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Beacon

Jan 2, 1896

Captain Howard Campbell

Talks with the Beacon on Port and Other Matters

"And how is the little town?"

The interrogator was Capt. Howard Campbell, commander of the Beaver Line steamer "Lake Ontario," and commodore of the fleet. The Beacon had dropped in upon him just as he was sitting down to breakfast in the luxurious salon of the steamer, and after the first greetings were over, this was the question he sprung upon his visitor:

"Ah," continued the gallant captain, without scarcely waiting to hear the reply to his question, "it's cruel fate that keeps St. Andrews back. It is one of the best natural harbors on the coast, and its geographical position is second to none, yet it has failed to secure recognition."Then the conversation drifted back to the agitation of a few years since when there seemed reasonable grounds to hope that the port would be utilized.

"I did all I could," said he, "to bring our steamers there, but the railway people did not assist us as we thought they should. They acted as though they did not want us to use the port. All that we asked them to do was to provide us a wharf that we could moor our vessels to. If they would agree to do that we would make an effort to get the business. But when they met us with a condition that in the event of a wharf being built we should pledge ourselves to use it for five years, whether we got business or not, why, we threw up the sponge. The idea was too preposterous altogether. So sanguine was I that something would be done for St. Andrews at that time that I had arranged to leave my ship in Boston and come down with the engineer of the road to look over the situation. But the conditions imposed by the railway put an end to that."

"And how to you like Saint John?"

"If St. John," replied Capt. Campbell, "is ever to become a great shipping port for steamers the Labor Union must be crushed, otherwise it will share the fate of Quebec. The harbor of Quebec is one of the finest in the world, yet its wharves are rotting away, simply because of the labor difficulties. No matter how much freight we have for Quebec we never stop there in going up the St. Lawrence. We continue to Montreal, and whatever cargo there is for Quebec is lightered down."

"When one hired a man to do his work, he has right to say how that work should be done, and when it should be done. But it's not so with the Labor Union. They give you the men, they control their movements, and all that they expect you to do is to pay up and look pleasant. Just fancy, my ship had to lie idle all Christmas Day because the men would not work! Then the wages are too high for the amount of work performed. No port can thrive where such a condition of things exist as are found here, and Saint John will find that out of her sorrow."

The Captain further stated that more prompt despatch could be obtained if the wharves were more convenient. There was too much shifting to be done.

"In the event of Saint John failing to meet your Company's expectations, what other port would you fall back upon?" asked the Beacon

"We should return to Boston, or else go to Halifax."

In closing the conversation, Capt. Campbell desired to Beacon to remember him to all his St. Andrews friends, young and old. The Lake Ontario is a magnificent ship. There is no gingerbread work about her, everything being plain, staunch and comfortable. She took away from Saint John a large cargo, including a lot of sheep, cattle and horses.

The Canadian Government, so steamship men say, will have to modify their ideas respecting the fast line. It is claimed by men who know whereof they speak that it is impossible in our northern waters to successfully navigate at the speed required boats of the type of the Lucania or Campania; it is equally impracticable to employ boats having twin screws, as the ice that is frequently met with would disable the screws at almost the first contact. The most practicable boat, said a well known steamship man to the Beacon, is a boat of the type of the Umbria or Etruria. The Canadian Government appears to have leaped into the matter without having had any consultation whatever with practical steamship men. Now that they are taking such men into the confidence they are beginning to realize how very little they know about a matter that they have voted three-quarters of a million dollars for.

The Andraeleo Club gave a Christmas tree to the Catholic children on New Year's Eve. A programme consisting of songs and readings, together with gymnastic exercise, was also carried out.

Beacon

Jan 9, 1896

A Stately Craft

Brief Description of the I. S. S. Co.'s New Boat "St. Croix"

poem here

The poet must have had some such ship as the gallant St. Croix. . . before his mental vision when he penned these words. She certainly bears out the poet's ideal, in that she is "built for freight and yet for speed, a beautiful and gallant craft."

Leaving the flowery realms of poetry and coming down to hard practical facts, the St. Croix is certainly a splendid vessel—splendid in her symmetrical proportions, splendid in her propelling force, splendid in her equipments, splendid in all her features. In length 256 feet, in breadth 40 ½ feet, with a net tonnage of 104 tons, she is a noble vessel for the service in which she is to be employed. She was built at the famous Bath shipyard, and it is generally conceded that she is the finest craft of her dimensions that has ever been turned out from that birthplace of stately vessels.

Her engines were constructed by the Portland Company. They are a notable feature of the ship. They are triple expansion, with three cylinders of a diameter respectively of 25, 40 and 67 inches. Their stroke is 36 inches; horsepower, 2000. They are designed to make 100 revolutions at a steam pressure of 170 lbs., but on the trial trip, in which she reeled off a 17-knot gait, they ran up to 104. The propeller of manganese bronze weighs 13,000 pounds, each of its four blades netting 2100 pounds. The shaft which forces this great propeller through the water so swiftly has a length of 102 feet, 8 inches, and a diameter of 12 ½ inches. The thrust bearing is of the horseshoe type, taking the thrust from eight rings on the shaft. The finished weight of the engines and machinery pertaining thereto is 400,000 pounds. There are four steel boilers of the Scotch type, 12 feet 8 inches in length by 12 feet, 6 inches in diameter, having shells 1 1/8 thick. Located amid the throbbing machinery in her engine room is a duplicate electrical dynamo, which furnishes the illuminating power for the boat and for the great search light, which finds a habitation on the top of the pilot house. Almost everything in connection with the vessel is performed by machinery. In the fore and after hatch the elevators are worked by machinery, one elevator descending while the other is ascending. The steering gear is operated by steam, as is also the windlass; even the ashes from the stokehole are discharged by machinery. Including the main engine, donkey engine, pumps, hoisting gear, fire engines, etc., there are in all 33 cylinders of various types on board the vessel. This fact will give the stranger some idea of the vastness of her mechanical arrangements.

The cabins for ladies and gentlemen, finished in sycamore, are in the after part of the boat, the former being on the starboard side and the latter on the port. They each contain 24 berths snugly ensconced in little alcoves, and are fitted up with all the necessary conveniences in the ship of lavatories, etc. Behind these cabins are the waiters' apartments, which are very comfortably furnished.

The main stairway to the saloon deck is finished in walnut to correspond with the fittings of the saloon. The saloon is lighted by series of colored windows and is a very luxurious apartment All the seats are upholstered in a dark plush to match the woodwork. There are 63 staterooms on this deck; 30 of which are connected. The toilet rooms are in the after part of the boat. The dining room is finished in oak. There are two large tables running lengthwise of the apartment, with seats for 60 people. Forward of the dining room on the starboard side is the pantry with a dumbwaiter connected with the cooks' quarters on the deck below, and still further forward is the officers' mess room. On the opposite side of the passageway is a comfortable smoking room, which has a pleasant outlook. The purser's and steward's offices are just aft of the dining saloon.

The St. Croix is authorized to carry 250 passengers, and to provide for their safety she is equipped with eight metal lifeboats, four life rafts, and abundance of life belts and a very perfect system of fire extinguishing equipment. One splendid feature about the boat is her carrying capacity. She will carry 8,000 barrels, which is four times greater than any of the other boats will carry. The St. Croix takes the place of the "Cumberland" on the route.

On the St. Andrews shipping register Dec. 30, 1895, there were 145 vessels of a tonnage of 3,547 tons, as against 140 vessels on a tonnage of 3, 414 tons the previous year. During the twelve months, 2 schooners and 3 sloops had been added.

Beacon

Jan 16/1896

One night last week, Andrews Sampson, centenarian, having occasion to go out of doors, stumbled over an obstruction in his doorway, and injured his arm so badly as to render him absolutely helpless. He has hitherto been able to look after his own wants, but this accident has deprived him of the ability to even dress himself, and he has been compelled to heave his home, where he hoped to spend the evening of his life.

A valuable chicken was killed by Miss Bernice Lawson, of Sheffield, last week. Some months ago this young lady lost a diamond pin. Search where she would she could not find it. She had abandoned hope of ever seeing it again, when, on killing the chicken aforesaid, she found the diamond pin in its crop. There is a moral in this story for other vain little pullets.

Friends of Samuel Andrews, youngest son of Mr. M. J. C Andrews, have been pained to hear of his distressing death in San Jose, Cal., the result of an overdose of morphine. His family received a letter from him written the day before his death. He was then in good health and spirits.

