Item
Standard
Jan 13/1869
Robinson and Co. have 400-ton barque under construction at Indian Point. "Within a few yards of the Railway."
Nothing about the deep-water wharf in a while.
Standard
Jan 20, 1869
Died
On Friday the 15th instant, Miriam Pagan wife of David Mowat, Esq., in the 72nd year of her age. A sincere and earnest Christian, the deceased sustained her part in all the relations of life, in a tender, loving, and exemplary manner. Truly may it be said of her, "she stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she reached forth her hands to the needy," and "in her tongue was the law of kindness,." Having been found "faithful unto death," she is now, we trust, inheriting the promise, "I will give thee a crown of life."
Standard
Jan 27/1869
Intercolonial sections for tender.
Standard
Feb 24/1869
What the St. Andrews and St. Stephen Railways carried last year. Good stats on materials and 16,000 passengers.
Ulysses Simpson Grant
18th President of the United States (March 4, 1869 to March 3, 1877)
Nickname: "Hero of Appomattox "
Born: April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio Died: July 23, 1885, in Mount McGregor, New York
Standard
April 21/1869
Improvements—former idea to continue line extension westward past Market Wharf
Never went anywhere.
Steamboat Wharf and Kennedy wholesale business.
The eastern end of town will now be most benefited, and we are not in the least surprised at the improvements that Mr. Angus Kennedy has already been making in his well situated property—not only has he re-built in a substantial manner, what formerly was but a mere shell, and is now adapted to his wholesale business, and a comfortable Hotel for the accommodation of all visitors, and which he has furnished in a very neat style; but he has recently purchased an adjoining lot of ground from Mr. Charles M. Gove, on which he intends to erect a store for his own business purposes; and it is because we hope to see all such enterprising people succeed in their business after a large outlay in endeavouring to establish it, that we now express a hope that before long, some other live Canadian, Nova Scotian or Yankee, will follow Mr. Kennedy's laudable example, for the good of our town, and take hold of those excellent stores belonging to Mr. Gove, which now invite the business propensities of men of pith and enterprise who are not afraid to speculate in a business at the terminus of a railroad that runs ninety miles into the interior, and commands an extent of country in proportion to its length not only within the Province but likewise, beyond the line, from Houlton to Presque Isle.
Standard
April 28/1869
Upcoming article on evils of prohibition. Titled "Maine Liquor Laws" May 5/1869
Standard
May 10/1869
Last spike driven in first American transcontinental railroad at Promontory, Utah. "Featured two gold and silver spikes, each driven into a polished laurel cross-tie. The main spike was forged by a jeweler at a cost of $400. Every telegraph office was manned, and the spikes and silver maul were specially wired so that their contact could be "heard" across the country. When the Governor of California hammered the spike home, spontaneous celebrations broke out from New York to Los Angeles. Drunken strangers embraced in the street, fire alarms and church bells rang endlessly, special church services were held and even the long-silent Liberty Bell was rung. Cruise and Griffiths, Lords of the Line, 1988.
Standard
May 19/1869
New Hotel—In our advertising column will be seen a notice of a new establishment, vis:
Mr. Kennedy's Hotel which we briefly noticed a few weeks ago. Having passed through the House we can safely state that it is newly and handsomely furnished, the bedrooms are large and airy, the dining room well adapted for the purpose and the attendance all that could be desired. Its central location and contiguity to the Railway and Steamboat Wharf render it a convenient and pleasant house for visitors.
New Livery Stable
See Ad. C. C. Bridges has taken new stables in rear of Bradford's Hotel. Kennedy's,
Hatch's and Bradford's Hotel. .
"The subscriber lately of Railroad Hotel, has taken the new and commodious Stables in rear of Bradford's Hotel, fitted them up with all the modern conveniences, and is prepared to furnish board for horses for any time, on reasonable terms, and solicits a continuance of patronage from his friends, will find attentive hostlers in attendance. Passengers conveyed free by the coach to and from Kennedy's, Hatch's, and Bradford's Hotels. He is also proprietor of the Stage Line between St. Andrews and St. George."
