Spirit of
struggle

Trials and protests

Even before the trials took place, tens of thousands of people joined in the campaign demanding their release.

Resolutions passed by a meeting of 13,000 people massed in front of the Parliament Buildings in Winnipeg, Manitoba, condemned the police attack of July 1 and demanded the release of those arrested.

A protest meeting of 6,000 in Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto passed similar resolutions. So did large meetings in scores of other cities.

In July charges were dropped against over 70 of those arrested; leaving 33 still to be tried in court and denied bail.

Four - Evans, Black, Cosgrove and Edwardson - were charged under Section 98 of the Criminal Code with belonging to an unlawful organization, the Relief Camp Workers Union.

Early in August the four Trek leaders were finally granted bail for a total of $34,000. The bail for 32 others was set at $68,000.

After his release on bail Evans toured Canada to raise money and develop support for those arrested. Undaunted with threats of charges of contempt by a judge, Evans continued to speak in public.

The campaign for the release of those arrested went on until the middle of 1936.

By April 24 a group of Trekkers were still awaiting trial. Nine were found guilty of rioting and received sentences of up to 14 months in prison.

Earlier the charges against Evans and four of his fellow strike leaders were dropped. As Evans pointed out, they were dropped not only for lack of evidence but because of the widespread protest.

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