"Now that the strike is officially over let us make reasonable haste to make sure that it is over at the earliest possible moment".
Sunday, June 28
Saturday, 28 June 1919
The Winnipeg Telegram publishes its final strike edition. Interestingly, under the headline "World Rejoices at Peace", it carries a story about the formal end of the war and a call for 'peace' in the city as well:
Saturday, June 27
Friday, 27 June 1919 - The Newsstand
The Western Labor News returns to the newsstand !
- Starts with a front page story detailing why the strike was called off. The majority of the Strike Committee felt that an absolute victory at this point was 'hopeless'.
- The paper appeals for funds to continue operating.
Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition
- Man accidentally shot during riot seeks restitution from city.
- In an editorial, they warn that there is 'still danger'.
- Streetcars are ready for service.
- It's expected that 180 of the 220 members of the police force will be reinstated. The other 40 are still being considered.
Manitoba Free Press
- Reports that while one committee has wound down ...
... the Citizens Committee is continuing it's work assisting other centres in the West still having labour disputes.
- Starts with a front page story detailing why the strike was called off. The majority of the Strike Committee felt that an absolute victory at this point was 'hopeless'.- The paper appeals for funds to continue operating.
Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition
- Man accidentally shot during riot seeks restitution from city.
- In an editorial, they warn that there is 'still danger'.
- Streetcars are ready for service.- It's expected that 180 of the 220 members of the police force will be reinstated. The other 40 are still being considered.
Manitoba Free Press
- Reports that while one committee has wound down ...
... the Citizens Committee is continuing it's work assisting other centres in the West still having labour disputes.
Friday, June 26
Thursday, 26 June 1919 - The Newsstand
The Enlightener
- Reports that indignation is being expressed by many over the calling off of the strike and that they will "demand a statement from their representatives on the general Strike Committee as to their high handed action in calling off the General Strike."
- Railway workers, late comers to the strike, will be voting on a motion to keep the strike going.
Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition
- Reports that strike leaders will instead focus on constitutional means to get their way by running more Labor candidates in the next civic election.
- Acting Chief Newton's reorganization of the police force is coming along and will be a "model force" once completed. Former police can apply for their jobs and each will be considered on a case by case basis.
The New York Times
- Reports that indignation is being expressed by many over the calling off of the strike and that they will "demand a statement from their representatives on the general Strike Committee as to their high handed action in calling off the General Strike."
- Railway workers, late comers to the strike, will be voting on a motion to keep the strike going.
Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition- Reports that strike leaders will instead focus on constitutional means to get their way by running more Labor candidates in the next civic election.
- Acting Chief Newton's reorganization of the police force is coming along and will be a "model force" once completed. Former police can apply for their jobs and each will be considered on a case by case basis.
The New York Times
Thursday, June 25
Arrest Watch - 25 June 1919
Over the course of the strike a number of arrests were made. The two main batches were on June 17/18 and June 21/22. The proceedings of these trial will be followed daily along with other events.
A summary of all those arrested will appear here in a couple of days.
For June 25:
Manitoba Free Press
A summary of all those arrested will appear here in a couple of days.
For June 25:
Manitoba Free PressWednesday, 25 June 1919 - The Newsstand
Today's official labour paper is The Enlightener and the Front Page says it all:
The Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition
- On their front page calls the strike "a miserable failure"
Then spend a bit of time correcting items from yesterday:
- Norris publicly denies that a strike commission, as reported yesterday.
- Justice Robson denies knowledge that he has been appointed to the commission
Winnipeg Free Press
Is a little less angry-sounding in their main editorial. They call it a waste of one of the nicest summers in memory and:
The Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition- On their front page calls the strike "a miserable failure"
Then spend a bit of time correcting items from yesterday:
- Norris publicly denies that a strike commission, as reported yesterday.
- Justice Robson denies knowledge that he has been appointed to the commission
Winnipeg Free Press
Is a little less angry-sounding in their main editorial. They call it a waste of one of the nicest summers in memory and:
"...if the citizens - all the citizens - of this town could get a human view of each other, if they could see the children swelter and suffer because of adult foolishness and wrongheadedness - the citizens of Winnipeg might agree to damn the strike and abolish it forthwith"
Wednesday, 25 June 1919 - Western Impact
With the announcement of the end of the Winnipeg General Strike, sympathetic strikes in Winnipeg began to loose steam.
In Saskatoon and Victoria they are waiting for official word. Edmonton would call their strike off for June 27th. Calgary's had already begun to peter out and ended last night. Brandon tried to keep it going with another strike vote tomorrow but by the end of June they, too, ran out of steam.
