Item

Beacon

June 25, 1896

Liberal victory for Laurier but Mr. Gillmor not returned for Charlotte

Sir Leonard Dying, Article

Ad for June 25/1896

The Algonquin Hotel

A Summer Home Replete with Every Modern Luxury

Direct Railroad and Steamboat Connections

Perfect Drainage, Pure Water, Smooth Roads, Boating, Yachting, and Fishing

Seventh Season; Open from July 1st to Sept. 15 or later

Rooms en suite, with salt and freshwater baths, Orchestra, Telegraph, Gas, Electric Bells, Steam Heat, Open Fires, Steam Elevator, Photographers' Dark Room, Billiards, Tennis and MAGNIFICENT GOLF COURSE

No Hay Fever Here

[Hay fever shrinks to bottom of ad, replaced in importance by golf]

Beacon

June 25/1896

Popularity of Maritimes as a whole increasing with vacationers. Health and beauty—as usual. Note that the beauty of the place is usually associated specifically with the "romantic," which I take it meant rural, natural, un-urban, picturesque.

Leonard Tilley dying. "The people of St. Andrews and the people of Charlotte County, irrespective of politics, will be sorry to hear this sad news. For many years Sir Leonard has been a welcome summer resident of the Shiretown. He was identified with the Land Company's schemes and was hopeful of great results accruing from the summer traffic. It is only a week or two ago that he was here, arranging for the opening of his summer cottage. He did not purpose spending the season here, but he was looking forward to a few enjoyable weeks at the Algonquin."

Golf suits and bicycle suits for sale in handmade homespun, Oxford homespun and Scotch tweed. Hanson and Grady, Merchant Tailors.

James Mitchell 1896-97

Premier of New Brunswick

Liberal July 1896

LAURIER, Wilfred

Prime Minister of Canada

Liberal 1896.07.11 - 1911.10.06

Beacon

July 2/1896

Sir Leonard's Death and Funeral. Articles.

The Victory!

Press Opinions on the Result of the Late Campaign

Articles—Tariff revision a topic of great interest.

Algonquin Hotel

The New Staff—Some of the Engagements Booked for the Season

Mr. A. W. Weeks, Manager

W. W. Edgerton, clerk, late of Highland Park Hotel, Aitken, St. Croix Courier

Miss Rutherford, cashier and telegraph operator

Miss J. K. Kimball, housekeeper, late of Holderness school, NH

G. F. Braxton, chef, Boston

D. Ducker, Second cook, Boston

Edward Liard, Steward, Boston

J. Becker, baker (pastry cook)

J. W. Mason, billiard marker

Charles Small, Engineer

J. W. Wall, Head Waiter

S. Boone, Porter

Miss Eva Goodwin on violin will be in charge of the three-piece orchestra. Also Miss Hoyt and Miss Jones.

Beacon

July 9/1896

The Algonquin bell-boys suits are very handsome. They were made by Hanson and Grady.

Mr. and Mrs. William. J. Winch and son arrived from Boston on Thursday and are quartered the Algonquin for the season.

Miss Van Horne came down from Montreal last week, to arrange for the opening of Sir William Van Horne's summer residence. The family are now installed in it for the season.

Baroness MacDonald, who has been visiting Lady Tilley in Saint John, came to St. Andrews on Monday night and is now the guest of Lady Van Horne at Covenhoven. She is in excellent health.

G. F. Braxton, chef at the Algonquin, does not regard himself as "the autocrat of the breakfast table," yet the title would seem to be quite an appropriate one for him. Mr. Braxton is an author. He has already published one book and has another in the press. He does not write of love and such dreamy nonsense, but of something that is more essential to man's happiness and longevity, viz., good cooking.

See Library of Congress

Braxton, George F. [from old catalogue] 
Braxton's Practical Cookbook. 
Boston, Walker, Young co., 1886.
96 p. 21 cm.

A Naughty Parrot

Hotel Life was More than it could stand.

"Hotel men meet with amusing experiences sometimes," remarked Manager Weeks, of the Algonquin, to the Beacon. "One of the funniest incidents I remember was occasioned by a parrot, the travelling companion and bosom friend of a maiden lady, one of the guests of the house. The bird was quite well behaved when it first entered upon hotel life, but evil communications soon corrupted its good manner and it became terribly depraved. The bell boys seemed to have a special mission to tease the parrot and to teach it to use naughty words. Finally, it became such a nuisance that I was forced to tell the lady that the hotel or the parrot would have to be removed. Of course, she was indignant, and of course she protested that Polly was not a nuisance but a "dear old chap." But the order had gone forth and there was no recalling it. The morning that we parted company the corridors of the Hotel were crowded with guests. Never shall I forget the sensation that the bird caused as its owner carried it through the hotel to the coach. All the cuss words in its vocabulary were trotted out for the occasion to the secret amusement of the boys and the horror of the ladies. "Polly won't go," it screamed. "Polly'll be ——————- if she'll go," were the last words I heard it utter as its horrified owner hustled the naughty bird into the cab. Since then, I draw the line at parrots.

Beacon

July 16/1896

William Winch elected president of golf club.

First hop of season at hotel.

A delightful sailing party encircled the Bay in Capt. Carson's schooner Republic on Friday last. They dined on Hardwood island, supped on Pendleton's island and just as the curtain of night was falling they returned to the harbor with a splendid breeze behind them. It was day long to be remembered.

Golf etiquette: no loud talk, profane language or unseemly behaviour. "Everything must be done decently and in order."

Beacon

July 23/1896

A Serpent of Twenty-Five Years Ago

John Bailey, of Vanceboro, Maine, a subscriber of the Beacon and one who always pays up promptly—two circumstances which indicate him to be a man of sound judgment and reliability—writes as follows regarding the sea serpent: —

"I notice in your papers that a sea serpent has been seen in your neighborhood. Twenty-five years ago, while fishing off the Sand Reef light about daylight with John McWeany, I saw the serpent. He was going down the bay at the rate of forty miles an hour. The water was calm and smooth, but he went so fast that he churned up a sea like a steamboat. He stood two feet out of the water."

Who knows but that this is the same monster that has been seen disporting in St. Andrews Bay of late?

The fast line contract has not yet been signed. It is understood that it is the intention of the government to considerably modify the views held by their predecessors regarding this service by combining with it a fast freight service as well. St. Andrews might yet have a chance if ——?

The Winter Port

There is more than one port in Canada striving to be the winter port. The St. Andrews Beacon is constantly putting forward the claims of St. Andrews. In Halifax a short time ago the claim was set up that the government should give to the carrying trade protection similar to that which was given to other lines of business, and the practical meaning of this was that freight should be carried to Halifax as the same rate as to Saint John. Some time ago the Common Council of this city launched out into very extravagant expenditure in order to make Saint John the winter port. A certain amount of success was achieved, and this induced the idea that further speculative expenditure would be desirable. Now it is suggested that the government should father the financial burthen. Perhaps this would not be so difficult a task if it could be shown that the other contesting ports would be satisfied, but they might embarrass matter with their claims of course. Saint John can point to the success achieved here last winter as strong evidence that its claims are of practical value to the whole country; but the answer to this might very readily be that what has been so well begun might be very well continued by those who begun it. No doubt if everybody could be satisfied that this winter port business has passed the experiment stage all would be well. —St. John Globe.

If [hay fever] is such a painful [disease] as those affected say it is then there must be some wonderful curative property in our atmosphere that drives it away. What is it? Is it the salt-laden breath of mother ocean, mingled with the balsamic sweetness of our forest groves, that produces this immunity? We cannot say . . . [but if pure air, water and rest play a role, then no wonder St. Andrews is so popular]. [writer notes the curious fact that hay fever does not seem to hit until mid-July]

St. Andrews ideal spot also because easily reached from all large centers in New England and eastern Canada. Mails promptly handled; telegraphic communication with continent; business-person's paradise.

First golf tournament July 18. List of scores.

Beacon

July 30/1896

The CPR Telegraph Company are extending their line to St. Andrews. A gang of French linemen from Montreal started to work Monday morning putting up poles and stringing wires. They are getting along rapidly with the work.

The beautiful moonlight of last week was taken advantage of by several parties. On Thursday night, a large party came down from Calais on the Standish, bringing the Ferry Point band with them. The excursionists landed and the band played a brief but pleasant programme in front of Kennedy's hotel. The boat remained here only half an hour. Nearly a dozen people were left behind. Some of these drove back by moonlight, others remained over until the next day.

The golf links is the Mecca of the summer visitor. Thither every day scores of enthusiastic players direct their footsteps, and from morning to night the play is kept up with great spirit, the ladies taking quite as much delight in it as the gentlemen."

Moonlight hay rack from Algonquin. 2 or 3 hours over hill and dale. Returned before midnight.

Deep sea fishing for cod and haddock.

Beacon

Aug 6/1896

Sir William Van Horne is spending a leisure moment at "Covenhoven" his beautiful summer residence on Minister's Island.

Mr. Robert Meighen, President of the Lake of the Woods Milling Company, and Mrs. Meighen, of Montreal, will spend August at the Algonquin.

