Item

Beacon
June 13/1889
The Short Line
It is no wonder that the people of the Maritime Provinces should manifest an unusual degree of interest in the Short Line railway.  The event to them is one fraught with the deepest import. For many years the completion of this road has been looked forward to as a “consummation devoutly to be wished.” When trade was dull and money scarce; when clouds of depression hung low over all the land; when the young men and the young women were leaving the country in droves and seeking homes on foreign soil, this was the hope that buoyed up those who remained behind. When the Short Line was finished, and a passage to the sea was opened for the products of the great wheat fields of the west then, they hopefully thought “hard times” would be a thing of the past in these provinces, and “peace like a river” would flow through the land. A great wave of prosperity would sweep over the Dominion; the clouds of depression would flee as dew before the morning sun, and harbors would be alive with shipping; the commerce of nations would be knocking at our door for admission; our young men and our young women who had left us would return, and we would be a happy, contented and prosperous people. This was the brilliant picture which was held before the vision of the people, and for years they have been feasting upon it. We repeat that it is no wonder they should show a deep interest in the completion of this vast undertaking, and we add further that we think there is ample justification for them to expect a good deal from it considering the immense amount of their money that has been put into its construction.
            The history of the road will make up a great part of the history of Canada. Two decades have well nigh passed since surveys of the line were begun. About the year 1871 a charter was granted to a private company to do the work, but as they did nothing the government were reluctantly compelled to assume the responsibility of its construction. Several disconnected sections of the road were built b the government at a tremendous cost to the country, but it is doubtful if the road would now lie in the finished state that it is, had it not bee placed in the hands of a news company in 1880: In addition to a grant of 25,000,000 acres of the best land in Manitoba and a subsidy of $25,000,000, the government also made a transfer to this company of over 700 miles of road, which they had built at a cost of something like $35,000,000. From that date until the present one, the country has been bled and bled freely towards its construction and maintenance. In the four years from 1881 to 1885 (when the road from Montreal to the Pacific was completed) not less than $74,000,000 were given to the company by the Federal government. But this was not all. In order to obtain connection with the maritime ports, an additional subsidy of $186,000 per annum for a term of twenty years was granted to the Atlantic and North Western railway company, which company undertook to build a line from Montreal via Sherbrooke across the State of Maine to the Maritime Province ports. This part of the line proved the most expensive of the whole road, owing to the physical obstructions in the shape of mountains, lakes and rovers, which were encountered, but the mountains have been hewn down or tunnelled, the deep valleys filled up, the lakes and the rivers bridged, and the road is now completed and ready for business. No one in these provinces, we think will grumble at the expenditure, provided the road yields the return that has been anticipated from it, bit if it does not then there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.
            The question of what port or ports on the Atlantic coast will be made the terminal ports for the line is one in which the people of St. Andrews have a deep interest. So far as is known no selection has been made; possibly none will be. It is just possible that the management of the CPR will allow the shippers to choose their own port, and if they do, that port will be selected which has the greatest facilities to offer for handling the freight rapidly and cheaply. Almost every port of any consequence on the Atlantic coast from NY to Halifax has been mentioned as a probably terminus port. New York, Boston, Castine, Portland, SA, Saint John, White Haven, Louisburg, Halifax—have all come in for their share of attention, and every one of these ports is looking for something from the line. In our own Provinces the people of Halifax and of Saint John are making a strenuous effort to have their ports named. The Boards of Trade and the merchants in both places have been actively at work pressing the claims and pointing out the advantages of their respective ports. Pamphlets and circulars innumerable have been sent out, the Government has been interviewed and the CPR managers have been button-holed by the representatives of these two ports time and time again. Meanwhile, what has St. Andrews done? We have a splendid harbor here, lots of space for the erection of wharves, elevators and warehouses, but what have our people done towards emphasizing these advantages to the proper authorities? Practically nothing. Occasional reference has been made to the port in newspaper articles, on one or two occasions the matter has been briefly alluded to in Parliament by our County representative, but this has been the extent of the endeavour—on behalf of our port. Is there not something that we can do beyond this to enforce our advantages upon the attention of the CPR people, or is the object to be attained by sitting down in idleness and waiting for somebody else to do the work for us? In discussing the probably selection of St. Andrews as a terminal port we have often heard the objection raised that the port was not easy of access, that the avenues of entrance were narrow and shallow, not well lighted, not properly marked and so forth and so on. Now, we do not think that this objection will hold water. Still the fact that the statement has been so often and so long permitted to go unchallenged, must have a deleterious effect. Can we not do something to dissipate this mistaken idea regarding our port? The people of St. Andrews we think should take some united action in this matter. They should at least make some move which would indicate that they desire their port recognized. There are seafaring men here who are well acquainted with passages to this port; they know whether they are narrow shallow, whether they are difficult to enter or not, why do they not speak out? Why is a report on our harbor and its approaches not prepared and published? The Beacon stands ready and willing to assist any person or persons who will enter upon the undertaking. Let is be begun at once.
[nb—first mention of Van Horne to visit SA]  We hear that someone in the County has been notified that Mr. Van Horne, general manger of the CPR, is shortly to visit St. Andrews. If such is the case, the people of St. Andrews should know of it, and they should be prepared to extend him a hearty greeting. And not only this, they should be in a position to show him the great advantages our port has to offer as a terminal point; they should be in a position to point out to him that our port is easy of access, that its approaches are deep and wide and easily accessible by the largest steamer. This not a matter which should be done in secret either. Saint Andrews has nothing to hide. We are not ashamed of our port, and we have nothing to gain and everything to lose by suppressing the truth. Whatever is done should be done at once and should be given the widest publicity possible.
           
Beacon
June 20, 1889
SA Harbour
Mr. Hugh Maloney, who has been fifty years a pilot out of St. Andrews harbor, and who knows almost every rock that there is on the bottom between here and Cape Sable, was in the Beacon office last week and fully corroborates the statements made by us that St. Andrews harbor is easy of access to the largest steamer. There are two entrances either of which can be used with perfect safety. The principal entrance is by way of Eastport, community known as the Head harbor passage. There is a clear passage the whole way through, the depth of water at the shoalest point being fifteen fathoms. At the narrowest point the channel is half a mile wide. At the time of the Fenian road Her Majesty’s battleship “Duncan” came through this passage in the night without a pilot, Since then lights and fog whistles have been erected at several points, making ingress as easy and as safe on the darkest night as in the broad light of day. At Latete passage there is also an abundance of water, and the entrance is well lighted and protected. At dead low water there is depth of twenty-nine feet at the shoalest part, which would be sufficient for almost any vessel that would be likely to come here. St. Andrews harbor has no equal in Canada, unless it be the harbor of L’Etang, in this County, which is said to be unsurpassed by any harbor north of Rio Janeiro. These facts should be duly impressed upon Mr. Van Horne when he visits St. Andrews in a few weeks.

SA station has become such an important one that Manger Cram has decided upon putting a telegraph operator in it. This is as it should be. The wires are now in the station. Louis Stuart will probably be operator.

