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Beacon
Jan 1, 1891
The new Year
The year 1890, which we have just departed company with, has done nothing in particular for us that we should desire to recall it. Nations have been at peace with each other, it is true, but is has been an armed peace, and war at any moment would not have been surprising. There have been no geographical discoveries of note . . .
Beacon
Jan 8, 1891
Some curious things happen at public dinners occasionally. It is narrated that at the close of one of these festive occasions in St. Andrews some years ago, one of the guests got down on his knees to put his overshoes on, and was horrified because he could not find his feet. He caught sight of them once, and tried to catch them, but every time he turned, his pedal extremities turned too, and at last he was obliged to give up the struggle in despair. Another guest, who had been taking too much "turkey," created a good deal of merriment by endeavoring to get his cuffs on over his feet.
Beacon
Jan 8, 1891
Trade Matters
The Minister of Finance has returned from his West Indian trip in good health, we are told and confident that his visit to the Islands will prove beneficial to Canada from a trade standpoint. We are pleased to know that Mr. Foster is in sound physical condition, and we are also pleased at the prospect which he has opened up for trade between Canada and the West Indies. We sincerely hope that the trade relations between the two peoples will be improved, and that our West Indian commerce will increase and multiply exceedingly. But we should be better pleased if we saw an opening for reciprocity between Canada and the United States. Certain newspapers, for political effect, may strive to underrate the value of our trade with the United States, but there is no denying the fact that it is the best market that Canada has got for her surplus produce. Even with the almost insurmountable barriers which the two governments are building up against each other, the volume of trade is continually increasing. And with the barriers broken down, what bright possibilities would there not be opened up? We do not believe in Canada getting down on her knees to beg the US for a measure of reciprocity, nor do we think there is any need for it. But we do believe that the government of Canada should not cease to use every honorable means to promote the growth of trade between the two countries. We have no sympathy with those newspaper writers who are continually decrying the US and its institutions in the hope that thereby they will strengthen Canadian national sentiment. No man ever gained a reputation for himself by pulling down the reputation of another. And the same is true of nations. A greater mistake was never committed, and instead of these journals proving themselves a blessing to Canada they are proving curse. As for us, we have no hesitation in saying that reciprocity with the United State would be one of the greatest boons that could be conferred on Canada. No person living in this section can dispute that statement. But we want the West Indian trade, too, and every other trade that it is possible for us to get. The more trade the more prosperous will we be.
That portion of the Ontario and Atlantic Division of the CPR including Megantic and Vanceboro has been attached to the New Brunswick Division; and the united lines of the company east of Megantic are now known as the Atlantic Division. Mr. Thomas Tait has been named general Superintendent of the Ontario and Quebec Division, with office at Toronto. Mr. H. P. Timmerman is General Superintendent of the Atlantic Division, with office at Saint John.
Beacon
Jan 15, 1891
The Wharf Matter
The citizens of St. Andrews will be called upon this week to state whether they are willing or not to lend their aid to the project of building a deep-sea wharf here, with the view of attracting trade to the port. A meeting of the citizens committee to consider the matter was held on Thursday evening last. . . . Mr. Snodgrass, from the committee appointed to draft resolutions for the proposed public meeting, submitted a report, which was adopted with some slight amendment. The purport of the first resolution is, that in obedience to the suggestion of the CPR authorities, the people of St. Andrews deem it desirable that an effort should be made to provide deep sea wharf facilities here; that a committee be appointed to prepare and obtain signatures to a petition to be submitted to the Local Legislature praying that aid be granted by the government for the erection of the wharf; that a delegation of two members of the committee be chosen to proceed to Fredericton to urge the claims of St. Andrews upon the government; and that the residents of the parish of St. Andrews authorize the drafting of a bill providing for an assessment of $1000 a year for twenty years on the parish, the money so obtained to be applied to wharf purposes. Another resolution gives the committee appointed at the meeting authority to ask for aid from the Dominion Government. A third resolution directs the committee to open up correspondence with the CPR, with the view of obtaining from them an opinion as to the most desirable site for such a wharf, and also as to whether they would make rail connection with the wharf if it was erected.
Summer Visitors
Speaking of the agricultural interests of New Hampshire, Gov. Tuttle finds that the business of summer entertainment of city people continues to increase up there, and that more than 5,000,000 was left in the state last year by the summer tourists, a large portion of which was left with the farmers. The abandoned farms, too, are being largely purchased by people who want them for summer residences, about 350 of them having been purchased by this class of people and by actual settlers during the year. Viewed from the summer boarder crop standpoint exclusively we should say that the farming industry of the Old Granite state has never been in a more flourishing condition. —US Paper
Do we as a people or do we as a town appreciate as we should the advantages that would come to us, if we strove to make St. Andrews as attractive as other places are made by public and private expenditures to draw these city and wealthy visitors? These city people naturally buy and settle for the summer where they find the greatest amount of public spirit shown by the place and the people, and where the introduction and maintaining of modern comfort, and luxuries it may be, by the authorities are looked after carefully.
The Boston Comedy Company, H. Price Webber manager, is to open a season in Stevenson 's hall, St. Andrews, on Tuesday evening next. "Leah, the Forsaken" will be the opening bill.
Another of those disgraceful dog fights which have become so common around our streets, took place on Saturday morning. One of the dogs belonged to Constable Keezer. When a citizen appealed to Mr. Keezer to put a stop to the fight, he was met by threatening gestures and vile language, conduct totally unbecoming a guardian of the peace.
St. Stephen's handsome new hotel, the Windsor, has been opened to the travelling public, and already it is doing quite a neat little business. The hotel is splendidly furnished throughout, and if we are to judge by report, is well looked after in every respect.
Article on Scott Act concerning Mr. McMonagle and others. Liquor seized.
Beacon
Jan 22, 1891
The Deep-Water Pier
Another Step Forward
The People of St. Andrews Parish Are Unanimous in favor of a Deep Water Wharf and take action at a Public Meeting
The public meeting which was held in Stevenson 's hall, on Friday evening, last, in support of the deep water wharf scheme, was attended by a large representation of the rate payers of the parish of St. Andrews.
Sheriff Stuart called the meeting to order at 8 o'clock, and after reciting what had been accomplished by the previous meeting spoke briefly as to the object of the present one. It was called he said for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken to secure the erection of a deep-sea wharf. There has, said he, been great talk of St. Andrews becoming the terminus or one of the termini, of the CPR. When the Short Line was being built through Maine we were led to believe that St. Andrews would be made a terminus of the railway. The CPR have completed the road and they have acquired the New Brunswick Railway, but the promised benefits have not resulted to the town. It is true, said he, that a few people have come down from Quebec to look at the country, but the business has not improved.
It has been believed that the CPR would provide terminal facilities here. They have not done so, but they have told us in effect in the correspondence we have had, with them that we must put our own shoulder to the wheel. . . .
