Labour Activism History: Textual Records ➔ [A handwritten missive recounting an address given by Darshan Singh to the IWA]

Item
Identifier:
2023_07_02_005
Repository
Kaatza Station Museum and Archives
Repository Web Site
https://www.kaatzastationmuseum.ca/
Repository Identifier
005 a,b,c
Date
Extent
3 p. of textual records
Format
textual record
Description
A three-page missive written in blue pen cursive on notebook paper. The missive is credited to G. Brawn and concerns an address by Trustee Darshan Singh to the IWA. Singh provides context for the union's objectives, alluding to the Haymarket Riot of 1886. Singh presents two conclusions regarding the Union's desire for "peace and prosperity". One is that this desire is in direct conflict with the desires of wealthy business owners, whose policies have fomented a climate of "strife and war". The other is that this desire is in line with the values advocated by Jesus of Nazareth during his lifetime. Singh then addresses the concern over a conflict between Canada and the Soviet Union. He questions why Russia building military bases in foreign lands is such a cause for concern when the United States has done so to a much greater degree in the interest of "defense". Singh closes by reiterating the Union's present demands and arguing that if they are to be successful then they must have the support of the women connected to the union and the workforce.
Language
English
Notes
First page of missive reads: "1 Brother Darshan Sing[sic] who is a trustee for list #1 gave a very interesting address opening with a humourous touch by saying, at one time I had a [yew?] for [palmistry?] and fortune telling - and if I do well today may return to that - but putting all jokes aside, we are faced with very difficult days. He said before us in May II which commemorates May I 1886 which was the first day labour struck for the 8h day and increase in wages. Police and military personell were called out to quell the outburst and disperse the men whose slogan was workmen of the world unite. You have nothing to lose but your chain. On this May first thousands of working people all over the world will march and gather for on parade to gather their strength for the winning of the peace and prosperity. The desires of all working people are basicly[sic] the same. the system of free enterprise and capitalistic monopolism is a hot-bed for strife and war. The working people pray for peace and prosperity. The moneyed monopolists for more money more power and more slaves. He said when Christ was on earth he was the greatest champion of the common people the world have ever known and always helped them to make the world a better place to live in. He said, then we must pray not to go to heaven but to make this world a heaven on earth instead of a hell on earth of continuous strife". Second page of missive reads: "2 In commenting on the recent espionage case Br. Sing said that we all believe a man must be punished who will sell secrets to other countries, but we also believe a man should have a fair trial before being committed to prison. This has been denied some of those accused - through this spy scare and through the distortion of facts the papers here have used to frighten people into believing Russia is planning on a war with Canada. Br. Sing also said that while Russia has a few bases, the farthest 300 miles from home they are accused of trying to grasp these [lands?] - on the other hand, the U.S.A. has soldiers in *8 countries of the world, some of them 17,800 miles from home, it is called in the interest of defense. Br. Sing then explained why the union program is a necessary and just demand. 1. Large corporations are paying millions in new profits tax that wages are [illegible] and prices continue to soar. Therefore we ask for increase in wages. 2. The longer a man works the more the [employer?] makes from their toil; and with each man working shorter hours more men could be employed - hence the 40 hr. wk. 3. while there are 3,000[typo, should be 30,000] men employed in the industry only 23,000 are union men -". Third page of missive reads: "3 The other 7,000 men are hitch hikers - who contribute nothing but benefit by every gain made - therefore we must have union security. Br. Sing went on to say these demands will not be met without a struggle as history has proved that no gain has ever been handed to us on a silver platter. In the international union, there are 75,000 men from the long shormen- miners AND hotel workers etc. who will be prepared to lay down their [tools] in support of our just demands. He said we should weight the strike news very carefully, as some propaganga was being printed and get the news from the union officials themselves. Br. Sing ended by commenting that while the union itself is strong, it must have the support of the women. They can do a wonderful work in helpiung to gain better understanding in the community, as well as in other fases[sic] of the struggle. He says with the support of the women, we can never fail. He said the women all over the world have proved themselves on ever front and in every [land?] during the last struggle and then are more concious of these efforts part they women can play in the future.". Pencil text on third page reads "Submitted by G. Brawn".
Rights Statement
In copyright
Subject Headings - SACDA
South Asian Canadian men;South Asian Canadian sawmill workers;Sikh men
Subject Headings - Library of Congress
Labor unions [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85136516];Labor unions--Canada [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2008106524];Labor unions--Canada--History [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2009128451];Timber [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85135386];Timber [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85135386];Lumber trade [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85078814];Sawmill workers [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85117788];Sawmills [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85117790];May Day (Labor holiday) [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082394];Espionage, Communist [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85044897];Cold War [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh88005637];Women in the labor movement [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh89004893]
Related person
Singh, Darshan (depicts)