Item

Beacon

Jan 7, 1892

St. John Agitated

The people of Saint John have begun the New Year by passing another set of resolutions anent the winter port matter. This is well. But something more than resolutions is wanted, if the present crisis in the history of Saint John is to be successfully tided over. It was hoped that the election of three representatives pledged to support the government might be the means of bettering the condition of the port, but it has not had that effect, the representatives in question appearing to be more interested in preserving the government from embarrassment than in advancing the interests of the city they represent. Their careless attitude has aroused the indignation of many who helped to elect them, and the feeling is growing that they should either stand up manfully for the rights of Saint John or resign their seats. This is the only proper course. From time immemorial the people of Saint John have been feeding on promises. When Confederation was first planned their port was to become the "Liverpool of North America;" when the Short Line was broached, the same prophecy was revived, the same promises were held out. Time has passed. The "Liverpool of North America" is still a dream; the prophecies and promises with regard to the immensity of the grain business that was to be done at that port are not only unfulfilled, but the people have lived to see the grain which was to build up their city being carried past their doors. No wonder that the people of Saint John are indignant; no wonder they are clamoring for their rights. We hope they will stick manfully to the good resolutions they have formed; if they don't —well, Saint John may as well take a back seat so far as her port is concerned.

Details on construction of Hubbard cottage, Campobello.

Beacon

Jan 14/1892

St. Andrews Wharf Company in arrears; liabilities exceed assets by about $1300.

Boston Transcript

Seashore Property in Demand

. . . the increase of summer seashoring is not wholly due to the growth of wealth and luxurious tastes. The constantly increasing percentage of people who live in cities adds to the desire to get to the country or the seashore in hot weather. Another factor which may be added is the increase of the apartment house system. It is quite easy for occupants of an apartment to pack up their furniture and close the doors, leaving everything in charge of the janitor. All these items contribute to growth of the fashion of spending the summer out of town.

Beacon

Jan 21/1892

CPR hotel and works at Quebec

Beacon

Feb. 4/1892

Every baby is he sweetest baby in the world. You were once considered the sweetest thing in the world, although you may not look it now.

Ex-bell ringer Keezer lingered long and lovingly over the bell-rope on Saturday night—on the last day of the Keezer regime. The new bellman made his debut very quietly on Monday morning.

The Old Town Bell

Its Companion, the Clock, has Long Since Ceased from its Labours

The Beacon and one of "the oldest inhabitants" were chatting over the recent change in the own bell ringer.

"It is a good many years," quoth the latter, "since I first heard the tuneful notes of the town bell of Saint Andrews. It did not stand where it now is, for in those days the Episcopal bell sounded the hours. The hours were different, too. In summer, the first tinkle of the bell was heard at 8 o'clock in the morning. Everybody who had work to do was at it long before this. At that time there was no ten-hour or any other system, except to go to work at daylight and knock off when it was dark. Yes! and there was work to do in those days, for when the bell rang at 1 o'clock for dinner, it was no uncommon sight to see one hundred men coming up from Rait's wharf and scores from the other wharves. After the bell had sounded for dinner, it did not give tongue again until 9 o'clock in the evening. In winter, the bell rang at 8 o'clock, instead of 9.

            "The Episcopal church then stood in the Church block, where Mr. Algar now lives. It was some time before the removal of the church from that site that the town bell was removed to the Court House, which then stood where the present town hall stands.

            "The change in the hours of bellringing came about the time the railway was commenced.

            "The first town bellringer that I remember was Michael Cronin. Mike was a native or Ireland but came here from Newfoundland. Following him, if I remember correctly, was a man named Douglass, who belonged up the Saint John River. George Cole pulled the rope for a while, and then Alex. Donald rung out the hours. The latter's place was taken by David Keezer, who now gives away to Alex. Campbell. Campbell is an old Solider, and a pensioner. He has been a resident of St. Andrews for many years.

            "The present bell is the third, I think that has been the property of the town. The first was melted when the old courthouse was burned. The second succumbed one New Year's morning, a good many years ago, as some lively spirits were ringing the old year out and the New Year in. It was replaced by the present bell."

The Oldest Physician

Dr. S. T. Gove of St. Andrews, talks with the Beacon

Dr. Samuel Gove, of St. Andrews, is without doubt the oldest practicing physician in New Brunswick

            On Friday last the Beacon surprised Dr. Gove in his study and drew from him a few facts relative to his life history.

            Dr. Gove is a native of Gagetown, Queen's Co., having seen the light of day there in 1813. His father came to this Province from New Hampshire after the Revolution and settled at Gagetown, where he married a daughter of Samuel Tilley, who took an active part in the American Revolution as a royalist. He landed at Saint John in 1783 and served on the first petit jury ever established in the province, under the grandfather of Sir John Allen.

            One of Dr. Gove's ancestors on his father's side was in the pioneer force attached to the 8000 troops that were ordered to be levied in Massachusetts for the siege of Louisburg in 1748. He assisted in the building of a road across this morass on which to haul the heavy siege guns and when the British fleet broke the chain across the harbor and captured the town, the contingent from Portsmouth, N. H. of which he was a member, dismounted the silver bell of the cathedral, and it was taken  to Portsmouth, where it is now hanging in the belfry of St. John's Episcopal church. This bell had been blessed by the Archbishop of Paris.

            The subject of this sketch removed with his family to Saint John when three or four years old, and took up his residence in the suburbs, which is now almost in the heart of the city. He has a vivid recollection of many events in the history of Saint John. He can remember visiting the smouldering remains of the military barracks on Fort Howe and can clearly recollect hearing the 9 o'clock gun being fired from the fort while lying in his bed. After the fire, the military were quartered in the "Red Store" at Rankine's wharf, remaining there until the Lower cove barracks were built for their reception. The doctor remembers the two last gentlemen in Saint John who wore Hessian boots, with tassels on them. These were a man named Bonsall, and the father of Mr. Beverley Robinson, a tall, stately gentleman.

            Dr. Gove was one of the first pupils of the Madras School, which was then situated on King Square. Among his early schoolfellows he distinctly remembers Mr. Thomas E. Millidge, Mr. John R. Marshall, ex-chief of police, and the late Canon Scovil. General Smythe, who had been aide-de-camp to Wellington at the battle of Waterloo, frequently opened the school. He would ride up on horseback, and leaving his horse in charge of an orderly, would enter the room. He would seat himself at the organ, and after playing and singing "Old Hundred," would open the school. The General, by the way, was regarded as one of the best musicians in the army. Brunswick Smythe, his son, was also the doctor, thinks, a pupil of this school. He remembers having seen one or two persons in the pillory on King Square and has also witnessed the whipping of criminals on the Square. The whipping post was on the corner of the square, about opposite the present site of the Dufferin hotel. He has seen the schoolboys turn sick on witnessing one of these public whippings.

            The first Sunday school that he attended was in Trinity church, of which, he thinks Mr. Byles was then rector. Two of the lots of land on which Trinity church now stands were given for that purpose by the grandfather of Mr. William Whitlock, of St. Andrews. Dr. Gove's grandfather owned two lots on the corner of King St., which were sold for a hogshead of rum. In those days such a sale excited no comment, as money was scarce, and it was quite common to barter in that way.

            Dr. Gove began his medical studies with the late Dr. Cooke. He then attended Guy's hospital, London, Sir Astley Cooper being at that time consulting surgeon. In 1833 he graduated at the Royal College of Surgeons.

            On returning to New Brunswick, he settled for a short time at Sussex, where he took unto himself a life partner, who is now living, though in poor health. From Sussex he removed to Gagetown, and while there saw the troops go through on sleds to Canada to quell the Papineau rebellion. In 39 he came to St. Andrews.

            Asked in what state he found St. Andrews when he first came here, he said that he found a population of 3000 in the town proper, several square-rigged vessels loading in the harbour, and several new ships on the stocks. The principal merchants were Jas. Rait, Allanshaw and McMaster, and the Wilsons. The West India trade of the port, owing to the English government having thrown open West India ports to the United States, had even then begun to decline.

            Ever since 1939 the doctor has been practicing here and very successfully, too. He is now the oldest practicing physician on the register. During his medical experience he has seen the rise and fall of one whole generation.

            In public matters, he has taken quite a prominent part. He was a director of the Charlotte County Bank until the day it closed its doors. He was a Class A stockholder and director in the English railway, until the final transfer to the English stockholders. He has reason to believe that he is now the only survivor of the first railway board in Canada and can boast of having seen the first mile of railway in Canada and the first locomotive that ran over it. For thirty-five years he has been a coroner in Charlotte County. Since 1849 he has had charge of the Marine Hospital and the quarantine affairs of the port. When the "Star" arrived here in 1947, with nine-tenths of her two hundred or more passengers sick of fever, they were placed on Quarantine Island, where between 75 and 100 of them died. Dr. Gove, Dr. Edwin Bayard and Commissioner Boyd were stricken down with the typhus at the same time, but they recovered.