C. J. Bonaparte installed at the Algonquin for the season.

Large Boston contingent at the Algonquin.

The tide of tourist travel is drifting across the Atlantic this season. The New York Herald says that the rush of American tourist to Europe this year is the greatest of any year in the history of steamship travel.

The garden teas given by Miss Mowatt at Elm Corner are being largely patronized.

The Algonquin cottage to be sold—The Land Company's cottage, recently moved from Indian Point to one of the company's lots in front of the hotel, and now occupied for the summer by George Nowell, Esq., will be sold at auction on Saturday afternoon, August 15th, the intention of the Land Company being to build cottages for purposes of sale as fast as the demand may be apparent. This first cottage offered as a test is thoroughly modern in its construction, being supplied with running water, bathroom, servant's closet in the kitchen cellar, open parlor fireplace. On the first floor are parlor, dining room, library and kitchen. the second floor consists of four bedrooms and bathroom, while the attic contains servant's bedroom. The cottage is well furnished for summer residence and will be sold thus ready for occupancy.

Beacon

Aug 13/1896

How the people enjoy themselves in the sweet summertime

R. J. W. Phinney, of Woburn, Mass., indulged in a fishing excursion to Bonny River before returning home from his vacation. He brought back with him to St. Andrews eighty magnificent trout, hooked in Red Rock and Sparks lakes. Some of the fish weighed over two pounds.

Cod and haddock in large numbers have been hooked lately. D. B. Claflin took out a party of young sports from the hotel last week and between them they pulled in over two hundred pounds of fish.

Mrs. Charles M. Gove gave a five o'clock tea on Saturday, which was attended by a large number of summer visitors as well as a goodly company of townspeople.

Golf, tennis, croquet and baseball games were all in progress among the Algonquin guests on Saturday afternoon.

The Saturday evening hop at the Algonquin drew out a great many dancers. The costumes of the ladies were elegant.

Several of the cotton factory overseers of Milltown, came down river in the steam yacht Annie, on Sunday. Dr. Laughlin accompanied them as medical adviser.

C. H. Hovey, a young Harvard athlete, who has been enjoying himself around St. Andrews for five weeks past, set out yesterday to walk to Saint John via St. George. From Saint John he will cross the bay to Digby and tramp across the country to Halifax.

Two old country cyclists struck St. Andrews on Sunday. They were Edward H. Arnold, of Winchester, England, and M. J. Reilly, of Dublin, Ireland. They wheeled from NY to St. Andrews. Leaving here on Monday they ran through to Saint John. They intended visiting Digby, Halifax and Quebec on their wheels before taking steamer for home

Two tandem wheels from Hyde Park Mass, arrived at St. Andrews the past week. The riders were R. E. Philips, Percy Phillips, R. M. Walker and H. G. Andrews. They started on the return trip on Monday, after lingering here a day.

The "Jessie Lent" took out a water party on Monday.

A large number of the elite of Eastport, accompanied by the Eastport Cornet band, visited SA in the Viking on Monday. They stopped here an hour.

The Presbyterians of Woodstock took a run to St. Andrews on Thursday and held a picnic in the park. They were jointed in the afternoon by the children of Greenock church school and a few very agreeable hours were spent.

The bubble and donkey parties for the kids were yearly events.

Elm Corner, the residence of Miss Mowatt, is the rendezvous for many a quiet half hour; the tea is extra good, the cake delicious and the arbour in the garden is just the place for a five o'clock tea.

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Ronald Macdonald, of Montreal, who again occupy the Tilley mansion as their summer quarters, entertained a number of guests with the delightful game of five-handed euchre one evening last week.

Bicyclists are very numerous at the Algonquin. The various wheels shoot forth unexpectedly like so many ghosts and steal silently away for a short and rapid course, and in the jaunty disguise necessary for the lady bicyclist, it is often difficult to determine the name of the graceful rider.

Beacon

Aug 20/1896

The eastern half of Minister's Island, until recently owned by M. J. C. Andrews, has been purchased by Henry P. Timmerman, Superintendent of the Atlantic Division of the CPR, for $5000. Mr. Andrews is allowed the privilege of occupying it during his lifetime. With the exception of one quarter of the island owned by E. L. Andrews, the whole of this beautiful property is now controlled by CPR people. It is probable that one or more summer dwelling will be erected upon it.

Deed

Dec 9, 1896

No. 4292 (Book 52, p. 302-4)

Deed H. P. Timmerman et ux. to Sir William Van Horne.

5,000 dollars for 250 acres formerly sold by Marshall Andrews to Timmerman August 17, 1896; also lease of ten acres of land to Andrews homestead land for life at 1 shilling a year and certain shorefront property.

It is reported that Mr. Alex. Gibson's conference with Sir William Van Horne in St. Andrews last week was in relation to railway and bridge matters. Mr. Gibson, through his warm championship of ex-finance minister Foster, has placed himself in a position where he cannot ask any favors from the new government, and as matters stand now he would doubtless be very well pleased if he could get the CPR to assume the control of his railway and thus free him from a very awkward predicament. There seems little doubt that the Canada Eastern railway was one of the "feeders" of the I. C. R. that Sir Charles Tupper promised to take over. But Sir Charles Is not in a position at the present time to carry out his pre-election promises and hence those to whom they were made will either have to go without the promised favors or seek help in other quarters.

$3375 bid for Algonquin cottage by Mr. Weeks, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Sir William and Lady Van Horne, with their guests, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Osler and Miss Osler, of Toronto, and Mr. H. Montagu Allan, of Montreal, paid a hurried visit to the Algonquin on Saturday, the 15th. Sir William returned to Montreal in his private car that evening accompanied by Mr. H. Montagu Allan.

Supt. Timmerman, Assistant General Manager Tait and Mr. Sutherland, who is in charge of the CPR freight department, Saint John, visited St. Andrews on Wednesday last and had a consolation with Sir William Van Horne.

Sir William and Lady Van Horne, with their guests, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Osler and Miss Osler, of Toronto, and Mr. H. Montagu Allan, of Montreal, paid a hurried visit to the Algonquin on Saturday, the 15th. Sir William returned to Montreal in his private car that evening accompanied by Mr. H. Montagu Allan.

Mr. Benjamin Van Horne is now en route from Winnipeg to Covenhoven, on the island, to take his summer holiday.

The CPR people have abundant faith in St. Andrews future as a summer resort, otherwise they would not be investing so many of their live dollars in it.

The latest bicycle is an "edition deluxe," with white kid covered saddle, ivory handles decorated with silver and jade knobs at the ends, cyclometer watch, bell, and lamp all of silver. What a fetching gown the owner must have to go with this creation!

Assistant Manager Tait, of the CPR, arrived on Wednesday, the 12th from his tour of inspection of the short route from Montreal to Halifax. Mr. Timmerman too, had been with him on duty and they both looked happy and cheery that evening resting from their labors in the hotel office.

The Alms House Buildings have received what they have very much needed—a coat of paint.

The highest bid that was obtainable for the Algonquin cottage at the auction on Saturday was $3375. This figure was bid by Mr. Weeks, of Lincoln, Nebraska. [Manager?]

Thursday, the 18th, was the day set apart for 30 of the Algonquinites to take luncheon with Miss Mowatt. Nothing need be said concerning the menu, which was, as is usual at Elm Corner, well selected, well cooked and well served. All went merrily during the happy hour and the party separated with many regrets.

Beacon

Aug 27/1896

Sir William Van Horne came back to St. Andrews last week, and sojourned for a day or two at Covenhoven.

Among the visitors at Sir William Van Horne's the past week was Mr. Meysenberg, one of the iron kings of Pennsylvania. He came here in a private car belonging to the Illinois Central.

St. Andrews has had a good share of visitors this season, which is very satisfactory, but we would like to see some further signs of advancement either in the direction of another hotel or in the erection of summer cottages. Has Sir William Van Horne abandoned the excellent idea that he once entertained of erecting a seaside hotel here? We hope not.

A Typical Summer Retreat

"Covenhoven," the elegant summer home of Sir William Van Horne, never looked more beautiful and more inviting than it does now. The comfortable yet unpretentious appointments of the house itself, the broad driveways, the beautiful flower-beds, the well-filled garden, the velvety lawn with its tennis court and other provisions for amusement; the pebbly beaches and the surrounding bay, to say nothing of the magnificent scenery, have each a charm and an attraction that make the place a most enchanting summer resting spot. Though Sir William has not been able to spend many days here this season the few that he has spent have been spent in a round of delights, such as fishing, sailing and sketching. He has had a great many visitors this season and they have all been delighted with the beautiful spot. Sir William's family will remain here until the first of October.

Among the distinguished arrivals in St. Andrews the past week were Miss Rose Cleveland, sister of President Cleveland, and the first housekeeper in the White House under Mr. Cleveland's regime, and Miss Ames, eldest daughter of the late Governor Ames, of Mass. They are guests of Mr. and Mrs. George Nowell at the Algonquin cottage.