Algonquin Hotel—What the Management Hope to do in 1896

Mr. A. D. S. Bell, Treasurer of the Algonquin Hotel Company, writing to the Beacon from Boston with relation to the coming hotel season, says:

"I know full well how interested you are in St. Andrews and what pertains to its prosperity, and perhaps at the commencement of the new year you would like to know what the proprietors of the Algonquin are going to do the coming season. As we look back up the management of the at hotel since it was first built, we do so with a great deal of pleasure and feel that we are justified in doing so. We are not unmindful that a good part of the success that has come to us is from the able management that we have had in the past. This year, we have selected as manager Mr. A. W. Weeks, a man who comes to use with the strongest recommendation, and one that we believe is entitled to be ranked in the A1 lists. Having been manager of the Bluefield Inns, Virginia; the Cheswick Inn, Littleton, NH, Montauk Club, Long Island; and Hamilton Hotel, Bermuda, he certainly has had experience which must be of great value to the Algonquin. We have no question but that the table will be as good and if possible better and more delicate than ever and that the hotel will retain its reputation for being first-class in every respect."

"With the new addition to the laundry, we have decided to place that under an individual management, which ensures us better results for the future. From the large number of arrangements for rooms for the coming year and the many inquiries we are having, we are sure that we shall have all the guests that we can take care of during the season of 1896. As for pleasure and amusements for the guests, we are going to make this season a special effort to make everything attractive. We are quite sure our golf links cannot be excelled and from the present indications they bid fair to become well-known among the lovers of that game as being the best in the country. We hear in a quiet way that several valuable prizes are to be presented to the Algonquin Club for several tournaments that are surely to take place."

Beacon

Jan 23/1896

Quote from writer in New York Sun of Jan.12, who says when Maine protested the construction of the line from St. Andrews to Quebec City, because it ran through disputed territory, "with the ending of this protest the death knell of St. Andrews as a port was sounded, for though its splendid advantages still remain, they have never been utilized, and other ports in the Provinces and the United States are doing the business that nature and geography designed it should do."

Beacon

Jan 30/1896

The turnip market has not yet revived from the shock it received by the large influx of "Canadas" into the Boston market. Mr. T. A. Hartt, of St. Andrews, who went to Boston last week to feel the pulse of the market, said he found things much worse than his correspondents had stated. The Boston figures now are about 90 cents per barrel. This is equal to 50 cents here, but as the farmers are holding out for 60 cents very few shipments are being forwarded.

The businessmen of St. Andrews have decided to form a trade organization to endeavour if possible to arrest the decay of the place. It is a little late in the day to take such action, but if the organization is carried on active, aggressive lines there is much that it might yet do towards retrieving that which the town has lost.

Beacon

Feb 6/1896

St. Andrews as a Coal Depot

We notice by the Saint John papers that the CPR have determined upon removing their coal business from Sand Point on the western side of the harbor to the Robertson wharf near the railway station. We think that the CPR made a mistake when they abandoned St. Andrews as a coal depot. Had they remained here they would have saved themselves the expense of erecting sheds only to tear them down again; they would have saved themselves a suit for damages which is threatened in consequence of the McFrederick death, and they would have removed from their main line a great deal of the pressure which is now thrown upon it by the heavy trains of ocean freight, combined with the local freight and the coal trains that are passing over it, day and night. The railway undoubtedly needs coal supplied at Saint John, but we claim that it would be money in their pocket and a saving to the road, which also means money, if they had continued to utilize St. Andrews for a portion of coal traffic. Since abandoning this port as coal depot, another wharf adjacent to the railway has been added, so that there are now two splendid wharves here that can be utilized for the discharging of coal. We understand that the chief objection that the CPR had to St. Andrews as a coal depot was the absence of suitable wharves. This objection having been removed, the railway authorities, we think, in justice to themselves and to St. Andrews, should give this port another trial. There is room in this for a little missionary enterprise of the part of our new Board of Trade.

A Delusion

There are those who profess to believe that the return of the Conservative party to power with Sir Charles Tupper as premier means the realization of the hopes of St. Andrews people, so far as they relate to the utilization of their port. We wish we could see with the same eye of faith, but we feel bound to say that there is nothing in the record of the Conservative party or Sir Charles Tupper to warrant such a hope. With the exception of a brief interregnum, the Conservative party has been in power in Canada ever since Confederation, yet during all that time they have not expended single dollar in the way of providing port facilities here, nor have they shown the slightest disposition to do so. They cannot shelter themselves behind the plea that the subject was never brought to their attention. It has been brought to their attention time and again and in such ways that there was no chance for it to escape them. Not only has Mr. Gillmor urged it upon them on the floor of the House of Commons, but for five years they have twice been memorialized by the people of St. Andrews. The memorials have come to naught, just as Mr. Gillmor's speeches have. The answer which the Minister of Finance gave to the first memorial was that they could not make an appropriation for wharves at a port not touched by their line of railway, [Intercolonial] even though such an appropriation would have removed the stigma that Canada had no suitable port through which to transact its business.

This was the stated policy of the government four years ago, and we have seen nothing since then to warrant even the shadow of a belief that that policy has been altered. And what has Sir Charles Tupper done for St. Andrews? He has had the ear of the government all these years, and with the exception of the period when the Short Line agitation was in progress, no one ever heard him mention the name of St. Andrews in a public place. While speaking of the Short Line it is just as well to bear in mind that Sir Charles Tupper voted down the proposition which required the CPR to utilize New Brunswick ports. He was eager that the CPR should secure the contract, but his eagerness ended there. The railway might make their terminal port on Canadian soil, or they might make it on US soil for aught he cared. This was his record on the Short Line, but his record on the Intercolonial Railway was even worse, for in that he deliberately sacrificed the interests of New Brunswick in favor of Halifax. And what interest has he shown in St. Andrews during the years that he was being stall-fed in the High Commissioner's office, London? None whatever. During all the talk that he has been making across the Atlantic and on this side the Atlantic with respect to the proposed fast line and the port at which it was proposed to touch, in not in a single instance has he made the slightest allusion to St. Andrews. Halifax—and Halifax alone—seems to be the only port that occupies his vision. As we have indicated in previous remarks upon this subject, St. Andrews possesses natural and geographical advantages that entitle it to our recognition, yet it has never obtained such recognition. We cannot see the slightest peg in the attitude of the Conservative party or of Sir Charles Tupper that the people of St. Andrews can hang their hopes upon. It is not through any special regard for any section of Canada that Sir Charles Tupper is in this country today. He is here because he recognizes his party is in deadly peril and that his fat office is likewise in jeopardy, and it is to try to save the party from defeat and himself from being discharged that he is now labouring so zealously. It will be remembered that soon after his arrival he said that "he would not remain in Canada long." Taken in conjunction with the fact that he refuses to give up the billet of high commissioner, there is only one inference to be drawn from this statement, and that is that if he succeeds in rescuing his party he will return to his well-filled crib in London for another five years. That is what Sir Charles Tupper is laboring for and if there are many in this section who hope for different things from his visit the sooner they dismiss this delusion from their minds the better. If St. Andrews is to be benefited by any government, it is abundantly clear that it will not be by the present government.

Beacon

Feb 13/1896

A wonderful discovery in photography has been made, by which photographs may be obtained through objects heretofore considered impervious by the lens. Experiments made at McGill college, Montreal, have been highly successful. In one case the bones in a man's hand were photographed through the flesh and a bullet was shown to be embedded among the bones.

W. D. snow of Woodstock has installed in his laundry a dynamo with which he generates his own electric light.

Beacon

Feb 20/1896

Some time ago Sir William Van Horne was approached by Mr. DeWolfe with a view to having the railway company made rail connection with his new pier. Sir William assured Mr. DeWolfe that he would give the matter favorable consideration if he (DeWolfe) was able to show to his satisfaction that there was a possibility of this connection bringing any increased traffic to the port. Since that time Mr. DeWolfe has been communicating with large concerns along the northern division of the CPR and he has received from them most favorable replies. These replies will be laid before Sir William at once. It is quite certain that if one-half of the promised business came to this port that the road would be well repaid for the coat of laying the rails down to this wharf above-mentioned.

The Algonquin "folder" for 1896 is quite a handsome specimen of the engraver's art. A striking feature of its execution is the illustration of the Algonquin Golf Club links at Joe's Point. The management holds out the expectation of several golfing tournaments during the approaching season. A. W. Weeks will be manager of the hotel this year. "While maintaining the general reputation of the Algonquin as an enjoyable summer home he will make the excellence of the table a special and notable feature," the circular says.

St. Andrews Rural Cemetery Burial

A. W. Smith

Died Feb. 25, 1896

Aged 81 years

Wife Orissa W.