Ad for Kennedy's: "This Hotel is situated in the most business part of the town, and within a short distance of the Steamboat landing and Railway Station."
Standard
May 26/1869
Account of supper for Battery at Railroad Hotel. "It is due to Mr. Clark to say that he provided an elegant repast to which may be added ample justice was done."
Mr. Osburn returns from England. "The work of building the Branch Railway from
Richmond to Houlton will be pushed forward with the least possible delay."
650 tons of railroad iron for Western Extension arrives in country from Wales.
Empire Hotel, St. Stephen, King and Water Streets. S. G. Flanders, prop.
Standard
June 30/1869
Summer Retreat—The subscriber has newly furnished the pleasantly situated house, corner of Queen and Edward Streets, for the reception of families visiting St. Andrews for health or pleasure. He will spare no efforts to please and give satisfaction to all who may stop at his house, and trusts to receive a share of patronage. Horses and carriages to hire. C. C. Bridges. (this probably Edward Stentiford's former hotel 1854) (owner of new stables behind Bradford Hotel)
For Sale or Let: The House and premises opposite Kennedy's Hotel, near the Railway Station, and Steamboat Landing. The building is adapted for a Hotel, with parlors, kitchen and dormitories; there is also a good store. On the premises are a barn and woodshed, and also an excellent spring of water. (Pomeroy's house?)
Standard
July 7/1869
Western Extension Excursionists go to end of completed line, "the first excursionists on a line of rail destined to become the grand highway of traffic between this province and the outer world."
Standard
July 7/1869
The Railway Tax
March 1 Henry Osburn stated seventeen miles of track between St. Andrews and St. Stephen required new rails and $10,000 to acquire them; but even then track conditions were such that he couldn't guarantee to continue service.
Standard
July 14/1869
Public meeting in Russell's Hall. Vote by a three-quarters majority in favor of raising taxation for the $10,000 for new rails. Bondholders express desire to do all in their power to advance the interest of the town's railway.
Standard
July 28/1869
Exchange Hotel—In another column we publish Mr. Neill's card. This Hotel is neatly furnished, the tables well supplied with the best articles which can be purchased, and attentive waiters are ever ready to attend to the wished of travellers. In addition to this the proprietor is attentive and obliging and spares neither expense nor trouble to make his patrons happy and pleased. (from St. Stephen)
Standard
Aug 4/1869
Watson House—St. Stephen Hotel
Standard
Aug 11/1869
There are a number of strangers in town from the United States, Canada, and various parts of this province, some of them on business and others seeking recreation and pleasure, and to recruit their health. They express themselves delighted with the scenery, climate and country drives. They say that a large Hotel, and good private Boarding House would be well patronized during the summer months, and that the want of them prevents visitors coming here. The houses we have are well kept, but for tourists who wish to visit the place they are not sufficiently commodious. We know of some families who would come here, if they could obtain private lodgings for a short time.
St. Andrews Rural Cemetery Burial
Aug 6, 1869
Neville Parker
Born June 9, 1798
No monument desired
Died
On Friday the 6th inst., in the 72nd year of his age, the Honourable Neville Parker, Master of the Rolls of the this Province.
Death of Master of the Rolls
The melancholy duty devolves upon us, of recording the death of the Hon. Neville Parker, which took place here on Friday last. The Judge for the past two or three years had been in ill health, which led him to resign his seat on the Bench, recently. He came here with Mrs. And Miss Parker a few weeks ago, to visit his friends and enjoy the pure air, and appeared to be gaining strength. But his long continued ill health had so undermined his constitution, that he peacefully passed away on the morning of the 6th instant. At the opening of the Court, Judge Fisher having been apprised of the melancholy tiding, pronounced a eulogy on the character and abilities of the great and good man, and adjourned for the day.
