p. 17 | Rowdyism in Montreal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Sep 25, 1913

Rowdyism in Montreal

A Seventh-day Adventist tent, which was pitched on St. Hubert Street, Montreal, for religious services, has been the center of a type of rowdyism that is discreditable in any city. After several evenings of disturbance, the mob element prostrated the tent and smashed seats and furniture before the police arrived. The department had been previously warned and had been asked for protection, but none was granted until the mischief had been done. The editor of the Daily Telegraph, a leading Montreal paper, thus shows his interest for the city's good name, and his bias for fair play:—

"What is the matter with our police department? Only the other day the police took on themselves to refuse protection against a gang of roughs at a Good Templars' meeting because they did not agree with the views of one of the speakers. Last night they permitted another gang of roughs to break up an Adventists' meeting and smash the tent, seats, and furniture — and that despite the fact that warning had previously been sent to Chief Campeau, and a complaint published in yesterday's newspapers. Last night's letter in this paper, from the pastor of the Adventists, showed plainly enough what was to be expected. Are the police department and the hooligans of Montreal to decide what doctrines shall be promulgated in the city and what shall be prohibited?" — World's Crisis.