Grimmer cottage alongside Algonquin being fitted up in first class style, so as to make of it a comfortable summer dwelling. Plumbers and carpenter have been at work upon it for several weeks. A bathroom has been added, a verandah erected on the harbor front and a great deal of other necessary work done. It is probable that the cottage will be occupied next season by Mr. and Mrs. George R. Hooper, of Montreal.

Mr. Lewis Cabot, one of Boston's millionaires, passed several days at the Algonquin and his private car remained some time at the St. Andrews depot while they visited Campobello.

Mr. B. Van Horne arrived from Winnipeg at Covenhoven on Minister's Island on Saturday morning, the 22nd inst. He was accompanied by his young friend, Mr. James Ross, of Montreal. they are both very fine-looking young men, the picture of health and strength.

Lots of millionaires at Algonquin. Mrs. Meighen, sister of Lord Mount Stephen, her daughter, Mrs. Robert Reford, and her bright-eyed babe, accompanied by Mrs. George Hooper, left St. Andrews in Mr. Meighen's private car on Tuesday, August 21 and their safe arrival in Montreal was at once reported to the many friends they left behind at the Algonquin.

The Algonquin help have devised an entertainment, under the management of Mr. J. Becker the pastry cook, to take place on Thursday, the 27th, at 8 pm in the large dining room of the hotel. A cake walk with four prizes, is to be the order of the evening, and twenty judges, that's five for each walk, have been selected from the guests who will take great pleasure in participating in the fun and frolic.

From Chicago Chronicle:

Nearly two-thirds of the summer visitors to St. Andrews are Americans and the balance Canadians. The customs laws of the Dominion permit the entry of horses and carriages for summer use free of duty and many of the American visitors keep their own turnouts on the splendid roads which about in this vicinity. The highways around St. Andrews are also a paradise for the bicyclist. There are hills enough to give the average pedaler plenty of work, but there are also level stretches, and no matter where one goes there is also landscape or surpassing beauty.

From Chicago Chronicle:

Arcadia of the Seaside

Take any atlas map, and it will be seen that St. Andrews is the nearest all-the-year-round seaport to Montreal and the Canadian interior. Six months of navigation on the St. Lawrence River is the limit for ocean going vessels, but at St. Andrews and Saint John, on the Bay of Fundy, there are perpetual harbours for the deepest draught ocean carriers. The early St. Andrews settlers evidently believed in the commercial future of the place, for the old town is well laid out, and there are still imposing wharves where rotting timbers tell an eloquent tale of blasted hopes. St. Andrews did not become the winter port of Canada for reasons that would be tedious for the reader, and Saint John and Halifax now hold that position jointly.

A number of Algonquin ladies were entertained on Tuesday the 18th, at Miss Mowatt's with a novel and most acceptable entertainment by Mrs. Barnes, of Boston. Before partaking of the 5 o'clock tea serve en regle, bouquets of beautiful pansies were presented to all the guests, then appeared a jar of beans and each of the numerous party had the privilege of guessing the number it contained. Mrs. Robert Reford, of Montreal ,made the lucky hit which won the prize, and was at once presented with an artistically embroidered bag.

beacon

Sept 3/1896

Where is the $100,000 that St. Andrews was to receive for the erection of a deep-water wharf if Charlotte County elected a supporter for Sir Charles Tupper? We pause for a reply.

Manager Sherlock of Tyn-y-coed reports most successful season yet under his management.

Extremely detailed accounts of social activities at Algonquin this summer, this issue and few preceding. 5 o'clock teas and luncheons at Elm Corner very popular this year with Algonquin guests.

The gentle art of needlework flourished on the broad verandas of the Algonquin these pleasant summer mornings. Coming in from long rides on wheel, boat or buckboard, the rocking chairs prove very inviting and admonitions "To bring your fancy work and sit down awhile" are as frequent as in the days of New England Puritanism when to get up stitches and darn smoothly were the chief aim of women. A quartet of very accomplished needlewomen are Mrs. Heney and Mrs. Hosmer, two sisters from Montreal, Mrs. Page of Philadelphia, and Mrs. John J. Thomson, of Saint John, whose devotion to embroidery, however, does not prevent their taking a very active part in all the gayeties going on in the house. The latter has been one of the special leaders in all the entertainments at the Algonquin this summer.

A Japanese gentleman and his wife, a Boston lady, charming and most attractive people, great friends of Sir William and Lady Van Horne, were recently guests at Covenhoven, but they have gone home with the rest of the privileged ones who have been sojourning within its hospitable doors now open to receive another instalment of distinguished visitors. [Library and Archives Canada has a handsome, large photograph of an Asian couple posing on the lawn of Covenhoven. Perhaps it is this couple. - Ed]

Beacon

Sept 10/1896

Mr. Blair is evidently determined to do his best for New Brunswick. He is ever on the alert for the interests of the Province, and is only too willing to extend a helping hand to any scheme that will benefit his constituency. Notwithstanding all the stories to the contrary, the Saint John members and Mr. Blair are in perfect accord. Through the interposition of the honorable Minister of Railways the St. Andrews board of trade delegate was able to get an interview with Sir Richard Cartwright, and lay before him the claims and advantage of St. Andrews as winter port. Sir Richard, like all the other ministers, is a very busy man, but he gave a patient hearing to the St. Andrews delegate. He intimated that the matter would not be brought up this session, as the desire of the government was to avoid all contention subjects and to reach an adjournment as speedily as possible. He suggested that during recess the St. Andrews board prepare a memorandum of their case and lay it before parliament at its next session. He made no promises, but from the tenor of his remarks it was evident that he was favorably disposed toward the port.

Representatives of the Allan Line of steamships have been visiting Saint John with a view to selecting it as the winter port for their boats.

Sir William Van Horne has employed R. M. Jack, C. E., to survey a road for him around and across Minister's Island. the drive will be about twelve miles in length.

The postponed meetings of the Land, Water and Hotel companies, of St. Andrews, were held on Thursday last, Mr. F. W. Cram being chosen president of the Land and Water Companies in place of Sir Leonard Tilley deceased. The other members of the different boards remain as before. (Cram has been a common visitor at the Algonquin the last few years)

Sir William and Lady Van Horne and family will remain at Covenhoven until the 1st of October, to enjoy on their Island our lovely September weather, an ideal month with us.

Mr., Mrs. and Miss Gardiner closed their cottage, "Hillside," on Friday, the fourth of September, and left that afternoon for Montreal en route for Yokahama, Japan, where they will spend their winter with their daughter, Mrs. Payne and her husband. It is said that Mr. Gardiner will visit China shortly and venture even into the interior. Mrs. Todd, their daughter, who has been staying at Hillside for some weeks, has returned to Baltimore.

A noted party of five ladies played five-handed euchre in the hotel office before the cheerful fire on Wednesday evening, the 2nd inst. It was their farewell game, after which they wished one another an affectionate adieu and hoped to meet again. Thus the circle has gradually narrowed and many familiar faces are lost to view. The Bonapartes, the Winch's, the Wheelers, the Hopes, the Egans the Wilsons, the Hosmers, the Thompsons, the Reids, the Lombards, the Gardiners and the Gilbert party no longer tarry at the Algonquin and cottage life is now the prominent feature at St. Andrews.

Beacon

Sept 17, 1896

The question of winter port subsides seems to be a very live one at the present juncture, particularly in Saint John, where extensive preparations are being made to take care of the large steamship business which is expected to flow thither this coming winter. Judging from recent action of the Council of the Board of Trade there appears to be some fear that the government will restore the subsidy to the Allan Line of steamers running to Portland, Maine. Among the few acts of the old government that we heartily approved of was the cutting off of the subsidies to lines of steamers making their ports in the United States. So long as there are ports in Canada capable of taking care of the winter business of Canada, we believe that it is the duty of the government, whether Liberal or Conservative, to use them. If Saint John cannot provide for all the business that its offering, the port of St. Andrews, by the expenditure of a little money, can easily take care of the balance. As there is little hope of the people of the place of themselves being able to provide these facilities and as their construction would be quite as beneficial from a Dominion as from a local point of view, we hold it to be the duty of the government to furnish them. The increased business that would result, and the increased population that would be drawn to a comparatively deserted section of the province, would amply repay the government for the expenditure.

The St. Andrews Board of Trade has forwarded a resolution to the government protesting against granting a subsidy to a line of steamers touching at Portland, Maine, "which would result in diverting trade from the ports of the Dominion, and in building up foreign ports at the expense of our own."