[Draft petition to federal government here]
The speech made by the mover was clear, logical and convincing, and if there was doubt in anybody's mind as to the purport and scope of the resolution that doubt was removed before the speaker sat down. He remarked in opening that a resolution, so good in itself, deserved a better fate than to be placed in his hands. It seemed to him that the opportunity had come for the people of St. Andrews to do something, to dare something and to achieve something. Two generations, he said, had been looking forward to this day. St. Andrews is now one of the termini of the greatest railroad in the world. We must improve the chance which good fortune has brought to us, otherwise the history of the future will write about us that we were a people stupidly indifferent to our opportunities. It is true, he said, that there are other termini. It is also true, he remarked, that the completion of the railway has brought us no prosperity. This should bring us no surprises or disappointment. It could not be expected that the railway would carry the traffic of the road all to one port. The fact that we have competition for this traffic should spur us on to work. We would be content with a small share. Allusion was made to the discharging of the sugar vessels in Saint John, and to the fact that the disbursement of the vessels in that port would amount to $1000. One such happening as this in a year, said he, would return to us all that we have spent. He thought the meeting would agree with him that care should be taken that the town should not be burdened by a tax that was burdensome. He felt that the proposed tax would not be a burden. Touching on the reply of the CPR to the memorial he said it was a business-like one, and by it we are relieved from the expense of docks and warehouses for the CPR have told us that if we can "attract traffic to the port they will provide the facilities for handling it." But you ask why talk about a wharf if the railway are to provide facilities? We need a certain amount to facilities to start with before we can hope to attract trade. We need a wharf that we may look upon as a germ, as it were, of a greater wharf. We may cast about for any other scheme, but the building of a wharf such as we propose, would seem to be a necessary preliminary. The committee have not procured any estimate, as that would have incurred expense, and they were not authorized to incur any. The tax named in the resolution would not be great. We are relieved this year from the hotel tax, and the increase over that would not be felt burdensome. If this meeting will pass the resolution and find a committee ready to do the work the chances are that we will have a wharf that will be a credit to the town. . . .
That the people of St. Andrews are sincere in their desire to elevate the commercial standing of the port was evident from the large number who attended the public meeting on Friday last, and from the harmony which characterized the proceedings of that meeting. The entire scheme, as outlined in the resolutions of the committee, was adopted without the slightest manifestation of opposition. There had been some misgivings in the minds of members of the committee as to the fate of that portion of the resolution authorizing an assessment upon the parish, and it was felt that if any opposition to the project developed at all it would be on this section. But it was carried almost unanimously.
In adopting the resolutions, a second step has been made towards the desired end. But there is a vast amount of work yet to be done and there are difficulties to encounter that will tax to the utmost the patience, perseverance and ability of the committee. We think that the committee who have been entrusted with preliminaries are men who can be relied upon. But they should not be allowed to do all the work. There are others in the community who can render helpful aid in this matter, and they should come forward; everyone who loves his town and desires to see it prosper should rally to the front, and help to push this scheme to a successful issue.
Mr. Van Horne's Visit to Saint John
Saint John has been favored with a visit from the CPR managers, Messrs. Van Horne and Shaughnessy. They had a conference with the directors of the Bridge Company, with a view, it is said, of securing some better arrangement for traffic over the bridge. Several public and private delegations waited up the railway magnates with respect to trade matters but little beyond promises were received. When asked about an elevator Mr. Van Horne replied, says the Globe, that Canada at the present time was shipping very little wheat, as the consumption was becoming greater every year, and continuing he said the railway company were not at present considering the shipment of grain from the Maritime Provinces. Both gentlemen referred to the great stake their railway had in this province, saying they had 481 miles of road which they are compelled to operate, and they promised to make arrangements and provide facilities for all classes of trade as fast as it offered. A committee from the Board of Trade made a very strong request that as low a rate be given to Saint John from the west for flour and meal for Bay of Fundy ports as is now given from Boston. Mr. Van Horne promised to bring the matter before the freight managers of the road. The subject of bringing tea from China by the CPR was next discussed, and Mr. Van Horne said their rates have been greatly lowered, and he thought that now the Saint John merchants could import cheaper than via London and Suez Canal. The committee also asked Mr. Van Horne to have the local freight rate from Saint John to the upriver counties made the same as for St. Stephen. Mr. Van Horne promised to look into this matter. It is rumoured that the Leary people are trying to sell out their interest in Carleton to the railway.
Much discussion of the Scott Act during January, 1891
Beacon
Feb 5/1891
St. Andrews As a Port
Capt. Howard Campbell, master of the S. S. "Lake Ontario," and who is also commodore of the Beaver Line fleet, is a man whose nautical judgment should carry a great deal of weight, and it was principally owing to that reason that he was requested by a member of the citizens' committee of St. Andrews to give his candid opinion of St. Andrews as a port. His reply, which we reproduce below, gives most convincing proof of the great natural advantages which St. Andrews possesses, and should incite the people of the town to do their utmost to have these unsurpassed advantages utilized:
"There can be no doubt that St. Andrews, both from its geographical position and from the natural advantages of a fine, commodious land-locked harbor, is certain equal if not superior to any other port in the Dominion, as the natural winter port. It is nearer England by over sixty miles, than Portland, Maine, and as a harbor is infinitely its superior, being shut in from heavy seas from all quarters. It is also free from any serious difficulties in the way of ice and carries a depth of water in the outer harbor sufficient for the largest steamers afloat.
"Its disadvantages are: the great rise and fall of tide peculiar to the Bay of Fundy, the fogs which prevail there (in the Bay), and the rather narrow and intricate passages to get to it. As regard the fogs I may say that they are neither denser or more frequent than those which prevail in the Gulf and River St. Lawrence, and as regards the narrow passages referred to, the distance is so short between Machias Seal Island, where it begins, and St. Andrews (about 35 miles in all) and the coast is so well lighted, that the narrow passages would not be a very serious difficulty.
"It would, if properly conducted, be a chief port, and when wharves and accommodations for discharging and loading vessels were made, ought to compare favorably with any port in the Dominion. I have often wondered that possessing so many natural and geographical advantages as it does, it has not long ago become the most important winter port of the Dominion.
"I have given you a candid statement from a nautical point of view of its advantages and disadvantages, and your committee have my sincere sympathies and best wishes in your loyal endeavor to bring it into prominence as a port."
St. Andrews as a Summer Resort
One of the greatest drawbacks to the success of St. Andrews as a summer resort has been the lack of suitable bathing facilities. We have all other requisites for a pleasant summer recreation ground, but in this one respect we have been sadly deficient. The St. Andrews Land Co, recognizing the heavy handicap that the absence of efficient bathing facilities places upon the town, have determined to provide these facilities during the approaching season. Katy's Cove has been chosen as the spot most suitable for this purpose. A dam or flood gate will be placed across the entrance to the Cove, and the waters imprisoned each tide. The action of the sun upon them will make bathing much pleasanter than in outside waters. According to law, the permission of owners of land bordering on the waters is needed before a dam can be erected but, recognizing the great advantages that must result to the town from this source, we cannot conceive that anybody who has the interest of the place at heart will for a moment withhold such permission.
The ice contract for the Algonquin has been awarded to A. Denley and J. Cummings. 100 tons will be stored.
Beacon
Feb 12, 1891
Reciprocity and the upcoming election much in the news in this issue.
St. Andrews is cursed with dogs. "Mongrels, puppies, whelps and hounds, and curs of low degree"—particularly curs—about, and in some instances, they are so vicious as to make it danger to pass their abiding place. A dog tax is very much wanted here to reduce the rapidly increasing list of curs. (girl severely bitten this issue)
A Word about Incorporation
"I did not interest myself much about incorporation," said a gentleman, who is regarded as one of the most level-headed businessmen we have to the Beacon the other night, "until I found out that if the bill asking for assessment on the parish for the purposes of a wharf should pass the present Legislature, we have got to wait until the next session of the County Council in January before an assessment could be ordered. That was enough for me. I am in favor incorporation now, and strongly in favor of it. It is preposterous to think that our business interests should be retarded in this manner."
Beacon
Feb 19, 1891
George Clarke running on Liberal-Conservative party of New Brunswick. Favor reciprocity, as does Armstrong. See Editorial.
Mr. Cram is Manager
Plans for the building of the Bangor and Aroostook railway have taken definite shape and legislation is now going through the Maine Legislature to give the scheme effect. It is to be provided that no railroad shall be built in the country within fifteen miles of the new road until after twenty years. Mr. F. W. Cram is appointed manager of the new enterprise. The funds are prepared and construction will begin at once. Mr. Cram and his wife are at present enjoying a trip through the southern states.