Died April 22, 1899

80 years old

[Cf. Emily Olivia Smith Everett, wife of Charles Stuart Everett]

The Smith are buried in Section A, Row 4

Beacon

Feb 27/1896

Death of A. W. Smith

The Veteran Editor Passes to his Eternal Rest at a Ripe Old Age

The community was greatly shocked on Tuesday morning when the sad news became known that Adam W. Smith, the veteran newspapers editor—the "father of the press"—as he liked to be termed—was dead. His soul took its flight from earth just as the hour of seven o'clock struck, that morning. Few knew that he was sick, and even those who did know of his illness did not apprehend how serious it was. On Friday last he drove downtown for the purpose of showing to some of his intimate friends a kindly letter he had received from Sir Charles Tupper, in reply to one of had written to that gentleman respecting the development of Saint Andrews. While in the Post Office talking with the Postmaster concerning the subject so near his heart he experienced a sudden chill and remarked that he must get home at once as he had never felt so queer in all his life. Mr. Stevenson , noticing the pallor that overspread his countenance, urged him to obtain a stimulant at one of the drug stores and hasten home. This he did. When he was driven home he took to his bed and remained there until he died, death being caused by pneumonia.

The deceased was a native of Limerick, Ireland, his mother being a Waterford lady. Early in life he removed to this country with his family. His father, George, N. Smith, was for a number of years connected with the Crown Land Department at Fredericton. The St. Andrews Standard newspaper was started by his father, and in that office the late A. W. Smith acquired his knowledge of the art preservative. On the death of his father, Mr. A. W. Smith took charge of the Standard, and for forty-seven years he was its editor. About fifteen years ago, he felt the necessity for retiring from active editorial life, and he ceased the publication of his paper. But his pen was never idle. Through the columns of the Beacon and the other Provincial newspapers he was constantly urging the claims of St. Andrews. He loved the place as he loved his own flesh and blood, and he had the most unbounded confidence in its future. It may almost be said that he laid down his life for his beloved town. Even in his last moments this theme was one of the uppermost in his thoughts.

The deceased was united in marriage 54 years ago to Miss Willard, of St. Andrews. A large family of sons sand daughters were born to them. Three of his sons now reside in California, and the fourth, Mr. E. A. Smith, in St. John. Willard, his eldest son, died in Sherbrooke a few years ago and his body was interred here. Four daughters are living, Miss Ottie Smith, of the Normal School, Truro, N.S.; Mrs. N. D. Hooper and Mrs. Charles S. Everett, of St. John, and Miss Eliza Smith, who resides with her parents. Mrs. Smith is still alive, and though suffering from a severe attack of la grippe, was able to wait upon her husband until the grim messenger called for him. All the members of the family were devotedly attached to each other, and the death of the head of the house has been a severe blow to them.

The deceased was connected with the Masonic order for many years, being a Knight Templar. He was an honored member of society and was regarded as one of the few links that bound us to an honorable past. He saw St. Andrews in its palmy days and he saw it in its darkest hours, and to its memory he was ever faithful. An active member of the Presbyterian church, his removal will be greatly felt in that denomination. In his death the town has suffered the loss of one of its best friends. Many of its residents, too, feel that they have lost a warm-hearted friend, and one whose like they shall never look upon again.

Mr. Smith's funeral will take place at 3:30 this afternoon.

Death of Mr. A. W. Smith

We feel that the Beacon is but echoing the sentiments of the people of St. Andrews when we say that the town has lost on of its best friends in the death of Adam W. Smith, for many years the honored editor of the St. Andrews Standard newspaper. He loved the place, and it was the desire of his life that he should be spared until he should see its sun of prosperity rise again. But, though in the dim future he could almost see the dawn of better days, the pleasure of witnessing the rising of that glorious sun was to be denied him. It cannot be said of him that he was one who sat down and wrung his hands in grim despair. No! Until the very last moment of his life; until his active brain had become stricken by disease; until his tongue had been robbed of its power to frame speech, he never ceased to labor in the interest of the home of his adoption. Of him it may well be said, he hath done what he could. Though he is gone, his works will live after him, and mayhap in the not distant future his labors will bear the full fruitage that he so longed to see. As a newspaper man, but more particularly as a personal friend, the editor of the Beacon feels that he has sustained a great and irreparable loss. We shall miss his kindly, hopeful words, his hearty, cheerful handshake, and his bright, encouraging presence, but great as we feel our personal loss to be, it is as nothing compared to the loss that his family has experienced. To them we would extend our sincerest consolation and sympathy in their hour of bereavement.

In discussing winter port business and possible winter ports the Saint John newspapers appear to ignore St. Andrews entirely. To them there are but two Canadian winter ports worthy of mention: one is Saint John, the other is Halifax. We do not find fault with them for advancing the claims of Saint John, indeed, it would be a matter of surprise to us if they did not, but we maintain that as between Halifax and St. Andrews, the latter is the one that they should assist. It does not require very much shrewdness to be able to see that what will aid in the development of St. Andrews must also be beneficial to Saint John. At the present time, nine-tenths of the supplies purchased by Charlotte County people come from Saint John. And every additional pound that is purchased by our people from the Saint John merchants must add that much to the wealth of that city. If the Saint John paper will follow out this idea they cannot fail to be impressed with the force of our logic. There is another view of the matter that should not be lost sight of. If the business that St. Andrews might get is taken to Halifax, Saint John will not receive a single cent's worth of benefit from it. Indeed, she stands to lose, both as regards any increase of trade from this section, and as regards the development of her port. The turning of the trade of Canada towards Halifax will rob the New Brunswick ports of business and prestige, and will tend greatly to retard the growth of this Province. Then, there is yet another view that should be taken, and it is an important one in its bearing upon the country as a whole. In selecting winter ports for the Dominion those ports should be selected that can be reached the quickest, that will reduce the cost of land carriage to the greatest extent, that can be made the cheapest, and that by reason of such nearness to the West, such cheapness can best compete with the US ports. There can be no room for doubt in the minds of Canadians as to the ports in Canada that would best fulfill these requirements. They are Saint John and St. Andrews. Therefore we think the newspapers of Saint John are not doing their full duty to themselves, to their port or to their province in neglecting to urge the claims and advantages of this port. It is a mistaken idea to suppose that the building up of St. Andrews would lead to the downfall of Saint John. Better far that this port should never be developed than that such a catastrophe should occur. We have no fears on that score, nor yet do we believe the businesspeople of Saint John have, but we do think that it would be to the great advantage of both if in this matter of winter port they joined hands and worked together.

Mrs. Erastus Hurd, mother of Lady Van Horne, died at her daughter's residence in Montreal, on Saturday last, aged 90 years. Since Sir William adopted St. Andrews as his summer home, Mrs. Hurd has always accompanied his family here. For her years she was a singularly bright old lady, and was almost worshipped by the family. She was a native of Michigan, where she leaves several children.

Sir William and Lady Van Horne are expected back from West Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, when they will probably accompany the remains of the late Mrs. Hurd to Joliette, Ill., where the interment will take place.—Montreal Star

Board of Trade

Winter Port Agitation Revived—Saint John and St. Stephen asked to Cooperate

A special meeting of the St. Andrews Board of Trade was held in the "city hall" on Tuesday night, the President, W. D. Forster, in the chair. It was resolved to ask for the incorporation of the Board, its jurisdiction to embrace the parishes of St. Andrews, St. Croix, St. Patrick, West Isles and Campobello. The necessary signatures were obtained.

A resolution, setting forth the advantages of St. Andrews as winter port, expressing satisfaction at the decision of the government not to grant any further subsides to lines of steamers making their terminal ports in the US, and requesting that in any call for tenders for a fast line of freight or passenger steamers the port of St. Andrews should be inserted as one of the ports of call, was adopted, and ordered to be forwarded to the Secretary of State to be laid before the Government.

Resolutions asking for the cooperation of this and Saint John Boards of Trade in the winter port matter were adopted.

The President stated that he had been in Ottawa recently, and while there met Mr. Hazen and some of the other Saint John members, and found that they were very favorably disposed towards St. Andrews. But of course, they wanted Saint John's demands satisfied first.

A committee composed of the officers of the Board, Dr. N. G. D. Parker and M. N. Cockburn, was appointed to secure all possible information with regard to the best location for a deep water wharf, the approximate cost of such wharf, and to suggest in what manner the matter should be financed.

A form of letter to be forwarded to Sir William Van Horne and Supt. Timmerman, of the CPR, urging the advisability of making rail connection with the DeWolfe pier, was submitted and adopted.

Notice of a motion, looking to the encouragement of industries in the town, was given for next regular meeting March 10.

Beacon

March 5/1896

The Winter Port

The Globe takes the Fredericton Gleaner to task because it urges the construction of the Harvey-Salisbury branch, so as to carry the trade of the Dominion to the port of Halifax. What particular advantages that is to accrue to Fredericton by robbing the New Brunswick ports of their legitimate trade is not quite clear. Certainly, the privilege of gazing upon a lot of flying freight cars bound for Nova Scotia's chief port will not yield sufficient pecuniary return to justify such a great and lasting injury to our own ports. Our Fredericton contemporary has either failed to give the subject due attention or else it is turning traitor of its own Province. It surely cannot be that its course has been inspired by the Hon. Mr. Foster, in whose interest the paper has been laboring for over a year past.

