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STRANGE TALE ABOUT WELLAND SPREAD IN ATLANTIC CITY
Allege Our Schools Teach U.S. a Traitor to Humanity
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 5 May 1921]
John Flower, superintendent of Welland Public schools, recently received the following letter from W.R. Dill, Secretary of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce:
“Mr. Eddishaw, a member of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, who holds friendly views respecting the Allies of the United States, has been informed by a lady visitor from Canada that there is a framed statement in the entrance to one of the schools in Welland to the effect that the United States was not true etc., to the certain alleged pledges by ex-president Wilson to enter the world war and defend Belgiums, etc.
He has been told also that pupils in the Welland schools are being taught to regard the United States as a traitor to humanity, a slacker, etc.
We do not believe this is possible, but should be very glad to receive an authoritative statement as to the origin of these reports and what basis of fact, if any, there is for them. “
Mr. Flower sent an answer to the letter and it was read at a recent meeting of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. He said:
“Each of the Public Schools in Welland, except one opened last month which is not yet fully equipped, as beside the main entrance a picture of King George and one of Queen Mary. Close by these pictures there is a framed facsimile of the famous “Scrape of Paper.” At the top it is explained that this document is a translation and facsimile of signatures from the original treaty of 1831, guaranteeing the Independence and Neutrality of Belgium. This must be the framed statement to which the lady referred as the only other decoration of any kind are reproductions of art purchased from the Elson Art. Co., of Belmont, Mass.
With regard to the further charge that in the Welland School pupils are being taught to regard the United States as traitors to humanity, etc., I have this to say. This city is close to the United States border, being only 15 miles from Niagara Falls and 20 miles from Buffalo. The city has many United States citizens, some occupying prominent positions in our factories, established within the last few years by United States parent institutions. Children of these citizens attend our schools and I have yet to hear of any sentiments inculcated that have given offence. I might refer you to H.K. Smith, Esq., Manager of the Plymouth Cordage Co., who came here from Massachusetts, or to T.J. Dillon, Esq., late Manager of the Canada Forge Co., who came here from Pittsburg. Both of these gentlemen have children now in our public schools and other children who have passed on to the High School.”
“Lady visitors from Canada,” can do much harm by giving circulation to untruths that are likely to create bad feeling between Canadians and residents in the United States.
Our feeling toward the United States could scarcely be more cordial than it has been, and then it is.”
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