Beacon
July 18/1889
Beacon
July 18/1889
Short Line Terminus
The question has been asked—What is the object, the ends to be reached by the Short Line making a terminus Shipping port at SA? Just this—its deep, capacious, and well protected harbor, where steamships and other vessels of deep draft can be moored and lie at anchor without grounding at all time of tide, and its being the nearest sea port in the Maritime Provinces to Montreal, with a wide deep passage to the Atlantic ocean and possessing other privileges for he extension of commerce. This is no mere speculative idea but positive truth. It has also been asked, when there is already a line in operation to the upper provinces, (the Intercolonial Railway) what was the intention of the CPR company in building the Short Line and the expenditure of such an immense amount of capital in its construction and equipment? To make money; in other words, to do a large and remunerative freight and passenger traffic—a vast business speculation, which would prove an essential factor in developing the resources of the Dominion and promote its prosperity, and not surely to benefit any particular locality—a commendable object on their part, and which could only be accomplished by a direct and short line to the sea. It is as unpatriotic as reprehensible on the part of anyone to magnify mere hills into mountains and carp and cavil at any great undertaking because it may not immediately benefit their locality. Self interest is apt to bias the judgement, and there are none so blind as hose who will not see—their vision is obscured while they are aware that they cannot, if they would change the order of nature, or lessen the natural privileges of any locality. The description of St. Andrews harbor and its unsurpassed advantages for trade and shipping purposes, in a previous issue of the Beacon was no more phantom flitting before the eye of imagination, but was based on the solidities of truth, and it is possible that several strong points may have been committed in my humble effort; it can be truthfully stated however, that I was actuated by those bright hopes which are the sun gleams of the soul and the description was not painted with rainbow colors, but with the . . . of a . . . gray.
            The true policy of our people is to persist in spite of opposition from any quarter in upholding the interests of their port; nothing can be obtained without effort. What is to be . . . and when the merits of the port and harbor are fully understood by those men of capital and enterprise, the CPR company, they will decide, the question of a terminal port for their line. The light of this prediction will stream upon the dark chambers of those who persistently ignore this port—its accuracy be admitted, and the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. It is something—nay, it is much to have a rightful comment on the subject. I have endeavoured to do my part without the stimulus or praise, or being actuated in any unworthy attempt to lessen other ports. References to the charming scenery and the air’s pure health giving properties, fishing, yachting and other attractions of this locality for summer tourists, have been so fully and frequently adverted to in previous articles, that it is unnecessary to repeat it, and I feel cheered by the present prospect of their having borne fruit. How truly the immortal bard expressed it, “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough hew them how we will.”
            I have added hope to hope even when all was shadowy, but am happy to add that we have passed out from the cloud, and the view is now tinged with roseate colors. To use an old French proverb—“Il ya encore de quoi . . ., anglice, the subject is now wholly exhausted.
            I do not profess to have more knowledge of the capacious harbor than others, nor as much as pilots and other nautical men, but I do claim an honest desire to make known its facilities to the best of my humble abilities. To adopt a homely couplet, “There is a work for me and a work for you, something for each of us now to do.” And no effort on my part will be spared, with the aid of the Beacon, to advance the interest of the town and the port of St. Andrews.

Beacon
Oct 3/1889
Interest in a water system has flagged since the rainy season has filled up all the wells.
St. Andrews the Winter Port
A Montreal despatch to one of the Toronto papers says: “Sir George Stephen and several magnates of the Intercolonial Railway are also there. It is believed their business is in connection with a disagreement about running powers over the Intercolonial. The CPR people say the government has broken an agreement made about the time the Short Line was opened. Some people are of opinion that if the government do not put the matter right the CPR will cut the Gordian knot by making St. Andrews their Canadian Atlantic port, letting Saint John and Halifax slide. Saint John and Halifax would do well to keep their eyes on St. Andrews.

Beacon
Oct 10/1889
Visit from Railway Magnates
Sir Donald Smith Makes a Hurried Inspection of the Future Winter Port
The air was full of rumours on Friday last, when it became known that a special train, with a number of railway magnates on board, was on its way to St. Andrews. "Van Horne is coming," said one gentleman, and as the refrain was taken up and spread throughout the town, speculation was rife as to the objects of his visit. Even when the train rolled into the station and it was learned that the CPR man was not among the passengers, speculation did not cease. The party was composed of Sir Donald Smith, Judge Bain, of Winnipeg, Mr. George Meighen, of Montreal, a brother-in-law of Sir George Stephen, Mr. Meighen's son-in-law and Mr. Cram, General Manager of the NBR. A barouche was in readiness for them, and the visitors at once started out for a drive. They circled the Park, and as the tide was ebbing, they had an excellent opportunity of witnessing the shore. After viewing the Park they drove to the Algonquin Hotel, where Mr. C. M. S. Horton, the Land Company's Superintendent, received them, and allowed them through the hotel from cellar to garret. They were all delighted with the hotel and the beautiful prospect that was to be obtained from it. Mr. Meighan said he would come down sure next season, and spend some weeks here with his family.  Mr. Hoar’s cottage was subsequently visited, and the party got out on foot and had a walk over the grounds. Sir Donald inspected the lot that had been chosen for him off the Bar Road, and he also obtained a glimpse of the lot the late Mr. Stephenson had purchased in the same neighbourhood. The party afterwards drove to Joe’s Point, after which they returned to their private cars and dined.
            Before dining, the Beacon reporter sought an interview with Mr. Cram, who very courteously informed him that the visit of Sir Donald and his companions had no significant whatsoever. They had been attending the meeting of the railway company in Saint John, and having half a day to spare they chose to spend it in visiting St. Andrews. This he said was the secret of the visit.
            About 4 o’clock, the special train which bore the visitors here, steamed away from SA, Mr. Cram going to Saint John, and the remained of the party pursuing their way to Montreal.

St. Andrews Harbour
It is satisfactory to observe, it being mentioned at least by some of the Provincial press, which only a few months ago did not consider it of sufficient importance to allude to it, and even now put it out of the category of was winter port for our system of railways, while they are straining every effort to improve their harbor, feeling their great need of deep water accommodation; these effort are commendable—there, is however, an old Greek adage, the English of which is “there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.” St. Andrews has been blessed by nature with sufficient deep water space for the largest and heaviest draft steamers, with abundant shore accommodation for wharves, stores, sheds, etc., which at the proper time, will be cheerfully tendered to those who purpose erecting these facilities for ocean an railway purposes. It is only a matter of time, which I am delighted to be assured is rapidly approaching.
            The presence of one or two more of the “railway magnates,” who were prevented by important negotiations from coming here during the past season, will conclude the business, and then—well, it is pleasant to know, that the seed sown has fructified, will hear fruit, and that my labors have not been in vain. Robbie burns advice, “Ye must aye keep something to yourself that ye will tell nobody” will be adhere to by – A. W. smith

Beacon
Nov 7/1889
Suspicious of SA
A Montreal despatch says that a new scheme is now mooted in connection with the CPR line from Montreal to Saint John. It is said that the CPR will extend a line from Mattawamkeag to the Grand Southern Crossing, and enter Saint John over the last-named road. It is claimed that over the new route two hours can be saved between Montreal and Saint John. The Saint John Sun sagely remarks that the suspicious eye will see as much of Sa, in the arrangement as either Saint John or Halifax. The St. John Gazette has been figuring out the distances by this latest route, and finds that between Montreal and Saint John, there would be just 29 miles saved. They compute the distances as follows: Montreal to Mattawamkeag, 335 miles; Mattawamkeag to NB crossing, 58 miles; NB crossing to Carleton, 59 miles—a total of 452 miles.
            The present distance is 481 miles. Referring to the matter the Gazette remarks:
            A saving in distance of 29 miles does not amount to a saving of two hours in time, but it may be safely calculated as one hour, and it would mean a saving of about 15 cents on every ton of freight carried from Montreal to Saint John. If the export of grain from Montreal to Saint John amounted to 5,000,000 bushes a year, the decreased distance would lessen the cost of moving it by about $22,000 annually, which would be no inconsiderable item. The proposed line would have the further advantage of giving the CPR a line wholly their own. There is no reason to believe that the relations of the CPR with the Maine Central and NBR Railway are otherwise than pleasant, but there is of course a good deal to be said in favor of the possession of a line which is wholly the property of the company controlling the traffic. That there is some probability in the rumor will hardly be doubted by those who understand the present situation of affairs. It is well known that the owners of the Shore Line are very anxious to sell that road which has not been paying its expenses, and is not likely to pay except under greatly altered conditions. On the other hand, the possession of the Shore Line would not only give the CPR an independent through line but a choice of harbor for their freight business. It might be as well for the people of this city to understand that there are other harbors in the Bay of Fundy capable of being made the winter port of Canada besides our own. If the CPR comes to the crossing of the NB Railway and shore line it may to St. Andrews or L’Etang, both of which are nearer to Montreal than this port. The distance from Montreal to tide water at St. Andrews by the proposed line would be 404 miles and to L’Etang 412 miles, so that both these places would have a considerable advantage over Saint John as regards distance, and distance is an important element in the carriage of freight, although sometimes competing line appear to disregard it.