In concluding its references to the Gleaner's treatment of the subject, the Globe says: "Another of our contemporaries, the Beacon of St. Andrews—a most excellent journal, by the way—while it utters no word suggestive of envy or ill nature at our prosperity here, thinks Saint John newspapers a little neglectful in always speaking of Saint John and Halifax as the possible winter ports and in overlooking the claims of St. Andrews. It points out that Saint John papers and people should assist St. Andrews as against Halifax. The Fredericton Gleaner declares that for a quarter of a century at least 'Fredericton's commercial interests have been sacrificed for the benefit of Saint John.' If this is a fact Saint John has not been aware of it; and in the growth of Fredericton, the erection of new buildings there, the steady increase of the population, there is really evidence of greater relative prosperity in the political capital than in the commercial capital of New Brunswick. Our St. Andrews contemporary makes no such charge. Indeed, as against the Gleaner's view in favor of Halifax, it says that the 'turning of the trade of Canada towards Halifax will rob the New Brunswick port of business and prestige, and will greatly tend to retard the growth of this province.' But, the growth and prosperity of St. Andrews will help the growth and prosperity of Saint John. This not unreasonable, and the claim of the Beacon in favor of St. Andrews is certainly more likely to meet with approval in Saint John than the demand of our Fredericton, contemporary that the Harvey-Salisbury railway route should be built at a great cost to the country in order to save an hour and a half in the run to Halifax. But we kindly urge upon all our contemporaries in every port of the Province not be become envious of Saint John —just yet! We have gone to an enormous cost to give facilities to trade here; we have yet to spend a great deal more, before what is now experiment shall become fixed and absolutely certain. The return so far has not materially added to our wealth although it has furnished employment to some people.

Valuations for this year put Van Horne near the top with $10,000 in real estate. Tilley at $5,000, Algonquin at $18,000. O'Neill farm at $7,000. Land Company$26,000. Sir Donald does not appear on the valuation.

The funeral of the late Mrs. Anna Benedict Hurd, mother of Lady Van Horne, took place from the residence of her son-in-law, 917 Sherbrooke Street, this afternoon. The services were strictly private, being conducted by the Rev. W. S. Barnes of the church of the Messiah. The body will be taken to Windsor Street station and conveyed to Joliet, Illinois, on the Chicago express. Sir William and Lady Van Horne will accompany the remains.—Montreal Star. Feb. 26h.

Beacon

March 12/1896

The Fast Line

Among the Ottawa notes in the Montreal Star appears the following:

The Government announces that tenders will be called for at an early date from persons or firms willing to undertake the running of a line of not less than four fast steamers between the St. Lawrence and a British port, Halifax being the Canadian terminus in the winter. The vessels are not to be inferior to the Teutonic, of the White Star line, in general equipment, and with a capacity for between four and five hundred regular, and a thousand third class passengers. In regard to speed, they will be required to make twenty-one knots in a six-hour trial run, and to be capable of ordinary ocean steaming at a rate of twenty knots an hour. They will be of not less than 8500 tons. The Canadian government will give a subsidy of $750,000 a year, which the British Government t will supplement by an annual subvention of $350,000.

There can be no mistaking the meaning or the intent of this announcement. The government certainly means that neither Saint John nor St. Andrews shall get any share of the winter business of Canada by the fast line, so called, but that every pound of freight and every passenger shall be carried to Halifax, irrespective entirely of the long railway haul. This being their avowed intentions, then of what avail is all the blowing and bluster of the Saint John member of parliament respecting their port, and of what avail is all the expenditure that the Saint John people have made to obtain a share of this traffic? Perhaps the Government are not sincere in their request. Perhaps they do not expect that anyone will tender for such a class of steamers and that they will be free to ask for tenders for a smaller class of boat, which may touch at other maritime Province ports. But there is nothing on the face of their announcement to show that they have any other intention than to make Halifax the sole winter port of Canada. How they are going to overcome the additional 300 and more miles of railway haul, to say nothing of the cost of carriage over the cantilever bridge (which is estimated to amount to 140 miles of travel) is not quite clear, but possibly the agitation that has been started in a certain section of the government press for the construction of the Harvey-Salisbury line, may afford a clue. The construction of this branch would be fearful blow to the port interest of Saint John, and as it would only shorten the run to Halifax about 140 miles it is difficult to see on what ground it could be justified. As the matter stands at the present time it emphasizes very clearly the great necessity that exists for Saint John and St. Andrews combining to secure their rights.

Photographs in Beacon. First? Lord's Cove School House, Deer Island, Charlotte Co. Lambert 
Town School House, Deer Island.

Deer Island School Houses

Through the courtesy of the Chief Supt. Of Education, the Beacon is enabled today to furnish its readers with half-tone illustrations of two of Deer Island's new school buildings. Though it is not possible with this class of engraving to secure as good mechanical results with ordinary newspaper and ink as with a finer quality of materials, yet the outlines of the buildings are rendered sufficiently clear to indicate their handsome and symmetrical proportions. Charlotte County may well be proud of her education buildings of which those on Deer Island are second to none.

Beacon

March 26/1896

Now that President Van Horne, of the CPR, has a little leisure he might turn it to account by preparing plans for the new summer hotel he talked of for St. Andrews a few years ago.

Sir William Van Horne's Love (the CPR), to which American interests take secondary place, even other Canadians interests. letter.

New York, March 20

The Sun has published the following letter:

To the Editor of the Sun: Sir,—In your issue of yesterday you refer to me as "originally American, but now a fierce Tory hater of all things American." I protest that no act or work or thought of mine has ever justified such a statement. I am as proud of the United States as you are, and I know that this is saying very much. For many years I have been entrusted with important interests by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, and I have done my best to protect and develop these interests. Would you have me, even as an ultra-loyal American, do otherwise? Pray put me down, not as an enemy of things American, but as one who loves the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Yours truly,

W. C. Van Horne

March 4

(clever allusion to Abou Ben Adhem)

Beacon

April 2, 1896

Saint John and Halifax have both had large and influential delegations at Ottawa lately urging the claims of their respective ports as termini for the proposed fast line. The more the matter is agitated the more necessary it would seem that the fast line should have two ports of call in Canada in the winter season, one for the landing of mails and passengers, and the other for the landing and shipping of freight. It is preposterous to suppose that Halifax can perform the entire business. Being the first port of call, Halifax would do very well for mails and passengers, but for freight port St. Andrews offers the greatest advantages. In carrying on a freighting business it is essential that the land haul shall be as short as possible.

The Andraeleo club, have arranged a splendid programme for their entertainment in the club hall on Monday evening next. Gymnastic exercise will form a leading feature, but there will also be good vocal and instrumental music.

Beacon

April 9/1896

The view urged by the Beacon that it was to the interests of Saint John to aid in the development of St. Andrews as a port, has been fully endorsed by the council of the Saint John Board of Trade, which body has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the St. Andrews Board to secure the utilization of this port for a share of the winter business of Canada.

The action of the government in insisting that tourists from the United States who enter Canada with their bicycles must deposit the amount of duty with the collectors of customer before they can have the use of their machines, is a burdensome restriction, and one that is likely to prevent many tourists from coming into the country. We hope the government will see the necessity of amending this absurd rule.

New Club House to be completed before opening.

15 by 36 feet, covered verandah 8 feet wide along front

2 compartments—ladies and gentlemen's

Each with fireplace, toilet room and lockers

Golf links to be improved.

St. Andrews has justly won the title of Canada's choicest summer resort. Sir William Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, recognized its advantages as a summer breathing spot when he established his permanent summer home here, and hosts of other Montreal and western people have begun to appreciate its salubrious climate, healthful location and romantic surroundings. But it is not alone as a summer resort that St. Andrews should have the patronage of Montreal and the West. Its peculiar situation as the nearest Canadian port on the Atlantic to Canada's commercial metropolis entitles it also to rank as of the first of Canada's winter ports. As far back as 1835, when the first railway in Canada was projected between St. Andrews and Quebec, when it was hoped to make of St. Andrews the winter port for the upper Canadian trade, this fact was known and recognized. The history of its failure to accomplish its destiny at that time is well known. Since then an unsympathetic government, more intent upon strengthening itself rather than building up Canadian ports, has turned its cold shoulder upon the place, the people themselves have been too poor to supply it with the needed facilities, and hence steamship companies that would utilize it if these facilities were provided are compelled to go to other ports and compete with disadvantages that they would be stranger to if they came here. If the businessmen of Montreal, who come here to gather renewed strength in the summer season, would only see the necessity of making St. Andrews their port in the winter season, its future, now so dark and forbidding, would soon be bright and hopeful again.

St. Andrews wants the Fast Line. It surely does not consider it has any chance in the race with Halifax. —St. John Record.