Beacon
Feb 26, 1891
The CPR and St. Andrews
If the CPR authorities are sincere in their desire to aid St. Andrews they should make better provision for taking care of the cargoes of vessels landing here than they have been doing. One large vessel with only one hundred tons of phosphate on board was kept waiting over a week because there were no cars for her to discharge into. A similar detention, due to a similar cause, also occurred to another vessel. The railway should know that this is no way to encourage traffic to a port. Vessel captains and vessel owners like to have prompt discharge; otherwise, the reputation of the port is bound to suffer.
Appalling Calamity
Article on Springhill mining disaster.
Beacon
March 5, 1891
Nomination Day. A. H. Gillmore and George H. Clarke nominated. Mr. Gillmore paints the beauties of free trade. Details.
Beacon
March 12/1891
Charlotte County returns Gillmore and is one of three counties only, which supported the free policy of the opposition. Many cries of doom from some. Armstrong: "It is true that St. Andrews would be the better for a little of the government's money, but the town needs men quite as much as she needs money, men of intelligence, men of courage, loyal men, men who have faith in the natural advantages of the place, and who are willing to lend their aid to secure the utilization of those advantages, no matter whether the political party to which they are attached is successful at the polls or not."
Sir John's protectionist government returned.
At least three summer cottages will be erected on St. Andrews Island by Houlton people this coming season. Mr. Munson, having disposed of his cottage to Dr. Walker, will erect another for himself. Dr. Hanson, of Houlton, and Dr. Syphers, also propose putting up cottages.
A brilliant idea flashed through the brain of one of our local practical jokers the other day. He was seated in the railway office, waiting for the return of the agent, when he conceived the idea of giving the latter a scare by feigning suicide. As soon as the agent hove in sight, the joker spread himself out on the floor with a revolver at his side, and he had no difficulty in coaxing a party in the office to spill a bottle of red ink on the spot where his brain was supposed to be. Then he waited developments. They came much sooner than he anticipated, and when he hurriedly lifted himself from his recumbent attitude to escape the agent's No 11's, he was horrified to find that the red ink would not wash off his face. He rubbed for an hour or two before he could make any impression on it, and finally he concluded to let it wear off. He is in doubt now as to the whether he had the joke on the agent or the agent had the joke on him.
Beacon
March 19/1891
St. Andrews as a Port
The development of St. Andrews as a seaport is no project. The very first founders of the town must have recognized the great natural advantages which the harbor possessed, otherwise they would not have builded so well as they did. They recognized the fact that their harbor was a great treasure house of wealth, which time, they felt, would gradually open and unfold to them. They planned a beautiful city, and having as they thought laid its foundations broad and deep, they put forth strenuous exertions to still further increase its wealth and influence. At that period there were no railways in any of the British possessions in North America, and there were few places in the United State where the roar of the Iron Horse was heard. Railwaying, we might almost say, was in its infancy. It was new; it was costly; the many improvements which the world now enjoys in this branch of science were at that time unknown. Yet in spite of these drawbacks, there originated in the little town of St. Andrews, one of the most daring projects in railroading that the new world had ever heard of. Even at this late day the task which these bold spirits set for themselves would be considered quite a gigantic one. Possessing a harbor capable of holding the navies of the world, they conceived the idea of running a line of railway to connect with the capital of Quebec, hoping thereby to divert the business of that province and, in progress of time, the business of the adjoining province of Ontario to St. Andrews. Having decided upon this scheme the Herculean task of putting it into execution was begun.
But why pursue this branch of the subject further? These brave men fought for the success of their project as never man fought before. Delegations were dispatched to the various provincial governments, and their assistance and sympathy pledged. The boards of Trade of the cities of Quebec and Montreal were interviewed and willingly gave their adhesion to the scheme; the parliament of England was approached, and the aid of the King himself was invoked for the furtherance of the railway; correspondence was opened up with the West Indies, British Guiana and other points from whence trade was expected, and the sympathy of the business people of those places was secured and, in short, everything that suggested itself to the minds of the promoters of the enterprise as contributing to a success was done. The work was begun, but alas its fulfillment was not accomplished.
The failure of that scheme was a severe blow to the energetic little town, but in spite of it, the people did not lose hope. They had still their unparallelled harbor. They had still an immense trade with the West Indies and with other points, and this they hoped to retain and increase. But gradually other ports began to spring up; other railroads were begun, and by degrees, from a combination of untoward circumstances, trade began to be diverted from St. Andrews. Then, to add to the misfortunes and the struggles of the little town, came the Saxby gale, which, by destroying a large portion of its wharves, almost completed the devastation of the port. With their trade slipping away from them, their businessmen crippled through having invested so much of their means in the railway and other schemes, and their wharves destroyed, the future of the port of St. Andrews looked gloomy indeed. Many a town would have sunk beneath the weight of its afflictions. But not so St. Andrews. Bravely she struggled on, expecting that someday in the not distant future, the North American continent would awaken to a realization of the unrivalled advantages which St. Andrews possessed as a port and that then, all her golden dreams would be fulfilled.
Then, as if to give a brighter color to the picture, came the CPR project. With St. Andrews the nearest Canadian winter port on the Atlantic, and with all the great natural facilities she possessed, her people argued that when their grand project was completed then would be consummated the bright dream which they had been dreaming all these years. Time passed, the Canadian empire was spanned from ocean to ocean by a railway of which any nation might be proud, and the hour of triumph was eagerly awaited by St. Andrews people. But it did not come. And to make a long story short, the people of the town are satisfied that if will never come unless they put for the strong exertions themselves to bring it.
Some months ago communication was opened up with the CPR authorities, pointing out what the hopes and desires of the people were with regard to the development of the port, and asking the railway company to indicate in what way they could assist the railway to carry the matter to a successful result. The reply of the railway authorities in effect was that while they recognized St. Andrews had many natural and geographical advantages as a port, they could not undertake to give it any special favors over any other ports touched by their line. If the people of St. Andrews, they said, created the trade for their port, the railway would provide facilities for the handling of it, but they would not undertake to create it, feeling "obliged to maintain a neutral position as between the various seaports reached by the company's lines." This being the policy of the Railway Company, the people of St. Andrews have determined to do what they can towards creating a trade for their port. As a preliminary they deem a deep-water pier a necessity, and the obtain this they are now directing their efforts. The people of the parish at a public meeting recently held consented to allow themselves to be assessed for a period of 20 years, and it was further determined to ask for Provincial and Dominion aid for the scheme. This in brief, is the history of the matter up to the present time.
It may be asked by some of our legislators what is there in the position of St. Andrews to justify any large appropriation of public funds for its development as a port? It may also be asked what its particular advantages are as a seaport, and in what directions the province or the Dominion would be benefited by building it up? That St. Andrews does possess advantages as seaport is admitted by everyone who has ever visited the place. In the first place, its geographical position gives it a great advantage over other Canadian Atlantic ports. It is nearest Montreal by forty miles, (and therefore nearer the North-West by the same number roof miles), than any other winter port in Canada.
It is nearer the Atlantic Ocean by almost sixty miles than the port of Saint John. It is nearer Great Britain by sixty miles than Portland, Maine.
It is easily accessible at all times of tide to vessels of the deepest draft, the channels which connect it with the Atlantic ocean being sufficiently broad and deep to allow of the largest vessel afloat entering or leaving at any time of tide, and as these channels are well protected by lights and buoys then can be navigated with absolute safety by the careful mariner at an hour of the day or night with or without a pilot.