Beacon
Deb 26/1889
The Dying Year
A few days more, and we will bid 1889 an everlasting farewell. The year that is now so fast drawing to a close has, we think we can safely say, been one of progress, so far as our own town is concerned. It is quite true that the “boom” did not do all that it was expected to; there is no boom that does. Nevertheless, the general situation of the town has vastly improved since last year. During the summer that has just passed away, St. Andrews was visited by many people—more than at any pervious time, and the outlook for next season is even better. Our magnificent hotel has attracted many who would not otherwise have come here, and it is satisfactory to know that some of our visitors are investing in lands with a view to making St. Andrews their permanent abode in summer time.
            This well, for we know of no place on the American continent where summers can be spent more enjoyably than here. The General business of the own ahs improved as a result of the influx of tourist, though the improvement has not been as marked as our business people would have liked. So far as our manufactures are concerned, we can record one addition, or perhaps we should say a resuscitation, for sardines unfortunately were manufactured here before. We are not in a position to state whether the pecuniary results of the season have been satisfactory to the sardine manufacturers, but we hope they have been, and that the factory will be in operation when the fishing time comes around again. We would like to be able to report the establishment of other industries, but we cannot do so. Probably, next year, will do better for us in this respect. It is certain that there are few places on the continent where manufacturers can enjoy so many privileges as are available in St. Andrews. The condition of the railway was never better than it is today. During the past summer the road bed was placed in first class shape, and as it stands now it cannot be excelled anywhere. We are beginning to reap some benefit from the CPR connection, but up to the present time our exports to the upper provinces have been confined almost entirely to fish and such like goods. By careful manipulation, and by sending nothing but the best class of fish, we can see no reason why this trade should not develop into very large proportions during the next few years. St. Andrews clearly has the facilities and the fish, and the men, too, if they go about the work in a proper sprit. The all important question as to which port in the Maritime Provinces is to be made the winter port, or whether any such is to be made, has not ye been answered. Other cities in the lower Provinces are using their utmost endeavour to secure the coveted prize, but the people of St. Andrews feel so confident of the superiority of their port over all others that they have done nothing whatever. We have very grave doubts as to the prudence of this method. With the keen competition of the present day, communities as well as individuals have got to hustle if they want to get along. The old policy of sitting down and waiting for business to come in is played out,

Beacon
March 6/1890
More Wharf Accommodation
Every day, the necessity of better wharf accommodation at this port is being forced upon us. As matters stand at the present time our wharf facilities are of the most meagre description. This condition of affairs might be excused if it were a difficult matter to reach deep water, but there is no port on the continent possessing greater water advantages than St. Andrews. At almost any point between Chamcook and the entrance to the inner harbor of St. Andrews a deep water wharf that would float the biggest ship could be erected at very little cost. A still better site for a deep water wharf would be at Joe’s Point, where the water is very bold. It would not be a difficult matter either to extend the railway along the harbor front to the Point. Such an extension would be a great help to the town, while the railway would also reap many advantages from it. We are assured that some, if not all, of the property owners along the harbor would gibe the railway the right of way free of charge. The additional expense of laying the rails would be not very great. This matter of wharf accommodation is a most vital one for this community, and no pains should be spared by our people to secure what ever one feels is so much needed.

Beacon
April 10, 1890
The Castine Terminus
The people of Castine, Maine, have not abandoned the idea of making their port the CPR terminus, although there are many persons on this side of the line who doubt that it will ever be accomplished. The Bangor News says the situation is this: the Grand Trunk road is permitted to take freight originating on American soil, and rail the same to Canadian ports for shipment abroad. The Canadian pacific, desire to take the same class of freight from American points, haul it over Canadian soil, then across Maine, to Canadian ports, and then ship abroad, merely using the highway in Maine to its own advantage. The Castine syndicate says this is not right, claiming that the CPR should be obliged to establish her shipping port in Maine, as the grand Trunk does in winter. Senator Hale has presented a bill looking to this end, and the Castine men expect it to go through. They hold the key to the situation in the shape of a charter and if anyone thinks they do not mean business, he should consider the fact that a syndicate has caused four surveys to be made, three from Castine to Bangor, and one from Bangor to Milo, at a cost of $19,500 and still has upwards of $2500 left for such purposes. Who are the men who have put out this sum, no one knows, save those who are on the inside; but these have assured the people along the line that the road would be built anyway, if $100,0000 was given them and $85,000 has been so pledged

Beacon
June 5/1890
Our National Highway
The map of the CPR, “the world’s highway to the Orient”, which has just been issued, gives an excellent idea of the immensity of this great line of iron rails which enfolds a continent within its embrace. All the connections between the Atlantic and the Pacific are clearly shown, also the courses followed in crossing the Atlantic from Halifax to Liverpool, and the Pacific from Vancouver to China and Japan and Australia. The only sections of the road which do not bear the CPR name are those between Mattawamkeag and Halifax, -- the Maine Central, NB and Intercolonial railways, and if report be true it is only a matter of time—and s short time at that—when all these roads will be united under one system. We have heard it stated that the transfer of the NB road would take place about the first of July. The recent tour of inspection of Manager Van Horne over the NBR gives strength to this rumor. On the map to which we refer the port of St. Andrews looms out quite prominently, and considering the admirable facilities it has to offer for terminal purposes, it is fitting that it would.

Beacon
June 12/1890
A Crying Want
One of the most crying wants that St. Andrews has at the present time is better wharf accommodation. It is true that we have wharves here, but they are not the class of wharves that is wanted. What we want is one or more deep water wharves, where vessels of any size can be afloat at any and all times of tide. The inner harbor offers very little opportunity for the erection of such wharves, the entrance being too narrow, and the water too shallow. But, in the outer harbor, there is abundance of room for them. Perhaps no better site for a wharf could be found than at Katy’s Cove. The beach there is very bold, and the area to be built up would be small, as compared with site that might be named. Besides its nearness to the railway would give it an additional advantage. We think that the time is ripe for the people of St. Andrews to make a move in the direction of procuring better wharves. The railway company need better wharf accommodation here than they can now obtain, and there is little doubt that they would assist by their influence, and probably by their cash, too, in the erection of wharf. The Provincial government, we believe, would give a grant to the work, and if pressure was brought to bear upon the Dominion government some aid might also be obtained form that quarter. The political influences that are at work may in a very short time impair the chance of procuring the provincial grant, hence the strongest reason why the matter should be pressed to a conclusion at once.

Beacon
July 3/1890
A New Terminus
A company of Boston capitalists, says a despatch from Ottawa, have undertaken the task of establishing a new Atlantic seaport. The company has acquired a large quantity of land at the east end of the Strait of Canso, NS, with miles of water front where the new Liverpool is to be planted. Tis distant five miles from Port Mulgrave, the present terminus of the Intercolonial Railway. The company will connect their new city with Port Mulgrave by railway, and have obtained an order in council from the government agreeing that the line will be operated when built as a part of the Intercolonial system.  The terminal city is situated on what is described as the finest natural harbor on the Atlantic coast. Steamer will be put on the roué between the terminal city and Liverpool, and it is calculated that passage can be made in four days, enabling passengers and mails to be delivered in NY or Montreal one day earlier than is possible at present.