On Monday afternoon, the funeral cortege assembled at the departed Judge's late residence, the Sheriff and Doctor, the Magistrates of the County, the member of Parliament and Collector of this Port, walking two deep, led the mournful procession, followed by the Barristers in their robes; next followed the hearse with the remains of the departed Judge; the Pall bearers, the Hon. Mr. Justice Fisher, Hon. William Todd, County Judge Stevens, J. W. Street, G. F. Campbell, and William Carman, after whom followed the mourners, and a large concourse of gentlemen from Fredericton, St. John, this Town and County. After service in the new Church, the procession reformed, and proceeded to the new Rural Cemetery, where the remains were deposited in the narrow tomb, amid the profound regret of those who came to pay the last tribute of respect to departed worth. The following brief sketch of Judge Parker, is coped from the Saint John Globe:
"The Hon. Neville Parker was a brother of the late Chief Justice Robert parker, to whom he was junior by only one or two years. Their father held the office of Collector of Customs at this Port, and was, we believe, the son of an officer who held high command in the British navy. Mr. Parker was born in this City, and was educated here and at King's College, Windsor, N. S., where he was a classmate with his brother and the late Rev. L. W. D. Gray, under Dr. Porter. Like them he was a fine scholar and always cherished his early attachment to classical literature. He studied law, and held a prominent position at the bar, having been associated in professional partnership with his brother, and after the elevation of the latter to the Bench of the Supreme Court in 1834, he was appointed Master of the Rolls, and presided over all the equity causes in the province, until 1854, when the Court of Chancery was abolished, and he was transferred to the Bench of the Supreme Court. His knowledge of equity and jurisprudence was extensive, and under is administration our Court of Chancery always sustained a deservedly high character. For a long period he was a member of the Council of King's College, Fredericton, and always evinced a deep interest in the welfare of that institution. He recently resigned his seat on the Bench, on account of long continued ill health. He leaves quite a large family. By his death the community has lost one of its best and most honored public officers, and society an educated, courtly kind gentleman.
Rural Cemetery Burial
Almira Bounds
Age 30
Lot 26B
Sept 22, 1869
Standard
Oct 6/1869
Great Storm and Destruction of Property
Almost 6 o'clock on Monday evening last, rain commenced falling, quickly followed by a strong south-easterly gale which increased in volume until 7 o'clock, when it became a hurricane, ripping shingles from the roofs of the houses, and bricks from the chimneys, leveling fences, etc. The night was unusually dark, and the howling of the storm with occasional crashes of falling buildings made it appalling. The spray from the harbor was carried as far up as the barrack hill, and the fruit on the trees had a salt taste on the outside. The tide rose higher than was ever before known, and such a storm was never witnessed here, by our oldest inhabitants, one of whom, now upwards of 90 years old, recollects distinctly as far back at 75 years, and can read without the use of spectacles. We must hasten however to give a brief summary of the results of the storm.
Marine Disasters
Considerable damage was done to the vessels in the harbor; we endeavored to obtain a correct list of the disasters, which we give. Schooner Julia Clinch, H. Maloney, for Philadelphia with a cargo of iron, broke from the steamboat wharf, was dismasted and otherwise damaged.
Utica, A. Maloney, from New York for St. John, cargo of flour, run in here for a harbor, ashore, will be discharged.
Calvie Clark from Saint John for Philadelphia, put in here for shelter, was driven ashore. Cargo will be discharged.
Eliza Frances, Hunt, for Portland, cargo of sleepers, drove ashore, will be discharged.
Legonia, Grierson, from St. George for Boston, put in here, considerably damaged.
Mary Budd, Johnston, received slight damage.
Elizabeth Bowlby, Gatcomb, driven ashore, little injured.
Matilda Stinson, was driven up on wharf, and much damaged.
Athlete, Jackson, rode out the gale. The Capt. was the only person on board his vessel.
Mary Ellen, J. Bratt, loaded for New York, rode out the gale.
Franklin, Coats, loaded, bow stove in.
A small vessel loaded with fish from Latete, was much damaged, cargo discharged.