The harbor is capacious; well protected from heavy land and sea breezes, has good anchorage ground in every part; the shores are bold for the most part and where shoals or ledges exist (and they are rare) they are well indicated; there is little if any fog to interfere with the handling of vessels, and what is of paramount importance, it is open summer and winter. These are the principal advantages claimed for St. Andrews as a port, and we think it will be admitted that they all tend towards making the port, safe, cheap and advantageous.
Capt. Campbell, commodore of the Beaver Line of ocean steamers, who is intimately acquainted with the harbor of St. Andrews, has placed on record as follows regarding the port: "There can be no doubt that St. Andrews both from its geographical position and from the natural advantages of a fine commodious landlocked harbor, is certainly equal if not superior to any other port in the Dominion, as the natural winter port. It is nearer England by over sixty miles, than Portland, Maine, and as a harbor is infinitely its superior being shut in from heavy seas from all quarters. It is also free from any serious difficulties in the way of ice and carries a depth of water in the outer harbor sufficient for the largest steamers afloat."
"It would, if properly conducted, be a cheap port; and when wharves and accommodations for discharging vessels were made, ought to compare favorably with any port in the Dominion. I have often wondered, that possessing so many natural and geographical advantages as it does, it has not long ago become the most important winter port in the Dominion."
We might add that Capt. Campbell is not the only person who has expressed surprise that a port so highly favored should lag so far behind in the commercial race.
That the building up of St. Andrews as a port would be of great advantage to Charlotte County goes without saying. That it would prove advantageous to the Province and the Dominion at large is equally true. Every island and village in the County of Charlotte would throb and pulsate with new life and energy if St. Andrews were to advance in material prosperity as a port. The whole western portion of the Province would be benefited by having a seaport so nearer and so advantageous as St. Andrews. This fact is being enforced upon our attention almost every day we live. Woodstock might be the coal depot for a large territory if St. Andrews could be utilized as a port for the discharge of coal vessels. And when reciprocity comes, as it is bound to come, St. Andrews being so near the United States ought to be a popular port for such large producing counties as Carleton, Sunbury and Victoria, as well as some of the adjacent counties and the district of Aroostook. Reasons might easily be advanced why this port should be utilized by Ontario and Quebec importers, why it would be an advantageous port for West India and South American business, and also why it would be profitable for Nova Scotia to have connection with a port so near to the commercial centres of the Dominion.
It is pleasing to note the friendly disposition of the Saint John members of the local government towards the scheme for the development of this port. And why should there be any hostility? Saint John would gain far more than she would lose if the claims and advantages of St. Andrews were recognized. Our people purchase very largely in Saint John, and with their purchasing power increased, the resultant benefits to Saint John must increase in a corresponding degree. Again, Saint John must necessarily share in the advantages arising from any increase of population that would follow to the western section of the Province through having a convenient port thrown open to it.
A Gospel of Hope Wanted
It appears to us that our St. Stephen contemporary displays undue eagerness to castigate St. Andrews for the result of the vote [Liberal?] in this County. We cannot give our adhesion to the gospel of despair which he preaches to the people of this town, and would respectfully suggest that he should adopt a more hopeful tone. St. Andrews has always returned a majority for the government, and in the late election it gave the government candidate a much larger majority than the County of King's gave to the Finance Minister. Surely this fact ought to carry some weight with the government. And we think it would if the matter was properly laid before them. With reference to the CPR Company, we confess that we cannot see in what respect the prospects of St. Andrews had been injured by the late vote. The CPR is purely a business corporation, governed entirely by business considerations. Their policy with regard to the Canadian ports touched by their lines is so well-defined that it has no room for doubt. They have told us distinctly that they will not give preference to any one port over another but will treat all alike. If the people of St. Andrews succeed in developing trade for their port, we have not the slightest doubt that that the CPR will do their utmost to handle it. We cannot think for one moment that the railway people would boycott the port simply because its people did not give the government candidate a larger majority It is not common sense; it is not business.
We must enter a most emphatic protest against our contemporary saying or doing anything that would tend to discourage our people in the movement for the development of their port which they are now engage in. It has been the mission of the Beacon to endeavor to instill hope and confidence with regard to the future of the port, and we appeal to our contemporary to extend us his aid and sympathy in their work. If he cannot do this it would be preferable that he should remain silent.
Local student George H. Wisely wins short story prize for "Just in Time," an account of a near-death experience with the natives by Champlain on Dochet's island that purports to be a translation of a letter found in an old French book and makes reference to a cave at Joe's Point that Champlain supposedly hid in after being pursued by Indians. Fictional doubtless. Story in full.
CPR have asked for tenders for 30,000 tons of coal to be delivered at Carleton (Saint John) and at St. Andrews, in equal quantities. This does not look as if the CPR intended to give St. Andrews the go-by altogether, as some people would have us believe.
Beacon
March 26/1891
In the death of Mr. T. Turner O'Dell, which occurred somewhat suddenly on Saturday afternoon, St. Andrews has lost one of its oldest citizens and one of its wealthiest merchants. Mr. Odell was an Englishmen by birth, and when quite young came to New Brunswick and became a clerk with his uncle, Mr. Thomas Turner, in the dry goods business at St. Andrews. Proving himself a capable man, he was subsequently admitted as a partner, and on Mr. Turner's death he assumed the full control of the business, which by the aid of his two sons, he has since carried on quite successfully. Mr. Odell took quite an active interest in municipal affairs at one time, being for period Warden of the County, but ill-health and other circumstances have of late tended towards his leading a more private life. By the failure of the Maritime Bank he lost in the neighborhood of $18,000. This was a heavy blow to him, and no doubt tended to some degree to hasten his end. The immediate cause of his death was an affliction of the heart, from which he had been suffering for some time. He was able to be out on Election Day and cast his vote, but since then he had been confined to his house. Although very poorly, his immediate dissolution was not looked for, and when the intelligence of his death was made public on Saturday afternoon, no little surprise was expressed. The deceased leaves a widow two sons and two daughters, for whom sincerely sympathy will be felt. Mr. Odell was in his 60th year. His funeral on Monday afternoon was attended quite largely.
Fifty years ago, on Thursday last, Mr. and Mrs. John Treadwell were united in marriage at St. Andrews. They have resided here ever since. Among their family they can count two millionaires. Mrs. Treadwell's maiden name was Tufts, she being a sister of Mr. Hugh Tufts, of Saint John. Mr. Treadwell is now in his 84th year.
Beacon
April 2/1891
The Proposed Pier
It is more than likely that if any deep-water pier is constructed at this port it will be upon a site in the outer harbor, probably fronting on the O'Neill farm. Although this was the first location suggested by the CPR engineer during his visit here, the wharf committee felt that if a nearer location to the business part of the town could be obtained it would be better in the public interest. With this end in view measurements were taken at Indian Point, but the distance to deep water being much greater than was supposed, the committee felt impelled to fall back upon the first site mentioned. This is an admirable location in many respects, the gravely beach sloping out quite rapidly to deep water. With a pier at this point time and tide would make very little difference to the mariner. Messrs. O'Neill, the owners of the property facing the wharf, have assured the committee in a most positive manner that they will grant running rights free of charge over their property to the wharf, so that one very serious difficulty has been removed. A plan of the proposed wharf location and the approaches thereto have been prepared by Mr. R. M Jack, C. E. and this the committee has forwarded to Fredericton. All that is needed now to ensure the success of the wharf scheme is for our government to grant generous subsidies thereto. We feel confident that if they do this the resultant benefits will be very great, not only to this town and county, but to the Province at large.
History of the St. Andrews R. C. Church
By Emily Donoghue
(written for the Beacon)
Mrs. Irvine, wife of the caretaker of the Alms House, fell from a loft in the barn attached to the institution on Tuesday, and received injuries. Dr. Osburn was called attend her.