Beacon
July 31/1890
The New Brunswick Railway
The stockholders of the NB railway have ratified the transfer of the road the CPR. The meting for that purpose was held in Saint John on Friday afternoon, among those present being Sir George Stephen, Mr. Meighen, Hon. Henry Stearns, and Mr. E. R. Burpee. The act of last winter authorizing the issue of consolidated stock was accepted and the directors were authorized to enter into an agreement with the CPR. Several matter of detail were deferred until the regular meeting of the NBR stockholders, which will be held on the 7th prox. It is understood that there will be very few important changes in the running of the road, the change of management being perhaps the most radical. By the lease of the NBR, the CPR has secured as fine a railway property as there is anywhere in the Dominion. The road-bed at all points is in the best of order, and the rolling stock and equipments could scarcely be better. This satisfactory state of affairs is largely due to the exertions of the retiring manager, Mr. Cram, and the fact is one which the NBR stockholders hold not lose sight of.
            The new manager of the line, Mr. Timmerman, received his first introduction to St. Andrews last week. He is evidently a thorough railroad man, and being of genial manner, we have no doubt that he will soon popularize himself in his new position. Mr. Timmerman is charmed with SA, and well he might be, and has no hesitation in saying that a summer resort it has a brilliant future before it. He was not so frank in giving his views as to the prospects of this port being used for freight purposes, though admitting that there wee exceptional natural facilities here. From the tone of his conversation thee is evidently a disposition on the part of the CPR to utilize this port as coal depot. If his idea were carried out it would prove a great benefit to the place, and would no doubt, lead to other freight being shipped here. In this way quite respectable freighting business might b worked up in a few years. From a railway standpoint, the bringing of coal by way of St. Andrews should prove highly advantageous, as it would relieve the main line of a very heavy burden, and would have room for a great deal more freight.

Visit From the New Manager
Mr. Timmerman, who has succeeded Mr. Cram in the management of the railway, visited St. Andrews last week in company with Mr. Cram. He is a young man, of genial manner, frank disposition, and evidently wide experience. In the few minutes conversation which the Beacon had with him he stated that he was charmed with Sa, and as summer resort he believed it had a bright future before it. He said that the would do all in his power to help the town along, and that it was the intention of the CPR shortly to run sleeping cars from here for the benefit of visitors.
            Mr. Timmerman said he recognized the natural advantages we had here for ding a hipping business,, but he did not know whether the CPR proposed to utilize them or not. He thought that a profitable business might be worked up if St. Andrews was made a distributing point for coal for this end of the road, but suitable wharves would be needed, and there would have to be some provision made for return cargoes for the large vessels which they would utilize in this business.

Our Port
The newspapers of Saint John and Halifax are engaged in their periodical controversy over the question, which has the better harbour. The Haligonians say that the harbor of Saint John is little better than a mud flat or a mill race, while their Saint John confreres retort in kind and declare that Halifax harbor not only freezes in the winter, but during a great part of the time is so surrounded by fog as to be practically inaccessible. We don’t like to say unkind things about our neighbors, but we cannot refrain from remaking that we fail to see what either port has to boast about in the matter of harbor. Neither harbor can offer any comparison to that of Sa, which is not excelled by another harbor on the North Atlantic coast. Here there is a sheet of water, protected on all sides, where, to use a well-worn expression, the navies of the world might safely ride at anchor. There is good anchorage almost anywhere in it, and along its shores, there is no difficulty in finding locations for wharves where there would be thirty feet of water at the lowest tide. The entrances to it are broad and deep, and the channels plainly defined and well-lighted. At the lowest run of tide the largest vessels can enter in safety, a remark which will not apply to some other harbor son this coast about which a good deal of boasting is being done. Added to these advantages is the fact that it is the nearest Canadian port on the Atlantic from Montreal, and this fact is a strong argument init favor. Taken all in all, we have no hesitation in saying that there is not another port in lower Canada possessing the natural facilities for ding a shipping business that we have here.

#Beacon
Aug. 7/1890
Among the Islands
The Railway
The Wharf Question
From time to time we have urged upon our people the advisability of taking some action wit a view to providing better wharf accommodation at this port. We hope that our words have not been entirely lost. We have reason to believe that Mr. Van Horne, the CPR manager, is quite favourably impressed with St. Andrews as a shipping port and with the facilities it has to offer as a coal depot. Mr Cram, we are told, pressed the matter very strongly upon his attention, and during the flying visit Mr. Van Horne made here recently he saw enough to convince him that Mr. Cram’s statements were well grounded. If an effort was made to provide a suitable wharf or wharves it might do much toward hastening the consummation that we so devoutly wish for here. We have no doubt that both the Dominion and Provincial governments would willingly aid the enterprise, if it was taken hold of by responsible parties.

Beacon
Aug. 14/1890
Wharf Improvements
We want to keep our people alive on this wharf question. Something will have to be done, and that promptly, to better our condition in this respect, else the port will be a serious loser. The management of the CPR have been enquiring as to our present port facilities for the discharging of coal, and the answer they have received has not been as favorable as it ought to have been. Everyone must feel that it is to our interest to get control of this coal business, and no reasonable effort should be spared to obtain it. We may rest assured that other things will follow in its wake. If the CPR find it advantageous to bring their coal by way of SA, they may find it equally advantageous to provide outward cargoes for the steamers they will employ in that business. And who can predict what else will follow?

Plain Talk
A little plain talk now and then can do no harm, and may be the means of doing much good. We propose doing a little now, in what we conceive to be the interest of the public. We may possibly tread upon somebody’s corns in the do doing; if so, they will have to stand from under. We presume that every permanent resident of St. Andrews is anxious that the town should become prosperous, and that it should take rank among the progressive towns of Canada. Nature has contributed liberally towards this end, a few individuals have also assisted, but as a community, what has been done? Practically nothing. The policy pursed by the people of St. Andrews for years past has been a waiting policy. Like Micawber, they have constantly been waiting for something to turn up. Instead of going to work in earnest themselves to help the town along they have been waiting for somebody else to do it for them, and then grumbling because they did not do it fast enough to suit their ideas. The effect of this policy is to be seen on every hand.
            What we would ask, has the community done wards building up St. Andrews as summer resort? Have any improvements been made other than those made by a few private individuals or corporations? Has anything been done to show that the people of the town are really and heartily in sympathy with the movement? All sensible people will concede that if the town is to prosper as a summer resort, a system of water works and sewerage is an absolute necessity. Has any move been made towards getting it? None whatever? When the matter was urged upon the attention of the people by the Beacon last year an apparent interest was awakened, but it soon died out, and nothing was done. Incorporation was suggested as a possible advantage; it has been warmly commended by every one with progressive ideas, but yet the question is still in abeyance. The improvement of wharves and slips, the erection of bathing houses, and planting of shade trees, the establishing of a public library, are among other good and necessary things that have been advocated from time to time. Still, we are without them, and unless some outside philanthropists supply the town with them, we are likely to be without them for some time to come.
            We know that there are people here who would like to see the town become something more than a resort for summer sojourners. No one can desire that more sincerely than we do ourselves, yet we recognize that if the town is ever to attain to anything more than it is at present, the people will have to bestir themselves. We can tell those who are withholding their sympathy and assistance from the scheme to make of St. Andrews a leading summer resort, that they are injuring the town in other directions very materially. The CPR, who now control the line running into SA, are interested in the success of the town as summer recreation ground. It is to their advantage to build up the town as such, for every tourist coming to it adds to their wealth either directly or indirectly. Whatever other hopes the people of this town may entertain with respect to its future are centred and grounded to a large degree in the same railway. It is to the CPR we look for the utilization of our splendid water privileges, to them we look for the realization of hopes long cherished. Looking at matter in this light, we would ask it is prudent for us to incur the displeasure of a corporation that can do such much for us, of good or ill? We, at least, do not think so, and so long as the Beacon is spared its voice will ever be raised against such a suicidal policy.
            In concluding, we would again urge upon the people of this community the necessity of their doing something themselves towards lifting the town out of the antiquated groove it has been running in the last quarter of a century. Let them cast petty political and personal differences aside and join hands together for the common good. We are confident they will never regret it. Heaven helps those that help themselves is a saying that applies with as much force to communities as to individuals.