            The Doctor related an incident which occurred during the dark days of the Charlotte County Bank, and which may even yet have an interest for some people. The bank had been carrying a pretty heavy load, and had got in debt to the bank of New Brunswick to the extent of about 8,000 pounds and they were pressing them for it very hard. The board, in order to re-establish their credit, determined upon paying the amount, and Dr. Gove was selected to carry the specie to Saint John. He started on his mission early one evening, with a pair of horses, the late Cornaby Morris, with a brace of heavy horse-pistols, accompanying him. At that time the road between St. Andrews and Saint John was infested by runaway sailors and fugitives from justice, who were trying to get to the American lines, and precautions of this kind were quite necessary. It was about breakfast time when he drove up to the residence of Mr. Thomas Millidge, who was then president of the Bank of New Brunswick. It was with fear and trembling that they had gone on his errand on account of the position the Bank of New Brunswick had taken in pressing them, but he found his old schoolfellow, Mr. Millidge, equal to the occasion, and the business was got through with very pleasantly.

            Dr. Gove is still in good health and is as smart on foot as many men half his years. He attributes this fact to the disuse of rum and tobacco.

Beacon

Feb 11, 1892

Scraps of History

Gleaned from the Old Sessions Records of Charlotte

HOW SCHOOLMASTERS WERE MADE

            September Sessions of Charlotte county, 1815: "order, that application be made to His Honor the President and Commander-in-Chief, recommending Benjamin Caldwell and James Brown, 3rd, residing in the Parish of St. David, in the county of Charlotte, to be duly licensed as a school-master, as by His Majesty's royal instructions is directed, the said Benjamin Caldwell and James Brown, 3rd, being of good moral character, and in the opinion of the said court qualified to keep a school; also, that Ebenezer Bugbee, of the town of St. Andrews, should be recommended as above."

            A subsequent order makes it appear that two schoolhouses had been provided in St. David, and 60 pounds assessed for their maintenance, and that a schoolhouse has also been built in St. Andrews.

LASHING A PRISONER

            On the same day on which the above orders were passed, George Roberts, adjudged guilty of larceny, was sentenced "to receive at half-past two o'clock of this day thirty-nine lashes upon his bare back, then to be discharged and depart the county."

            The stern old magistrates of those days were evidently firm believers in the maxim, "Never put off till the morrow that which should be done today."

MARKET RULES IN ST. ANDREWS

            At the April sessions, 1819, the following rules and regulations were ordained for the government and management of the market established in St. Andrews: —

1.         The regular market hours shall be from sun rising to sun setting of each day of the week (Sunday's excepted)

2.         That no fish, fresh meat, poultry or butter of any sort shall be sold in any part of the said town of St. Andrews until the same shall be regularly exposed for sale in the market house for the space of two hours, under the penalty of 20 shillings for each and every offence.

3.         That no person shall purchase any fish, fresh meat, or poultry of any kind, or butter in the said market for the purpose of selling the same again, until after the same shall have been exposed for sale in the market house at least two hours, under the penalty of 20s. for each and every office.

Joseph Walton was given a lease of the Market House on paying 100 pounds.

The bellringer was ordered to be paid 7s. 6d. for the last sessions.

INSPECTOR FOR THE WEST ISLES

            At a subsequent special meeting the same year Jacob Gold, was appointed inspector and culler of fish for the parish of West Isles, in the room of Jonathan Merrill removed from the said parish.

LEASING MARKET WHARF LOTS

            On the sixth day of January 1820, Thomas Wyer auctioned off a number of lots adjoining he Market Wharf, to the following persons, at the yearly rent stated:—

            Lot 1. Jonathan Currier, 31 pounds

            Lot 2. John Staples, 17

            Lot 3. Harris Hatch, 19

            Lot 5. Joseph Walton, 21

            Lot 6. Colin Campbell, 16

            Lot 7. Benjamin Stymest, 16

            Lot 8. Samuel Frye, 13.

Adjoining lots were leased to Peter Stubs and David W. Jack.

RESTRICTING LIQUOR SALES IN ST. STEPHEN

The April sessions, 1821, ordered "that no person who do now or may hereafter keep a retail store of goods in the parish of St. Stephen, shall be allowed to obtain directly or indirectly a tavern license for the purpose of selling spirituous liquors in the said parish, and it is further ordered that all persons selling under a tavern license shall have a sign put up in some conspicuous place in front of the house so licensed."

PUNISHING SEDITION

Andrew Merrill was arraigned at the same session, on an indictment for sedition. The jury, through their foreman, Charles R. Hathaway, found him guilty, and he was sentenced "to pay a fine of ten pounds to the king, to suffer three months imprisonment and to sit in the stock on the three first Mondays two hours at each time, between the hours of twelve and four o'clock in each day and to pay the cost of court."

TO CHANGE THE GAOL SITE

At the April sessions in 1823 it was ordered "that it is expedient to build a new gaol, and that committee, consisting of Colin Campbell, Thomas Wyer, Jr., and Peter Stubs, to be appointed to find an airy and eligible situation for the site of the said gaol. And to suggest the ways and means to carry the same into execution."

SWINE IN ST. STEPHEN

Swine were evidently something of a nuisance at that time. No swine were "allowed to run at large in St. Stephen between the still water and Mr. Porter's bridge without being ringed in the snout in addition to being yoked as directed."

PROPOSING THE JAIL LIMITS

At the September sessions, 1823, the following order passed:—"that the Jail limits be bounded as follows, to wit, north-westerly by the north-western line of Elizabeth street from high water mark in a north-easterly direction to Parr Street, thence south-westerly along the north-eastern line of Parr Street to Sophia Street, thence south-westerly along the south-eastern line of Sophia street to high water mark at the bank of the harbor, to include all the wharves now built or that hereafter may be erected, between a prolongation of Sophia street and Elizabeth Street, and a distance of fifty feet round the said wharves, and also to include the space between the said wharves, and to extend to low water mark, between a prolongation in a south-western direction of Fredrick street and Edward Street." These limits were subsequently extended.

PUNISHING A BLASPHEMER

If blasphemy was treated now as it was in 1823 more than one set of stocks would be needed. Jonathan Currier, indicted for blasphemy at the September term of 1823, was sentenced to "one month imprisonment, to pay 5s. fine to the king, and to be set one hour in the stocks and to pay all costs."

NO DRIVING ON THE SIDEWALKS THEN

Record of sessions, 1824: —"Ordered, that any person riding on horseback or driving any carriage on the footpath in the town plat of St. Andrews shall forfeit and pay the sum of five shillings for the second offence."

THE St. Stephen FERRYMAN

Ordered by the session of 1824 "that William Andrews shall have exclusive privilege of keeping a ferry, for three years in St. Stephen, from the public landing across the river St. Croix, and the fare to be as follows:—for conveying across horse, one shilling; for each person, four pence."

PROVIDING FOR A HANGING

A special meeting was held 21st August 1826, when it was ordered "that a sum of ten pounds be placed in the hands of the Sheriff of the county of Charlotte to repay the expense of erecting a gallows for the execution of Maria Stewart and Richard Stewart and other incidental charges."

TOO MANY TAVERNS

In 1828 the sessions resolved that there were too many tavern licenses in St. Andrews, and a committee composed of John Campbell, Peter Stubs and John Wilson, be appointed to recommend who should retain licenses and the rate they should pay. It was subsequently ordered that no tavern license be granted without a recommendation from the magistrates residing in the parish in which the tavern is situated.

COURT AND GAOL AGAIN

At the same sitting the Clerk of the Peace was instructed to draw up a petition to the Lieutenant Governor and Council, and House of Assembly praying that they will grant aid towards the erection of a courthouse and gaol in St. Andrews.

            A bill was also presented authorizing an assessment for the erection of a courthouse and gaol. [assessments here]

            Elisha S. Andrews, Beverly Robinson, Harris Hatch, Samuel Frye and Peter Stubs were appointed a committee to build the gaol pursuant to plans exhibited by D.D. Morrison. A contract with Morrison was entered into on the 29th of June 1831.

ROBBINSTON FERRY

Ferriage fees from the slip, or Joe's Point to Robbinston, were fixed in 1830 as follows:

            A man, 1s. 3d.

            Man and Horse, 5s.

            All persons in addition, 1s. 3d.

            Man or two men, with chaise or other carriage drawn by one horse, 6s. 3d.

            Carriage and two persons drawn by two horses, 7s. 6d.

            Yoke of oxen, 5s.

            All in addition, 2s. 3d.

            A cow, 2s. 3d.

            Sheep, 3d.

            Calfs, 3d.

Nathan Fifield and N. W. Tattale were given the exclusive privilege of this ferry for five years.