A Jonesport, Maine, Schooner, spile laden drifted into the inner Bay from outside, bottom up.
Between Robbinston and Eastport ten vessels are ashore, seven at Eastport, and twenty-three at West Quoddy.
Several boats were broken up, and all the wharves with stores on them, from the upper end of the town to Mr. Whitlock's wharf, are carried away, and the beach is covered with logs, boards and scantling.
Loss of the Bark "Genii" with all the Crew
Letters received this morning confirm the melancholy tidings, that the new bqe. Genii, Capt. Bailey, launched here only last month, loading at New River, was driven on the reefs and went to pieces, and we are sorry to learn all the crew met a watery grave. The bodies of the master Mr. John Stratton a native of Fredericton, two McVicars, from Mascareen, and two others were picked up. James McGill a native of this place was also on board; he leaves a young wife to mourn her loss.
Damage in town and country
The injury to property in the town and country was extensive; houses and barns are blown down, cattle killed, several large shade trees torn up from the roots and lying across the streets, and almost every fence prostrated.
Beginning at the head of the town—Mr. Edw. Stinson's house was blown over, the family having barely escaped, furniture destroyed. Thomas Bailey's barn down and horse killed. Mrs. Kearney's and Mr. Whitlock's barns at Chapel, down. J. W. Street's barn unroofed. Joseph Alexander's house unroofed. Leonard Chase's barn down, and a cow killed. G. D. Street's considerably damaged. A small shed attached to Crozjet house knocked down by the bricks from a large chimney. Jas. H. Whitlock's chimney down barn unroofed. J. S. Magee's shop windows smashed, and others on Water Street; the old steam mill part of the roof blown off. Miss Swift's barn roof off. Mr. Greathead's barn and green house injured. Mrs. McStay's new barn down. E. Stentiford's blacksmith shop and shed blown down.
At the railway station, the freight house, car shops, and woodshed, were levelled to the ground, part of the roof of the locomotive house was blown off, and the chimney of the Machine shop carried away. The Manager's residence was slightly damaged, one of the chimneys blown down. Two cars loaded with bark lying on the track were driven up the extension, ran off and received some damage.
H. O'Neill's and E. DeWolfe's barns, were blown down. Mr. Stevenson 's barn at his residence a short distance from town, with five tons of hay and five of grain was lifted bodily a distance of ten feet without injury. George Stewart who lives about half a mile from the town, had his barn blown down, killing three horses and a cow. From the country districts we learn many barns were blown down, cattle killed, and other destruction of property. Part of the bridge across the Waweig River is gone, carrying away a horse and wagon, within it which was by the bridge at the time. The horse was found drowned next morning. It is impossible at present to estimate the amount damage done, which must be very large. We notice by Saint John papers that the storm was severe in that vicinity, but it does not appear to have done the amount of damage that it did in this vicinity.
Standard
Oct 27/1869
Mr. A. Elson has opened a photograph saloon in the building opposite Mr. Bradford's store, and will for a few days take pictures for 20 cents each. Miniatures copied, and work executed in the best style of the art.
Standard
Sept 22/1869
20,000 new sleepers laid on New Brunswick and C. 150 tons of new rails, $2,000 worth of steel joints.
Standard
Oct 13/1869
The Houlton Branch—It appears from the following paragraphs taken from the St. Croix Courier that some of the leading men of St. Stephen, unfairly called the "Railway and Land Ring," have nobly extended aid to this undertaking, being satisfied of the great aid it will be to the town of St. Stephen. "We hope that those who are opposing town aid to the branch will stop their opposition and unite in carrying out a scheme which cannot but be fraught with benefits to the highest importance to St. Stephen." Contractors Messrs. Osburn and Todd. Plans to have trains running into Houlton by next October.