Beacon
April 9/1891
The CPR's New York Connection
The Saint John people are none too well pleased over the announcement that eh CPR has got a line into New York. The Gazette remarks:
"If Saint John is likely to be injured by the CPR line into New York we cannot be expected to regard the arrangement with much enthusiasm, however brilliant it may appear. The distance from Carleton junction on the CPR to a common point west of Ottawa, to New York, via Brookville, is 405 miles as against 629 miles from Carleton junction to Saint John over the CPR, so that the advantage in distance is with New York to the extent of 224 miles. This new arrangement makes it all the more necessary that there should be a clear understanding with the CPR as to what terminal facilities they propose to erect here in consideration of the transfer to them by the city of the Carleton Branch railway and Sand Point wharf property."
The Globe asks the "truly loyal" to make a note of Manager Van Horne's statement that ninety per cent of the business which he will deliver to the New York roads "is local business of Canada."
We will welcome Mr. Van Horne as a summer resident of St. Andrews, knowing that as such he will do all in his power to advance the interest of the town.
St. Andrews as a summer Resort
Manager Van Horne of the CPR to erect a palatial residence on Minister's Island. Sir Donald Smith and others to build elegant summer home.
Mr. Robert S. Gardiner, vice-president of the St. Andrews Land Company, and Mr. F. W. Cram made a flying trip to St. Andrews this week to look after their interests here. During their stay, Mr. Cram exercised the option on Minister's Island, made by the Messrs. Andrews some time ago, by purchasing 150 acres on the south end of the island. This property is purchased for W. C. Van Horne, Esq., and president of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, whose plans for the erection of an extensive and elegant summer residence thereon are completed. Mr. Van Horne expects to have it ready for occupancy this summer. A right for a carriage way from the end of the bar to Mr. Van Horne's property has also been secured from Messrs. Andrews. It is Mr. Van Horne's intention to keep a private steam yacht at the Island during the summer, and a floating dock for that purpose will be erected on the S. W. side of the island. It is part of the agreement with the owners of the island that the sand beach at the north-east end of the island, facing Hardwood Island, shall be included in the property purchased to be used for bathing purposes.
In addition to the purchase for Mr. Van Horne of the Minister's Island property, several other important sales of land have been made. Sir Donald A. Smith has bought and paid for five acres of the Mowatt farm, opposite Mr. Hoar's residence. It is Sir Donald's intention to build a dwelling house either this spring or summer.
Mr. Thomas Shaughnessy, assistant president of the CPR has bought a lot of about 14,000 feet in "Acadia," (formerly the Parker property), near the Algonquin. Mr. Jas. Burnett, of Montreal, has purchased similar-sized lot opposite Mr. Shaughnessy's in "Acadia."
Mr. E. A. Taft, of Boston, president of the New York and Boston Despatch Express Company, has become the owner of a 9600 feet lot in "Acadia" as well.
It is the intention of the Land Company to proceed with the construction of the dam across the mouth of Katy's Cove (in order to better fit the Cove for bathing purposes), immediately on their obtaining the necessary permits from the landowners adjacent thereto. Mr. S. H. Richardson, of Bangor, who has had a wide experience as a mill and dam builder, having built them all the way from Saint John to Wisconsin, has been here and inspected the proposed dam site.He thinks that dam can be easily built, and that it will prove very effective when it is built.
Hotel Matters
The Algonquin will be managed this season by Mr. Albert Miller, of Boston. Mr. Miller has been manager of the Kushaqua House, near Albany, NY, for four years past, and he has been connected with Hotel Howland at Long Branch, so that he is well fitted by experience to fill the position of host at the Algonquin. Mr. Fred A. Jones has purchased the Dufferin Hotel, Saint John, and he proposes adding one hundred more rooms, which means the erection of a five-story building. Mr. John. A. Edwards, the popular proprietor of the Queen, F'ton, is casting his eyes towards Saint John, with a view to going into business there.
Beacon
April 16/1891
Charlotte County Appropriations
The government have dealt generously with Charlotte County in providing for an annual appropriation of $2,000 a year for twenty years for wharf purposes, yet why they should starve the grant to St. Andrews in order to give a slice to the Ledge, whose people had not asked for it, is something that is not very clear to us at the moment of writing. If wharves are needed at the Ledge as much as they are needed here, we will not utter another word of complaint. It seems a little singular though that while St. Andrews had to call in all "The resources of civilization," in the shape of public meetings, petitions and delegations, the Ledge, whose people appear to have done none of these things, fared just as well, if not better.
The CPR is about to increase the length of the Sand Point wharf in Saint John, on account of the great increase in business there.
Everybody is feeling better since it has been learned that Mr. Van Horne is to become a permanent summer resident of St. Andrews.
The contract for delivering 30,000 tons of fresh mine and steam coal, at Carleton and at St. Andrews in equal quantities, has been awarded to J. R. Cowan, of the Springhill mines. Mr. R. J. Ross has secured an 8-horsepower engine with which to hoist the coat out of the vessels when it comes here.
Messrs. Gardiner and Cram, of the Land Company, only remained in town a few days last week.
Beacon
April 23/1891
The Deep-Water Pier
The Local government grant to the proposed deep-water pier, though not nearly so large as the promoters of the scheme had hoped for, is yet sufficiently generous to encourage another forward movement being made. The next movement should be in the direction of a grant from the Dominion government. We have no doubt that if the matter is properly laid before them that the Dominion government will deal quite a liberally with St. Andrews as the local government has done.
George H. Wiseley, a pupil in the St. Andrews Grammar School, who recently captured the Beacon's story prize, has also won the Provincial prize in the Montreal Witness competition, and stands an excellent chance of winning Dominion honors. We congratulate Mr. Wiseley upon his deserved success. His story was connected with the history of the Loyalists. Miss Agnes Carson won the Grammar school prize in this competition.
The lighthouse wharf, generally known as the steamboat wharf, which has been rapidly going to decay for some years past, is about to be placed in thorough repair again. The Local Government have generously granted $1500 for the purpose, on condition that the company expend a like amount. This the Company have decided to do at once. Mr. James Starkey, of St. Andrews, has been awarded the contract for the work, and it will be pushed forward to completion as rapidly as possible. It is expected that a great portion of the coal business of the railway will be done on this wharf. The New York Steamship Company are anxious to secure a landing there also, so that the prospect for a fair business being done over this wharf would seem to be quite bright.
Windsor Hotel in St. Stephen opened Jan.1891. Nice drawing this issue. "The Windsor is a new house, having been opened for the first time in January of this year. The cut published in connection with the advertisement gives an excellent idea of its stateliness. There are many pleasant drives around St. Stephen, so that the time need not hang heavy upon the hands of the summer sojourner who registers at the Windsor. Proprietor A. C. Jones.
Beacon
April 30/1891
The Wharf Project
N. E. S., whose identity is easily recognized, writes a very hopeful letter to the Saint John Telegraph with regard to the future prospects of St. Andrews. He has a good word to say for the wharf project, but it seems to us that he flatters the editor of the Beacon in this connection a little more than he deserves. The editor has simply done what he conceived to be his duty towards St. Andrews and the County of his adoption, and had it not been for the fact that his efforts were ably supported by such men as Messrs. Grimmer, Cockburn, Snodgrass, Forster, Lamb, DeWolfe, Stuart, Wren Stickney, Stevenson and other prominent business people, he could have accomplished but little. The committee have worked together with singular unanimity, considered the different constituents of which it was composed, and though there were times when the life of the scheme seemed to be endangered, yet those periods have been successfully outlived. The project now stands on a pretty clear footing. The Provincial Government—and we cannot be too grateful to our representatives who lent us their assistance—have recognized our claim in a substantial manner, and the Legislature have given the people the necessary authority to assess themselves when they deem it expedient so to do. It now remains for us to place our claims before the Dominion Government, as forcibly as possible, and this, we have no doubt will be done. It may be necessary to send one or more delegates to Ottawa to interview the government, and when the proper time comes, the man or men for that duty will be forthcoming, we think. What view the government will take of this subject we will not venture to say, but we are sanguine enough to believe that if it is properly laid before them, they will grant St. Andrews quite as liberal assistance as the Provincial government has done. It will be time enough to consider what the next step shall be when the Dominion Government have been heard from. Should their answer be favorable the people of St. Andrews can rest assured that the project will be pushed forward to a conclusion as rapidly as possible.