REGISTERED CARTMEN IN ST. ANDREWS

The following were the names of the registered cartmen in St. Andrews, in 1830. Robert Dougherty, John Dougherty, Patrick McCann, James Kehoe, Cornelius Conley, William O'Brien, Jonathan Currier, Thomas Alexander, Thomas Haddock, Henry O'Neal, John Locke, William Babcock, Charles Gillesland, Thomas Boyle, William Rogers, John Maxwell, George Hume, James Maxwell, James Howland, Hugh Thomson, Edward Melver, Adam Melver, Michael Farrel.

Harbor and Other Improvements

Deep Sea Pier

—A. W. Smith

A large amount of phosphate for Aroostook County has been forwarded via St. Andrews the past few weeks.

A little son of Mr. Edward Andrews, Minister's Island, drove into school on Friday morning last with a colt. Near the schoolhouse, a number of the boys undertook to give the horse a scare, and so well did they succeed that in spite of the efforts of the youthful driver he bolted off at a gallop. The boy was thrown out of the sleigh, and the frightened horse, after making a circuit of the town, started out to Joe's Point at a 2.20 gait. He dodged around the sidewalk and played "hide and go seek" with Mr. Grimmer's hay scales . . . in front of Mr. Stoop's house, without as much as upsetting the sleigh. He was finally caught on the beach at Joe's Point, casting longing eyes towards the Robbinston shore.

Beacon

Feb 18/1892

Scraps of History

Gleaned from the Old Sessions Records of Charlotte

THE TIME OF THE CHOLERA

Who has not heard the old resident dating his affairs "from the time of the cholera?" The first mention of "cholera" appears in the records of the Sessions of Charlotte, of April 11, 1832. The following resolutions were then adopted by that body: —

            "Whereas it is enacted by the laws of the Province that all vessels having on board the small pox, yellow fever, putrid bilious fever, or other pestilential or contagious distempers at the time of her departure were known or supposed to prevail or on board of which vessel any person during the voyage had died or been sick of any such distemper or having passengers on board should be subject to such rules and regulations made at any General Session of the Peace."

            "And whereas a contagious distemper called the cholera morbus, among others, is now raging in the continent of Europe and in Great Britain, and it is highly necessary and expedient that necessary measures should be used to prevent the introduction of all contagious distempers into this Provinces, especially the cholera morbus,"

            "Therefore ordered, that all vessels from Europe bound to this County or from any other port having passengers on board shall anchor between the eastern end of St. Andrews Island and the Sand reef; that pilots shall furnish masters of vessels with a copy of the printed regulations or read and explain the same to them. Vessels on arriving within sight of the harbor of St. Andrews to make the signal pointed out by law in the daytime and at night to have light in its stead. Captains and supercargoes of any vessel ordered to perform quarantine may hand over to the physician any letters or any papers in such manner as he may direct, which after being sufficiently fumigated to be forwarded to their destination."

            The day following, the Sessions passed another resolution, ordering "that the pest house on Little Hardwood Island be finished with all convenient dispatch, and that Mr. Hatheway, Mr. Wyer and Mr. Hatch be a committee for that purpose."

            When the court resumed its business the next day, the Clerk was "directed to borrow two hundred pounds on the credit of the County for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in erecting buildings, furnishing provisions, medical attendance, etc., for the emigrants reported diseased, or on board the brig Susan and for preventing the spreading of the cholera morbus and other infectious distempers in this county.

CONVICT LABOR

At a special meeting of Sessions held in May 1833, an order passed "that all persons adjudged to hard labor shall work from 7 o'clock am until 6 o'clock pm and that they shall be employed in breaking up stone for the Market Wharf and levelling and clearing away around the County Gaol and at such other public works as the committee hereafter to be nominated may direct and appoint." This committee was composed of Thomas Wyer, William Ker and James Douglass, and they were authorized to employ a suitable person to superintend the work of the criminals. In a recent conversation with councilor R. Cogan, of St. Stephen, he stated that his father was engaged as superintendent of the criminal laborers. Some of the best roadwork done in St. Andrews was done by a gang of criminals under Mr. Cogan's superintendence.

THE PRESENT COURT HOUSE

In April 1839, the Board of Sessions passed a resolution appointing D. W. Jack, Hon. H. Hatch and Alfred Street a committee to erect a courthouse, giving them authority to expend a sum not exceeding 1200 pounds in its erection. Cornelius Connolly's tender was 150 in excess of this sum, but the tender was accepted, and the work proceeded with. Shortly afterward Alfred Street removed from the County and Hon. James Allenshaw was appointed on the committee in his stead. In 1840, the courthouse was completed and handed over, the Sessions holding their first court in it on the 3rd day of October in that year. The land on which the old courthouse stood was sold at auction in October, 1839, and was bought for town purposes by Hon. H. Hatch who paid 200 for it. This the lot on which the present town hall now stands.

THE BOYS OF FIFTY YEARS AGO

The boys of 1840 were evidently a lively lot of "bloods," judging from the following resolution which was passed in that year:—"whereas, the good order and peace of the town is much interrupted by unruly boys going about by both day and night insulting females and committing depredations, to the great annoyance of the inhabitants and to the danger of property in the place, Ordered, that John Pike, constable, be employed to look after the disorderly and arrest any improper proceedings in any person and report his doings to the magistrate of the town, as often as the case may demand." For this duty Constable Pike was paid 2s. 6d. per day.

Charlotte County Ports

The committee appointed by the Municipal Council to memorialize the Dominion Government with reference to the advantages of Charlotte County ports, met in St. Andrews last week, and drew up the following memorial, which has been forwarded under the seal of the Municipality: —

            To the Right Honorable Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, Governor-General of the Dominion of Canada:

            The Memorial of the County Council of the Municipality of Charlotte, New Brunswick, humbly sheweth:

            That your memorialists learn with pleasure that steps are being taken by your Government to secure an improved Atlantic Mail Service. And whereas, a memorial from the Saint John Board of Trade on this subject has been laid before this Council in annual session assembled, asking the cooperation of this body in their endeavor to secure justice for New Brunswick in the matter, and while this Council approves of such memorial so far as it goes, your memorialists beg to submit to your Excellency that thus far the advantages of the ports of Charlotte County have been entirely overlooked, and your memorialists beg to call the attention of your Government to the fact that in this County are the deep water ports of St. Andrews and Letang, than which there exist no better ports on the Atlantic seaboard of Canada.

            The port of St. Andrews above referred to is a deep water terminus of the CPR, easy of access at all times, entirely free from ice, with ample accommodation for a large fleets of the largest steamers, well protected from dangerous storms, and about forty miles near Montreal, by rail, than the port of Saint John , and sixty miles nearer the Atlantic Ocean, giving Ocean Steamers from here some sixty miles shorter run to Great Britain, the port being also over sixty miles nearer England than is Portland, Maine, while facilities for handling freight could readily be established.    

            The port of Letang above referred to is in every way a commodious and excellent harbour; but at the present time without railway connection, although the length of rail necessary to give it this advantage is but short.

            Your Memorialists, therefore, pray that in the arranging of any Atlantic Mail contract your Government will take into consideration the advantages of these ports as herein set forth; and if it be deemed expedient, that your Government will order a survey of the same, and as in duty bound your memorialists will ever pray.

An Old Parchment

When St. Andrews was in the County of Sunbury, Province of Nova Scotia

The following is a copy of the oldest public document in the possession of the County Clerk of Charlotte:

            By His Excellency John Parr, Captain General and Governor in chief in and over His Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia and its dependencies, Vice-Admiral of the same, etc., etc.,

            To John Curry, Philip Bailey, Robert Pagan and William Gallop, Esquires,

            By virtue of the power and authority to me entrusted by His Majesty's Commission and Royal Instructions, reposing special trust and confidence in your Loyalty, Fidelity and good conduct, I do by these presents . . .  constitute and appoint you, and every of you, the said John Curry, Philip Bailey, Robert Pagan, and William Gallop, Esquires, to be Justices of the Peace for the District of Passamaquoddy in the County of Sunbury in the province aforesaid. Whereof you the said John Curry, Philip Bailey, Robert Pagan, and William Gallop, Esquires, are hereby empowered to hold sessions as the law directs, and you are invested with all the powers and authorities specified and contained in a Commission of the Peace for the said County bearing date the seventh day of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three. [1783]

            In witness whereof I have signed these Presents and caused the seal of the provinces to be hereto affixed at Halifax, this eighteenth day of February in the twenty-fourth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith, and so forth, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four.

            By His Excellency's Commands,

            J. F. Bulkeley

            Deputy Secretary

It is just about 118 years ago today since Captain General Parr dipped his quill into his ink bottle and appended his name to this parchment.

the Old Story—Deep Sea Pier

A. W. Smith

Mr. R. S. Gardiner, vice-president of the St. Andrews Land Company, is paying a visit to the Ameer of Japan. Now, if he can only induce the Ameer to erect a summer residence in St. Andrews our fortune is assured.

Feb 25, 1892

Mr. Gillmor only liberal rep left in New Brunswick. Treat him well or he may withdraw too.