Standard
Nov 3, 1869
A fire took place on Thursday night last about 12 o'clock in the shed attached to the Barn on the Hatch property, at present owned and occupied by Capt. D. Green. The Torrent and "St. John" Engine were early at the fire, but were of small service, and the Barn containing about three tons of hay belonging to Capt. Green, and seven owned by Mr. Henry O'Neill was burnt. By the exertions of the citizens the house which is a brick edifice and the kitchen built of wood, were saved. The wind was blowing from the eastward and carried a piece of burning wood which lodged on the roof of the Tom Johnson house, in Water Street, and set it on fire, but the timely use of a few buckets of water extinguished the flames. Capt. Green believes that the fire on his premises was the work of an incendiary, as no ashes or dry stuff was in the shed. There is a general impression in the town, that the Saint John engine is a poor tub, and that the Town has been sold in its purchase. A correspondent who has had some experience at fire, and knows something of hand fire engines, speaks out plainly, and is prepared to defend his position with anyone who may support the purchase of the "machine."
To the Editor of the Standard—
Sir:—The general management of Town affairs has been anything but satisfactory to the public for the past two or three years and calls for a change. Taxation has increased it is believed unnecessarily and bears heavily on an already poor people with little trade to enable them to do more than obtain a living—of course there are exceptions, but they are truly exceptions to the rule, which I am sorry to admit is of too widespread application and urgently calls for a radical change. We read daily of abuses being received, and when the load becomes too heavy for the people to bear, they in self-defense take matters in their own hands and apply the pruning knife of reform. We should all submit cheerfully to the restraints of our rulers and pay taxes without grumbling provided they are required and lawfully imposed, but a recent tax is as distasteful as it is unjust.
Two or three years ago last April, the Firewards recommended to their Worships a tax for the purchase of a Steam Fire Engine, the amount collected yearly for that purpose to be deposited in the savings Bank until a sufficient sum was to hand to purchase the "Steamer." The Magistrates ordered an assessment for that purpose, and $500 was collected. But tell it not in Gath, publish it not in Askelon—will it be credited, that one of their Worships at September Sessions 1868, proposed to purchase a Saint John cast off hand Engine, and actually succeeded in obtaining the consent of a majority of the law Justices present, to take the money (contrary to the original purpose for which the tax was levied) and appropriate it towards paying for the old Saint John hand engine. What follows simply this, that the Town is saddled with a tax to pay for an Engine, which proved on its first trial to be worse than useless; this fact can be established by all who were present at the recent fire; and that the "Torrent Engine" is a much better machine.
Now for the remedy—let the people who desire to have a say in the management of their affairs, at once apply the pruning knife, and by a united effort obtain an Act to Incorporate the County. Until they do so, they will be governed by an irresponsible body; whereas should they decide to have a Municipal Corporation, they will have a voice in electing Councillors, and also of displacing them annually, when they act contrary to the wishes of their constituents. In another letter, I may refer to matters not touched upon in the present. A wider discussion of Town and Parish affairs through the press would prove beneficial. Yours, One of the People
Standard
Nov 10, 1869
Thanksgiving celebrated.
Turnips. For the last week the annual "turnip Chorus" has been kept up from early morn to dewy eye. Double team loaded with turnips have been driven to the vessels at the wharves, for shipment to S. John, Boston and New York. The quality is good but the roots are not so large as they were last year. Will endeavor to ascertain the quantity shipped this fall, which from appearances must be very large; and trust the farmers will realize remunerative prices for their labor pursued under so many disadvantages during the season just passed.
Standard
Nov 17, 1869
Frontier Railway. A movement is afoot to fill the railway gap between Woodstock and River du Loup. The distance is only 180 miles through a rich agricultural and manufacturing district. A meeting of prominent public men is to be held at Fredericton shortly to discuss the matter and decide upon some course of action for the early commencement of the work. So says the Carleton Sentinel.
Standard
Nov 24, 1869
The old Wyer house has been purchased by Mr. H. O'Neil, is being new shingled and thoroughly repaired, and will be ready for a tenant early next spring.
Mr. P. Donaghue has purchased the adjoining lot for building purposes.