Algonquin to stay open until Sept. 28 to accommodate hay-fever people. Some talk of sanatorium being established here.
Beacon
May 7, 1891
Died
McStay. At St. Andrews, on the 23rd ult., Miss Alice McStay, daughter of the late Dr. McStay
Beacon
May 7/1891
Wandering cows are causing a great deal of annoyance, and in some cases injury.
M. McMonagle of the St. Andrews foundry has secured permission from the St. Andrews Wharf Company to place a hoisting engine on the wharf to be used whenever required. The machine is now being fitted up and will be ready by the time the wharf is repaired.
Sanatorium at St. Andrews
"Koomoosaba," the Indian name for the Osburn residence, on the outskirts of Indian Point Park, will be used as a sanatorium this season, as will be seen by the announcement which is published on the first page of the Beacon. Well-arranged internally, with an external situation that cannot be excelled, there are few places better adapted for such a purpose. The sanatorium will be under the immediate supervision of Dr. Osburn, who will have associated with him Dr. Forster, of Philadelphia. With such an efficient medical corps, and all the other requisites it possesses, "Koomoosaba" ought to become a favorite resort for invalids.
"Koomoosaba," St. Andrews, New Brunswick
This large and commodious residence will be opened this season as a Sanatorium. It is most beautifully situated at the entrance of Indian Point Park, surrounded by pine and fir trees, within one minute's walk of Passamaquoddy Bay. Excellent bathing and boating facilities are close at hand. A limited number of invalids can be accommodated and provided with every comfort, in addition to medical attendance and nursing. The hygienic requirements are perfect in every respect, and the appointments of the house are all that can be desired, most careful attention having been given to the plumbing, ventilation and drainage. This establishment will be under the direct supervision of Dr. W. H. Osburn, of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and Guy's Hospital, London, England, and of Dr. C. V. Forster, of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. Trained nurses will be provided as may be required by patients.
Beacon
May 14/1891
The Late Post-Master Campbell
With the death of Mr. G. F. Campbell almost the last of that sturdy type of manhood which gained for St. Andrews such a prominent place in the commercial world of half a century ago has been removed. A native of Charlotte County, his aid and sympathy have always been extended to any project which had for its aim the benefit of the County, and particularly of St. Andrews. He was a conspicuous figure in the old St. Andrews railway organization, and in many other schemes to advance the public interest he took a prominent part. Mr. Campbell was without doubt the oldest Postmaster in the Dominion and probably in North America. He was appointed Postmaster in 1829 and held the office through successive generations until the hour of his death. For several years past his advancing age has in a measure incapacitated him from active, duty, so that the labors of the office had devolved upon a deputy, but he never forgot that he was Postmaster, and he never allowed others to forget it. He was a man of great independence of spirit, and sterling honesty, and was esteemed for his many good qualities. Mr. Fred. A. Stevenson, who has been acting Postmaster for a year or more, will doubtless receive the appointment of Postmaster, and the public generally will concede that he is entitled to it. He has proved a faithful and obliging official and is well fitted to discharge the duties of the office.
Important Railway Project
The Bangor and Aroostook railway, promises to be something more than a shipping line for Aroostook County. There is a prospect of a deviation being made in the plans so as to make connection with the Restigouche and Victoria Railway. This latter line has been chartered and subsidized by the Dominion Government to run from Campbellton to Grand Falls. VanBuren is but a few miles from Grand Falls, and with a slight change in the location of the R. and V. Railway a connection could easily be made. The projectors of the Aroostook Railway have suggested the feasibility of making connection and have met with a favorable response from the promoters of the other road. The Restigouche and Victoria line, says one who is well acquainted with the subject, "passes through a well-timbered country with splendid hardwood ridges, indicating a fertile soil, and would develop the largest tract of virgin forest in New Brunswick. Around the Bay de Chaleur are extensive mills, canning establishments and refrigerators, wherein are stored large quantities of frozen salmon, (Restigouche river is the greatest salmon stream in Eastern America and the fish are rated the finest in the world), which are shipped in ice to all parts of Canada and the Eastern States. Coal could be cheaply brought by vessel to Campbellton for that use of the road, being easy of access to the mines of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. Fish and short lumber would also find a shorter line to market if this connection was made." With these lines connected they would form a trunk line of 400 miles, and, as one writer has well said, they could control the whole business of Northern New Brunswick.
The first cargo of the 15,000 tons of coal contracted for by the CPR to be delivered here arrived from Springhill yesterday, afternoon in the schooner Amy D. The coal will be discharged at Carleton as it arrives and be forwarded by cars to the different points along the CPR where it is needed. Another 15,000 tons is to be delivered at St. Andrews during the summer.—Saint John Gazette.
A dead baby! There could be no doubt about it. In the slimy ooze, at the base of the Market Wharf, lay the tiny lifeless form. Over the upper part of the body a muddy cloth was spread, hiding from view the sightless eyes, and the pinched, drawn face. The body appeared clothed in a light cotton material. Some young men first discovered the figure, and almost in a trice the word flew around. The lawyer hurriedly dismissed his client and jumping on to a passing vehicle drove with all speed to the scene; the barber abandoned his half-shaven customer and followed were the lawyer led; the coroner dropped everything and ran, as fast as his legs could carry him; a dozen other followed in his wake. With saddened faces and voices subdued they gathered around the pulseless babe, none daring to examine it until the coroner had arrived. That functionary wasted no time but at once removed this cloth from the face of the body. He gazed but a moment, and then with a disgusted look turned away. "A doll! Well, I'll be hanged!" And a doll it was.
Gray now a fashionable color for horses.
Beacon
May 21/1891
The Alms House Matter
The action of the Alms House Commissioners in demanding the resignation of Keeper Irwing does not give unbounded satisfaction in the parish; on the contrary, there are many who strongly condemn the course the Commissioners have taken. In view of all the circumstances it does seem to us that the board have been a little hasty in their judgment, and that there should be some better grounds for dismissal than they have yet shown. According to the resolution of the Board (as published in last weeks' Beacon) the only offence that the keeper is charged with is that of refusing to haul a load of wood to a pauper; according to the keeper's own statement he had the wood hauled and paid for the hauling of it out of his own pocket. It is true he did not use the Alms House horses in hauling the wood, but as a justification for his conduct on this point he says that he had positive orders from the chairman of the Farm committee not to take the horses off the farm during farming weather. What other course was the man to pursue? Had he taken the farm horses for the work he would have disobeyed one master; in refusing or neglecting to do so he disobeyed the mandate of another. He took what seemed to him to be the easiest and most prudent course in the interests of the farm and now he is to be decapitated for it. Most people will conclude that the Commissioners themselves are not altogether free from censure. There should be no conflict of authority among them and no room for doubt in the keeper's mind as to the person or persons from whom he should receive orders. Had there been such an understanding it is extremely doubtful if the present difficulty would have arisen.
As Mr. Irwing appears to have discharged his duties very faithfully in the past, and as the Commissioners themselves are not altogether blameless, we think that neither their dignity nor the public interests would have suffered very much had a less severe course been taken.