Four thousand six hundred and six boxes of smoked herring were shipped to Chicago from Eastport last week via St. Andrews.

March 3, 1892

Eastport as the Canadian winter port would be infinitely more preferable than Portland, Maine, but St. Andrews or L'Etang or Saint John would suit us better.

The second coal vessel for the CPR since 1892 arrived on Monday night.

44 Carloads of turnips were billed from St. Andrews last month, as against six in February, 1891.

It is expected that between 30,000 and 40,000 tons of coal for the railway will be landed here during the coming spring and summer. There is a possibility that the railway people may erect a wharf or wharves of their own for the discharge of coal vessels.

Beacon

March 10, 1892

Pine, the jail breaker, who declared he would not be taken alive, was captured in St. Stephen on Tuesday morning by Marshall McClure. He tried to draw a revolver on the officer, but in his haste to escape he dropped the weapon and did not have time to pick it up. McClure fired two or three shots at him before he hove to. He is now ensconced in St. Andrews jail once more. Pine was indicted before the Grand Jury for theft in October, 1889, but before his case came up for trial, he had made his escape. He is an accomplished thief. Numerous robberies have taken place since he regained his freedom, in which he is believed to have been the principal. The Wren robbery at Bocabec is supposed to be one of them.

Property Valuations listed: among valuations for real estate only, Van Horne's at 2500, one of top ten. But at least a dozen higher than him: among whom Algonquin Hotel at 18,000; N. T. Blakeney at 3500; Emory Hoar at 2000; Jean Kennedy at 2000; George Lowell at 2300, Robert Kerry at 2000; Henry O'Neill at 7000; Emma Robinson at 4500; Robert Ross at 3600. At this point Van Horne owns only the 150 acres on which Covenhoven sits.

Enormous deficit for Intercolonial Railway. Details.

23 cars rolled into the St. Andrews train yard on Monday.

5000 boxes of smoked herring, to be forwarded by rail to Chicago, arrived here from Lubec on Wednesday.

Three or four scrimmages have taken place on the streets the past week. The rum sold around here now would seem to be of particularly bad quality.

Beach

March 17, 1892

Pine, the youth who was recently returned to Jail after an absence of almost three years, was identified by Christopher Wren as the man who was employed with him and who suddenly disappeared with a gold watch, a revolver, a suit of clothes and a number of other articles belonging to his employer.

John Treadwell, a gentleman who secured fame and fortune as the moving spirit in the development of the Douglas Island gold mine of Alaska, is the owner of the fastest trotting team on the Pacific coast. They are the bay gelding Sidney J. by Revolution, and the chestnut mare Lalla, by Shafter's Rustic. The pair can trop together in 2:20 and are to be seen every day on the park roads, driven by George J. Smith. Under the latter's skilfull handling they have become a model pair of horses, and it is doubtful if there is a finer behaved team of roadsters in America.

San Francisco Post

78 carloads of freight were sent out from St. Andrews railway yard last week.

The oath which a constable takes requires him to preserve the peace. It does not authorize him to act as umpire when a street fight is in progress. Such conduct is in direct violation of his oath.

Two bloods came together one night last week, and in the presence of at least one hundred persons, conspicuous among whom were some town constables, punched and prodded and butted each other until the snow around them was besmeared with gore. Such incidents as these are far too common on our streets and are discreditable to the town.

Beacon

March 24/1892

The Lessons of the late Fire

In the present depressed state of business in St. Andrews [tourism not felt to have done a whole lot for business] the destruction of the Argyll hotel cannot be regarded by sensible people in any other light than as a serious loss to the town. Yet the people of the town have nobody to blame for the disaster but themselves. A little water, judiciously applied, could easily have subdued the flames before they had obtained control of the building, but that water was not to be had, and so the building was destroyed. Even had there been an abundance of water at hand, at is extremely doubtful if it could have been used to advantage by the antiquated fire extinguishing apparatus which the town possesses. The fault does not lie with the firemen. They did all that was possible for men to do to get the heavy machines to the fire promptly, but the task was a most exhausting one, and they were not to blame if they had to stop for a minute or two for rest. The time that was thus consumed decided the fate of the building. The lessons to be taken from this fire are obvious: first, that the town needs a better water service, secondly that it needs a better apparatus for the extinguishment of fire than it now possesses. We have pointed this out before, and the disaster of Sunday but emphasizes our former arguments. Of course, if the people of St. Andrews have made up their minds that they will let their town drift out of existence, then there is no necessity for such changes as we suggest, but if they have not lost faith completely, and are anxious that the place should grow and prosper, then the sooner they abandon their penny wise, pound foolish policy for a more progressive one the better.

Argyll Hotel Burned. St. Andrews Pioneer Summer Hotel Reduced to Ashes

A Defective Flue the Cause. Water Gives Out and the Crowd Watches the Building Burn. Most of Furniture Saved. Insurance. Brief History of the Argyll.

The Argyll Hotel—The Pioneer summer hotel of St. Andrews—was reduced from a stately structure to a pile of smouldering ashes, on Sunday evening last.

            After the closing of the hotel season, last year, Mrs. Herbert, widow of the former proprietor, went to the United States for the winter months, leaving the house in charge of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Williamson. They were careful people, and everything went well about the house until Sunday last.

            About 1 o'clock on that day a fire was lighted in the gentlemen's parlor, a large room on the ground floor to the right of the main entrance. The fire was kept alive in the fireplace all the afternoon, without anything occurring to arouse the suspicions of the inmates of the house. As Mrs. Williamson sat down to tea in one of the rooms a short distance from where the fire was burning, she heard a noise as if two doors had slammed together. Going out to ascertain the cause she smelt a strong smell of smoke. There was a little smoke visible in the gentlemen's parlor, but nothing of any consequence. Going upstairs to the second floor, she threw open the doors of the lady's parlor, (which was located just over the other parlor) and a thick cloud of smoke thrust itself in her face. Thoroughly alarmed, she seized a dinner bell, and ran to the residence of Mr. Thomas Armstrong, about 200 yards distant. As quickly as possible, a general alarm was given.

            After alarming the neighbors, Mrs. Williamson flew back to the hotel, and running upstairs again, groped her way through the blinding smoke in the ladies' parlor to obtain possession of a box belonging to her which contained some valuable papers. She found the box, and when she was coming out of the room, the flames were making themselves manifest through the hall floor on the second flat.

            Although the firemen made a quick response to the alarm, it took them almost twenty minutes to drag the lumbering old machines honored by the name of fire engines, to the scene of the fire. When they got there, there was no water to be had nearer than in a well across the track, alongside the railway tank, and in another in the rear of the Company's cottage. What seemed an hour was consumed in getting connections made. By this time, the fire, which might have been stayed if water had been got on it in reasonable time, was burning fiercely alongside the chimney on the three floors, and the blinding smoke made it almost impossible for the men to live inside. They stayed and fought the flames for about half an hour, when the water gave out, and they were reluctantly compelled to give up the struggle.

            In the meantime, scores of willing hands in various parts of the house were engaged in removing the furniture. All the furniture on the lower floor was taken out. On the second floor, with the exception of two or three rooms, which were so full of smoke that nobody could stay in them a minute, nearly all the rooms were emptied of their contents. Some furniture was also taken out of the fourth floor, the men working in the rooms until the approaching fire compelled them to lower themselves to the ground by means of ropes. There were fourteen rooms in the second floor of the ell, over the dining hall and billiard room, and they were all divested of their contents before the flames took possession. The upper floor of the ell did not fare so well, very few things being rescued. An organ belonging to one of the last season's guests, was taken out in a slightly damaged state, but the hotel piano was almost ruined before a rescue was effected.

            When the firemen deserted the building, the southern portion of it was a mass of fiercely burning flames. There was a strong northwest wind blowing, which, while helping to feed the fire, also retarded its progress in the northern half of the building. But inch-by-inch, it increased its fiery grasp, until at eight o'clock the entire building was in a seething, roaring flame. It was a magnificent sight, but the majority of the spectators were too full of regret at the destruction of the house to appreciate the grandeur of the scene before them. The front chimney, which had no doubt been the cause of the conflagration, fell about 8:30 o'clock, the bricks being scattered far out amongst the crowd. No one was injured, though some people had very narrow escapes. All the other chimneys, with the exception of one leading from the dining room, fell as the woodwork was burned away from them. The latter maintained its erect attitude until the following morning, when it was thrown down to prevent its descending on the heads of those standing about.

            It was after midnight before the fire had exhausted itself. After that time all that was standing of the once handsome Argyll hotel were the chimney above mentioned, two or three other pieces of brick-work, and an outhouse, which had been attached to the main building by a covered passage-way, familiarly termed "the bridge of sighs." This bridge was burned, but the small building was unscathed. The barn and its contents escaped.

