Riot of April 5, 1932

Inscription

RIOT OF APRIL 5, 1932 Thousands marched from the Majestic Theatre, through downtown St. John's, and on to the Colonial Building. Demonstrators gathered in front of Colonial Building, April 5, 1932. West façade of the Colonial Building showing damage caused by demonstrators, April 5, 1932. "Every window of the Colonial Building is glassless; the Prime Minister practically a refugee, the law of enforcement of the city turned over to the authority of ex-service men, as the result of discord which marked the culmination of weeks of protest and dissatisfaction with maladministration of the government. A huge demonstration of citizens in peaceful and law abiding protest yesterday afternoon witnessed a sudden transition, through tactless management by those in authority, to an outbreak of violence that was understandable if it could not be condoned." — The Daily News, April 6, 1932 Parade to the House of Assembly To the Employers of the City of St. John's The Citizens Committee beg to respectfully ask that you give leave to your employees who desire to take part in this afternoon's demonstration to the House of Assembly for the purpose of presenting the resolutions passed at last night's meeting. Employers were encouraged to give their staff the afternoon off to attend the demonstration. The Daily News April 5, 1932. "Never to be forgotten scenes of mob vengeance began at the Colonial Building about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Every pane of glass in the building was smashed, doors and window-frames were battered to matchwood, furniture and office equipment and clothing were taken out and destroyed, while documents and files were strewn over Bannerman Park. The police with the Inspector General, the Prime Minister Sir Richard Squires, and members of his Cabinet were practically imprisoned in the building, until the clergy of all denominations came on the scene and restored some semblance of order." — The Evening Telegram, April 6, 1932 Colonial Building Wrecked in Wild Demonstration Prime Minister, Colleagues and Inspector General Held Inside the Building Basement Ransacked But Police Prevent Access to Legislative Chambers — Police Injured After Latter Draw Batons The Evening Telegram April 6, 1932.