1914-08-06tt

“Excitement in this city reached fever heat heat yesterday when it became generally known that peace had been shattered by Germany’s invasion of the Duchy of Luxemburg”

Hamilton Times.           August 6, 1914.

The possibility that England might declare war on Germany imminently, coupled with the knowledge that if England was at war so was Canada, meant that war the primarily topic of conversation in Hamilton on August 5, 1914.

As was the case with the other two Hamilton Daily newspapers, crowds gathered in front of the Hamilton Times office on King William street:

“Every bulletin was eagerly scanned, and many expected to hear the announcement that the motherland had taken steps in support of her allies.

“From the opinions heard last night, Hamiltonians are ready and willing to gather around the standard.

“Until a late hour, large crowds congregated on the street corners. The situation was discussed from every standpoint.”¹

¹ “Excitement Ran Very High Here Yesterday Among All Classes Over War News Received Yesterday and Today.”

Hamilton Times.   August 6, 1914.

Although all Hamiltonians were keenly interested in was could happen in the upcoming days, or even hours, if war was declared, those citizens already involved with the Canadian militia felt the tension possibly even more:

“In the crowds were many officers and men of the local garrison. Often they were the center of attraction – and when they spoke, the civilian listened, realizing that in the space of a very short while these men might be on the way to defend the Union Jack.

“All seemed keen to go. There was no bragging, but bosoms swelled with pride as a vision was conjured up of gallantly responding to the call.”¹

Events in Europe were obviously the main focus of attention, but there were also concerns about an aspect of the situation that had possible implication in the city itself. That worry was about German spies being in Hamilton.

To that end, the Hamilton Times carried the following brief article under the headline, “Looking For Spies Here” :

“Carrying instructions direct from the Home War Office, two secret service men of Scotland Yard landed in the city early this afternoon at the Grand Trunk station.

“One of the officials, who visited Hamilton  four years ago on business, called at the city hall, thinking to find the police department there, but was informed by the city authorities that the detectives were now quartered with the police at the new King William street station.

“As far as could be learned, they came to Canada several days ago with eight others, reaching Montreal together, from where a number were sent to various parts of the Dominion, particularly along the border.

“It is claimed that German spies are known to be located in Montreal, and also at Niagara Falls and Welland, and that it is with a view of looking these up that the Scotland Yard men are here. The latter followed the enemy across the water, and find that the spies are keeping up Communication between Canada and the United States.

“One of the local police officers hinted today that the visiting detectives would be here for several days, after which one would leave for Welland and the other report back to Toronto.”²

² “Looking For Spies Here.”

Hamilton Times.   August 6, 1914.

All day the streets of downtown Hamilton were thronged with crowds, promenading up and down shouting, cheering and singing patriotic songs.

 Certainly there was boastfulness about the abilities of England, with Canada’s support, to defeat any enemy, but the possibility of spies, even enemy terrorists in their midst, was surely on the mind of many in the throngs.

Such was shown at the reaction to an incident which occurred at 9:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the big bank building at King and James streets:

“A terrific explosion was heard in the rear of the Bank of Hamilton.

“Women screamed, men’s faces blanched.

“A joker started the rumor that the Austrians had a battery on the mountain and were shelling the city.

“On investigation, it was found that a youngster had exploded a good-sized torpedo in the alleyway.

“They all laughed at their fears.” ³

³ “Patriotic Songs and Cheering On the Streets : A Few Scares : Caused By Silly People But the Crowds Were Generally Sensible.”

Hamilton Times.   August 7, 1914.