            There was very little insurance on building or contents. The Western and British America had policies on the building for $6,000, which just covered outstanding mortgages. On the furniture, most of which was saved in a damaged state, there was an insurance of $1,000 in the North British and Mercantile office. The total lost is estimated at about $15,000.

            The furniture, which was removed from the hotel, was left out all night in the fields, a guard being placed over it by the insurance agents. The Land Company's cottage in the Park was in imminent danger of destruction, but by careful watching its destruction was prevented. John Rooney had his head injured by a chair being thrown upon it from a third story.

History of the Argyll.

It is over twenty years since the erection of the Argyll hotel was first mooted in St. Andrews. A bonus of $10,000 to assist in its erection was granted by the town, and only last year was the last assessment on that amount made. In March 1872, the erection of the building was entered upon. When almost completed, work was suspended, and for several years nothing was done to it. Then it was put up at a Sheriff's sale, and was bid in by the late Hon. B. R. Stevenson, the Late Hon.  Robert Robinson and Harris Hatch, Esq. These gentlemen placed the building in condition for occupation, and a lease of it was taken by Capt. W. H. Herbert, who had been running the Grand Falls Hotel. On the 24th of May 1881, the hotel was first thrown open to the public. Capt. Herbert was lessee of the building up to within a few years ago, when he purchased the property. He ran the hotel up to the date of his death last year, (1891), and since then it has been in his wife's name, she being assisted by Mr.  Robert S. Gardiner, vice-president of the St. Andrews Land Company. The house was open all last season and would have been opened this season, had it not been destroyed.

            Of the 399 ratepayers on property and income, in the town of St. Andrews, who, on August the 10th, 1871, voted to assess the town for a bonus of $10,000 in aid of the St. Andrews Hotel Co., 194 are dead, 81 have moved away, and 124 are still residents in the town. The vote was taken by Justice J. S. Magee and George F. Stickney.

            The illustration of the hotel, which is shown in this paper, is not a truthful one. This shows the hotel as it would have been if the original plans had been carried out, but they never were. The right wing, over which the American flag floats so gaily in the cut, was never built, though the wall was erected. The ell, which extended back from the central part of the house a distance of 150 feet or more, cannot, of course be seen in the picture, though it was the most important part of the hotel. The building was substantially built and was one of the largest summer hotels in the lower provinces. It had a capacity for 150 guests. The dining hall was a magnificent room and had no equal in New Brunswick.

An Old Railway Man

How long have you been railroading? asked the Beacon of Bart Donaghue, of the St. Andrews branch the other day.

The conductor smiled. "I'm almost ashamed to tell you," said he, "I've been at it so long. Years before the line was opened through from Saint John to Vanceboro I ran an engine on this road. There was no junction at McAdam then and we ran to the end of the road at Richmond."

"Of course, you've had your share of hair-breadth escapes?"

"Well, I can't say that I've had a great many. I've seen some pretty stirring incidents, however. In the early days accidents were more common than they are now, and I've witnessed some pretty tough sights. I once had the misfortune to run over a man and until the day I die, I will not forget the terrible reaction I experienced as the engine struck him. I had been in St. Stephen. As we went in, I noticed two drunken fellows staggering along the track, but as they managed to keep clear of me, I soon forgot about them. Coming out of St. Stephen my attention was called to something on the track. At that time round sleepers were much in use, and the loose bark from them very often deceived me. When my eye first caught the object, I jumped to the conclusion that it was a piece of bark which the wind had blown off one of the sleepers, but, on nearing it I was horrified to see that it was the figure of a man who was evidently asleep. One arm was lying right across our path. I tried as best I could to stop the train, but it was a heavy one, and in spite of all I could do it rolled over the poor fellow. Up to that time I had kept my head out of the cab, vainly hoping that the noise of the train would awaken the sleeper, but when I saw all hope was past, I could look no longer. When we stopped and picked the poor unfortunate up, I saw that it was one of the drunken men that we had passed going in. His arm was taken off, and the poor chap afterwards died. His chum we found on the other side of the rail, just out of reach of the wheels.

One incident of my early railroading days that I had forgotten," continued the conductor, "was recalled the other day by a paragraph in the Beacon. It was the saving of a child's life. It happened at Canterbury. I was running past that place with my cab full of passengers—passenger cars were few at that time and many people travelled on the engine—when a little child came out of a house nearby and sat down on the track. I was running pretty fast, and knowing that I could not stop before the child was reached, I scrambled out of the cabin, ran along the fool-board, and snatched the little one from the track just as the wheels were about to pass over it. It was pretty close shave and I would not like to have to do it again. The passengers were terribly excited—there was a woman or two among them—and fully expected that the child would be killed. When I lifted him out of harm's way without a scratch on him, they were overjoyed."

It is possible that other interesting incidents in the conductor's life might have been recalled had the train not come to a way station, when the conversation was brought to an abrupt close.

There are few men in the Province who can boast of a longer and cleaner railroad record than can Conductor Donaghue, but as he is not given to blowing his own horn, the outside world knows little about him. But his employers and the most who travel with him know that he is one of the most faithful and efficient men on the road.

Mrs. M. J. C. Andrews, of Minister's Island, sustained a fall last week, injuring her side. No bones were fractured, as was at first supposed.

The capacity of the hoisting engine on the railway wharf is being increased by the owner, Mr. McMonagle, proprietor of the St. Andrews foundry.

More wharf room is needed in the vicinity of the St. Andrews railway terminus. This week eight or nine coal or phosphate laden vessels have been in port waiting to be discharged, but as wharf space is limited, some of them are still waiting. This week's experience should enforce upon the railway authorities the necessity of enlarging their wharfage accommodation.

Magnificent 24-inch cakes of ice are being turned out of the ice sheds near the railroad station. This ice is two years old, yet it is a far better-looking ice than that cut in the lake this winter.

Mr.  Robert S. Gardiner and Mrs. Gardiner do not expect to return from their Japanese tour until the last of next month. They will probably come back via Europe.

Beacon

March 31/1892

St. Andrews as a Summer Resort—A Suggestion

There seems to be an impression in some quarters that because one of our heading summer hotels has been destroyed St. Andrews will not be able to take care of all the summer sojourners and hay-feverites who may come here during the approaching season. We think we may safely say that comfortable quarters can and will be found for all who may choose to favor us with their presence. Although the Argyll was one of our best hotels, it was not the only one. There are other hotels, at which all necessary comforts and the best of fare can be obtained. Besides, there are numerous private houses where visitors may be comfortably entertained, and vacant cottages that may be leased for the season. We think that the people of St. Andrews owe it to themselves to advertise as widely as possible the fact that they are still able to take care of all their summer visitors. Persons having cottages or rooms to lease, or persons who are in a position to take summer lodgers, should make public the fact through the medium of the town paper. If they do not care to go to the expense of advertising, we would suggest that they leave the information we have spoken of with the editors, as he is frequently appealed to by persons who contemplate spending a portion of their summers here. We trust our readers will not lose sight of our suggestion during the next few months, as we feel that the town cannot afford at the present state to have its reputation as s popular and pleasant summer resort impaired in the lightest degree.

Manager Van Horne made quite a lengthy visit to Boston lately. The object of his visit has not been divulged, but there are rumors in Boston that it was for the purpose of selecting that port as the CPR railway terminus.

Coal specials are being sent out almost every day over the St. Andrews branch.

There is a big pressure of coal at the railway wharf, and hoisting engine and horses are kept busily discharging the. Mr. McMonagle has increased the capacity of his engine, with the object of discharging two vessels at once. The change will necessitate an increase in the capacity of his boiler.

Bert Poole, of Boston, who made such an excellent bird's eye sketch of St. Andrews and it surroundings for the Algonquin Hotel Company, has issued a folder, entitled "A Successful Balloon Trip," in which he ingeniously, and truthful, too, points out the advantages that would accrue to hotel men and others if they would choose his system of advertising their property. The back of the folder bears the sketch of St. Andrews before alluded to. Mr. Poole has opened up rooms at 28 School Street, Boston, Mass. From the truthful and effective manner in which he portrayed St. Andrews in his sketch, we would have no hesitation in recommending him to those who may need his services.

The Argyll Fire

Mrs. Herbert, who came here last week to look after her interests in connection with the last fire, finished up her business and returned to Boston by Saturday's train. She has no plans formed for the future. To the Beacon she stated that she would like to resume hotel keeping in St. Andrews, but there was no building suited to her requirements. She has stored her furniture and effects that were saved from the fire, and will await the return of Mr.  Robert S. Gardiner, from Japan, before deciding what future course to adopt. Mrs. Herbert has requested the Beacon to extend her hearty thanks to the people of St. Andrews for the exertions which they made to save her property during her absence. She feels under a deep debt of gratitude to them.

Beacon

April 7/1892

The carcass of a dead horse has been seen floating about the harbour for the last fortnight, much to the disgust of the dwellers by the water side. This should not be.