Standard
Dec 1, 1869
Railway to River du Loup
This project—a continuation of the New Brunswick and C Railway, is being freely canvassed and is received with favor by the press and public. It is the revival of a line projected some years ago, and for which a company was at the time formed in London, but which afterwards fell through, from the numerous discouragements which the New Brunswick and C met with during its construction. We have in our possession the prospectus which was issued about ten years ago, and will endeavor to publish it in our next issue, and we hail with pleasure the revival of the scheme by Mr. H. G. C. Ketchum, C. E., whose prospectus has appeared in some of our exchanges. Once get that line under contract, and we will soon have a "Frontier Intercolonial" which will be in operation and connecting with the lines to Woodstock, Fredericton, St. Stephen, Saint John and St. Andrews. Its importance cannot be overestimated; Saint John then, with its many advantages will be the grand terminus and shipping port for the upper Provinces during the fall and winter.
Standard
Dec 8/1869
Opening of Western Extension
On Wednesday last, that grand conception, Western Extension, to unite this Province with the continental network of railway, became a reality, and was formally opened for traffic. A train of seven cars left Saint John with a number of leading gentlemen from that City, other parts of the Province, Nova Scotia, and the United States; when it arrived at the Fredericton Junction they were joined by Governor Wilmot, members of the government, and others from that city. The train proceeded up to City Camp, where Western Extension intersects the N. B. and C. Railway. Here again the numbers were increased by additions from St. Andrews and St. Stephen in the trains from those places. We must not omit to mention, that while the trains remained at City Camp, many accepted the generous hospitality of Robert Robinson, at his temporary residence, and partook of an excellent dinner. The train left again about 3 o'clock for Saint John; the St. Andrews representatives were not as numerous as they would have been had the morning been fair, but Messrs. Stevenson, M. P. P., George D. Street, H. Osburn, A. Kennedy. N. T. Greathead, and the Editor of this paper, were of the number. The passage to Saint John was really pleasant, and a good deal of fun sometimes rather relieving—particularly of "hats and caps" occurred; persons could not be distinguished by the color of their collars, as they were shorn of those appendages in the most polite manner imaginable. The truth is, there were so many "good fellows" on board the train that they drove "dull care away." Nothing further of note occurred before reaching a heavy embankment called Ross' "dump," when a slight detention was made, as the late heavy rain had caused the embankment to settle; however with care the train passed safely over and reached Fairville station about 9 o'clock. Here the mud was knee deep, and those fortunate enough to obtain coaches did so. Arrived at the Suspension Bridge an unnecessary delay of several minutes occurred to pay "toll" but after some time the coaches arrived at the Car Shed, where without having time to arrange toilet, the excursionists were received and welcomed by "our host E. R. Burpee, C. E. in a hearty manner. On entering the Dining Hall, a brilliant sight met our view, the shed was handsomely decorated, the tables covered with silver and glass—the waiters dressed in white aprons and gloves at their stations. At 10 o'clock the large building was nearly filled, the gong sounded, and the waiters proceeded to their duty. A blessing having been invoked by the Rev. Mr. Bennet, the guests commenced to do ample justice to the excellent bill of fare provided under the able superintendence of Mr. Cregan, that prince of caterers.
At the head of the room was placed a raised table, where Mr. Burpee was seated, supported on either side by Gov. Wilmot, W. Parks, President of the Road, John Boyd, Hon. E. B. Chandler, Judge Stevens. Mr. Putnam, Mayor of Portland, Maine, and other gentlemen of note. Such full and correct reports of the dinner and speeches were given in the Saint John dailies and other papers that we may safely dispense with a lengthy description. The bill of fare was beautifully printed in gold by the Messrs. McMillan. After the removal of the dishes, Major Robinson, one of the directors of the Western Extension, who was also toastmaster, read several letters of apology from leading men in Massachusetts and the Provinces, after which he announced the usual loyal and patriotic toasts. The speakers were Gov. Wilmot, Mr. Pike of Calais, Judge Stevens, Senator Dickey, of N. S., Attorney general Wetmore, Mr. Putnam, Mayor of Portland, E. R. Burpee, William Parks, Mayor Alward, John Boyd, Hon. E. B. chandler, T. W. Anglin, Mr. Levesy, of England, and Mr. Watson, of St. Stephen.