The Alms House Trouble
. . . evidently endeavours to make an uncharitable allusion. I have been on the board with Mr. Peacock a number of years and I have never found a more faithful and painstaking man on the board, and I unhesitatingly state that to Mr. Peacock is due a large share of the credit for the improved condition in which the Alms House affairs now stand as compared with the conditions in the year 1885.
The man who could run a paper to please everybody is said to have been left out of the ark.
Judge Emory Speer of Georgia [vice-president of US hay fever association—castles of the north p. 72] affirms his faith in St. Andrews as a hay fever free resort and adds that it was recommended as such to him by Sir Leonard Tilley, who said no case of it had ever been known here.
Beacon now a steam, as opposed to purely lever, press. 2,000 copies a week.
Mr. Van Horne has not yet been able to get a deed of the property purchased for him on Minister's Island, owing to the non-arrival of some necessary papers from England. As soon as those arrive, the work will be pushed ahead.
Death of Captain Herbert
In the death of Capt. W. H. Herbert, proprietor of the Argyll hotel, which occurred on Monday afternoon after an illness extending over a few weeks, St. Andrews has sustained a very heavy loss. Capt Herbert was a native of Wiscasset, Maine, and was 57 years of age. He was thrice married, but leaves no issue, his third wife surviving him. In early life he followed the sea, and for a number of years was a successful ship- captain. After abandoning sailor life, he went into the hotel business. He conducted the Grand Falls hotel for a period, and also the Junction House at McAdam Junction. Two [ten] years ago, when the Argyll was opened, Capt. Herbert became lessee; in that capacity he operated the hotel successfully for a number of years. He subsequently purchased the property, and year by year since then he has been developing and improving it. He was an ardent believer in the future of St. Andrews, and his hopefulness, good nature and genial presence made him welcome everywhere. Generous to fault, honest and straightforward in all his dealings, he was esteemed by all who knew him. In his domestic relation she was unusually happy. He was an excellent hose, and as landlord of the Argyll did much towards popularizing St. Andrews as a summer resort. We shall ever miss his kindly smile, his encouraging word and his honest, hearty grasp of the hand. The remains of the deceased were taken by train to "Richmond, Maine, on Tuesday for interment. We understand that arrangements have been made whereby the hotel will be operated this year.
Robert S. Gardiner and wife have come from Boston to visit Mrs. Herbert.
Deed: 1066
Edwin L. Andrews to W. C. Van Horne
This Indenture made this 23rd day of May in the year 1891 between Edwin L. Andrews of the Parish of St. Andrews in the county of Charlotte Province of New Brunswick, Farmer and Adeline Andrews his wife and William C. Van Horne of the city of Montreal in the Province of Quebec . . . for and in consideration of the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars of lawful money . . . one hundred and fifty acres . . . also a right of way access [across the Andrews property]
Beacon
May 28, 1891
Constable Keezer's tongue got him in trouble again last week. Meeting constable McQuoid he began to scold that officer, and he was promptly knocked down for his temerity. Both men then hastened to Justice Hathaway's court, one to lay an information for abusive language, the other for assault. Subsequently, they saw the error of their ways and withdrew the charges against each other.
Beacon
June 4/1891
The Block House
Well on to eighty years have passed since the block houses were erected in St. Andrews. Three of them were put up, one at Joe's Point, one at the Western block, and one at the lighthouse wharf, near Indian Point. Their primary purpose was for the protection of the inhabitants of the peninsula against attacks of unfriendly Indians from United States territory, but the Indians never came, although they were frequently seen hovering around the shore on the Maine side of the St. Croix. In those days these wooden forts were considered almost impregnable against the attack of such an enemy, and certainly the precautions that were taken to strengthen them would justify such an idea.
They were constructed of heavy pine logs, seventeen inches square, piled on top of each other, the interstices being tightly closed with tow. The lower section of these blockhouses was in one room eighteen feet square, the upper section being twenty-two square feet, thus projecting two feet all around. The upper room of the fort had two rows of musket-holes around it, and there were also openings in the projection, so that those occupying the fort could fire down upon an enemy approaching the door or seeking to destroy the building by fire from either side. Racks filled with loaded muskets encircled the room, above them being a collection of boarding-pikes, cutlasses and other implements of offence and defence. Two brass four-pounders completed the armament of the fort, portholes being provided to shoot from.
Of the three blockhouses, only one—that one at the western block—is standing today. The fort at the lighthouse wharf yielded to the march of civilization, being removed at the time the railway was begun. [1847] The Saxby gale proved more than a match for the fort at Joe's Point, for when the gale subsided not a stick was left upon another. When Western block fort is still in a good state of preservation, but it was robbed of its munitions many years ago.
The ramparts around this latter fort were protected in early times by twelve eight-pound cannons. For years these watchdogs did silent duty, and then when their usefulness was gone, and they were able to bark no longer, they were sold for old junk to the Pembroke ironworks. The present large ordnance were placed at the Fort during the period of the Fenian scare, but they have never been used, except for practice. The present blockhouse became one of the possessions of the Dominion government at Confederation, and the militia department has since controlled its destinies and collected the rents therefrom. Within a recent period, Lady Tilley has secured a lease of the blockhouse. It is not known what purpose she intends putting it to. It would make quite a romantic summer hotel.
The Coal Business
In a fortnight probably the first cargo of coal for the CPR will arrive in St. Andrews, and from week to week thereafter the coal will be brought in until the contract of 15,000 tons is completed. The CPR railway have made an arrangement for only a year with the railroad wharf company for the use of their wharf for coal and for any other freight that may offer. The reason why the company have not secured the wharf for a longer term is probably due to the fact that bringing of coal here is more in the nature of an experiment than otherwise. Should the experiment come up to the expectations of the railroad, there is little doubt we think that the bringing of the coal here will be a permanency. For the sake of the port, it is to be hoped that every possible effort will be put forth to secure this coal business for all time. It may not for a year or to bring much wealth to the port, but is the beginning of a trade which, if properly nursed, may develop into large proportions. It is gratifying to note that the railway will make an effort to provide outward cargoes for the schooners engaged in the coast traffic. If they succeed in doing this, it does not need a great deal of intelligence to see the advantage it will give to the port. We hope our people will not lose sight of the fact that one of the greatest factors in the development of the town lies in making the port of St. Andrews a cheap, easy and safe one for vessels. One a shipping trade is re-established here then material progress in the town may be looked for.
The St. Andrews pilots have very wisely determined to make concessions to the coal vessels coming to this port in order to aid in the development of that trade.
In anticipation of receiving permission from Ottawa, the Land Company are proceeding with the improvements at Katy's Cove. A long stretch of the beach has been neatly fixed up and covered with fine gravel, and a pleasant path laid out from the Algonquin Hotel to the waterside. Nothing will be done towards erecting a dam until permission has been received from Ottawa.
Sir John A. dying. Brief sketch.
Sir John A. Macdonald died June 6, 1891
The deed of the Minister's Island property, purchased by Mr. W. C. Van Horne, president of the CPR was forwarded to that gentleman last week. There is a report that Mr. Van Horne will divide the property with Sir Donald Smith.
New Keeper Appointed
In consequence of the difficulty that arose between the Commissioner and the Keeper of the Alms House, the latter will vacate the premises on the 12th inst. A new keeper has been found in the person of Mr. William Carr. He will take charge immediately on Mr. Irwin's retirement. Mr. Carr is pretty well known, being a resident of the parish, and will doubtless be able to fill the office acceptably. He is a married man but has no family.
Beacon
June 11/1891
Mrs. Somby, a young colored woman, fractured one of her ankles on Monday, while jumping out of a wagon.
A female infant, apparently three or four weeks old, was abandoned on Mr. James Rooney's doorstep on Monday morning. It is not known who the mother of the infant is. The Alms House authorities have farmed the child out.