The coal vessels are being readily discharged by Mr. McMonagle's double-barreled steam hoister. From 150 to 200 tons a day are taken out by this means.

The ice-houses at the Point are beginning to collapse. Those spooney couples who are in the habit of wandering in the neighborhood of those buildings in the evening should take warning, otherwise there may be a couple of jobs for the undertaker.

The Campobello people are looking forward to a successful summer from the resort point of view. the Company are now engaged in placing matters around their properties in trim for the summer business. The Hubbard cottage is well advanced and will be occupied the coming season by the owner, Mr. Gorham Hubbard, of Boston. Mr. Pell, who purchased the Batson place, has made a number of changes about it, and will occupy it this summer. Mr. Barker, who has managed the hotel so successfully since its establishment, will not take charge this summer, owing to a pressure of other business. An efficient manager has been found to take his place, so that the reputation of the Tyn-y-coed will be sustained.

Beacon

April 14/1892

The option which Mr. Cram took on Minister's Island, some time ago, expired April 8, and as it was not taken up, Mr. Andrews is again free to do as he pleases with his property. Mr. E. L. Andrews intends making an addition to his house.

It is reported that T. A. Barker, who has been manager of the summer hotel at Campobello for several seasons, has accepted the position of manager of the hotel property of the Boston and Northwest Real Estate Company at St. Paul, Minn. Mr. Barker has for several months managed the Metropolitan Hotel in St. Paul, owned by this company.

Beacon

May 5/1892

A carload of lumber, said to be for a canopy station at Bar road, was left at the Bar road crossing on Saturday.

Editor regrets St. Andrews has not met with the prosperity it deserves, but asserts that the Beacon, on this its fourth anniversary, has done its part.

Beacon

May 12/1892

The CPR Freight Business

General Manger Van Horne, of the CPR, was interviewed recently by a Montreal Herald reporter. The big railroad man denied the rumor of an amalgamation with the Grand Trunk Railway, declaring that "such a course is absolutely impossible." The CPR company, he said, were well satisfied with the passenger business of the road, but "the freight business is not so satisfactory." "The winter," continued Manager Van Horne, "was an unfavorable one for export trade. The rush of agricultural products to the American seaports was so great that the terminal facilities became blocked with freight. In fact, the terminal facilities of both Boston and New York are both crude, and enormously expensive, and our traffic naturally suffers from it."

We are sorry if the CPR Company, in developing the ports of the United States should find them "enormously expensive," yet the Company has a remedy, which they can apply if they choose. We don't think that they are under compulsion to use US ports. Why not use Canadian ports which are in direct connection with their own line? We have not heard that Halifax of Saint John were greatly affected this winter by the "rush of agricultural products," and we are prepared to make affidavit that St. Andrews has not been troubled to any serious extent that way, though heaven knows how much we would like to be.

            In St. Andrews, the CPR has a port which they might use almost as they choose for the shipment of the agricultural products of the West. It could be made the cheapest port on the Atlantic coast, as it is the safest. By utilizing it several ends would be served. The railway company would get a good and cheap port on their own line and wholly under their own control. It would help to instill a greater degree of confidence in our people, and develop a section of country that is very much in need of development. It would be a return for the money which the Maritime Provinces have invested in the Short Line, and it would be using the products of Canadian soil to build up Canadian ports as they should be used. It would, in short, be a practical application of the policy of Canada for the Canadians.

The Summer Resort Business

Some people affect to despise the summer resort business. They say, "there's nothing in it," and though they are prepared to accept as a matter of course any monies which may pour into their coffers from this source, yet they will do nothing to help the business along. This is both childish and unwise. Any project that will attract people to the town, permanently or transiently, should meet with the hearty support of every person who has the interest of the town at heart. St. John, Digby, Fredericton and other places are casting out lines for the purpose of hooking the summer visitor, and it seems a very short-sighted policy for us to try to freeze them out. Nature has endowed the vicinity of St. Andrews with charms, many and varied. It has furnished us with a climate, which, for health giving properties, cannot be excelled on the continent. To attract strangers hither to enjoy these charms and to revel in the delights of our balmy summer breezes is surely an object worth striving for.

The little village of Fairville, alongside the Falls of the Saint John, has met the fate which, sooner or later, befalls all communities which fail to provide themselves with adequate protection against fire. It was swept almost out of existence on Sunday. The blow will fall very heavily on the place, as owing to the high rates, there was very little insurance. Most of the sufferers are workingmen, who can ill bear the loss of their homes and effects.

The coal traffic has become a recognizable feature of St. Andrews business. From fourteen to twenty men are being constantly employed in handling the coal.

Mr. McMonagle, who has the contract for hoisting the coal from the coal vessels, has laid pipes to a well a short distance from the wharf, and draws from thence the water for his engine.

Beacon

May 19/1892

Manager Van Horne, of the CPR, has set out on his annual tour of inspection of the road. He hopes to be back to Montreal in time to receive Lord Mount Stephen, ex-president of the road, who will set sail from Liverpool on the 26th.

When the contract with the Allan Line for the carrying of the Atlantic mails was broken, some months ago, the Post Office department jumped the postage of Canadian newspapers going to England, from 1 cent a pound to 1 cent each. The rate still maintains, although mails are again being sent via Halifax. The Post Office department says that there is no intention of reverting to the old rate. If this is not discrimination against Great Britain, what is it?

The Money is There.

For fear the fact may have been forgotten, we would remind our St. Andrews readers that the grant of $20,000 (covering a period of twenty years) which was made two sessions ago by the Local government, for the purpose of aiding in the erection of a deep water wharf here, still holds good, and that as soon as the town places itself in a proper position they can obtain the money. On more than one occasion lately, it has been demonstrated that the wharf accommodation of the port was too small. With such a large amount of money within the grasp of the townspeople, such a ground of complaint was this ought to be easily removed. To obtain the government grant, it is necessary that the town should assess itself for a certain amount. It might be well before next Council meets for the Councillors to sound the people on this matter.

Racing horses on the front street should cease, since the accident of Friday last, by which Mr. Daniel Thompson was made the innocent victim of a runaway. Mr. Thompson was badly shaken up and was confined to the house for several days.

No one knows the amount of genuine, side-splitting fun a newspaper editor has during the course of a week. Monday morning, he starts out, humming a psalm tune he has heard in church the day before, and before he has traversed two blocks he meets a man who wants to take his life because his name appeared in the paper the week previous. Tuesday finds the editor with the old, placid smile, but the day is not ended before a fellow with 'blood in his eye" stops him and wants to know why in "scheol" his name is not good enough to be published in "your blankedly-blanked paper." By Wednesday morning the traces of the precious days' conflict have been dispelled from the editorial countenance, and its former seraphic appearance has returned. He greets his subscribers smilingly, but in one case the smile is not returned. "Stop my paper," says the disgruntled subscriber, "you put in a paragraph about Mrs. So-and-So's cow having died, and you wouldn't say anything about my cow," which was a better cow than Mrs. So-and So's ten times over." Then on Thursday, the light-hearted man of paper is dragged over the coals by somebody because he has not given a column to describing an entertainment, which he has served up in a half a dozen lines, and all sorts of sinister motives are hinted at. On Friday, the editor is waylaid by another, who has discovered that an opinion expressed by the paper does not agree with one he holds on the same subject, and he wants to argue the editor out of it. Saturday is "pay-day." There is the usual number of kickers to be met with, but the newspaper publisher is so absorbed in trying to solve how it is possible to get $50 out of $20 and have any left that the complaints pass unheeded through his ears. On Sunday, he goes to church—like all good editors do—to pray for these who despitefully use him and persecute him, and he catches "fits" there at the hands of the preacher, because he, the aforesaid editor, is no better than he ought to be. Thus, the days slip by, and the weeks roll around, and the years pass away—each day, and each week, and each year, adding to the newspaper man's large and growing stock of fun. No wonder he is such a happy mortal.

Beacon

May 26/1892

As a Summer Resort

Now that Manager Van Horne, of the CPR, has demonstrated beyond a doubt that he intends locating his summer residence here, we can look forward with a greater degree of certainty and hope to the advancement of St. Andrews as a summer resort. With the wide influence and extended acquaintance which Mr. Van Horne has, there is every reason to believe that his coming will prove of very great advantage, not only from a summer point of view, but from a commercial view as well. It is to the interest of the railway to have as much business done here as possible. The more people they can attract here, the more cottages they can have erected, the more vessels they can bring to the port, the more trade they can develop here, the more benefit the railway will reap from the town. Therefore, it is Mr. Van Horne's advent that we hail with a great deal of satisfaction. We hope that the good impressions which he has formed of the place will not be removed by his residence where, but on the contrary they will be increased and strengthened, and that with the assistance of the townspeople, he may be able to lift the beautiful little town from the slough of despond into which it has fallen lately, and place it once again on the high road to prosperity.