The gymnastic entertainment given the Andraeleo club in their hall on Monday evening last, was a first-class exhibition of amateur work, creditable to trainer as well as pupils. The gymnastic performances embraced club swinging, dumbbell work, tumbling, parallel bar work, and other features. It was participated in by a dozen sturdy young fellows. The applause was generous. Of the class, John Bulger undoubtedly did the best work, but there were others who were not at all slow in following his lead. In addition to the gymnastic part of the entertainment there were some very fine vocal and instrumental selections given by members of the club. Mr. Howland and Charles Sheehan sang a duet; H. Howland furnished a vocal solo, and M. Howland contributed a violin solo. The farce greatly pleased the gallery gods. The closing feature of the performance was a torch swinging exhibition, which was very fine, indeed. Music accompaniments for the performances were provided by an orchestra composed of Miss Mamie Kennedy, organist; Prof. Rooney, violinist; Edward Cummings, cornetist After the singing of the Nation anthem, the spectators dispersed, well pleased with what they had seen and heard. The receipts of the evening amounted to $55. It is the intention of the club to give a performance for youth gooks on Friday night. Next Thursday, the club's gymnasts hope to exhibit in St. George.

Town Improvement Association meets, with Robert Gardiner in attendance, among others such as Mr. Armstrong. Resolved to continue the work of planting trees, and to try to make an example of those who have recently been destroying the same work of last year.

St John Will Cooperate

At the meeting of the St. Andrews Board of Trade a memorial to be submitted to the Governor in Council with respect to the port of St. Andrews was submitted by the terminal committee and approved of. After receiving the sanction of the Board it will be forwarded to its destination.

The following resolution of the Council of the Saint John Board of Trade was read at the same meeting:—

Resolved, that this Council fully concurs with the St. Andrews Board of Trade in the approval of the decision of the Government not to grant any further aid to steamers lines making their terminal point at US ports, and will gladly cooperate with the St. Andrews Board in its efforts to secure the utilization of the port of St. Andrews for a share of the winter business of Canada.

TUPPER, Charles

Prime Minister of Canada

Conservative 1896.05.01 - 1896.07.08

Beacon

April 16/1896

"Leaves from a Reporter's Notebook"

A large audience gathered in Memorial Hall on Tuesday night last to listen to the lecture by R. E. Armstrong on the above subject. The chair was occupied by Rev. A. W. Mahon.

The lecturer began by defining what a reporter was, at the same time giving an idea of what his manifold duties consisted of. The qualifications of the ideal reporter were considered the chief of which was "a nose for news." The reporter, he said, was ever a seeker after truth. He wanted the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He instanced some prominent men in the world's history who had been reporters in their early lives. The methods employed by the metropolitan newspapers with regard to the collection of news were touched upon briefly. Many of the reporters on the metropolitan press must of necessity be specialists in their particular lines and as an example he gave an illustration of a shipwreck, showing how necessary it was to a truthful and intelligent description of such a thrilling incident that the marine reporter should be well versed in nautical lore. Though reporters seldom keep a memory record of events they are called upon to describe from day to day, yet there are instances that are never blotted from their memory. He gave some examples from his own reportorial experiences, among them his first murder case at Little River, Saint John; the conflagration in Saint John in 1877; the excitement attendant upon the sending of a contingent of the N. B. volunteers of the North-West to suppress the Riel rebellion, introducing some patriotic references; the witnessing of a wreck in mid-ocean; the scenes attendant upon a street riot in Limerick some years ago; a visit to Scotland, and the places made famous by Sir Walter Scott and the poet Burns; a mission over the Short Line when it was being constructed, following it up with scenes witnessed in a subsequent trip to the Pacific coast over the C.P.R. line; also some reminiscences of the old police court in St. John, when Humphrey Gilbert was magistrate and "Charlie" chandler was clerk. Dropping reportorial reminiscences, he considered several other phases of his subject, among them some of the things that a reporter sees behind the scenes, the impressions that he forms of men's character, etc. The "fresh" reporter was portrayed; the "scoop" was described; the methods employed in carrying news now-a-days by telegraph, telephone, bicycle, balloon, carrier pigeon, ocean grey-hound, and flying mail train were referred to briefly and a few predictions indulged in as to what future aid science was to bring to bear upon the reporter's work, by means of cathode rays, flying machines and other inventions yet in their infancy; a few moments were also spent in referring to the kind of people who give the reporter "that tired feeling." The practiced joker came in for a brief share of the lecturer's attention under this heading.

In his concluding references he said:

"The reporter is not bad, nor is he at all dangerous. He is not always going about, like a ravening wolf seeking whom he may devour. Use him right, trust in him, and you will discover that he is as near as approachable to a member of the angelic choir as can be found among the male sex on this terrestrial ball. What would the world do without the reporter? How dead and comfortless it would be if there were no reporters to furnish us with our daily repast of spicy news items! If it were not for the reporter's untiring labors many a flower would be born to blush unseen, many a gem would remain forever unseen, many a budding genius would never blossom, many a hero would remain unglorified, many a victory of science, of religion, would never be recorded. No soldier fights more desperate battles than the reporter is often called upon to fight in his loved vocation. No storm was ever too severe to restrain him when duty calls, no risk too great. Many a time he braves death that the public might be enlightened and their thirst for knowledge appeased. The reporter stands ever ready with his pen and pencil to help the cause of the weak and oppressed, the widow and fatherless, to expose the wrong and defend the right. One minute he is weeping with those who weep, the next he is singing with those whose hearts are made glad. When a genius has been born, or a hero has arisen, or a new star emerges into the literary firmament, the reporter is the first to introduce him to the world. All through life his helping hand is by his side, noting his achievements and triumphs. 
And when at the brink of the grave, when death's cold shadows hover around, and that great genius ends his life's work, or that hero fulfills the mission which God had sent him on earth to perform, or that literary star consummates his labor, it is to the reporter the world looks to indite him a fitting eulogy, to extol his virtues and achievements, and to draw a kindly veil over his vices. . . . The reporter has never been thoroughly understood, never appreciated for his true worth. The world has turned a cold shoulder upon him when it should have embraced him in a loving clasp. But someday the mists of the years will roll away; someday the veil will be lifted, someday the curtain of doubt will be drawn aside; someday the world will see him as he is; someday it will suddenly awake to a higher and grander and nobler conception of his character and his aims and will honor him as the hero and benefactor that he is. Then will his martyrdom be over; men will let persecutions cease; then will his glorious sun arise to illumine the waste places; then will the morning stars sing together, the hills clap their hands with joy, and the whole earth, from pole to pole, from the frozen north to the equally frozen and dreary south, from Greenland's icy mountains to India's coral strand, unite in one grand overwhelming, overpowering paean of praise! And then! Well, then, we may prepare for the millennium."

Dr. N. G. Parker, in a very neat speech, moved a vote of thanks, which was seconded by M. N. Cockburn in a few happy remarks.

Will not Reduce Rates

B. F. DeWolfe, who erected a costly wharf at St. Andrews in the hope that lumber and other material from Aroostook and the north western section of this Province might be shipped through this port, has had a wet blanket thrown upon his enterprise by the freight agent of the CPR, Mr. Sutherland, who states positively that the railway cannot reduce rates to attract trade here. He does not give the reasons for this decision, but it is probably because of some understanding with the Maine lines of railway. It seems unfortunate that this port should be handicapped in this manner. That it is the natural port for the district above referred to goes without saying; that trade could be attracted here, if the railway company would make reasonable concessions, there is little doubt, nor can there be any doubt that the railway would profit by this trade. Why the port should be ignored by the railway, and why they should be a party to any arrangement to freeze it out of trade that naturally belongs to it, are matters that are beyond our comprehension. It is not so very long ago that the head of the CPR assured the people of St. Andrews that this road would take care of all trade that might be created here. Now, when thousands of dollars have been expended to create trade and this trade is really knocking at our doors, the railway refuses to extend it the slightest assistance. Surely St. Andrews is entitled to some explanations.

There is none so blind as he who won't see. This is a remark that will apply with great force to the CPR. They know that in St. Andrews they have a port that Is not equalled in Canada; they know that if provided with proper facilities there is no port in this part of the Dominion that is capable of greater expansion; they know that it would be dollars in their pocket if the port was developed, yet they close their eyes to all these staring facts and refuse to do anything to bring about a change in the order of things. We are fully persuaded that there is no "sentiment" in the composition of the CPR, that it is pure, cold, hard, "business" the whole way through; therefore, we are the more surprised that the company should so long neglect to avail themselves of the splendid advantages that this port possesses.

The St. Andrews Board of Trade must not be discouraged because its efforts to bring the port to the front should be attended with so little success. Having failed to arouse any sympathy in the breast of the Dominion government, they should push their claims before the railway and steamship companies. The signs of the times very clearly indicate that Canada needs a safe freight port, one that can be entered at all times, one that can be made cheap for vessels, and the fact that we have just such a port here should be impressed upon all the steamship lines. The committee of the Saint John Board of Trade has made an unfavorable report in the matter of the Ottawa-South American lumber trade, because the port of Saint John the representatives of the railway say needs all its present facilities for its winter export business. Perhaps this important trade might be turned in our direction. It is worth looking after and worth looking after promptly.