Inch Arran House, Dalhousie, one of finest hostelries in province. Ad. Canada's favorite summer resort. This fine hotel, situated on the Baie des Chaleurs, about a mile from the Intercolonial Railway station in the town of Dalhousie, will be opened for the reception of guests on the 25th of June, under the management of Mr. [Jerome] Hale, one of the most popular hotel men of New England. An excellent table is provided, and no pains will be spared to make our guests comfortable. Splendid beach; bathing safe at high or low tide. Boating and fishing unsurpassed in this country. The drives and scenery in the immediate vicinity among the finest in the world.
In Marysville, on Wednesday, 3rd inst., one of the grandest weddings that has ever taken place in the province was celebrated at the resident of Alex Gibson. Details.
ABBOTT, John Joseph Caldwell
Prime Minister of Canada
Liberal-Conservative 1891.06.16 - 1892.11.24
Beacon
June 18, 1891
Deep Water Pier
Names of Men who Signed the Petition to the Dominion Government
The petition to the Dominion government pointing out the claims and advantages of St. Andrews as a seaport and praying that a subsidy be granted towards the erection of a deep-water pier, has been forwarded to Ottawa. It is as follows:
To the Honorable Her Majesty's Minister of Public Works for Dominion of Canada
The petition of the undersigned resident ratepayers and electors of the county of Charlotte, in the province of New Brunswick in the said Dominion of Canada humbly sheweth:
I. That the town of St. Andrews, in the said county of Charlotte, is a seaport town situate on the inner Bay of Passamaquoddy, of safe and easy approach from the Bay of Fundy for ships and sea-going crafts of the largest size, and deepest draught of water at any time of tide and at all seasons of the year.
II. That said town of St. Andrews now has by name of the Canadian Pacific Railway direct connection with Montreal and the North West, and being one of the termini of the CPR, on the Atlantic coast, possesses superior natural facilities as a deep water port, at which to carry on a portion of the trade of the said railway.
III. That there are at the present time no wharves or warehouses at the said port of St. Andrews, suitable or sufficient to accommodate large ships or seagoing craft, such as would be employed in the trade with the CPR, and these can only be supplied by the expenditure of a large amount of money.
IV. That the citizens of the said town of St. Andrews, through correspondence had with the manager and other officials of the said CPR, have been induced to believe, and your petitioners verily believe, that if suitable wharves, warehouses and other deep water accommodations were provided at the said port of St. Andrews, a considerable portion of the said freight and traffic over the said railway would be brought to the port of St. Andrews for shipment which would tend greatly to the development of the said county of Charlotte as an agricultural commodity, and the town of St. Andrews as a commercial and shipping port and benefit this province generally.
V. That with a view to assisting in providing such shipping facilities as aforesaid, by the erection of wharves and warehouses and making other harbor improvements the rate payers of the said town of St. Andrews have obtained from the legislature of the province of New Brunswick the necessary legislative authority to access themselves to the amount of 20,000 dollars to be supplied when assessed and collected for the purpose above mentioned.
VI. That to aid in carrying on such works and making such improvements as above mentioned, the local legislature of the province of New Brunswick has made a grant by way of a subsidy to the amount of 20,000
VII. That from the best information that your petitioners can obtain on the subject, it will require at least 80,000 to construct such works and make the improvements required and necessary for the purpose above mentioned.
Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that you as Her Majesty's Minister of Public Works in the Dominion of Canada may give to this matter the fairest consideration that the circumstances of the case can demand, and viewing it as a matter of the most important public interest, will recommend to His Excellency the Governor General of Canada tin council, a grant by way of subsidy, to aid in the construction of the works and improvements above mentioned, to such an amount as the importance of the undertaking according to your superior judgment may justify.
And as in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray,
W. D. Forster, George D. Grimmer, John S. Magee, C. E. O. Hatheway, et al.
"Summer Tours on the CPR" is the title of an entertaining pamphlet that is now being distributed by the CPR people. St. Andrews comes in for a good share of attention.
A small schooner, the first of the railway coal fleet, arrived on Tuesday, with a cargo of 150 tons of Springhill coal on board. She has begun discharging at the railway wharf. Mr. McMonagle has placed s substantial hoisting engine on the wharf, which will be used in the discharge of these coal schooners.
The work of erecting the dam to make of Katy's Cove a bathing place has been begun by Mr. Richardson, of Bangor. It will be completed before the summer rush begins. A suite of bathing houses, eight in all, will at once be constructed on the shores of the Cove by the Land Company. The building will be quite ornamental.
The Shore Line Railway has entered upon a new era, and one that cannot fail to be fraught with the best results. A magnificent new train now covers the road twice every day from St. Stephen to Saint John, stopping at St. George and other points. A glance at the new timetable, which is published in this issue, shows that the Shore Line intends to keep abreast of the times. Vice-President McLean and Superintendent McPeake are to be congratulated on the new order of things.
Beacon
June 25/1891
If anyone is in need of an elegant residence, with a mountain and abundance of magnificent scenery thrown in, they should read Mr. James A. Townsend's advertisement in this issue. Mr. Townsend is desirous of selling the palatial residence which he recently erected at Chamcook and also Chamcook Mountain, which forms part of the property. This is a chance that investors do not meet with every day.
Maritimes, esp. St. Andrews, praised as healthy and beautiful. "To get away from 'the madding crowd,' from the hustle and activity of city life; from the cares and worries of business; from dingy, ill-ventilated, unwholesome offices; to spend a week, or a month, in the pure open air, in the country, or by the seaside, that is the all-pervading thought among the dwellers of the crowded cities, now that the heated term has begun. It is not alone the employer who entertains such thoughts, the employee also looks forward to a brief, breathing spell, when among the woods, or on the water, he may recuperate or reinvigorate his failing energies and bring back the glow of health to his cheek."
The Summer Girl. Piece on the darling, delight and the despair of the susceptible male heart.
Though this summer the front page of the Beacon features three pictorial hotel ads: Algonquin, Argyll and Windsor. As an ensemble they might say something about how bustling the summer accommodations business was. Koomoosaba, Kennedy's and Inch Arran house also listed.
Beacon
July 2/1891
Railway Progress
(Stats on the development of railway mileage and profits since the early part of the century)
A private letter from Mr. Gillmore (member for Charlotte in Ottawa) shows that he has succeeded in interesting Hon. Mr. Foster and Hon. Mr. Costigan, the ministers from New Brunswick, in the St. Andrews deep water wharf petition. We fancy the Minister of Public Works to whom the petition was addressed, is more interested in other matters just now.
Mr. Hope and family, of Montreal, will summer in St. Andrews again this year.
Charles Bonaparte, of Baltimore, a descendent of Napoleon Bonaparte, has engaged rooms for himself and family, at the Algonquin during the summer months.
Mr. Gardiner S. Gardiner, of Boston, was the first 1891 guest to enrol his name on the Algonquin register. He was accompanied by Mr. Jos. W. Parker of Boston.
Mr. F. W. Cram came down from Watt junction on Saturday. He remained over until Monday morning, and with Mr. Gardiner, inspected the improvements that the Land Company are making to their property.
Mr. and Mrs. Osburn and Miss Osburn sail from England in the S. S. "Germanic" on the 8th. They will spend a month or more in St. Andrews, and then it is Mr. Osburn's intention to proceed as far as Vancouver
Mr. Thomas McCracken and Mr. Levi Handy are here and both have lots of work to do. The people seem to take more than usual pains to beautify their homes now.
Albert Miller, Manager of Algonquin
(List of staff)
2700 guests at A in 1889/1890
Euterpe orchestra of Boston this year. 3 ladies
Telegraph operator a lady from Boston