Summer Notes

The Wild Waves Whisper that there is a Good Time coming

The skies are dark and lowering, and there is a frigidity about the atmosphere that is very suggestive of November, but the grass is green, the field daisies are in bloom, the trees are hastening into leaf, and the wild waves which beat along the shore are whispering that the weather in the west is very warm and that there is a strong indication of many summer sojourners turning their footsteps St. Andrewsward this season.

            The stately Argyll is not with us this season, but the Algonquin, the peer of any of the summer resort hotels of the East, will be open for business July 1, and under the excellent management of Mr. Albert Miller, and will doubtless do a big business. Mr. Miller writes that he is looking forward to a good summer.

            W. C. Van Horne, Manager of the CPR, who has kept everybody on tenterhooks for the past few months, wondering whether he intended finishing up his summer mansion on Minister's Island, removed all anxiety on Thursday last, when he sent a crew of them here to get the foundation of his building ready for the superstructure. Mr. McAvity, master mason of the CPR , has charge of the men. Work will be pushed forward with all speed, though it is hardly likely that the house will be ready for occupation this summer. It is understood that Mr. Van Horne's family will spend the summer at the Algonquin.

            Reports promise a brilliant season on the Maine coast, remarks a Maine paper. T'would be strange if St. Andrews did not get a large slice of the anticipated brilliance.

            Down on Campobello, everybody is hustling in expectation of the "good times coming." The furniture of the Gorham Hubbard cottage just completed came by steamer Tuesday, says the Eastport Sentinel, and boats are transporting it across the harbor. The interior fittings and furnishing of the cottage will be all in place and ready for occupancy in a short time now.

Beacon

June 2/1892

The Algonquin pumping station is at work again, and the product of the well is being bottled up and sent west, where its medicinal properties have already begun to be appreciated.

Summer Breathing Spots

We in St. Andrews, who, day after day and year after year, feast our senses and grow fat on the pure, health-giving air from the sounding sea and the balsamic forest groves which encircle us, cannot properly appreciate the struggle that is going on among less favoured persons in the crowded cities to the Wet, to obtain healthy summer breathing spots for themselves and their families and the general public

            Among the organizations formed in the State of Massachusetts, in connection with this summer movement, is the Trustees of Public Reservations, the object of which is "for the purpose of acquiring, holding, arranging, maintaining and opening to the public, under suitable regulations, beautiful and historical places and tracts of land within the Commonwealth." In furtherance of this idea, the Trustees sent out an agent last summer to make an exploration of the sea-shore townships of the State, and in his report, the agent remarks: —

            "There is a general movement of moneyed people from the cities and towns of the whole country east of the Mississippi river to the shore towns of Massachusetts. Individuals, companies, and associations are buying lands everywhere along the shore. Besides what is done openly by buyers who are known and recognized, in most of the towns some citizen acts as agents for principals who prefer not to be known. Several of these agents say they are buying for New York men; but capitalists from various interior cities are investing here. In a few cases such holders would be glad to sell—at their own price, of course, and in these instances the 'boom' element is apparent; but usually the land is bought for long holdings, or with a view to its sale to persons able to have good houses and large grounds. It is largely a movement of people with means to enable them to build and maintain comfortable mansions for either summer occupancy or permanent residence by the sea. The extent of some of these new holdings on the shore is remarkable and ominous."

            We quote another paragraph from this interesting report in order to show the rapidity with which this summer movement is spreading along the coast, and also to show that the hopes of those who are looking forward to St. Andrews one day becoming one of the leading Atlantic summer resorts are founded on something stronger than a vivid imagination: —

            "It is about as certain as anything in the future can be that all the pleasant and comfortable sites along the seashore of Massachusetts will be taken up within the next few years, either by summer dwellers or permanent residents. The movement toward the shore has only fairly begun, and it is certain to increase with the density of the population of our country and the growth of wealth. Even now along vast reaches of the coast there is no area outside of the narrow highway to which the public has a right to go to enjoy the sight or the air of the sea. These conditions will be intensified, and the people of the State will be excluded from all interesting and attractive portions of the shore. These are abnormal and undesirable conditions, unfavourable to health, happiness, and civilization; and all possible wisdom and foresight should be employed in the effort, to secure adequate open spaces for public resort at different places along the shore."

Beacon

What a Village Improvement society has done at New Hampshire Summer Resort.

Boston Journal.

Of the many circulars now emanating from the various summer resting-laces, one, it seems to me, claims a particular interest from its relation to the ethical as well as scientific improvement of the mountain village. It is the report of the first year's work of the Sugar Hill (white Mountains) Improvement Association, organized in the conviction that Nature desires our practical help as well as our love in order to do us the most good.

            The object of the association, organized according to its constitution, is "to cultivate a public spirit in the village and neighborhood, to improve and beautify the public grounds, park and roads by planting trees, etc., to promote the making and maintaining of sidewalks to open places and rambles in the woods and on the mountainsides, to provide seats and settees among these walks, to place turnstiles where needed, and to encourage whatever may tend to the improvement, entertainment and pleasure of visitors and residents. Its officers are a president, vice-president secretary, treasurer and a board of five directors. Six of these officers are inhabitants of Sugar Hill, while three are from Chicago, New York and Boston.

            Though the efficient presidency of General S. L. Brown of Chicago, who as an annual summer guest at the Lookoff Hotel finds delightful recreation in giving time, money and personal superintendence to the work, the association has already in its first year's work built several miles of plank walk, placed settees at desirable points, established a fine system of street lights, set out needed shade trees through the village, obtained from owners of land adjoining the roads within a circle of two miles the preservation of all trees for shade and ornament, and named and marked with sideboards all the roads. It has had the street crossings swept and the seats dusted daily. By special contribution, it has purchased the Sugar Maple Grove, in the centre of the village, which it now holds in trust for the use of the village and guests. It has also obtained for the members and guests the free use of Benjamin Park, with its mineral spring, Lookoff Mountain Park, embracing the north side of iron Mountain, and Garnet Mountain Park, embracing the east and south sides of the same.

Furnished cottages in the vicinity of the Algonquin are greatly in demand.

Beacon

June 9/1892

Historic Ground

On the magnificent farm of Mr. James Russell, M. P. P., at Bayside, within an hour's drive of St. Andrews, is one of the most historical sites in America. It is a high a point of land almost directly opposite the famed Dosia's or Doucett's Island and is known on the map as Sand Point.

            When De Monts, in 1604, or thereabouts, sailed with his weary little band of voyagers up the St. Croix, and pitched their tents on the island above-mentioned, they were in constant dread of trouble from roving bands of Indians. In order to protect themselves from such invasions, a fort was established on Sand Point, earthworks thrown up and two guns mounted inside. The spot was well chosen for the purpose. On the southern side, it commanded an unbroken view of the St. Croix as far as Clam Cove Head, several miles below St. Andrews, while in the opposite direction, not a canoe could emerge from either Schoodic River (as it was then known) or Oak Bay without being observed by the vigilant guardians of the fort.

            When the grandfather of the present holder of the land took possession in 1783, the embrasure of the fort remained almost the same as when it was abandoned by the pestilence-stricken remnant of the De Mont's' party, but the guns had been taken away long before. The earthworks stood untouched for many years, but finally the march of civilization laid them on a level with the rest of the ground around them. There is not a vestige of them now to be seen, but the owner of the land knows where the fort stood, and it is not long since he took a representative of the Beacon over the spot.

            Between where the fort stood and the shore there are a number of depressions in the soil, some of them quite deep, but all now over-grown with grass. These depressions, the Beacon was informed by Mr. Russell, have been caused by excavations that were made by curiosity seekers or by seekers after hidden treasure, years ago. Some of the excavators were rewarded by finding various implements of war that had been used by De Monts party, or by Indians, but the great majority of them had their labor for nothing. There is no record of any treasure being found but there are people who believe that somewhere in that neighborhood the redoubtable Captain Kidd dropped some of his ill-gotten wealth, and weird, uncanny takes are still told of treasure-seekers who were driven from the labor at midnight by terrible-looking goblins. . . .

Frank W. Cram (good drawing)

Sketch of a Man Well Known and Highly Esteemed in St. Andrews

Lewiston Journal

Cram, Wingate Franklin (1877-1952) — also known as Wingate F. Cram — of Bangor, Penobscot County Penobscot County, Maine. Born in Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, December 4, 1877. Son of Franklin Webster Cram and Martha Cook (Wingate) Cram; married, June 20, 1905, to Anna E. Sabin. Republican. President, Bangor Aroostook Railroad; delegate to Republican National Convention from Maine, 1932. Died in Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, October 4, 1952. Interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor, Maine.