St. Andrews Has Claims

It is sincerely to be hoped that the government will not at the start limit the benefits of the proposed fast Atlantic line by mentioning in the call for tenders any one Canadian port as terminus. Halifax is most prominently mentioned in connection with the tenders, but the ports of New Brunswick should at least be given the chance of competition for the coveted benefit. If the shortest and most direct route is demanded, as it should be, St. Andrews has claims which should more than outweigh any lack of terminal facilities there at present. These could be easily supplied, if the opportunity to utilize them were assured, and the advantages which the Charlotte county port possesses over all its competitor are such as to commend the consideration, at least, of the tenderers, if the question of terminus be left open.—Courier

We have always regarded Sir William Van Horne as friendly to St. Andrews. Perhaps he can tell us why the CPR should so persistently discourage the development of this port.

The Indian Point cottage has about reached its final location near Algonquin.

The CPR are asking the same rate on lumber from Presque Isle to St. Andrews as they are quoting from Presque Island to Boston. And they refuse to reduce it a single cent. Is it any wonder with the railway bucking against their efforts that our people should feel discouraged?

The CPR have commenced their proposed improvements. Contractor Beatty, of the west end, has workmen engaged in building an extension to the old Gregory wharf at the eastern end of the flour shed. He has also the contract for the yard improvements. —Saint John Sun

Beacon

April 23/1896

Halifax is threatening to boycott the CPR. If the CPR would develop St. Andrews as a port they could afford to let Halifax cut off its nose if it wanted to.

28 lines of railroad, most of them not half as necessary as the development of one good Canadian winter port, have been recently subsidized by the government. The smallest subsidy is 23,000 and the largest 217,000. The aggregate amount is 2,478,849. This is one of the resources of civilization that is employed by a government for the purpose of bribing the electorate.

Premier Bowell must have chuckled to himself when he informed the "grave and reverend" gentlemen who composed the Canadian Senate that "the policy of the government was to divert to Canadian ports the trade which had been going to American ports." This has not been the policy of the government. The policy of the government up to within a month or two ago has been to utterly ignore Canadian ports, allowing the trade of the country to drift whither it would. It was only when the government was on its deathbed that repentance came. Then, under pressure and threats, it was induced to grant a subsidy to a steamship line out of Saint John, and to pass an order-in-council that only subsidies should be granted to ocean steamers touching at ports in the US. The government is entitled to no special credit for this, because only the fear of death and extinction prompted it. Not a dollar of Dominion government money has been appropriated for developing Saint John as winter port. Whatever improvement that port has got have been provided out of the pockets of its people, and if ocean traffic has been attracted there of late the credit is due to the people and not the government. If the government has done little for Saint John it has done less for St. Andrews, for it has done nothing at all. Though this port is more advantageously situated than any other maritime province port and its chances for expansion much greater, not a cent of Dominion cash has been expended to assist in its development. In the fact of these incontrovertible facts it seems the height of impertinence for Premier Bowell to say that the policy of the government has been to develop Canadian ports.

Armstrong considers this period of government to have been one of the darkest pages in Canadian history.

The Indian Park cottage is now established at its permanent home overlooking the town. It looks very pretty.

Lots of vacant cottages for let this summer.

Beacon

April 23, 1896

Edward Maxwell, who made his home in Milltown, Maine, last summer, was in St. Andrews on Monday.

Beacon

April 30/1896

Interview with Wallace Broad

The Rhodesia Weekly Review, which is a large and apparently prosperous periodical, is printed in town of Buluwayo, now beleaguered by the Metabele hordes. The issue of March 14th, which reached this office April 27th, contains no mention of the uprising, which seems to have developed suddenly. A column and a half is devoted to an interview with Wallace Broad, now a resident of Buluwayo who gave the reporter a good ideal of information about geological matters. The article then continues:

These remarks on geology are the outcome of an interesting interview with Wallace Broad, B. A., who has been over five months in Buluwayo, and who has already come to be regarded as a valuable recruit-and something more than a "full private" to the little army that is now engaged in developing Rhodesia.

Mr. Broad is native of Canada—that loyal sister colony of which we are all so proud—and distinguished himself in the department of science during his collegiate course at the University of New Brunswick. He was prizeman in his junior year, and Dufferin gold medalist in his senior year, and graduate with honors in chemistry, geology, and natural science. He subsequently took a postgraduate course at McGill college in assaying, blowpipe analysis, mining, and geology; the latter course under Sir William Dawson. After completing his collegiate studies, Mr. Broad joined the geological survey of Canada, which was first established under Sir William Logan and is today one of the largest and most efficient government geological surveys in the world. He remained six years on the field staff of that survey, but left to engage in the manufacture of mining implements. He did not, however, wholly forsake his "first love," but has always continued to take a deep interest in geology, mineralogy, and mining. For domestic reasons, consideration of his own health, and that of some members of his family, he came out to Cape Colony in 1894. The attractions of Rhodesia proved irresistible to him, and last September he made his way to Buluwayo and as stated above, has taken up his permanent residence among us. He is charmed wit the country and has great faith in its mineral wealth; he brings with him the highest testimonials from his former scientific colleagues and from many distinguished Canadians, who all certify to his ability and integrity, and we think we do not overstate the fact when we say that neither he nor those who are developing Rhodesia will have any cause to regret that he has thrown in his lot with us.

St. Andrews as an Ocean Port

The following is a copy of the memorial lately sent to the Governor-in-Council by the St. Andrews Board of Trade

To His Excellency the Right Hon. Sir John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, G. C. M. G. Governor General of the Dominion of Canada, etc., etc., in Council

The Memorial of the Board of Trade of St. Andrews in the Province of New Brunswick respectfully sheweth:

That whereas the subject of a "Fast Line" of Steamships between the United Kingdom and the Dominion is now under the consideration of the Government, the Board of Trade of St. Andrews is desirous of laying before Your Excellency in Council a statement of the advantages possessed by the Port of St. Andrews, which in their opinion are so great as to give it a claim to be designated as one of the Terminal Ports of the Dominion—at least so far as the question of freight is concerned.

First, the port of St. Andrews is the nearest Canadian Port on the Atlantic to Montreal and the Northwest, being forty miles nearer Montreal than the port of Saint John, and nearly three hundred miles nearer than Halifax. This fact alone gives it a great advantage, saving a long and costly haul for freight, and the heavy tolls charged at the Cantilever bridge at Saint John.

Second, it is a commodious port with an abundant depth of water for the largest vessels afloat, with excellent opportunities for the erection of deep-water wharves, warehouses, elevators, etc.

Third, it can be entered at all times of tide by vessels of the deepest draught, the channel being over ninety feet deep in the shallowest part, and easy of entrance from the sea.

Fourth, it is open all the year round, and while on several occasions the harbors of Portland, Boston, and New York, and others along the Atlantic coast have been seriously incommoded by the presence of ice, this harbor has remained quite free and unobstructed.

Fifth, the harbor is well sheltered; it has good anchorage ground; it is free from dangerous ledges, and there are no rapid currents to endanger the safety of vessels such as are met with in many tidal harbours.

Sixth, It is capable of being maintained cheaply. The port charges are light, and the pilotage expenses could be reduced to a minimum, as after the first trip, the services of a Pilot could be dispensed with.

These are, in brief, the chief advantages which St. Andrews possesses as a port, and which this Board considers the most important to justify it in claiming that it would be selected as one of the Winter Ports of the Dominion. While conceding that the greater nearness of Halifax to the ports of the United Kingdom gives it a superior claim as place of disembarkation for passengers, the much greater proximity of St. Andrews to Montreal and the West of Canada seems to give it an incontestable advantage for the landing of freight, as saving a long and expensive land haul, as well as the costly tolls of the bridge at Saint John.

This Board, therefore, begs to suggest that while the mails and passengers by the "Fast Line" or any other line of steamers may either be landed at Halifax, or met (as in the case of the mail steamers at Queenstown, Moville and Rimouski) by a tender at the mouth of the harbor, the steamers themselves should proceed direct to St. Andrews as the port for inland, and nearest to the centre of the Dominion, and in case it should happen, as has not infrequently been the case, that the occurrence of fog, ice, or a heavy snow storm should create a delay in entering the harbor of Halifax, the steamer might proceed directly onward to the same port which would involve only a few hours more sea voyage, and have all the advantage of the shorter land journey.

In conclusion, the Board most respectfully urges the above statements on the careful consideration of the Government, feeling confident that they will justify it in its opinion that St. Andrews possesses all the requirements of a winter port for Canada, and that its utilization, more particularly as a Freight port, would promote to an extended degree the commercial interest of the Dominion.