The speeches on the whole were not as brilliant as it is probably they would have been, had not the fatigues of the journey and the very late hour contributed to weary the speakers. Mr. Anglin's speech was without doubt the best. Mr. Pike although so severe in his speeches and letters against reciprocity and the Provinces with a few years, is a strong advocate for a frontier line for the Intercolonial Railway. Mr. Boyd's remarks were well conceived and happy, and Mr. Watson came out boldly for Charlotte County as the pioneer of railways.
We heartily congratulate Mr. Burpee on the success of his grand undertaking. It must be acknowledged that to him, and to him alone, is due the credit of bringing Western Extension to its present position. And if the citizens of the Commercial Metropolis are true to their interests, they will recognize Mr. Burpee's exertions in a manner gratifying to him and to themselves. The celebration of the "nuptials by iron bands" of two great countries, was a complete success and was carried out in princely stile, having cost $10,000.
Trains Stopped
We sincerely regret that Mr. Osburn, Manager of the New Brunswick and C Railway has issued a notice which appears in another column that the trains will stop running to St. Andrews for this winter after the 31st December. The reason assigned is—"in consequence of the failure of business and bad state of the track." This will interfere with the proposed connection of the Western Extension and Fredericton Company who have advertised connections with St. Andrews and very materially affect the interests of this town. Can no means be devised to keep the trains running to St. Andrews; are we so completely helpless that we can do nothing to avert so untoward a consequence? Will no action be taken or efforts used to secure the running of the trains? Had it not been for the exertions of St. Andrews people and their indomitable perseverance and luck, Charlotte County would today be without a main line or branches.
Standard
Dec 13/1869
Courier feels a conflict of interest in Osburn's being a contractor for the Houlton branch.
Standard
Dec 22/1869
Big meeting in St. Andrews regarding proposed closure of track. Reproduced verbatim.
Editor implies St. Stephen influence at work to detriment of St. Andrews, and that this branch would remain open while the St. Andrews branch would be closed.
The public meeting on Friday last, for the consideration of Railway affairs, was open of the most enthusiastic and harmonious ever held in this place. Those present spoke and acted as one man; they felt that it is a grave wrong about to be inflicted upon them, that an incalculable injury would be done to the Bondholders and the inhabitants of the town and country, by the closing of the main line from the Junction to the terminus at St. Andrews.
Under such exciting circumstances it is surprising those present at that large meeting, were so calm and discriminating; their very looks denoted a fixed determination founded on a sense of justice to maintain their rights and protect their interests by legal means at whatever cost, and thereby prevent what they feel would be a great injury, and detrimental to the interests of St. Andrews, and indeed the upper country also. Whoever heard of a trunk line 88 miles in length, having several miles leading to its ocean terminus closed, to foster a branch of 19 miles to a river port closed by ice, for some weeks? And on what other road are the trains of a branch permitted to run over the main line? When these questions are answered there are others in reserve.
The people of St. Andrews only ask fair play, that they will have; they have borne with much annoyance and considerable lo St. Stephen, but this latest is "the straw which broke the camel's back," the power dressed in brief authority, may learn that the monied interest of any one section, will not be permitted to trample upon the rights of the people in other sections.
With reference to the "falling of trade" this community will be prepared at the proper time to show, that in a great measure it has arisen from unfair and unjust influences, and persons outside of the town, are ready to endorse the views so entertained. As tot the "bad state of the track," we have yet to learn, that any accident or mishap has occurred on this end, for the past few months. In the opinion of many it is just as good as many other portions of the trunk line considering that it has not had its proportional share of maintenance and repair, it being the first constructed.
Standard
Dec 29/1869
Passengers at City Camp not informed branch to St. Andrews open.