Beacon
Aug. 21/1890
The Canada Pacific
General Manager Van Horne Talks to the Beacon
SJ to be the Eastern Terminus, St. Andrews may become a Coal Depot

The people of St. Andrews have been looking forward for some time to a visit from General manager Van Horne, and they have got it. The big railway manager came down from St. Stephen in a carriage, on Wednesday afternoon, bringing with him assistant manager Shaughnessy, General Superintendent Timmerman, Mr. white, M. P. for Pembroke, Ontario, and Messrs. McLean and Cross, of the Shore Line Railway. Superintendent McPeake, of the latter line, came here the same evening.
            the party drove at once to the Algonquin, and after feasting their eyes on the picturesque beauties of the neighborhood as seen from the hotel tower, adjourned to the dining hall, where a grand spread was given them. After they had done ample justice to the toothsome viands and had arisen satisfied with themselves and with everything about them, the Beacon thought it a favorable opportunity for “striking” Manager Van Horne for an interview. He graciously assented, though the significant remark “I don’t know anything,” which accompanied the assent, rather dampened the interviewer’s ardour.
            “After parrying for an opening,” as the fighting editor would say, the interviewer made bold to ask the CPR manager what his special interest was in going over the Shore Line, or if he had any special object. “There is not special object in it,” replied Mr. Van Horne. “the fact is just this. Mr. Cross, who is a director of the Shore Line, is also interested in the Canada Pacific, and when he learned that we were going to St. Stephen he invited us to take the trip over his road. That’s all there’s to it.”
            “And the CPR has no present intention of acquiring the Shore Line?”
            “None.”
            “Is there anything in the rumor that the CPR contemplates running a line of road from Mattawamkeag to tap the shore Line?”
            “No. We have a lease of running privileges for fifty years from the Maine Central for that portion of road between Mattawamkeag and Vanceboro, and that we deem sufficient for present requirements.”
            “How do you like SA?”
            “I am very much pleased, though I must confess I formed rather an unfavorable opinion of it when I was last here, a few weeks ago. The day was wet and gloomy, I was in a hurry, and I got rather a gloomy idea of the place. But after today I will take back all that I said against it. It is a beautiful place, and should become a popular resort.”
            “Knowing how deeply interested the people of St. Andrews are in the matter I would ask you if the CPR has any intention of utilizing our water privileges either for the purpose of bringing in coal or for other purposes?”
            “We will have a coal dock in Saint John and we have been considering the advisability of splitting the business up and bringing a portion of it here. But I can’t tell you anything about it yet. Mr. Timmerman is pushing enquiries now, and after he has completed them, we can tell better. However, I understand your wharf privileges are not very good. We will bring our coal from Cape Breton by steamer. They will need no return cargoes, as they will simply fill up with water ballast and start off again.”
            “Will Saint John get much freight business from the road?”
            “That depends largely on the facilities they provide. I am afraid, however, that the long land haul will operate seriously against Saint John. Land carriage you know, is much more costly than water carriage, and this business is one that cannot carry a very heavy tax.”
            “You should bear in mind that the land haul by way of St. Andrews is much shorter than by way of Saint John ,” interjected the interviewer.
            “The difference is not a great deal in a long haul, and would not affect the cost very much. Beside, Saint John possesses advantages that St. Andrews does not have. that port is already made, and it is well known to the commercial world, while St. Andrews is not. You should also bear in mind that Boston and Portland give a much shorter land haul than either St. Andrews or Saint John.”
            “Provided a deep water wharf was built here, would the Canadian Pacific utilize it?”
            “Do you know,” queried the General Manager in reply, “what amount of money it would cost to put a place like this in shape for a steamship business? It would coast at least half a million dollars to build docks, warehouses, yards, etc. And where is this to come from unless the business of the road is taxed for it? This business will not stand a tax, and we will have to go to the cheapest port.”
            “Will this bonding difficulty affect the road to any extent?”
            “I have not heard anything about it except what was in the papers. They are constantly finding mares’ nests. We don’t let them bother us, and in the end things work out all right. I don’t think it will affect us much.”
            “Is it proposed to extend the line beyond Edmunston?”
            “We have not thought of that. Besides we have very few interests up there.”
            “Don’t you think that an all-Canadian line would be advantageous, in the event of trouble with the United States?”
            “It’s not an All-Canadian line we are after,” replied Mr. Van Horne, smiling. “It is the short line. Those people (meaning the United States people) are not the kind of people to smash a dollar glass belonging to their neighbor, when they have a ten-dollar glass of their own exposed.”
            “Is the CPR interested in the Leary dock project.”
            ”It is not interested in any way whatever. Mr. Leary is a purely private speculator.”
            “Is there any intention on the part of the CPR to remove the McAdam machine shops?”
            “No, they are in the right place. It is a central point, the roads radiating from it in different directions. There will always have to be shops there. It would mean a difference of perhaps $50,000 a year in the working of the road to remove the shops from where they are now.”
            “Do you intend making any improvements or extensions at SS?”
            “No. The fact is, everything is new to us, and we don’t know what we may need. We will try, however, to do the best for all sections.”
            “Is it intended to continue to operate the New Brunswick road under the old name?”
            “We had at first intended to run it as an independent road, but it is likely that when the lease is perfected, which will be in about four weeks, the road will be operated as part of the Canada Pacific system.”
            At this juncture, the interviewer’s stock of questions began to manifest evidence of exhaustion, seeing which the interviewed slipped away, and in an instant was so surrounded by friends as to prevent any possibility of the attack being renewed.
            manager Van Horne adjourned with his party to the cars at an early hour, and by daylight were speeding towards Fredericton, where they took a run over Mr. Gibson’s railway to Chatham. it is rumoured that the Canada Pacific will purchase the line, but it is probable that they have no more intention of purchasing it they have purchasing the Shore Line.