Free Press June 25 1919
In Saskatoon and Victoria they are waiting for official word. Edmonton would call their strike off for June 27th. Calgary's had already begun to peter out and ended last night. Brandon tried to keep it going with another strike vote tomorrow but by the end of June they, too, ran out of steam.
Free Press June 25 1919Wednesday, June 24
Tuesday , 24 June 1919 - The Newsstand
Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition
- Reports that the death toll is rising from the riots. Steve Schezerbanowicz, shot in the legs, has died from gangrene infection at General Hospital. From East Selkirk, Schezerbanowicz has been residing at 232 Lizzie Street during the strike.
There is also the story of Robert Murdock, a worker at the pumping plant, was severely beaten by a group of up to 30 men. He was found in Cecil Rhodes School yard and brought to General Hospital. The story references that this is not the first mass attack on a worker and implies that strikers may be behind it.
- Justice H.A. Robson is believed to be named to the commission looking into the causes of the strike,something that labour had asked for. Ottawa still stands frim on NOT dealing with the matter any further until the strike is called off.
- The editorial supports the "suppressing" of the Western labor News after seeing yesterday's edition. Many stories were printed merely to incite people intor rioting. They were even advertising illegal meetings !
The Western Star
Is the labour paper today after the Labor News was shut down. The below notice was sent and acting editor J.S. Woodworth, who was sitting in for the arrested Ivens, was himself arrested on Main Street near the McLaren Hotel.
- This is the final eddition that had them cut off.
- A defence fund has been created for those arrested.
- Reports that the death toll is rising from the riots. Steve Schezerbanowicz, shot in the legs, has died from gangrene infection at General Hospital. From East Selkirk, Schezerbanowicz has been residing at 232 Lizzie Street during the strike.
There is also the story of Robert Murdock, a worker at the pumping plant, was severely beaten by a group of up to 30 men. He was found in Cecil Rhodes School yard and brought to General Hospital. The story references that this is not the first mass attack on a worker and implies that strikers may be behind it.
- Justice H.A. Robson is believed to be named to the commission looking into the causes of the strike,something that labour had asked for. Ottawa still stands frim on NOT dealing with the matter any further until the strike is called off.
- The editorial supports the "suppressing" of the Western labor News after seeing yesterday's edition. Many stories were printed merely to incite people intor rioting. They were even advertising illegal meetings !
The Western Star
Is the labour paper today after the Labor News was shut down. The below notice was sent and acting editor J.S. Woodworth, who was sitting in for the arrested Ivens, was himself arrested on Main Street near the McLaren Hotel.
- This is the final eddition that had them cut off.- A defence fund has been created for those arrested.
Tuesday, June 23
Monday, 23 June 1919 - The Newsstand
Western Labour News
- Is Defiant. The headline screams: STRIKE UNBROKEN
- Outlines their version of what happened on Bloody Saturday
- Declares that the strike is ready to sizzle, not fizzle
The Winnipeg Citizen
- Does not publish again after June 20
The Winnipeg Telegram
- Has talk of additional arrests:
-
- Is Defiant. The headline screams: STRIKE UNBROKEN
- Outlines their version of what happened on Bloody Saturday
- Declares that the strike is ready to sizzle, not fizzle
The Winnipeg Citizen
- Does not publish again after June 20
The Winnipeg Telegram
- Has talk of additional arrests:
-
Monday, June 22
Bloody Saturday - The Fallout
- The immediate aftermath was nearly 100 arrests (this partial list from Manitoba Free Press 23 June 1919):
This is a list of those injured enough to be admitted to General Hospital (Telegram, 23 June). The lone immediate death was that of Mike Skodelik (later identified as Mike Sokolowski) of Henry Avenue. Steve Schezerbanowes of East Selkirk who was shot in the legs would die days later from infection.
- Minister Robertson declares that the Federal government will not resume negotiations until the strike is called off. He also distances the feds from what took place: "It was purely an action of the provincial and civic authorities" he tells the Telegram.
- Streetcar service was called off after the riot in what the Telegram called a "grim mistake" as it shows a sign of weakness.
This is a list of those injured enough to be admitted to General Hospital (Telegram, 23 June). The lone immediate death was that of Mike Skodelik (later identified as Mike Sokolowski) of Henry Avenue. Steve Schezerbanowes of East Selkirk who was shot in the legs would die days later from infection.
- Minister Robertson declares that the Federal government will not resume negotiations until the strike is called off. He also distances the feds from what took place: "It was purely an action of the provincial and civic authorities" he tells the Telegram.- Streetcar service was called off after the riot in what the Telegram called a "grim mistake" as it shows a sign of weakness.