Feels Mad, Too

The Saint John Globe says the Beacon feels sad because the CPR refuses to grant any concessions on rates in order to attract trade here. But "sad" is hardly the word; though, perhaps, there may be a mingling of sadness in it. It is more calculated to make a Canadian "mad" than "sad" to have the fact impressed upon his mind that a railway built by the hard-earned dollars of the Canadian people is being utilized to develop United States ports, thus discriminating against ports in Canada. The CPR cannot fail to recognize the geographical fact that St. Andrews is the natural port of Aroostook and the north-western section of New Brunswick, yet the railway authorities tell us in language that it is not capable of being misunderstood that they can do nothing to attract trade hitherward. Why cannot they? Is it of more importance to them that American ports shall be built up than ports in Canada? Or are they so shackled to the American railway lines that they dare not quote a rate that might deprive them of a few dollars? Though the CPR people are thus discriminating against our pot, and presumably for business reasons, we cannot help thinking that it would add to their traffic receipts, without doing much injury to their American railroad allies, if they would give more attention to the development of the port of St. Andrews. There are many ports along the American coast requiring lumber that cannot obtain it by the rail route. Surely, the CPR could afford to quote a low rate for lumber going to such ports without interfering with any of their railroad treaties. We think that they can, and more than that, enjoying as they do the benefits of Canadian subsidies, we think that they should. This is the position we take, and all who have any belief whatever in the motto "Canada for the Canadians" will, we think, agree with us that it is the correct position.

Golf club house being constructed.

A pretty addition to the summer villas surrounding the Algonquin is the Land Company's cottage, which has just been placed in position within a stone throw of the hotel. It commands a magnificent view, embracing the own and a large stretch of the surrounding waters and islands. The shores of Maine are also distinctly visible, which may be a source of consolation to any of our American summer colonists who are fortunate enough to live within the walls of this really pretty little cottage.

E. L. Andrews, who went to Boston to undergo surgical treatment for his eyes, has we are very sorry to hear, lost the use of one of his eyes and the sight of the other is endangered. He is a brother of Capt. Fred Andrews, who suffered the loss of his sight a few years ago.

Beacon

May 7/1896

St. Andrews Beacon now simply "Beacon."

Beacon

May 14, 1896

Fred. Worrell, of St. Andrews, distinguished himself in a recent competition between the Normal School and the Fredericton high school by winning first places in the running high jump, standing broad jump, three jumps, hop, step and jump, and pole vault, and second prize in the running broad jump contest.

Mr. Gibson as a Missionary

Mr. Alexander Gibson, the lumber and cotton king, is to bring himself and a few of his collars to Charlotte County to endeavor to persuade the electors here that it is to their interests to continue protection on his manufactures. Not only is Mr. Gibson highly protected, but he is debtor to the country, through his connection with the St. Mary's bridge company, to the tune of $66,000. He was not always a protectionist; he is on record as saying—and the record can be produced—that he did not fear competition in his cotton business and could get along without protection. Incidentally, it might be mentioned that it was not under Protection that he laid the foundation for his big fortune. With such a record, it would be bad tactics to import Mr. Gibson as a political missionary.

[Account here of a Conservative convention in SS]

When the cheers had subsided, R. E. Armstrong of St. Andrews arose to his feet and addressed the chairman but scarcely had he secured that gentleman's ear before the band struck up a tune. At the request of the chairman the music was stopped, "to enable Mr. Armstrong to make an announcement."

Mr. Armstrong stated that he had no desire to interfere with the arrangements of the meeting or no desire to disturb the harmony of the very harmonious gathering. He was not there to make a political speech, nor to measure blades with the honorable minister of finance. For three hours, he stated, the meeting had been listening to glittering generalities; it was time now that it came to hard facts. During the speeches that had been delivered by the honorable gentlemen he had listened very attentively but he had failed to hear the slightest allusion to a matter of the most vital importance to this county and to a large section of this Dominion, viz. the fast line. He had hoped that the Conservative delegates from St. Andrews would have brought the matter up and spared him the necessity of doing it. But owing to their innate modesty or to some other cause, they had failed to do so. For seven years, to his knowledge, said the speaker, have the people of St. Andrews been memorializing the government to assist in providing terminal facilities at their port. Their memorials have time and again been pigeonholed, and nothing had come of them. For seven years, the speaker continued, the had been waiting for just such an opportunity as the present occasion afforded - vis. an opportunity to bring the matter publicly before a member of the government and now that he had Mr. Foster before him he claimed the right as a citizen to question him on the subject. He thereupon read the following list of questions:

1. In asking for tenders for the fast line, so called, did the government include a Charlotte County port as one of the ports at which steamers of the line could call in the winter season? If not, why not?

2. Should it be demonstrated by actual working that the freighting business of Canada cannot be successfully performed through the port of Halifax, and that that port owing to the long railway haul and the cantilever charges at Saint John cannot successfully compete with Portland, Maine, for the carrying trade of the Dominion, has the government reserved the right to compel the contractors at any time within ten years to call at a second port, or must they wait until the entire term is ended?

3. Does it not seem reasonable that by utilizing the port of Halifax in the winter season for the landing of mails and passengers and the port of St. Andrews being the farthest Canadian port inland for the landing and transshipment of freight, that the fast line could be made a greater success and of more practical value to the country than by using the port of Halifax alone for all purposes?

4. Does the government consider itself justified in expending $750,000 to make Halifax a mail and passenger port?

5. Is the government aware that in the port of St. Andrews they have a port easy of access at all times of tide to the largest ocean steamers, a port that possesses all the natural advantages of a safe and commodious winter harbor, that at comparatively trifling cost can it be made one of the best ports on the Atlantic, and that by reason of its being the nearest port to Montreal and the West is the one Canadian port best adapted to successful competition with Portland, Maine, for freighting business in Canada?

6. Assuming that the government is fully aware of the many natural and geographical advantages of St. Andrews as a port, is it their intention, if returned to power, to make an appropriation at the next session of parliament for providing terminal facilities there?

7. Are negotiations pending for the transfer for the Intercolonial Railway to the CPR?

The questions were handed up to the chairman, who in turn handed them to Mr. Foster, who took no pains to conceal his displeasure at being thus bearded in his den.

Mr. Foster glanced at the array of questions, knit his eyebrows, and thus replied: —

In parliament, when a member has a question that he wished to have answered he gives notice of it in advance to the government. The question is then printed on the order paper and taken up in the usual course. The gentleman who has propounded these questions to me should have intimated to me in advance of the meeting what he proposed doing. He did not do so. Though I have been in town all the afternoon he has not done me the courtesy of notifying me of his intention. The answers to the questions would involve some time and would furnish sufficient material for another speech. There are some facts which he has set out in these questions which I do not think are quite correct. I refuse to answer the gentleman's questions.

Mr. Armstrong: "The questions are plain and simple and should be answered at this meeting. The honorable gentleman is thoroughly acquainted with the plans of the government in connection with the fast line and, if he chooses, can answer these questions at once. Tonight in the city of Saint John a meeting of the citizens independent of party is being held to protest against the action of the government in connection with this question."

Mr. Foster: "Ha! the gentleman is making a speech. We had better call back the meeting."

Mr. Armstrong: "I am not here to make a speech. I am here to obtain answers to these questions and I claim I am within my right as a citizen, independent altogether of party."

Mr. Foster: "Oh, your questions will be answered, but not tonight. An answer will be furnished you in the – that is, I shall be in the County again before election day and then your questions will be answered."

Half a dozen of his henchmen repeated the chorus: "Yes, your questions will be answered." Then, the chairman began to address the audience, but the band again struck in and his words were drowned.

The meeting then dispersed.

The Fast Line

There is no longer any doubt that Halifax is to be the sole winter port of the proposed fast line of steamers. Saint John, after expending nearly half a million dollars to provide facilities, has been politely told by the Hon. Mr. Foster that she will have to be content with whatever crumbs of freight may drop from the cars as they are hustled over the government railway line to Halifax [Intercolonial] at the expense of the Dominion. St. Andrews, whose claims and advantages have time and again been laid before the government, has been utterly and completely ignored. Not the slightest mention is made of this port, though its natural and geographical advantages ought to have entitled it to first consideration. This paper has always taken the stand that the enormous expense of the fast line could only be defended if a second port of call in the winter season was included in the contract, the first port (being the furthest inland) for the landing and transshipment of freight. This, we have ever maintained and we still maintain, is the only possible way by which the line can be made a success and the only possible way by which it can successfully compete with Portland, Maine. But the government, with reckless stupidity, or for some other cause, have determined that there shall be but one winter port and that one the furthest away from the centre of the Dominion. This action on the part of the government furnished the reason why the Grand Trunk railway people are increasing their wharfage and elevator facilities at Portland, Maine. They recognize that a successful freighting business cannot be done at Halifax, and that a ten years' contract to Halifax virtually insures them ten years of uninterrupted prosperity at Portland. By this arrangement, notwithstanding the freight subsidies Saint John and Halifax will receive, nine-tenths of the freighting business of Canada will be done through the Maine port above mentioned. We do not wonder that the people of Saint John are indignant at the treatment they have received, and that both conservatives and Liberals should be denouncing the government for the course they have taken. And, surely, the people of St. Andrews have as good reason to feel indignant at the government as the citizens of Saint John have, for the adoption of Halifax as the sole winter port of the fast line means nothing more nor less than the deferring of their dreams and hopes respecting the development of this port for another ten years. That such a postponement cannot be successfully withstood is too plain to be contradicted. Will St. Andrews—will the County of Charlotte tamely submit to this treatment? Is public spirit so dead and independent manhood such a scarce article that our people will lick the hand that has administered to them this deadly blow? If such be the case, then all we have to say is that they deserve and richly deserve all the neglect that they have received.

