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HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
CHRONICLE BUILDING
HALIFAX, NS
December 27, 1917
JOURNAL

The second matter which is corelated and corrollary to the first is that the overwhelming loss which Halifax has sustained is a national loss for which the Government of Canada, by reason of its exclusive control over navigation in the harbor of Halifax, is liable. This liability in equity if no in law, is almost universally recognized throughout the Dominion, and it is the judgement not alone of Halifax, but, we believe, of the whole country, that the work of restoration and reparation should be undertaken by the Government of Canada as a national enterprise. It is utterly beyond the means of resources of Halifax to cope with this tremendous problem. Voluntary effort will be wholly inadequate, great and generous as it is, to deal with it. It can only be done by the nation as a whole, acting through the Federal Government.

The destruction of life has been so appalling, the obliteration of homes and property so disastrous, the suffering of thousands of people so distressing, the need of the whole community so great and urgent, that we are convinced that the justice of this appeal will be recognized by the members of the Government who have come to acquaint themselves, at first hand, with conditions. We trust that they will take instant action to institute a proper inquiry and provide compensation and indemnity for all who have suffered in body and property.

This is not an appeal for charity; it is a demand for simple justice which responsible Ministers of the Crown cannot deny.