Bloody Saturday - In the Mayor's Words
This statement was issued the night of Bloody Saturday and published Monday June 23rd in the Telegram:
Sunday, 22 June 1919 - The International Newsstand
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 22 June 1919
New York Times, 22 June 1919
- Also an in-depth feature "Bolshevism in Winnipeg"
Chicago Tribune, Front Page:
Winnipeg, Man., June 21.- Winnipeg, strike torn since May 15, is under martial law tonight. After bloody fighting this afternoon between thousands of strikers and the city and provincial police, in which one man was killed, several injured probably fatally, and more than a score hurt...
New York Times, 22 June 1919- Also an in-depth feature "Bolshevism in Winnipeg"Chicago Tribune, Front Page:Winnipeg, Man., June 21.- Winnipeg, strike torn since May 15, is under martial law tonight. After bloody fighting this afternoon between thousands of strikers and the city and provincial police, in which one man was killed, several injured probably fatally, and more than a score hurt...
Sunday, June 21
Saturday Afternoon, 21 June 1919 - Bloody Saturday Begins
Click on images for source information. Please click on images for source.
10:30 am: A delegation from the pro-strike Veterans meet with Mayor Gray and Federal Labour Minister Gideon Robinson at the Royal Alexandra Hotel on Main Street to try to reach a compromise about today's planned march.The Veterans want to march from City Hall to the Royal Alex where they hope Robertson will address them and then on to the Citizens' Committee headquarters.
The Mayor advises that such a march is against his proclamation of a few days before and that force could be used to break it up. The delegation would only agree to call off the march if the strike was ended by 2 pm and that the streetcars scheduled to run today are taken off-track.
No resolution is reached.
1:45 pm: Police Chief Newton contacts Mayor Gray at the hotel to say that a large crowd is gathering.
The mayor advises Newton to inform RNWMP Commissioner Perry to have his 'specials' and Perry's mounties on the streets.
2:30 pm: At Main and William a large crowd is gathered waiting to form the march.
A streetcar travels from the north toward the crowd. Angered by the gesture, as streetcar service was shut down due to the strike, they surround it but the car makes it though.
Moments later, another streetcar traveling north is not so lucky. It is pulled from the wires and trashed. Unable to overturn it, the streetcar is set on fire.
Meanwhile, the NWMP were set up near Portage and Main and start off on their first, slow, pass through the crowd. Some insults are hurled and a missile or two thrown but it is uneventful.On the return pass from James Street back toward Portage, one officer's horse trips on the bumper of the trashed streetcar. The officer is dragged and a member of the crowd begins to attack him. At this point officers draw their weapons.
2:35 pm: Mayor Gray, looking on from the balcony at City Hall, reads the riot act and gives the crowd 30 minutes to depart. As he turns to go back inside, the sound of the first shot is heard - it is believed that an RNWMP officer fired a warning volley in the air.
At that point, chaos breaks out. Some in the crowd are frightened and stampede for safety. Some fights break out between strikers and policemen, missiles are hurled at those on horseback and more shots are fired.
2:45 pm: The Mayor leaves for Fort Osborne Barracks to ask Ketchen to send in the militia consisting of cavalry and motorized machine gun units.
Slowly, but surely, the troops would clear the streets. A combination of military, special constables and RNWMP would stay on guard until midnight.
That day there were a number of people shot and injured and scores arrested, the full extent of which would not be known until late in the day.
Saturday, 21 June 1919 - The Morning Newsstand
Tension is high today.
This morning there is a lot of talk about today's big rally by veterans outside city hall. They're protesting a number of things, including the arrest of strike leaders and demand the return of the regular police force and posties, both of whom have been fired en mass.
The mayor has reminded them that such rallies are prohibited and that they take part at their own risk.
The Telegram says on its front page that Serious Turmoil This Afternoon Almost Certain.
Western Labor News
- More on the arrest of the strike leaders.
Winnipeg Citizen - No edition today
Winnipeg
- Strike Committee demands release of foreigh born leaders.
Winnipeg Free Press
- Gives the sense that there is an end to the strike coming soon:
Their editorial for today begins:
This morning there is a lot of talk about today's big rally by veterans outside city hall. They're protesting a number of things, including the arrest of strike leaders and demand the return of the regular police force and posties, both of whom have been fired en mass.
The mayor has reminded them that such rallies are prohibited and that they take part at their own risk.
The Telegram says on its front page that Serious Turmoil This Afternoon Almost Certain.
Western Labor News
- More on the arrest of the strike leaders.
Winnipeg Citizen - No edition today
- Strike Committee demands release of foreigh born leaders.