Beacon

Sept 24/1896

The Winter Port Question

The Conservative papers, big and little from the Saint John Sun to the Courier, are fairly shrieking with delight because of a current report that the Liberal government proposes to continue for one winter longer what the Conservative government carried on for so many years, vis., the mail subsidy to the Allan Line, whose boats touch at Halifax and Portland, Maine. They point out that the late government passed an order-in-Council that after this year no further subsidies would be paid to any steamship line touching at a foreign port, but it is well to remember in this connection, that under Tory rule the subsidy was never stopped, and there is the best of reasons for believing that Sir Charles Tupper had no intention of stopping it—that the order in Council was simply thrown out as a bait to "catch a sucker," the "suckers" in this instance being the Maritime Province electors. But whether sincere in their intentions or not, the Beacon was one of the journals that approved of the step. Having thus taken a stand in favor of the utilization of Maritime Province ports, we do not intend to depart from it. Nor will the promise of so empty a title cause us to forget for one moment the duty we owe to the Province in which we live. There has been too much of that kind of thing among certain organs of the Conservative party for the past eighteen years and the past eighteen months. We believe that where it is possible to utilize Canadian ports they should be utilized in preference to foreign ports and that Canadian money should not be employed in developing foreign port, when those in our own country stand in need. This is the doctrine we advocated when in opposition, and it is the doctrine we propose to continue to advocate now that the Liberal party is in possession of the reins of power. We do so all the more because we believe that the Liberal government are of the same opinion as ourselves on this point, and that just so soon as the ports in the Maritime Provinces are in a position to properly handle the ocean traffic, the government will extend them every possible facility for so doing.

In support of this view we have only to refer to what the new government has done and what it proposes to do at the port of Saint John to fit it for Atlantic steamship business. It has been many years since Saint John first called upon the Tory government to aid in dredging out that harbor, and we can very well remember a visit which Sir Hector Langevin paid to that city, some ten or twelve years ago, during which he informed the businessmen of Saint John that his government could not send down a dredge to do work there, because forsooth it would be enhancing the value of private property, and that they could not do. Year after year this appeal was renewed, but in vain. Contrast this conduct with that of the new government towards the leading port of the Province. Scarcely had they assumed the reins of power than arrangements were entered into between the government and the common council to forward to Saint John one of the most powerful dredges that the government had at their disposal, so that the entrance to the harbor might be deepened and large vessels like the boars of the Allan Line might be enabled to enter and leave it all times of the tide, and thus render it unnecessary for them to go to a foreign port. What stronger proof of the government's good intentions and good wishes toward Maritime Province ports could be had than this? And in addition to this they have promised generous subsidies to several lines of freight steamers out of Saint John. One result of the encouragement thus given is the large number of steamship lines that are seeking berths for the coming winter at Saint John. In this connection we quote from an interview which Mr. Samuel Schofield, the well-known steamship manager of Saint John, who has recently returned from Ottawa, gave toad reporter of one of the daily paper of that city:—

All the members of the government were interested in Saint John and the Maritime Provinces generally. Sir Richard Cartwright in his conversation expressed nothing but the kindest feelings towards Saint John and the winter port question. He expressed himself willing to do everything in season. He told Mr. Schofield that there were many difficulties in the way of granting all that was asked. The government, although they were not blame for it, were face to face with a considerable deficit this year, and as it is the policy of the government to economize as much as possible, as well as treat all places requiring assistance fairly, the government would have to weigh all matters well before giving large subsides. Mr. Schofield found that the sentiment in favor of Saint John was growing, and also in favor of all Canadian goods finding an outlet through our own ports. But, on the other hand, it could not be expected that this would come at once, and Saint John might be the loser by demanding the immediate discontinuance of the subsidy to the Allan and Dominion lines when the accommodations for these boats are not what they should be at present. During the coming winter, the Furness line will make direct fortnightly service between Saint John and London. The boats will be all modern, and will have accommodation for 5,000 tons of freight, and 500 head of cattle and upwards. The Donaldson line boats will give a fortnightly service between Saint John and Glasgow. The Beaver Line will run fortnightly between Saint John and Liverpool. The Columbia line will also come here. They are under contract to make eighteen sailings a year for five years. Of these trips thirteen will be made to the St. Lawrence, and five trips to Halifax and Saint John in winter. This service will be between Saint John, Boulogne, or Havre and Antwerp. This line is going to build three or four new boats during the coming year. In the meantime they have made arrangements with the Holmes line to provide them with boats until the new steamers are ready. Beside the above the Aberdeen Atlantic St. Stephen Company's boat State of Georgia, 1619 tons, will ply between Saint John and Leith and Aberdeen. Negotiations are also under way with THE Head line between Saint John and Dublin and Belfast. Of course, the West Indian service will also be continued. From the above, it will be seen the government is going to give Saint John a good and reasonable steamship service. The Furness line will also give Halifax a direct fortnightly service.

In the face of such a record—much of which is directly due to the encouragement of the new government during the few months they have been in power—it is the height of impertinence to use a mild term, for opposition journals to declare that the government is neglecting Maritime Province interests. The mistakes of their predecessors cannot be undone in five months, perhaps not in five years, and recognizing this fact we propose giving the government a free hand to formulate and develop their policy towards our ports, firmly believing that they have the interest of those ports close at heart. There can be little doubt that if the old government had in years gone by extended to Saint John the aid that was asked for, instead of wasting the public monies in providing fat contracts for their friends, that that port would be in position to handle a much larger portion of the business that is now being transacted at Portland, Maine. And the same remark will apply with even greater force to St. Andrews. Though this port has many advantages over any other lower province port for the handling of the freight business of upper Canada and the West, it has been studiously and persistently ignored by the Conservative government, and for no other reason apparently than because the County had not returned a Conservative representative. Had a helping hand been extended to us in 1893 when the Beaver Line were so eager to come here, St. Andrews would now be doing its share of the ocean traffic of Canada, instead of lying neglected and idle as it is today. How hard the seal of approval which the electors of the County gave to the policy of exclusion and starvation of the old government will affect our interests in the future we know not, but we hardly think that it will tend to hasten our development, no matter how strenuously the Beacon may advocate its claims. Journals like the Sun and the Courier, when they note the neglect that the late government practised towards our Maritime province ports for so many years—neglect that they did not have the courage to condemn--should not play the hypocrite now and condemn the Liberals because they cannot undo in a few months the mistakes that their predecessors occupied eighteen years in piling up.

There are several things made plain by this interview [with Mr. Blair of the Liberal government re contract with Allan Line]. One is that although the old government had passed the order in Council it was their intention to continue the subsidy for another year. Another is that when the Liberals entered into power they found a contract running with the Allans, which contract does not expire until 30th June next, and it is furtherance of that contract that they are now asking parliament to grant the subsidy. When this contract expires in June the government do not intend to renew it. This statement ought to satisfy the people of the Maritime provinces.

Was it Murder?

Michael McMonagle Meets Death in St. Croix River

Indians Say he was drowned while trying to rescue one of them—others declare Indians murdered him for his money—Indians Arrested

It was a sad day in St. Andrews on Thursday when news reached town that Michael McMonagle, foundryman, had been drowned the night before from a canoe in the St. Croix. The story of the tragedy, as told to the Beacon by Lola, one of the Indians who was in the ill-fated canoe, is as follows:

During Wednesday afternoon, the deceased visited the Indian camps and persuaded three of the Indians to start for Eastport with him. The names of the three were Lola, the celebrated Indian runner, John Stevens and Wallace Nicholas, all strapping young men. They set sail about 4 o'clock and ran across to the American shore without any mishap. They then took to the paddles, Stevens paddling in the bow and Nicholas in the stern of the canoe. Off Frost Cove, and about three hundred yards from the shore, Nicholas split his paddle and plunged headlong overboard. As he came up alongside, McMonagle seized him by the breast of his shirt, and against the protests of the others, attempted to drag him into the craft. The usual result followed—the canoe upset—and all four men were struggling in the water. It was now dusk, so that the accident was not visible from the shore. Stevens, one of the Indians, says that he dove twice after McMonagle and brought him to the surface and urged him to hold on to the canoe until help would come from the shore. When he went down a third time, the Indian made another dive, going down fifteen feet or more. He could see nothing of his companion, and when he returned to the surface he was himself almost exhausted. The Indians had been in the water but a short time when a boat from the shore, manned by two men named Pottle and another named Robson, put off to the rescue. They took them and their canoe ashore, but nothing could be seen of poor McMonagle—who thus lost his life while engaged in the noble task of endeavouring to rescue a fellow-being. The deceased was a young man of about forty years of age, and was unmarried. For about ten years he has been proprietor of the St. Andrews stove foundry. He was a very useful man in his business, just in all his dealings, and had many estimable traits in his character. His aged mother, his two sisters and brother have the entire sympathy of the community in their terrible bereavement. The deceased was a member of the St. Andrews Foresters courts.

Arrested in suspicion of murder.

In consequence of reports which came from the neighborhood of the drowning accident to the effect that the men in the canoe had been seen quarrelling just before the craft was capsized and that one of them had struck another occupant of the canoe with his paddle, Attorney-General Mitchell wired an order to Sheriff Stuart on Friday to have the three Indians arrested on suspicion of murder, pending an investigation. When the telegram came the Indians were being examined by a commission from the Forester body in which order the deceased had a policy of insurance for $1000. They told the Foresters practically the same story as told to the Beacon the day previous.