Beacon
Aug 21, 1890
Railway Matters
There is not a great deal of comfort for the people of St. Andrews in the remarks which General Manager Van Horne of the CPR made to the Beacon last Wednesday evening, yet there is some consolation to be obtained from the thought that railway managers, as a rule, are not proverbial for their candour. That Saint John is to become the eastern terminus of the road would appear to be a certainty, but to what extent that port is to be utilized for the shipment of freight is not yet clear. We notice that an apparent effort is being made to get control of the Carleton Branch railway and on obtaining of that branch will probably depend to some degree the amount of business that Saint John will get. The passing allusion to Boston and Portland, while it may mean nothing, is to us rather significant, as showing that the tendency of the mind of the manager is towards carrying the traffic of the road to the cheapest port, irrespective of nationality.
            If Mr. Van Horne speaks truly, and there is no particular reason why he should lie about it, the CPR has no intention of acquiring he Shore Line or of running a line from Mattawamkeag to connect with it. Doubtless, the Shore Line people would like to sell if they could get a good price for their property, but there is no immediate prospect of a sale being consummated. The proposed extension from Mattawamkeag appears to be wholly imaginary, though there can be little doubt that it would give a much more direct, and hence shorter line to Saint John than that the CPR now controls. But whether it would pay or not is a question that we cannot determine.
            The making of a coal port of St. Andrews would, we feel, be a great benefit to the place, and would undoubtedly attract other and, perhaps more remunerative business. But if we are to get this or any other boon from the railway we have got to work for it and show that we esteem it. In discussing the matter with Superintendent Timmerman recently, he pointed out as an indication that the people of St. Andrews were indifferent, that the lessee of a certain wharf had prevented a steamship company doing business on it from making some needed repairs. Now, we do not know how far this may be true, but we maintain, that such a circumstance, if it occurred, should not be accepted as indicative of the sentiment of the community. The sentiment of this community, and we say it without fear of contradiction, is in favor of any project the CPR company may suggest that will help the own along. Unhappily, we are so situated here that there is no recognized medium, except the press, through which to give voice to the sentiments of the community, but we trust that the day is not far distant when this cause for complaint will be removed.


Beacon
Sept 18/1890
The Short Line
When the Dominion exchequer was being drained of its thousands to assist in the completion of the CPR, there were many who were include to grumble, and who did grumble, at what they considered the criminal recklessness of the government in this matter. But their fears were quieted and their criticism to great degree silenced by the brilliant pictures which were dangled before their eyes of the wealth that was to flow to Canada upon the completion of this great national undertaking. The people of these lower provinces were to be particularly favour. Their ports were to be filled with scores of ocean steamers seeking cargoes of golden grain from the West, tall elevators were to spring up like mushrooms, warehouse and docks would be erected, and wealth “like a river” was to flow into our coffers. In short, the era of happiness would dawn upon us when the last spike in the Shot Line had been driven.
            Well, the last spike has been driven home many months since, yet the commercial millennium has not yet brightened the horizon of our lives. The steamers have not reached us; not an elevator or warehouse has been erected; not a pound of gold grain has been brought to our shores for shipment. When will they come? Will they ever come? These are questions we would like to have answered. The railway managers, who in consideration of the vast amount of our money that has been used to aid them in the accomplishment of their scheme, might justly apply themselves to the answering of these questions show no disposition to do so. On the contrary they have practically intimated that unless everything is in apple-pie order for them at our ports they will have nothing to do with them. Surely this is not right. Surely we are entitled to a little more consideration than this at the hands of the railway managers.
            We were told that their object in building the shore Line was to obtain an exit at the nearest Canadian port on the Atlantic. St. Andrews enjoys the distinction of being such a port, and possesses all the natural qualifications that are necessary for a large steamship business, yet there appears to be no disposition on the part of the CPR manager to avail themselves of it.  even at Saint John , which is said to have been selected as the eastern terminus of the road, nothing has been done to show that he CPR intend to utilize it as a port of shipment.

Beacon
Sept 24, 1890
The CPR and SA
Although the people of St. Andrews have given no outward sign that they desire their port to be utilized by the CPR, we must take it for granted that such a desire exists. But, will the railroad utilize it? T hat is a question we cannot answer, but we think if the people of the town applied themselves to the subject with a little degree of spirit and animation, that they might possibly get an answer. Unfortunately we are without any corporate body that might act as a mediator between the people and the railroad, hence whatever is done will have to be done through another medium. If we might be allowed to offer a suggestion, we would advise that a pubic meeting be called with by the parish councillors or by two or three prominent citizens, and that a committee be appointed to wait upon the heads of the railway personally, or to draw up a memorial, to be forwarded to the, laying before them in as strong terms as possible (and the fact swill warrant the strongest terms) the advantages of the port, and pledging certain assistance in the way of building wharves or granting land on which to build, provided the railroad will utilize it. If this were done, we think it might be ascertained to what extent the railroad proposes to make use of the port. At all events it could do no harm. We hope that some united actions will be taken on this matter\, and that at once.

Beacon
Oct 16, 1890
Wharf Business
We are glad to see an indication that the people of St. Andrews are awakening to the necessity of doing something themselves in the direction of providing better wharf facilities at this port. Such facilities are an absolute necessity if we would reap any benefit from our present railway connections. The CPR is desirous of utilizing this port as coal depot, and it behoves every one who has an interest in the place to render them every possible assistance towards this end. We feel satisfied that if the coal business of the road was done here that other things would follow. The people of St. Andrews have been too long cherishing the delusion that in some mysterious s way, without any labor on their part, this port would suddenly leap into prominence, and become the leading Canadian port on the Atlantic coast. The picture that they have held before their imagination is an attractive one, but experience must surely have taught them that if there is to e an advancement they must throw off their coats themselves and work earnestly, unitedly and determinedly to secure it. If they do this they ay be able in some degree to realize their lifetime dream. If they do not work in the spirit that we have pointed out, but let matter drift along as they have been doing, the sooner the services of the undertaker are called in the better. Men of enterprise will not remain in a community where the people are dead to their own interest and capitalist would avoid it as they would a plague sown city. We speak thus forcibly because we feel it, our duty to do so. We are anxious tat the fullest advantage should be taken of our splendid water privileges, and will do everything in our power to assist it.
             We have good reason for believing that government assistance can be procured to aid this project if the people agitate for it and show that they are really anxious to get it, hence we think that they should go to work at once, and leave no labor unperformed until their desires are accomplished.

October 16, 1890
Beacon
The Grand Trunk wants St. Andrews as a Winter Port
Aroostook people are now hoping to get a more direct communication with the outside market through the Grand Trunk railway, which it is said has already made some promises to them. This means very much. The Grand Trunk long controlled the freight business from the eastern provinces to the west, because it was a much shorter distance from Saint John via the NB and Maine central and Grand Trunk roods to Montreal or Chicago than it was via the Intercolonial railroad, up around the north of NB. When the CPR got is short line through Maine the business fell off to this road. The Grand Trunk wants to recover it, and knowing ones see in the extension of the Temiscouta road, which is controlled by the Grand trunk, into Northern Maine, something more than a bid for local traffic. The latest rumor is that this road is to be extended down across the state to SA, NB, which will be made a winter port of the Grand Trunk. –Maine paper

It is understood that Minister’s Island has been bonded for the sum of $20,000, some western people having fancied it as a site for summer cottages.

A Deep Sea wharf—An Imperative Necessity
Is it not time that the people of this port made a powerful effort, towards the erection of a deep sea wharf of sufficient capacity for ocean steamships to load and discharge at with a commodious storehouse, and thus offer facilities for a large shipping and commercial enterprise? Saint John and Halifax have been expending large sums of money, and making every effort to bring their ports into prominence and secure if possible, the large business which the CPR will undoubtedly control, and have their harbor selected for its shipping terminus. St. Andrews must offer such facilities and inducements, to have it unrivalled harbor selected as a terminus by the CPR, company. The details to accomplish this much deserved object, I leave for others to develop; No time should be lost, this important mater requires prompt and will considered action, or the port may be left unnoticed. I have therefore written so full y on the subject, that I will not trespass yon your space, but suggest that a strong and spirited effort be made, and feel that there is no such word as fail. I have an abiding faith in our harbor facilities.
a. W. smith