Frank W. Cram, general manager of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, appears in the Bangor directory. This refers to the subject of this sketch, one of the ablest railroad men in the land. Born in Bangor of poor parents, he did not have an opportunity to gain a school education in early life but sought employment. He found it about the Maine Central Railroad freight house, and later he secured employment as newsboy upon the train. At this time, he was a slight lad not much given to talk but very observing. Whatever he did he did it in a quiet and easy manner and he soon became a favorite with the men all along the line. Particularly was this the case with the engineers and firemen, for Frank sought their company whenever an opportunity offered and he showed a hot eagerness to learn about the workings of a locomotive. He learned rapidly and perhaps one of the proudest days of his life was when an engineer allowed him to take a locomotive from the round house and attach it to the train. As time went on, Mr. Cram advanced until he was made station agent at the insignificant European and North American station in Bangor.

            Mr. Cram married about this time and then he set about completing his education. His wife is a talented lady, and with her he studied until he was possessed of as good an education as could be secured in the high school. All the while he applied himself closely to business. He learned more about locomotives and how to run them; he mastered the art of telegraphy and became an expert operator, and he learned the minute details of railroad building and of transportation. He was early recognized as a brilliant man and was advanced until he was in full charge of the E and N. A. railroad. When the Maine Central leased the line, they found him there and made him a general freight agent.

            But about this time the owners of the New Brunswick Road, which is at present the only railroad in Aroostook, concluded to rebuild and reequip their system, and Mr. Cram was secured as superintendent. Thus, more than 15 years ago he was brought into close contact with the businessmen of that county, and no man there is so well and favorably known as he. He made friends every day though he was a strict disciplinarian and looked sharply after the best interests of his road. When the Canadian Pacific bought the New Brunswick Railway, a difference arose between the Canadian officials and Mr. Cram regarding salary, and after introducing his successor to the business he resigned. Then he moved from Saint John back to Bangor. Immediately, offers came to him from railroad men in various parts of the country but his heart was set upon a short line out of the Aroostook, and he went to work upon the idea.

            Up to this time it has been impossible to create an active Bangor interest in the line. Aroostook wanted a short way out but did not know how to go to work. Mr. Cram had the full confidence of the people at both ends of the line, and gradually he shaped affairs until they took on substantial form. He proved to be an able advocate and was able to convince capital that the Aroostook scheme was a good thing. He made some progress each day until now there seems to doubt that they will see his project fully carried out. He is under contract to the new line for a term of years at a salary of $5,000. . . . He is a most effective speaker, but he is not heard unless he has something to say and then in well-chosen words, he gives expression to his thoughts. He is most happily situated in his domestic life and maintains a home in Bangor. One story illustrates his energy and quickness of thought.

            Before Judge Peters became chief justice and when Mr. Cram was running the E and N. A. road, Judge Peters was assigned to hold a term of court in Machias. His intent was to take a morning train for Calais and then drive to Machias. But the hackman overslept and the judge missed the train. Mr. Cram heard of this and after ordering out an engine he sought Judge Peters and told him he should reach Calais in time. The judge got into the cab, Mr. Cram took the engineers' seat and then began a chase after the morning train. It was a wild ride, though Judge Peters said he enjoyed the novelty of it, and he was surprised at the skill shown by Mr. Cram. The train was overtaken during the forenoon and the judge was at his post in court at the stroke of the clock.

Rapid progress is beginning made on Manager Van Horne's cottage on Minister's Island.

(Allows that "scores of other districts" in St. Andrews area would absolutely be found hay fever exempt)

Beacon

June 23/1892

This year there has been a great demand for furnished cottages in the neighborhood of the Algonquin, but the supply has not been equal to the demand. How many persons will be kept away from that cause we cannot tell. But we know for a fact that there are some. We want another summer hotel, similar to the Argyll, and we want summer cottages; who will supply the want?

The carpenter work has been finished at the CPR depot here and Mr. Thompson has removed his crew to St. Andrews where they will begin the erection of a $50,000 summer cottage for President Van Horne of the CPR. Fredericton Herald.

Manager Van Horne's Summer Cottage

A Princely Mansion to be Erected on Minister's Island

At the south-western extremity of Minister's Island, almost within stone throw of the waters of St. Andrews Bay, Manager Van Horne, of the C. P .R., is erecting his magnificent summer residence. It is no ordinary structure that Mr. Van Horne has in contemplation, for, when, completed, it will be fit mansion for a prince to occupy.

            The foundation walls, eighteen inches in thickness, have just been completed, and cover an area 84 feet wide by 60 feet deep. They are composed largely of grey granite. The building will be two stories in height, with a broad verandah surrounding the front and sides, the general effect, as seen from the architect's plans, closely resembling what one would expect to meet among the paintings of the old Dutch masters. The verandah will be supported by columns of rough field stone, and the first story will be walled up with stone of a similar character. A large recess in the front of the building, in which the entrance will be located, will be composed entirely of glass, in small panes. This will serve to illumine the large hall inside, while it will give the structure a novel appearance from the outside. Opposite the entrance an immense old-fashioned fireplace will be built. The foundation stone for the fireplace has already been set in place. On either side of the hall will be two large rooms, which can be used for sleeping rooms or for other purposes. The kitchen, bathroom, etc., will be located in the ell in the rear of the house. A broad stairway leads to the second floor, which will be utilized almost entirely as sleeping apartments. There are five large rooms on this floor, also a bathroom. Each room is provided with closet and cupboards. The outlook from the upper windows, or from the verandah, will be grand in the extreme. To the west and north lie the peninsula of St. Andrews and the hills and meadows of Chamcook and Bocabec; to the south and west are the waters of St. Andrews Bay and the St. Croix, bordered on the outer edge by Pendleton's Island, Deer Island and shore of Maine. Looking towards the east, over the silvery bosom of St. Andrews Bay, with its setting of verdant islands, the eyes rests upon the woods, and fields, and mountains of St. George, Pennfield, Mascarene and Digdeguash. A more charming spot, to soothe and rest the weary brain of the big railroad man, could not be found than this. The building is now in the hands of the carpenters. It cannot be completed for this season but will be ready for next season. It is Manager Van Horne's intention to spend a portion of this season with his family at the Algonquin. He will thus have an opportunity of superintending the construction of the building and also of carrying out improvements on the grounds surrounding it.

Beacon

June 30, 1892

Manager Van Horne, of the CPR, together with local officials of that road, and a prominent representative of the "Soo" line, took a run to St. Andrews on Thursday last, spending few hours here. Mr. Van Horne came down to see what progress was being made on his summer mansion.

Beacon

July 7/1892

The first excursion of the season came up from Eastport on Friday last. The excursionists lunched at the Algonquin, visited the Wedgwood store, and returned home in the afternoon.

Sunday was a good day to stay indoors for the reason that it was a very bad day to stay outdoors. Although fog is a comparative stranger to St. Andrews, yet something that bore a very close resemblance to fog hung over the own the whole day. A great deal of rain also fell. Gathered around the ample fireplaces of the Algonquin, watching the huge logs crackling in the grate, and breathing the aroma of birch and hemlock, the summer visitors seemed to enjoy their indoor experience.

Manager Miller, of the Algonquin, arrayed in an immaculate suit of white Oxford, wears his best smile—when the sun shines.

Miss Mary Nagle, of the waiting staff of the Algonquin, holds the palm for table decoration. What Mary does not know in this line is not worth knowing. She can arrange the table napkins in all sorts of fantastic shapes, from a true lover's knot of a lady's dainty slipper, and in the other little arts of table decoration she is well informed. She is from Bangor.

Salt Water Baths

Not many people nowadays deny the wholesome effect of mineral water baths, and Mr. Albert Robin, of France, who has made a special study of the effect of the mineral salts on the human system, when applied by the bath, has announced some of his conclusions as follows: "A bath containing six per cent of chloride of sodium diminishes the amount of organic matter, uric acid and extractive substances but increases the inorganic compounds, the amount of nitrogen, urea, chlorides and phosphoric acid. If the bath has twelve per cent of common salt, it gives a brisk stimulation to the nitrogenous interchanges. A bath of twenty-five per cent of salt influences mainly the process of oxidation, while it affects the nitrogen interchanges but slightly. This last strong salt bath is, therefore, indicated for patients of sluggish digestion and oxidation, who suffer mostly from diseases of the skeleton, with rachitis or necrosis, or with anemia. It is also good for all persons in whom the nervous system needs to be built up by economizing the nitrogenous interchanges."

            In following up this discussion of the biological action of salt baths, the European edition of the New York Herald contains a proposition advanced by some enterprising scientists to "utilize the waters of the Dead Sea for antiseptic purposes." So far as known, no bacteria can abide in this sea, which is densely charged with chlorides of magnesium and sodium, and also contains in large quantities the bromide of potassium and lime.

            Whether this will be attempted or not, and whether in case it should be done there will be found any advantage for antiseptic dressive over the ordinary remedies now in use, remains to be seen.

            Meanwhile, for certain classes of invalids, especially people of bilious habits and sluggish circulation, says the American Druggist, there is fresh encouragement to plunge, when convenient, in the ocean surf, and when not so convenient to make use of the waters derived from the sea salt as may be most easily procured.