Deputy Sheriff Chase made the arrest about six o'clock Friday afternoon. The Indians were a little surprised but showed no evidence of fear. A report that John Stevens had struck Wallace Nicholas on the arm with his paddle and knocked him overboard led to Sheriff Stuart sending for Dr. Wade to make an examination of the Indian's arm. He found one of the arms a little swollen, but this welling, the Indian declared, was caused by his falling upon the beach. A St. Stephen despatch to the Telegraph on Friday said: —"the report of the drowning of Mr. McMonagle near Gleason's Point, Maine, proves to be a murder case. Mr. McMonagle had some $80 in his pocket. The Indians who were taking him across from St. Andrews to Pleasant Point knew this and demanded it. The were refused and one of them struck McMonagle over the head several times and threw him overboard, striking him again and sinking him. This was listened to by three Calais men who were drifting nearby in the yacht Ferry Point. These men were Thomas Mahar, Freeman Cox and Dennis Harrington, who claim it made their blood run cold to hear the cries for mercy." There are few in St. Andrews who give any credence to this story. In the first place no person knows how much money Mr. McMonagle had on his person. None of his family knows, and his business associate is alike ignorant on the point. Secondly, the men who have circulated the story do not bear the very best reputation themselves. Harrington will be remembered as an individual who spent six months in St. Andrews Jail for perjury. Mahar bears an unenviable notoriety in connection with Scott Act matters. Cox's reputation is not of the best either. Any story that such men tell must be accepted with a very large grain of salt. When the Indians were asked if they had seen anything of this Calais sloop, they said that they had seen one half a mile away, but it was utterly impossible for its occupants to have heard anything from the canoe.

Indians taken to Calais

On Monday morning, Sheriff Foster, accompanied by Attorney McKusick, came down from Calais to take over the three Indians. They had not taken the precaution to arm themselves with a warrant or some other authority so that the Jailer did not feel justified in letting the prisoners out of his keeping until a telegraphic permit had been received from the Attorney-General. In conversation with the Beacon, Sheriff Foster stated that the chief testimony against the Indians came from Mahar, Cox and Harrington, and as the reputation is shady not very much credence is placed in it. The Sheriff says that a great many reports are in circulation, and it will be difficult to arrive at the true facts until an investigation is held. Another Indian named Sebattis Tomah, who is supposed to have been in communication with the St. Andrews Indians, was arrested on Friday at Peter Dana's point, but Sheriff Foster thinks from the statements he had received since his arrest that the Indians will be able to disprove any connection with the case. The three Indians from St. Andrews went upriver in the Standish on Monday afternoon. So eager were they to go that, fearing they would miss the boat, they ran away from the constable who was accompanying them, reaching the steamer nearly one hundred yards ahead of him. The Indians have been committed for trial, though the evidence against them is of a very flimsy character. Every effort has been made to find the body of deceased but in vain.

Beacon

Oct 1/1896

St. Andrews and Sir William Van Horne

Isabel Garrison in Chicago Sunday Times-Herald

Tennyson might have had this place in mind when his faithful pen sketched the "Land of Lotos Eaters," "a land where it was always afternoon," where soft grays, red and blues blend harmoniously beyond the lazy inlets and purpling hills that surround Passamaquoddy Bay and the shores of the St. Croix River.

Such is the locality wherein is situated the sleepy old town of St. Andrews. Here the turrets of the brown Algonquin crown the summit that overlooks the bay. The finest golf links in the country are reached by charming drives, tennis courts are spread over the broad lawns, and the dreamy old place has taken on a festal appearance that stamps it as a summer resort of no mean pretension.

The Bonapartes of Baltimore, Judge Gray of Washington, the Gardiners and Allans of Boston are among the number of American cottagers and guests who make the old seaport their summer home. But St. Andrews, founded in 1783, once indulged in dreams of becoming something greater than a summer resort. In the long ago when her wharves were crowded with ships from the West Indies and lumber kings freighted them with the wealth of the primeval forests of New Brunswick, she aspired to becoming the great winter port of British America.

She owned the first charter of a railroad ever granted to the country, but somehow rival cities succeeded in capturing the road, trade with India fell off, and a cyclone that swept away her wharves destroyed her last hope of becoming a mighty seaport.

"Stocks" for the punishment of the common scold and other offenders against local blue laws once stood in the old marketplace and a resemblance to old Salem of witch-burning memory is noticeable in St. Andrews relics of by-gone days. Her Greenock church, built early in this century, is an object lesson of the early dissenters' method of conducting services.

From narrow, straight-backed stalls the devout worshipper was obliged to crane his neck mercilessly to catch the slightest glimpse of the preacher's face, as he stood aloft, twelve feet, in a three-story pulpit that had been imported especially for this literally stiff-necked congregation.

A short distance from Indian Point, still the site of an interesting reservation, is Minister's Island. From the midst of the bowers of green, above the broad beach that extends down to the bay, rise the acute angles and picturesque Dutch windmill of Covenhoven, the summer retreat of Sir William Van Horne, President of the CPR. Since the departure from Canadia of her wealthiest citizen and greatest philanthropist, Sir Donald Smith, the pleasant duty of entertaining Montreal's distinguished guests has devolved upon Sir William Van Horne. Yesterday, sidetracked at the point were an Illinois Central, a New York Central and a CPR "special" car. It was evidently a "special" day, and the distinguished visitors celebrated it in a special manner by cruising in the Central Pacific Railroad's president's yacht, and it is said, by catching a miraculous draught of fishes.

The master of the Covenhoven is as stanch and interested an American as he ever was, notwithstanding his acceptance of the often misunderstood but merited compliment of knighthood, and he is apparently happiest when recalling his early days in Chicago.

From his studio window he looks upon the everlasting hills of Chamcook and vistas of shimmering beach and terraced alleys worthy of the inspiration of his masterful brush. He is fond of surprising those who claim his interest.

Upon his first visit to Rat Portage, when nothing but a vast wilderness extended from either side the rails of his road, the first glimpse he had of the land was at sunrise. Father Lacombe, the celebrated missionary to the Crees and the Jibbyways, stood talking to a group of Indians silhouetted against the glowing background in such a startling manner on that occasion that Sir William carried the picture in his minds' eye over a year, then transferred it to canvas, and presented it to the missionary.

Father Lacombe enjoys the distinction of having compiled and given to the Pope the only dictionary of Indian dialect ever made.

Sir William Van Horne's family will shortly vacate Coven-Hoven for the winter.

Beacon

October 1/1896

Body Not yet Found.

Lola and His Companions Awaiting Trial in Machias Jail

Though every effort has been made to bring to the surface the body of poor Michael McMonagle, the river waters have so far refused to give up their dead. The Indians Lola, Nicholas, and Stevens, who are held on suspicion of having foully dealt with the unfortunate man, are now locked up in Machias Jail, awaiting their trial, which will come off this month. The evidence of the witnesses at the preliminary investigation was very conflicting. The chief witnesses against the Indians were Freeman Cox and Dennis Harrington, two Calais toughs. The swore they saw the canoe containing the Indians and McMonagle off Lewis's Cove, and heard them arguing. Fog coming up they did not see the canoe again until about seven o'clock, when they saw that McMonagle and an Indian were disputing. McMonagle told the Indians to land him at St. Andrews or it would be worse for them. The Indian threatened to kill McMonagle, and after hot words on both sides repeatedly struck him with a paddle, in spite of his appeals for mercy. McMonagle in an unconscious condition, was thrown overboard but, revived by the water, loudly shouted for assistance. He was again struck by the Indian and soon afterwards sank. This yarn was not swallowed very readily by the court, more particularly as it was shown that there was no fog that night and also that Cox and Harrington had been drinking quite heavily during that day. The story told by the witnesses from Perry was exactly the reverse. They saw the canoe containing the Indians and McMonagle upset by the breaking of the paddle. They put off in a boat and when they reached the spot were informed that McMonagle had sunk, the Indians expressing deep regret at his death. After consulting the entire day, Judge Rounds and R. J. McGarrigle, counsel for the Indians, waived further examination, and they were sent up for trial. The Indians are in excellent spirits and their friends are confident that at the trial their innocence will be clearly brought out. The Department of Indian Affairs has offered to place counsel at their disposal.

Beacon

Oct 8/1896

Sir William Van Horne's family bade adieu to Coven Hoven on Friday last after a delightful season of several months at that lovely sport. The time will seem long until we have them back again.

The Dead Rises. Body of Michael McMonagle washes ashore on Maine Beach. details.

Autopsy Discloses No Evidence of Foul Play—Money Found Intact in his Pocket. Body Badly decomposed. Brought to St. Andrews for Burial.

On Monday, nineteen days had elapsed since the fateful day when Michael McMonagle, foundryman, of St. Andrews, lost his life in the St. Croix River. His friends had despaired of ever recovering his body, but on Monday night their despair gave place to other feelings when a telegram signed by Gove and Sons, of Perry, Maine, arrived, containing the information that a body answering the description of the deceased had been washed ashore on the Maine shore of the St. Croix a short distance from where their accident is supposed to have occurred. Bright and early on Tuesday morning a number of friends of the late Mr. McMonagle set sail in a large sloop for Perry, expecting to be able to identify and bring back the body the same day. Amongst those who went over were Henry Quinn, George Langmaid, Wheeler Mallock, Thomas Rooney, Thomas Howe, Herb Ross, Charles Judge and William Shaw. A Beacon representative accompanied them.