Beacon
Oct 23/1890
Seeking Salvation
What shall we do to be saved? To consider this momentous question, twenty or thirty representative citizens met on Friday night last. From the tenor of the speeches, it was evident that the people of St. Andrews and the Beacon are in perfect accord on one point, viz., that if this port is to receive any benefits from its present railroad connections, other than as a summer resort, we have got to make an effort to provide suitable facilities. Or in other words, we have got to help ourselves and be prepared to make personal sacrifices if necessary. The meeting decided that the hour had come for prompt and determined action. What this action will be depends largely upon the railway authorities and the people of this town. The scheme so far developed is to make an effort to raise $75,000, which would be offered to the CPR as a bonus, in case they would build a deep water wharf, and provide the necessary warehouses and elevators for the shipment of grain. The citizens would be asked to allow themselves to be assessed $1250 for twenty years, and the Provincial and Dominion Government should be petitioned to grant a subsidy of $2500 each for a period of ten years.  Should the railway be unwilling to accept the bonus upon these conditions, then an effort will be made to secure the erection of a suitable coal dock, in order that we may be able to obtain a small share at least of the business of the road.
            If the railway should accept the original proposition, we cannot see how any reasonable man could withhold his assent from the proposed arrangement. As for the governments, hey could not well refuse such a subsidy. The Provincial government has received pretty solid support from this County for years past, and the heads thereof would, doubtless, be glad of an opportunity to manifest their gratitude. Other motive might prompt the Dominion government to grant the needed assistance.
            In a week or two a public meeting will be called to discuss the matter. In the meantime the rate-payers can find no more profitable employment than in turning the subject over in their minds. It is one of vital importance to this community, and should be approached in a manly spirit, as befitting the descendants of those patriotic spirits who in days of yore did and dared so much for the welfare of St. Andrews. Other communities, with fewer natural advantages than we possess, are moving along triumphantly and prosperously. Yet we are in a measure standing still in a commercial sense. Why is this? Is it not because those other communities have utilized the few talents with which they were endowed, while we have buried our many talents in the earth? Let a man possess all the educational attainments possible, yet if he does not put them to proper use, his life will be the most miserable failure. And so with communities. If they have advantages, and do not make use of them, or induce other to do so, it is useless for them to expect to succeed. In those days . . .
             So far as St. Andrews is concerned, we believe the progress of the community rests largely if not altogether, in it eh hands of the people themselves. If the cannot themselves utilize the gifts which Nature has so liberally endowed them with, they should encourage others to do so. They should encourage strangers to come in and make their abode with them, for thereby the may be “entertaining angels unawares.” Advertise the town, throw out inducements to capitalists and manufacturers to come in, give a cordial support to every new enterprise, work harmoniously together for the common good. This prescription we think, contains the essential ingredient for making a healthy town. A liberal dose of this medicine for say ten years ought to make every vein and artery throb with new life and vigor. Try it.

Up in the Aroostook
Some of the Aroostook papers are excelling themselves in the abuse they are heaping upon the CPR, and upon its representative, Mr. Timmerman. Why whey should do so is not very clear, unless it is to create a feeling against the CPR in the hope that it will hasten the building of the contemplated Aroostook line. The CPR people, since taking over the NB line, have done their best to foster and assist the Aroostook trade, and instead of being abused are entitled to thanks. Aroostook shippers were never so well provided with cars to forward their shipments in as they were this year, the CPR being able to draw in a lot of their cars from distant points of their line. In addition to this a number of improvement have been made along the route. A handsome new passenger station has been erected at Houlton, and other station buildings in that section have been improved in many ways. We think that Aroostook people owe an apology to Mr. Timmerman for having abused him so shamefully, while he was trying to assist them and advance their interests.

SJ and the CPR
One of the Saint John papers—we think it was the Globe—complained the other day that the store for the NB division of the CPR railway cars were now being purchased in Montreal instead of Saint John, and that in consequence Saint John would lose between $80,000 and $90,000 in trade. If this were a fact the Globe would have good cause for complaining, but we are assured, on what we consider undoubted authority, that such is not the case. Although the general storekeeper at Montreal has charge of the stores at this end of the line, and all store are bought through him, yet the purchases are made in Saint John as before, and will continue so to be made. That it is to the advantage of the road to purchase supplied in Saint John is evident when it is considered that a great part of the material they buy is brought to Saint John over the CPR and the road is benefited by the freight received from it. If the same goods were bought in Montreal, they would have to be dead-headed down and the line would not receive any advantage from them. This is one reason and a very good reason too, why Saint John will still continue to be purchasing center.
            SJ has lost nothing by its connection with the CPR. On the contrary, it has been a great gainer, and its gains will be augmented still more when the CPR has got possession of the Carleton branch line. It is useless for the Saint John people to expect the railway to make improvements until it has got hold of this branch line.

Owners of the shorefront in the vicinity of Katy’s Cove have stated their willingness to give the CPR the right of way over their property free of charge, in case they would build a deep water wharf here.  That’s a generous offer, and the CPR should avail themselves of it.

The First Sun
Movement in Aid of a Railway Wharf
Representative Citizens Agree that the Time has Come for Action
A number of representative citizens met in the hall over Mr. Frank Mowatt’s store, on Friday evening last, for the purpose of considering what steps shall be taken towards securing the erection of a suitable railroad wharf at St. Andrews.
            Among those present were Sheriff Stuart; Couns. Grimmer and Forster; Dr. S. T. Gove; Dr. Osburn, Messrs. A. W. Smith; W. E. Mallory; B. F. DeWolfe; F. A. Stevenson; M. N. Cockburn; T. R. Wren; W. Snodgrass; James Stoop; T. N. Hartt; W. M. Magee; Thos. Grady; Frank Mowatt; Percy G. Hanson; W. D. Lorimer; E. A. Cockburn; Thos. Black; James Cummings and James Scallan.
            Sheriff Stuart was appointed chairman, after which spirited addresses were delivered by Dr. Gove, Mr. Smith. Mr. F. A. Stevenson, the Councillors present, Judge Cockburn, Mr. Armstrong and others.
            The meeting was unanimous of the opinion that the time had come for taking decided action towards the securing of a suitable wharf. One of the speakers intimated that a site for the wharf had been promised. Another outlined a feasible scheme, by which $75,000 could be raised. It was thought the Provincial and Dominion governments would, if asked, grant a subsidy of $2500 each for ten years, and the townspeople would tax themselves $1250 a year for twenty years for the same purpose. This sum would be given to the CPR as a bonus, provided they erected a wharf, grain elevator, warehouse and the necessary terminal facilities here. If they would not do this then to raise a sufficient sum to erect a coal dock.
            It was resolved to call a public meeting to obtain the voice of the people on the subject, and a committee composed of R. E. Armstrong, W. D. Forster, G. D. Grimmer, M. N. Cockburn, F. A. Stevenson and W. Snodgrass was appointed to arrange for the meeting and to invite a number of representative men from the County to be present and deliver addresses.
            The tone of the meeting was decidedly progressive.

Railroad Visitors
Mr. H. P. Timmerman, of the NB division of the CPR, Mr. E. Tiffin, freight agent and Mr. Moses Burpee, engineer, came in from St. Stephen by special on Wednesday last. They were inspecting the road, with a view to ascertaining what repairs were necessary. They inspected the bridge at Katy’s Cove on Thursday morning.
            During a brief conversation with Mr. Timmerman he stated that the CPR had not given up the idea of utilizing St. Andrews as a coal depot in conjunction with Saint John. In the spring he proposed sending a few cargoes of coal here as an experiment. At the present time this railroad wharf, which is leased from the Steamboat Company, is out of repair. An effort has been made to have the necessary repairs made.
            Mr. Timmerman says he is prepared to do all in his power to advance the interest of St. Andrews. He is satisfied that its railway scan do much for it in the way of summer business, and also in the carriage of freight.

