Deplores Tragedy Of Strike Riot
Erwin Osler, Preident of Canadian Legion, Issues Open Letter to Ex-Service Men
Estevan, Sask.
September 30th, 1931
The Editor,
THE MERCURY,
Estevan, Sask.
Sir:
The Writer, as President of the local branch of the Canadian Legion, feels it is his duty at this time to address the following open letter to all veterans of the Great War residing in the Estevan district:
Every loyal citizen must have viewed with the most profound regret the scenes of violence and bloodshed, which occured in the streets of Estevan last Tuesday afternoon. More particularly must such scenes be abhorent to those who have seen Canadian blood spilt in a worthier cause. The spirits of those whose names are inscibed upon the monument around which occurred this outrage must have bowed their heads in sorrow at the shameful spectacle.
Whatever may be the right or wrong in the labor disputes which are agitating this district, it surely must be apparent that considerations of loyalty to British institutions, and respect for British law, must override all questions at issue. It is difficult to believe that many of those involved can have given serious thought to the consequences of their acts. It is still more difficult to believe that men, who in the past have furnished ample proof of their devotion to British institutions, can have deliberately allied themselves with interest, whose professed object is the overthrow of all for which those institutions stand.
The writer has no knowledge of the participation of any ex-service men in Tuesday's riot. He prefers to believe that none were involved. He does know, hoever, that some have been associated in certain events leading up to it; and while not questioning their legal and moral right to resort to all legitimate measures for the redress of their grievances, he must deplore the tragic outcome.
Believing that it cannot be the desire fo loyal returned soldiers to countenance defiance of the law, the writer earnestly appeals to any of his comrades, who may be in the ranks of the strikers, to express their repudiation of such acts by immediately and publicly disassociating themselves from further participation in the movement.
In doing so he feels that not only will they have the respect and support of their fellow-citizens and comrades, but that they will, as well, be serving the best interests of labor.
While the writer assumes full personal responsibility for the publication of this letter, he does so not doubting that it will have the approval of ex-service men throughout the district.
E.R. OSLER
President,
Estevan Branch,
Canadian Legion, B.E.S.L.