Winnipeg Free Press
- Gives the sense that there is an end to the strike coming soon:
Their editorial for today begins:
Saturday, June 20
Friday, 20 June 1919
The Western Labor News carries the headline that some strike leaders have been released. The Telegram notes that it's only the 6 British-born men. They've been released on $2,000 bail, (about $26,000 in 2012 dollars), and a promise to remain 'inactive'.In other news:
Western Labor News - Special Edition
- A reminder that The Strike is Still On ! "We've held out for five weeks. We can hold out a few days longer", (while negotiations take place - see Telegram).
- Returned soldiers' committee calls for a rally tomorrow at Market Square behind city hall to protest the way leaders were arrested. Isn't this what we fought against ?
- Though reports say that some sympathetic strikes, like the one in Vancouver, are starting to crack, new ones begin such as at the shipyards in Trois Rivieres Quebec.
The Winnipeg Citizen
- There is Greater Work to Do
The Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition
- In the late edition they proclaim that "Strike May End Withing 36 Hours" as negotiations begin today between metal workers and their employers.
- Prime Minister Borden explains in question period that the strike leaders will be tried by jury, not special committee. The only committee involved would be from Immigration who will deal with the foreign born leaders.
Friday, June 19
Thursday, 19 June 1919 - The Newsstand
Western Labor News- Headline: "Why the Star Chamber ? Have British Citizens No Rights ?"
- How can you deport immigrant leader if they're already citizens ?
The Winnipeg Citizen
- Says "the city has every appearance of a return to normal" with the return of the streetcars.
Winnipeg Telegram Strike Edition- Notes that the arrested strike leaders will not get bail.
- Editorializes about the General Strike's Futility
- Wanna drive a streetcar ? They're looking for replacement drivers.
Thursday, June 18
Wednesday, 18 June 1919 - The Newsstand
Western Labor News
Did not react with outrage to the arrest, they used a positive spin:
Gives the impression that things are getting back to normal.
They declare that streetcars are back, though admit it is just 14 of them and for very limited periods.
On the front page is a story a special constable taking on traffic direction duties at Portage and Main for part of the day. "The traffic at this hour was very heavy and considerable difficulty was found regulating it"
An editorial, "Belated But Welcome" shows the important symbolism of the streetcar during the strike. It was pretty much the only visible city service that did not resume at least partial service after May 15. The lack of streetcars not only means a daily inconvenience for every part of the city but was was symbol of failure:
Those arrested will not be getting bail or a trial: "Instead the evidence against them, secured by agents of the department of justice, will be examined by a board of inquiry appointed at Ottawa and sent up from Ottawa".
To show that even with the strike going on, the regular life of the city continues:
- Plans for the new Maryland Bridge are Complete:
- Alderman says tall advertising billboards should be restricted downtown
New York Times
"Arrests of strike agitators and a raid on the Labor Temple early this morning brought the strike situation here to a dramatic climax today".
Did not react with outrage to the arrest, they used a positive spin:
"F.J Dixon said the men arrested had been highly honored by being given the crown of martyrdom. their only crime was the advocacy of greater freedom for their fellow men....The committee of one thousand had set out to crush labor but they were attempting an impossible task"
Downplayed the arrests. Their front page headline "The Citizens Committee and It's Work" is a four page story that is rather boring compared to the bombast found in their recent editions. It details the committee's activities since May 15, from arranging food deliveries to manning the water works with volunteers:
"Having pursued a useful purpose with a great deal of success the Citizens' Committee of One Thousand will continue it's existence and its organization until the whole issue of the sympathy strike and the throttling of whole communities is settled satisfactorily ..."
Winnipeg Telegram Strike EditionGives the impression that things are getting back to normal.
They declare that streetcars are back, though admit it is just 14 of them and for very limited periods.
On the front page is a story a special constable taking on traffic direction duties at Portage and Main for part of the day. "The traffic at this hour was very heavy and considerable difficulty was found regulating it"
An editorial, "Belated But Welcome" shows the important symbolism of the streetcar during the strike. It was pretty much the only visible city service that did not resume at least partial service after May 15. The lack of streetcars not only means a daily inconvenience for every part of the city but was was symbol of failure:
"The failure of the (Winnipeg Electric) Company to re-establish its service was apparently accepted by the city as though there were no way out when the striking motormen failed to appear..."
Those arrested will not be getting bail or a trial: "Instead the evidence against them, secured by agents of the department of justice, will be examined by a board of inquiry appointed at Ottawa and sent up from Ottawa".To show that even with the strike going on, the regular life of the city continues:
- Plans for the new Maryland Bridge are Complete:
- Alderman says tall advertising billboards should be restricted downtown
New York Times
"Arrests of strike agitators and a raid on the Labor Temple early this morning brought the strike situation here to a dramatic climax today".
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