THE literal meaning of "Esprit de Corps" denotes the common spirit
pervading the members of a body or association of persons.
It implies sympathy, enthusiasm, devotion, and jealous regard for the
honor of the organization as a whole.
This French phrase was the unwritten but ever present motto or slogan
which finally brought about the successful termination of the war for
the Allies.
Read slowly the interpretation of the phrase and you will realize its
tremendous import when faithfully, persistently exercised.
This is the spirit which, for the past 250 years, has animated so
many loyal officials and servants of the "Governor and Company of
Adventurers of England Trading into Hudson Bay." Let this generation
see to it that we do not become indifferent to this very essential and
necessary characteristic.
This spirit should prevail throughout the Company's service in the
Dominion and elsewhere, and when difficulties and differences of
opinion arise, as they always will in the natural course of our
everyday pursuits, let us all, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, in
towns, cities and the farthest interior, just remember to say to
ourselves "Esprit de Corps, under all circumstances," or, as the
Governor put it during his recent visit to Canada, "pour a little oil
on the machinery when it does not run perfectly and smoothly." (It's
the only lubricant available these days.)
Try to put yourself in the other fellow's shoes and do unto him as you
would he should do unto you.
If I were asked, "What institutions do you consider have been, and are
yet, of the greatest service to Canada?" my reply would be: "Hudson's
Bay Company and Canadian Pacific Railway." "And what has been the
chief factor which has created such an enviable position for these two
companies?"--"Esprit de Corps."
The success of any organization or corporation depends upon this; let
us constantly keep this motto before us.
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