On visiting Frost, Cove, it was learned that the body had been discovered about 4 o'clock Monday afternoon by a son of Jason A. Robson, who was down on the beach hauling rockweed, They promptly circulated the news of the discovery and willing hands soon lifted the body up to a safe place on the beach. Acting under advice of the authorities, the body just as it was found was placed upon a wagon and conveyed to Perry, Maine, where it was placed in the hearse house, under the care of Mr. J. F Gove, one of the select-men of the parish.

The St. Andrews men turned their boat's head toward Perry, reaching it about 11 o'clock. They found the body still immured in the hearse house, awaiting the result of an autopsy that Dr. Horace Johan, of Eastport, and Dr. Holland, of Calais, had been ordered to make. It was nearly noon when physicians entered upon their task. Before beginning, the St. Andrews friends of the deceased were permitted to view the body. Though every vestige of flesh had been stripped off the head, they had not the slightest difficulty in identifying the body by the clothing that was upon it.

After the body had thus been viewed the doors were closed and the autopsy was begun, the Beacon representative being the only person permitted to be present with the physicians. The body was clothed in dark blue serge pants and vest, a pair of no. 7 brown canvas shoes, a light cotton shirt with a small, figured spot in it, and the usual under clothing. A careful examination was made of the clothing. The vest was almost completely deprived of its buttons, having evidently been worn away by the action of the gravel on the beach. The pockets of the vest were empty. It was stated by some of his friends that the usually carried a wallet in an inside pocket of his vest, but there was no inside pocket in the vest he had on. In the right-hand pants pocket a $10 Bank of Nova Scotia bill and a $10 US silver certificate were found, also a 5 cent Canadian piece, and some fragments of paper, which upon being pieced together, turned out to be receipt given by T. R. Wren to Michael McMonagle for $2.72 Forester dues for June and July. In the left hand pocket there was s copper cent and in the hip pocket a large white handkerchief and a fragment of a second handkerchief, with a broad red striped border upon it. A pearl collar button was found in his shirt and a pearl cuff button similar in design in the cuff of one of his shirt sleeves. An examination of the body itself showed that the exposed parts were in pretty bad shape, while that part of the trunk that was covered with clothing was fairly well preserved. A most critical examination was made of the skull externally and internally and not the slightest evidence was discoverable of any violence prior to death. On this point both physicians were very positive. An external and internal examination of the body made also made and there was no evidence found of any wound or puncture or violence upon it or of any condition that would lead to the belief that the man had come to his death by any other means than by drowning. At the close of the autopsy, the medical examiner swathed the body in cotton and the door of the death chamber was closed, pending the arrival of Sheriff Foster, who wired to Perry that he was on his way thither from Machias, where court for the trial of the alleged Indian murderers was being held. It was nearly five o'clock Tuesday afternoon when the Sheriff reached the scene. He decided to hand over the body to the deceased's friends, and Henry Quinn accompanied him back to Machias to give evidence respecting it. About 9:30 Tuesday night, the boat containing the body reached St. Andrews. The remains were taken in charge by a committee of the Forester court and conveyed to undertaker Rigby's establishment, where they were coffined, after which they were taken to his late home. The funeral on Wednesday morning at ten o'clock was held under the auspices of the Forester body. There was a large attendance of Foresters in regalia and a large concourse of friends. The Forester burial service was repeated at the grave.

New Developments

A Calais letter to the Bangor news says: H. J. McGarrigle, who has been engaged as counsel for the Indians accused of the murder of Michael McMonagle, spent a few days in Perry early in the week looking up the important evidence in the case. Some new developments will be brought up which are expected to throw a different light on the matter.

beacon

Oct 15/1896

Mr. Foster takes the credit for bringing the Beaver Line to a New Brunswick port, but the truth is that Mr. Foster is one of the men responsible for keeping the Beaver Line away so long. When the managers of that line were seeking for a handy port in the Maritime Provinces three or four years ago, and had expressed a strong desire to utilize St. Andrews if facilities were provided, Mr. Foster was the man who said that no moneys would be granted by his government for that purpose. This refusal led to the boats of the line being tied up for two successive winters. It was only when the people of Saint John provided suitable facilities out of their own pocket that the Beaver Line managers decided to go to that port. And there is the best of reasons for believing that they had decided upon this step before the grant had been even promised.

To add to the controversy relative to the fast line, Sanford Fleming, the well-known civil engineer, has just issued a pamphlet thereon, in which he discusses the St. Lawrence route. He very reluctantly inclines to the belief that on account of fogs, icebergs, etc., a line to and from Quebec is out of the question. He believes it impossible to compete with New York by the St. Lawrence route and that at the best that route can only be employed for the carriage of freight in steamships of moderate speed in the summer season, these boats to run from St. John, "the nearest eligible Canadian seaport," after the close of St. Lawrence navigation. He gives it as his opinion that if we desire to establish a Canadian line of passenger steamships equal in power and speed to any on the ocean, it will be necessary to make it an "all the year round line" from one of our best Atlantic seaports; that there is no more eligible harbor on the western side of the Atlantic than Halifax or on the eastern side than Loch Ryan, Wigtownshire, in Scotland, and that between these two points will be found the shortest available route across the ocean which can be used by fast steamships at all season of the year. Such are the views expressed by one of the best engineering authorities that Canada possesses. His statements are reasonable, and what is more, they coincide very closely with the opinions of steamship men who have traversed the St. Lawrence route for many years. It would certainly be a great advantage if the fast line port or ports were all year-round ports, and though we may be accused of section prejudice we cannot refrain from giving expression to the thought that Halifax for mails and passengers, and St. Andrews for freight, are the ports that would produce the best results. Our Saint John friend will probably smile at our presumption, but they cannot deny geographical truths.

The McMonagle Case. The three Indians dismissed for lack of evidence.

The three Indians, Lola, Stevens and Nicholas, who were with Michael McMonagle when he met his fate in the St. Croix River several weeks ago, and who were arrested by the Maine authorities on a charge of murder in that connection, were put upon trial at Machias, Maine, last week, but the evidence against them was not sufficiently strong to support the charge and on Thursday they were dismissed by Judge Strout. Lola is at present at Pleasant Point very ill.

Beacon

Oct 22, 1896

With the termination of subsidies for ocean steamers making their ports of call in the United States, there is bound to be an increased demand on the part of the steamship lines for suitable Canadian ports. The people of Saint John have recognized this fact and with the energy and enterprise which mark that city they have put their hands down deep into their pockets, with a view to furnishing these facilities. And they are already receiving a return from their expenditure. (But Saint John cannot handle all the traffic interested in using the port, so St. Andrews should get on the ball and petition the government for aid in developing a Charlotte County port.)

Beacon

Oct 29/1896

Another Summer cottage

Plans have been prepared and initiatory steps have been taken for the erection of a magnificent summer cottage on the property of Mr. Thomas R. Wheelock, of Boston. This property is situated a little to the east of the Algonquin and has a very sightly outlook, commanding the town, Katy's Cove and the outer bay of St. Andrews. The building will be two stories in height, with a frontage of about 36 feet, running back 80 feet. It will contain eighteen or nineteen rooms, and will be constructed with a view to permanent use if necessary. The structure will be of wood with a large stone foundation. A commodious cellar will be arranged. Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, of St. Stephen, have contracted for the building, and in a short time will begin work. It is the intention to erect the frame and close it in until Spring, when the plastering and finishing will be done. The house is to be ready for occupancy next season. It will cost about $5000.

Beacon

Nov 5/1896

Rapid progress is being made on the Wheelock contract. The foundation walls for the building are well advanced, and by the middle of next week will be ready for the wooden superstructure. The contractors are putting in good work.

The New Brunswick Tourist Association under the auspices of the Saint John Board of Trade would be pleased to place itself in correspondence with any person or body interested in the development of our Province as a tourist resort. The Association is open to receive ideas or suggestions on the above-mentioned topic and also any photographic views of Provincial scenery. All communications addressed to Ira Cornwall, secretary, will receive prompt attention.

Beacon

Nov 12, 1896

Harbor Improvements

Mr. Ganong Meets with the Board of Trade

The Board of Trade and Mr. Ganong, MP, came together on Thursday night last to have a talk over the harbor improvements. The attendance was quite large.

The chair was occupied by Mr. W. D. Forster, who introduced Mr. Ganong.

Mr. Ganong said he had come to St. Andrews to seek information and not to import it. He was desirous of ascertaining what the plans of the people here were and how far they were advanced, and, if possible, to aid them. During the afternoon he had inspected several of the sites that had been talked of for the proposed wharf. He did not think that any federal government whether Liberal or Conservative, could grant aid at the present time. The railway and ocean steamship companies should first be approached and interested; after that the government might be interviewed. He was very strongly of the opinion that the work should be taken up by the County. He felt sure that the businesspeople of St. Stephen sympathized with St. Andrews in this matter, and that they were eager and willing to assist them in the accomplishment of the task they had set for themselves. He did not know of any recent charts which showed the depths along our shore, but data of this nature was very essential.

The chairman asked Mr. Armstrong if he knew of any late charts of this harbor.