Beacon

May 21/1896

Tupper has replaced Bowell as Prime Minister, and an election is in the works, the government having been dissolved. Much election rhetoric from Armstrong over the Conservative's poor treatment of St. Andrews. Of Tupper Armstrong has no use. (Sir William will stay out of this election, says Knowles)

The CPR has issued a pamphlet of 200 pages entitled "Summer Tours 1896" in which a great deal of valuable information respecting the many picturesque points on this international a highway are furnished for the intending tourist. In its references to St. Andrews, the pamphlet says a through sleeper will be run once a week from Montreal during the summer season, leaving that city Friday nights, and returning leaving St. Andrews on Monday nights. The pamphlet contains the following allusion to this place:—

St. Andrews bids fair to be an important shipping point, and is fast becoming a popular seaside resort.

Beacon

May 28/1896

Sir Charles Tupper knew the port advantages of Charlotte County—knew them well yet he has betrayed this County and Saint John in favor of Halifax and Portland, Maine. By a single stroke of his pen, he has wiped out every claim of gratitude—if ever there was the shadow of a claim—that the Conservatives of this county had upon him. Can you as a MAN vote for a government that has ruined your prospects in life, that has impaired the value of your property, and whose action may render it necessary for you to pull up stakes and go elsewhere to seek a livelihood for yourself and those dependent upon you?

The census shows that the population of Charlotte County has decreased by 7,000 people since the last census. A plank in Armstrong's platform against the Conservatives.

Another Steamer

Talked of for the St. Andrews - Boston Route

Steamer "City of Monticello" will be placed on the Route if the CPR will make Satisfactory Rates

There seems a reasonable chance that in a few weeks if the CPR will do its duty towards this port, that a direct steamship line between St. Andrews and Boston will be running.

C. F. Shaw, of Saint John, who was here on Saturday in the interests of the owners of the "City of Monticello," told the Beacon that he had been looking into the matter for several weeks past and was very favorably impressed with the chances for business between St. Andrews and Boston. He had visited Aroostook, Woodstock and other places in that direction and found among businesspeople a great desire to utilize this port. He had sent in a very favourable report to the owners of the steamer. He had no doubt that the boat would be put on if the CPR would make reasonable concessions in the matter of freight rates. He further remarked that he had talked with St. Stephen merchants and that they wanted the boat to run from there. He declared that impossible, owing to the shoal water in the river.

Mr. Shaw made of examination of the wharf privileges here and expressed himself as being very favorably impressed with them.

The City of Monticello would be a splendid boat for the service. For several years past she has been running between Saint John and Digby. She is an iron paddlewheel boat and was built at Wilmington, North Carolina. Her net tonnage is 893 tons. She is 232 feet long, 32 feet beam and draws 10 feet 9 inches. She will steam 15 miles an hour. Her freight capacity is 4000 barrels. She has a splendid cabin with accommodation for 200 passengers. Such a boat ought to do a splendid business on the route.

John A. Sherlock, of Boston, will reopen the Tyn-y-coed hotel at Campobello Island next month.

Beacon

June 4, 1896

Thirty Reasons

Here are thirty good reasons why the electors of Charlotte County should vote to turn out the present government: [Tupper]

1. Because the government has shown itself to be shamelessly corrupt, its members on more than one occasion having been proved guilty of misappropriating public funds for their own use.

2. Because it is led by a man who is notoriously corrupt, one who is known as the "high priest of corruption," the "prince of political cracksmen."

3. Because it exists for the benefit of Tupper and his relations and not for the benefit of the Canadian people.

4. Because it deceived the people, having gone into power during the last election on a pledge to make an honest effort to secure reciprocity, which pledge it has never attempted to carry out.

5. Because its trade policy is unsound and has worked great injury not only to this county, but to almost every county in the province.

6. Because under this trade policy, in ten years, we have lost 3,000 people, with all their natural increase and all the wealth they would have produced. [cf. census]

7. Because under the National Policy, so called, farm values have been reduced to a degree never before known, and many burdens have been added to the farmer.

8. Because it is responsible for the present odious cattle embargo in British ports of entry.

9. Because it is an extravagant and wasteful government, having increased the public debt $112,000,000 since 1878, without giving any corresponding benefit.

10. Because it has increased the public expenditure $15,000,000 during the same period.

11. Because it is constantly adding fresh burdens and making no effort to live within its income.

12. Because it has increased the customs taxes in the last five years $40,448,000 over the five years of Liberal rule.

13. Because it has grossly abused the superannuation system, retiring men who were abundantly able to do their work, in order to make room for others.

14. Because it has employed an unnecessary number of public officials, paying out in extravagant salaries moneys that might be employed in carrying on needed public works.

15. Because it has most shamefully betrayed the ocean ports of New Brunswick in favor of Portland, Maine.

16. Because for years it gave subsidies to lines of steamers utilizing American ports, while at the same time, it was refusing to grant aid to ports in the Maritime Provinces.

17. Because it has trampled upon Provincial rights and applied the task of coercion to one of the fairest provinces of the Dominion in order to make political capital for itself.

18. Because it has aroused sectarian animosities.

19. Because it exists for no other reason than to keep the Conservative party in power, stooping to the lowest trickery and the most despicable forms of bribery in order to maintain itself in power.

20. Because it has allowed the St. Mary's Bridge Company to default to the extent of $66,000 in interest, in order to purchase the support of Mr. Alex. Gibson.

21. Because it has wasted public moneys in such unnecessary public works as the Tay canal, the "Haggart ditch," which has cost the country $176,000 and which yields comparatively nothing in revenue.

22. Because it has failed to provide our farmers and our fishermen and our manufacturers with an adequate home markets and by its antagonistic policy made it difficult for them to obtain entrance into outside markets.

23. Because it has neglected the interest of the Province and withheld from it necessary public works.

24. Because its policy has decreased our outside trade and checked immigration.

25. Because it has discriminated against Great Britain.

26. Because its system of selling public lands to speculators is wrong and has retarded the settlement of the country.

27. Because it has one law for the rich and another for the poor.

28. Because it has made no effort to carry out its pledges.

29. Because it is calling the elections on an electoral list two years old, thus depriving thousands of young men of an opportunity to have a voice in the government of the country.

30. Because it has been in power too long for the country's good.

The CPR, Sir William Van Horne has said, is out of politics. This means that the astute Sir William has noted the drift of public sentiment and that he has made up his mind that the Liberals are to lead in the next parliament.

Beacon

June 11, 1896

St. Andrews Serpent

Light-Keeper Maloney Believes He Saw It Last Summer

It Swam Like a Racehorse through St. Andrews Bay—No Oarsman Could Overtake it—An Attempt to Shoot it Proved a Failure

"I've been reading what Capt. Brooks said about the sea serpent in St. Andrews Bay," said the light-keeper Maloney of the Sand Reef light to the Beacon, "and I think there is something in it. What makes me think so? Well, I'll tell you. I think that I saw the self-same serpent last summer. It's true that I saw nothing 200 feet in length, but I saw something swimming through the Bay the like of which I never saw before and have not seen since. It was not a seal, because a seal will go under once in a while, but this fish or animal, or whatever it was, never put his head under water. It was around here for a about a week and its field of operations seemed to be between Digdeguash and the mouth of the Bay. Several times I saw it passing backward and forward. It always swam with about six feet of its body out of water. It had no tail that was visible to me, but it left a wake behind it like what a steam launch would make. Only once did it pass between the lighthouse and the shore; on all other occasions it kept well out in the bay. One day I saw it steaming down from "Diggedy" heading straight for the light. Now, thought I to myself, I'll find out what you are, old boy. So I launched my boat, and taking my gun with me, rowed out in the Bay, hoping to get a shot at the creature. But it soon saw me and shifted its course. I followed after I for a while, but I might as well have chased a comet. It went away from me as if I was standing still. I haven't seen it this season," said Mr. Maloney, "but if that Calais captain saw anything at all he saw my visitor of last summer."