with Moses of old: ‘The Lord hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath been thrown into the sea.’ Today the citizens of Hamilton and of Wentworth are gathered together  to give thanks to Almighty God that He is with us.

“ ‘Britain entered into the war not from any selfish motive: but unwillingly, and striving to avert it. But when the great power now overthrown threw down the gauntlet, and trampled on little Belgium – then did Great Britain, and not until then, throw herself into the struggle. Now, after a four and a quarter years of strife and sacrifice, and generous giving on the part of the allied nations, we are able to stand here today and declare that God is with us!’ (Cheers.)

                   FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE

“ ‘Today William Hohenzollern is no longer an emperor, czar or king. The only difference between you and I and William Hohenzollern is this : we stand ere with clean hands; he stands before the world a culprit, branded as a the greatest criminal the world has ever known; and those allied with him share his fall, for their guilty ambitions to rule the world. He of the guilty, unclean name is today a fugitive from justice, leaving his dupes to suffer the consequences of their crimes.

“ ‘We are gathered together here today as citizens of a free state, for Britons never will be slaves. We are here as servants of the Most High God. We have fought a clean and chivalrous fight against a foe from whom even Satan himself must have learned lessons in the last four and a quarter years. We are here to thank God that He has been with us when we went forth into battle and in His name triumphed gloriously.

“ ‘We ask that we may offer up thanks to Him for those in our country and in that of our allies who went forth to defend your rights and our rights. Many have fallen; many have returned cripple; and it remains to us not to forget those who in God’s name fought our battles. And while we thank God for our soldiers and sailors, and our great navy which, year after year, bottled up a navy which William Hohenzollern gathered up to defeat the world, we must thank also our women – God bless them!

          “ ‘Month after month they did their regular tasks, and made, besides great quantities of comforts for our men. We thank God that these noble women are fellow-citizens of ours, and humbly we would ask to share in the honor they bring to us. Faithfully they did the work asked of them, and no tribute is too great to pay these courageous workers.

“ ‘In all this trying time, God has been with us, though we have been tried, crucified, face to face with difficulties which some people thought we could never overcome. France has shown up gloriously, and backed by Great Britain, and finally by the United States, has been able to overcome the forces of iniquity.

“ ‘Because of all these things, it behooves each one of us to say that we are going forward with clean hands and warm hearts, resolved to make this Canada of ours a great and God-fearing nation.’ ”¹

The Spectator reporter covering the Thanksgiving service ended his article with the following observation:

“Large numbers of returned men in uniform attended the service; and a feature was the huge flag, loaned by the Right House, which was used to mark off the choir from the rest of the crowd, soldiers and sailors holding it in place.”¹

Wentworth County Court House

Prince's Square in Foreground