Mr. Armstrong stated that the latest chart he knew of was one issued by the US geodetic Survey and which had been used in laying our case before the Beaver Line Company and the CPR some years ago. Mr. Armstrong gave expression to the views of the managers of the CPR, so far as he was acquainted twitch them. The railway, he stated, could not be expected to grant us any aid, as their relation to other ports made it necessary that they should reserve a neutral attitude. He stated that on behalf of the scheme, he had addressed communications to the Allan Line and Dominion Line companies, but no response had yet been received. He felt that if the steamship companies could be interested in the port that it would strengthen our hands very materially, either in asking the government for aid or in asking the County to assume any indebtedness. So far as the County was concerned he felt that unless aid from it was obtained our chances of ever developing the port were very slim. He was of the opinion that the Municipality should assume a large share of the burden as it would be greatly benefited. No doubt the County would not care to have its taxation increased, but it should be borne in mind that with the enhanced value of property in this section consequent upon the development of such an important business values of property would increase here and thus the rest of the County would gradually be relieved from its burden of taxation. He did not think that the approaching County Council could do much in the matter, as its members would not have an opportunity to consult with their constituents. It might be possible to awaken a considerable degree of interest in the matter between now and Council time if circulars were addressed to the several Councillors, outlining what our plans were, and what we expected the County to do for us, and requesting them to call meetings of their constituents and obtain their views thereon.

Mr. Ganong said that the presentation of the CPR case had given a somewhat different color to the matter. He would not be discouraged. Though the CPR people may not think much of our chances now they may later on. It was worth noting in this connection that the CPR had not given Saint John much encouragement either, until the people took hold and compelled them to. He felt that the day was not far distant when Saint John would be unable to take care of all the business that went there, and that St. Andrews would then be in a position to get a share of it. Two governments had pledged themselves not to continue to subsidize steamers touching at foreign ports and he was satisfied that after this year subsidies to Portland, Maine, would cease. He did not consider that there was any reason for haste. Regardless of the opinions of Mr. Van Horne we should continue the agitation. He instanced the discouragements that had attended the inception of the cotton mill project at Milltown. Those were to be expected. He thought that at least $500 would be needed to prepare plans and to get matter in train.

Dr. N. C. D. Parker said he had not changed his previously expressed views on the subject nor was he at all discouraged over the attitude of the railway. He felt that little could be accomplished at the present moment by asking the government for assistance. We must get the County interested first and we must try to get the steamship companies interested. When we had done this, and when we had done something ourselves, we might then go to the government. Nothing was to be gained by undue haste. what we should do is to agitate, enquire and get our plans placed in practical shape. He would be willing to join in raising the necessary fund.
 M. N. Cockburn felt that in view of the existing condition of things it would be folly to proceed with the work. While our case was deplorable, it would be far worse if we had an immense wharf rotting on our hands. Furthermore, he did not think the County would assume any additional taxation for this purpose, and in support of this assertion he instanced the application made some years ago to exempt the cotton mill from taxation. He was not opposed to the scheme of harbor improvements, but at the present moment it seemed beyond our reach. He would be quite willing to submit himself to $1000 additional taxation if he could help the scheme along, but until he could see the way more clearly he would not favor the spending of a dollar.

F. H. Grimmer felt that the disposition of the government subsidies would have an important bearing upon the case. If the subsidies that are now paid to steamers touching at Portland were withdrawn altogether and no similar subsidies granted to Canadian ports the lines that now patronize Portland and Boston for freight would continue to go there. Traffic would not leave the beaten track unless some strong inducement was held out to it. Our short distance from Montreal and our many natural advantages would weigh little against the commercial advantages of the ports now employed. Mr. Grimmer also applied himself briefly to the financial aspect of the question. Before closing he declared his willingness to put up his share of the $500 fund.

W. A. Robertson felt that the Board had been wasting too much time upon talk that was impractical. Ever since the Board had been formed this matter had been talked about and we had nothing to show for it. He thought we ought to place ourselves in readiness for the day when our port would be required so that no time would be lost if an opportunity appeared. We should get all the machinery in trim and all our plans matured. He would be willing to contribute to the enquiry fund suggested by Mr. Ganong.

Councillor Snodgrass and others having spoken, it was moved by R. E. Armstrong, seconded by B. F. DeWolfe, that Mr. Ganong be thanked for the trouble he had taken in coming to St. Andrews and for the suggestions that he had imparted.

The Board then adjourned.

Saint John has suffered a heavy loss by the accident which befell one of its new deep-water wharves. The accident is all the more to be regretted as it will be difficult to get the wharf ready in time for the approaching winter season. Instead of having five berths for ocean steamers the port will have but three this winter. This is one more than last winter, but yet it is not enough for the anticipated trade. No time will be lost in removing the debris and beginning over again.

Beacon

Nov 19/1896

A Colored Artist. Who first breathed the Air of Heaven under St. Andrews skies.

appeared in New York Sun, by T. Thomas Fortune

Article on Edward Bannister

T. Thomas Fortune has an interesting two-column sketch of Artist Bannister in the New York Sun, from which we make the following extracts:—

Edwin M. Bannister of Providence who has grown old as an artist, was born in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, about sixty-three years ago. His parents were of French, Indian and African origin. He attended the village school, and while there laid the foundation of a practical education. Before his tenth year he had gained a local reputation for cleverness in making pictures of his schoolmates and his fathers' neighbors. He was apprenticed to a most successful cobbler in St. Andrews, but all his relatives and friends expected him to become a great artist. At that early day there were not many colored people in St. Andrews, and so thoroughly free from race prejudice were the inhabitants that "colored" was rarely heard among them. It was not until he became ambitious to develop his artistic powers, and consequently left his native town, that he was made to feel the distinction between a white and a brown skin.

While at home in St. Andrews, he lived in an atmosphere of British fair play, where character and not race made the man, consequently his individuality was that of an enterprising "down Easter." The presence of African blood in his veins had no power to make him accept a prescribed course, or be other than what his environments made him. . . . Mr. Bannister had been but a short while from St. Andrews before he began to deal directly with attempts to estimate his manhood by the appreciation of his complexion. Naturally this aroused his British ire, and led to many vigorous protests, which rarely ended short of fistic exploits. Had his love for art been less determined, he would have given up in despair and settled down to ship building or some other mechanical calling in his native village. He was ever sensitive to the beauties of nature. As a boy trudging after his father's cows he had stood in open-mouthed wonder at the gorgeous sunsets, and followed with breathless suspense the tipping of tree and flower with gold. In total forgetfulness of everything save the wonderful color combinations he has laid for hours stretched flat on the grassy plain, or perched, gnome-like, on some great, bare rock watching the colors die away into soft translucency, then into night. Many a time he has gone supperless to his garret bed, because he was so late retuning with the cows. It is told of him that the really loved the black darkness, because it made the colors the next day newer to him. And a visit to his well-filled studio indirectly gives a semblance of truth to the story. Among a great number of landscape studies only an occasional moonlight is to be seen. His fancy seems to run entirely in sunny studies.

When he left St. Andrews his brain was fired with the ambition to reproduce on canvas the glowing pictures of wild coast life and sylvan loveliness that had filled this childhood hours with never ceasing wonder. But contact with narrow, prejudiced minds threw a pall over these bright hopes and turned him mind from nature to the contemplation of man. He became absorbed in his hope to paint the human figure. After considerable wandering, embittered by many hardships and incidents calculated to dishearten a less rugged nature, he settled down to the study of art in Boston. He studied under Dr. Rimmer, and showed such indications of genius that he soon attracted the attention of all the professors labouring with Dr. Rimmer. In this way he became associated with some very choice spirits. His first experience as an art student made him very slow in the formation of friendships outside of the realm of art, and the majority of his associates of today resulted from the old student contact in Dr. Rimmer's classes. He finished his studies at Boston and went to Providence in 1871, where he has since resided. Before leaving Boston he became a regular exhibitor at the annual exposition of the Boston Art Club. The members of the Providence Art League met him very cordially and in the studies that he regularly presented they recognized a decided addition to the class of painters located there devoted to the French school illustrated by Bouguereau.

Having found a greater demand for landscapes than figure pieces he attended the Narragansett coast indefatigably, meeting with most flattering success, if a ready market can be deemed such. His most noted effort was "Under the Oaks," which received the first award medal at the Centennial, Philadelphia, 1876. It was with many misgivings that he sent it to the Art Committee, like hundreds of other ambitious artists, with nothing but his simple signature attached. For many days he waited in feverish anxiety as to the result. As it was not rejected, his spirits rose appreciably. "No news is good news," he argued, and so time passed until the opening of the Art Gallery. Trembling he secured a catalogue, and soon found "Bannister—'Under the Oaks" (54)" He was so glad that he sat down and thought of his boyhood dreams and wished that he might see again the well-remembered sunsets. Like one in a dream he threaded his way through the thronging crowds, and stood before his effort, his head bounding with joy. It was hung in the most favorable place. In his own modest way he tells an interesting incident as to how the Jury of Awards discovered that he was an Afro-American.

"I learned from the newspapers," said he "that '54' had received a first-prize gold medal, so I hurried to the committee rooms to make sure that the report was true. There was a great crowd there ahead of me. As I jostled among them, many resented my presence, some actually commenting within my hearing, in a most petulant manner, "What is that colored person in here for?" and similar discourteous remarks. Finally, when I succeeded in reaching the desk where inquiries were made, I endeavoured to gain the attention of the official in charge. He was very insolent. Without raising his eyes, he demanded in the most exasperating tone of voice, "Well, what do you want here anyway? Speak lively."

"I want to inquire concerning '54.' Is it a prize winner?"

"What's that to you?"

"In an instant my blood was up; the deprecatory looks that passed between him and others in the room were unmistakable. I was not an artist to them; I was simply an inquisitive colored man. His manner suggested a nature so small and petty that I could not bring myself to his level. Besides the thought flashed through my mind, Why give this man a change to express his prejudice? So, controlling myself, I said deliberately: I am interested in the report that "Under the Oaks" has received a prize; I painted the picture."

"An explosion could not have made a more marked impression. Without hesitation he apologized, and soon everyone in the room was bowing and scraping to me. Mr. Duff of Boston purchased the picture for $1,500." Since that time Mr. Bannister has labored very industriously, exhibiting each year in Boston and Providence and making a comfortable income. A few years ago he purchased a fine sailing yacht, and all his leisure hours were spent sailing around Newport and adjacent points for pleasure. He is naturally fond of the sea and is as thoroughly at home when on water as on land. A recent attack of the grip makes the enjoyment a doubtful benefit, much to his regret.

Up to the present time his figure pieces have been almost entirely Scriptural. Four of his best compositions in this line have been purchased by one of the Roman Catholic churches of Providence. At odd intervals he has devoted considerable time to an original conception of the invitation, "Come unto Me all that ye that are weary and heavy laden." He hopes to make it the crowning work of his life.

Mr. Bannister's studio is very pleasantly situated in a large building, almost entirely occupied by artists. There is nothing about it to suggest the Afro-American except he painter himself and a portrait of his wife.

[Old residents of St. Andrews recollect the Bannisters very well. There were two young men in the family, one known as "Ed" and the other as "Bill." They were smart, athletic young fellows, and left here between forty and fifty years ago. One of them established himself as a barber on Haymarket Square, Boston.—Editor]

Ground For Encouragement

The outlook for the development of our port, though not as bright as we would like to see it, should not discourage our people. It is true that the CPR seems disposed to permit us "to go it alone," but if such an important steamship corporation as the Allan Line can be induced to take an interest in us, it would not be long before we would find the CPR willing to lend a helping hand. With a view to ascertaining the feelings of the Allan Line toward this port, R. E. Armstrong, on behalf of the Board of Trade, recently opened up a correspondence with the managers in Montreal. In their reply, they say they "are pleased to hear that it is the intention of the people of St. Andrews to memorialize the Dominion government for aid to provide terminal facilities for ocean steamers at your port. While you have our best wishes for success in this enterprise, we are not, at the moment, prepared to enter into negotiations for the establishment of a service between St. Andrews and Great Britain. The opening up of the various ports to which our steamers at present run has taken up all our available tonnage, and until we are in a position to put on some more vessels in the North Atlantic trade, we cannot extend our sailings. We shall forward your letter to our friends in Britain by this weeks' mail and ask them to give the proposition their careful consideration." There is surely some little encouragement in this to the Board to Trade to purse its agitation, as the Allans not only express pleasure at hearing that there is prospect of developing St. Andrews, but are willing to consider whether they should use the port or not. Minister Blair, we might say, has also be sounded, and while he does not commit himself to any positive declaration as to what the Federal government would do, intimates that our case will receive careful consideration. He points out that "in order to get the Dominion Government to make any considerable outlay, such as outlays as would equip the port, so as to enable it to afford proper accommodations to Atlantic steamships of the larger classes, definite and specific plans would require to be laid before us. The government could not justify proposals to parliament looking to a considerable expenditure unless, in the first place, it would satisfy parliament and the country that the expenditure was in the general interest, and was a means to an important and legitimate end, an end not only proper but also pointing out useful results." This a broad and statesmanlike proposition, and one with which no fault can be found by the most ardent advocate of the development of the port. Minister Blair thinks "it not unlikely that the Municipality would be asked or expected to say what it was prepared to do as an earnest of its confidence in the success of the enterprise, and on the line of course taken in other places."

A lot of business being done at black granite quarry, Steen's Lake, Bocabec. Also a lot of news about granite business in St. George last few issues.

The Sardine Business

Several of the sardine factories that have been closed for a few weeks past have again resumed operations, says the Eastport Sentinel, and for the remaining time the business will probably be prosecuted with energy. It is rumoured that a boycott has been placed upon the output of a number of factories in this vicinity, outside of Eastport, being brought about by a reduction in the schedule of prices paid to the operatives. The sardine industry for the past few seasons seems to be productive of business disturbances of every variety. At one time it was said that over production demoralized the market; then someone brings forth the dictatorial proposition, that the manufacturers pack fewer goods, and make them all of a certain standard, which would obviate labor grievances. This fall while part of the factories is running on full time, others have been closed, the owners claiming the present outlook would not warrant them in continuing; now a new phase of seeming far reaching effect is trotted out threatening the ruin of some, in the shape of the boycott above mentioned. Who is at fault?

Beacon

Nov 26/1896

Marine Hospital to be Closed

On Monday, Customs Collector Gove received an official notification from the Marine department that the Marine Hospital at St. Andrews would be closed on the 31st of December. Instructions were further given as to the board and medical attendance of any sick mariners coming here. Of late years, there have been very few patients at the Hospital. Last year there was only one inmate, and he was there but a short period. The governmental policy of late has been to close up the marine hospital and board any sick or disabled sailors at the general hospitals, where such exist. Some years ago this was done in Saint John and the marine hospital, a very costly structure, has been closed ever since. In St. Andrews, during the past few years, the government have the hospital free to the person who would undertake to board any sick sailors at $3 per week. No other supplies were granted, and the caretaker was even expected to keep the building in repair. The physician in attendance received $100 per year.

Among the items in the Ottawa despatch of the Sun on Saturday was one to the effect that the government had decided to reduce St. Andrews to an outport of Customs and that the official announcement of the fact would appear in the Canada Gazette of that day [working expenses of local Customs office should be reduced, as since the National Policy customs receipts here have barely sufficed to pay salaries]

LG: The Hon. Abner Reid McClelan (1831-1917) Born at Hopewell, New Brunswick. Appointed 9 December 1896 at age 65 until 21 January 1902.

Beacon

Dec 3,1896

A delegation from Saint John has been at Montreal endeavouring to secure "better terms" on wharf matter from the CPR. The application arose in connection with the late disaster to the deep-water wharf in course of erection. The CPR manager made a number of concessions to meet the views of the Saint John people. The Minister of Railways has also granted for this season the free use of the Intercolonial Railway around Courtenay Bay, the CPR railway to assume all responsibility in connection therewith. The CPR declare they will not pay the rate of ten cents per ton net demanded by the Bridge Company so that unless a reduction is made on these figures it is not likely that the east side wharves will be much employed this winter.

Deed

Dec 9, 1896

No. 4292 (Book 52, p. 302-4)

Deed H. P. Timmerman et ux. to Sir William Van Horne. This indenture made the ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety six Between Henry Pultz-Timmerman of the City of Saint John . . . General Superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Alice Maud his wife of the one part and Sir William C. Van Horne of the City of Montreal in the Province of Quebec of the other part: . . . for and in consideration of the sum of five thousand Dollars of Lawful money of Canada . . . containing in all two hundred and fifty acres more or less also the shore in front of the said piece or tract of land having been conveyed to the said Henry Pultz-Timmerman by Marshall Andrews and Isabel C. H. Andrews his wife by Indentures bearing date the seventeenth day of August A.D. 1896 and duly registered in the office of the Registrar of Deed . . . in Book 42 pages 16 and 17, subject however to a lease from the said Henry Pultz-Timmerman to the said Marshall J. C. Andrews of all that certain tract or parcel of land situate and being on Minister's Island aforesaid being that section of said Island comprising about ten acres upon which in located the dwelling house occupied by the said Marshall J. C. Andrews and having a frontage on the western shore of said Island of about thirty a rods and extending from the said shore . . . said lease being for the term of the natural life of the said Marshall J. C. Andrews, at a rent of one shilling yearly together . . .

Beacon

Dec 10, 1896

The Sand Reef Light is now being tended by Theobald Rooney, lighthouse keeper Maloney having obtained three months leave of absence from the Department.

The Wheelock summer cottage is roofed and boarded in and the rooms studded. The building will now be left until Spring when the mason work will be done. Messrs. Stevenson and Mackenzie have made rapid progress with the work.

The Bridge Company at "Saint John has decided to charge seven and a half cents a car on good that pass over the bridge this winter for shipment in the steamers. Their former offer was 10 cents a car. It is said that the CPR will agree to pay what the company ask.

beacon

Dec 17/1896

Big ball to be held in Owen hotel

Beacon

Dec 24/1896

On the manifold medicinal and other virtues of salt. Nothing about bathing, however.