Beacon
Oct 30/1890
Railway Matters
From an authoritative source it is learned that Halifax has been decided upon as the Atlantic terminus of the CPR. This piece of information is at variance with statements made by President Van Horne to the Beacon representative during a recent interview, but, as we remarked at the time, railroad managers as a rule, are not proverbial for their candour, particularly to newspaper men. On the occasion referred to, Mr. Van Horne stated, without any apparent mental reservation, that Saint John was to be the terminal port, and since then we have been assured more than once that as soon as the CPR obtained possession of the Carleton Branch road, the alterations and improvements incident to a terminus would be pushed forward with all speed. Another statement made by President Van Horne to the Beacon was that he had grave doubt whether the long land haul to Saint John would not seriously operate against the success of Saint John as a terminus. The thought naturally arises that if the long land haul to Saint John would be too expensive the haul to Halifax would be still more expensive, and would so increase the cost of carriage as to place that port entirely outside of the pale of consideration. But this by the way. There is no doubt that it will be a crushing disappointment to Saint John if Halifax is made the terminus of the road, but it may be that if the CPR acquires the Carleton Branch line some arrangement will be made by which Saint John will get a portion of the trade. So far as this port is concerned, the conviction grows upon us that it will play but little part as an ocean terminus, but it would be unmanly and unbusinesslike, we think for the people of St. Andrews to let the matter go for default. If, after a persistent and honest effort to have the advantages of our port recognized by the railway we should be unsuccessful, then let us turn to something else.

That the CPR is seriously contemplating making St. Andrews a coal port is true, and anything that our people can do towards assisting the road in this direction should be done willingly. As yet, however, no indication has been given that the road needs assistance. We observe that during a recent visit to Woodstock Superintendent Timmerman urged upon the enterprising merchants of that town the importance of making Woodstock a basis for coal supply. This is a good suggestion, and is worth looking into by the Woodstock people. By utilizing St. Andrews as a port of discharge, which would undoubtedly be done if Mr. Timmerman’s suggestion was carried out, the Woodstock merchants could get an unlimited supply of coal very promptly and cheaply, the road would be benefited by the increased traffic over a portion of the line which is not now used as much as it might be, and the port of St. Andrews would also reap some advantages. Thus the resultant benefits from such an arrangement would . . .

The Shiretown Aroused
(Courier)
We are pleased to notice that St. Andrews is alive to the necessity that exists for some movement on the part of its people, if they expect to share in the benefits which must come to the Maritime Provinces as a result of the completion of the CPR. The movement which is outlined by our Shiretown correspondent in his notes this week seems thoroughly practical, and if followed up with persistence and energy, must be productive of good. Time and time again the CPR authorities have intimated that, if the people of any seaport desire help from the railway, they must first undertake to help themselves. That St. Andrews has advantages as a point of shipment possessed by no other port in the Maritime Provinces has been urged repeatedly by this paper, and has been admitted by those who have studied the matter and are in a better position than the uninitiated to judge. All that is required is a proper effort to make these advantages available and to be in a position to hold out some inducement that may be sufficient to attract traffic. Once the trade is directed toward the port, it will flow freely, and with ever increasing vigor, without further effort on the part of its inhabitants.
            It is eminently proper that other sections of the county should be requested to assist in the movement, for what will benefit St. Andrews in this particular must prove of benefit to us all. And we have no doubt that a generous response will be made by all who may be invited to assist. With united effort, there can be no reason to doubt that enough can be done to interest the railway authorities and to make St. Andrews a sharer, as it should be, in the profits arising from the enormous traffic, yet in its incipient stages, that will be carried over Canada’s great trans-continental railway for shipment to land across the sea.

Agitating Still
(Fredericton Globe)
The Pluck and perseverance with which St. Andrews has held to the winter port question are worthy of a town of far greater pretensions. So much sphinx-like secrecy has enshrouded the intention of the CPR, that Saint John and Halifax have almost grown weary over their struggle for this supremacy, while Fredericton after the way in which Halifax receded from her demand for the Harvey Salisbury line, has lately remained as inactive as if the matter were a dead issue. People who watched the collapse of the big building lot boom in St. Andrews a short time ago might imagine that a quietus was then given to the ambition of her citizens. So far from such being the case the good people there are up in arms, determined that they shall either have the deep water terminus of the great highway there, or else as a next best substitute, the erection of a suitable coal dock. Our enterprising contemporary, the Beacon, leads the movement to force matters to crisis, and has rallied around it some of the best men in the county of Charlotte. These will not flinch in the efface or ordinary difficulties, but will undertake to raise $75,000 to be offered as a bonus to the CPR, in case a deep water wharf be constructed there, and warehouses and elevators erected for the shipment of grain. It is proposed that to raise this sum the citizens shall assess themselves $1,250 annually for 20 years, and that a subsidy of $2,500 be secured every year for 20 years both from the dominion and provincial governments. Free shore privilege and land sufficient for terminal facilities will not be spared by the people, if there should be any likelihood of the proposition meeting with the favor of the railway company. If report be true the agitation has at last drawn out an intimation from head quarters that Halifax is to be the Atlantic terminus of the CPR. It is now too early to discuss the effect of such a resolution on the future of our own city, until the report may be confirmed. The fact must be admitted however, that as regards harbor advantages St. Andrews stands to the front, and if the energetic people who have striven to force the town ahead cannot command success they deserve it. Should the intimation given prove correct, the public meeting which was to be held there shortly will likely give its attention to the matter of the coal dock.

Beacon
Nov 6, 1890
The Wharf Question
It has been decided to call a public meeting of the citizens of St. Andrews for tomorrow (Friday) night to discuss what steps shall be taken to secure the full utilization by the CPR of this port. As the matter is one of vital importance to the community it is to be hoped that the attendance will be as large as possible. The scheme submitted will be somewhat different from that outlined at the preliminary meeting. The people will simply be asked to affirm the desirability of having this port, made an ocean terminus, and proceeding on the assumption that it would be utilized as such if the necessary wharves and appliances were here, they will be asked to appoint a committee to memorialize the railway authorities, setting forth the natural advantages of the port, and stating their willingness and anxiety to cooperate with the railway people in any direction they may indicate. We have no doubt that the ratepayers of the town will approach the matter in a broad-minded and patriotic spirit, and with a full determination to do what they consider best in the public interest.

Beacon
Nov 13/1890
St. Andrews Speaks
The People All Want the Terminus Here
And Pledge themselves to do all in their power to bring it Here
Thee was a large attendance of citizens at the public meeting held in Stevenson’s hall, on Friday evening last, to consider what steps should be taken to induce the CPR to utilize the port of St. Andrews as an ocean terminus. (Called to order by R. E. Armstrong, Chairman of the citizens committeeJ
. . . Resolved, that the residents and ratepayers of Sa, in public meeting assembled, are of opinion that every legitimate means should be used to secure the utilization of this port for the purpose above mentioned, and at the same time would record their earnest desire an willingness to assist the railway by every means in their power in procuring and providing the erection of such wharves and appliances as may enable the road to do a terminal business at this port.
            And further resolved, that a committee be appointed to memorialize the President and Directors of the CPR setting for the advantages of the port, the earnest desire of the citizens that they should be utilized by the railway to the fullest extent, and respectfully requesting the railway authorities to inform the citizens as to the manner in which such aid would be desired or accepted.

Wanted—A Straight Answer
The public meeting of Friday night last demonstrated very clearly that the people of St. Andrews are a unit in desiring that the CPR should utilize this port to the fullest extent, and also that the committee struck the right chord in submitting the resolutions in the form in which they did. The unanimity with which the resolutions were accepted by the meting must have been a source of gratification to the members of the committee. Not a dissenting voice was raised against he chief resolution and not a change was suggested in it. We have little doubt form the tenor of the meeting that should the railway company show any disposition to make of this port a terminus the people of St. Andrews would strain every nerve to assist them. At all events, the matter has now been brought before the railway company, and . . . the offer which the townspeople . . . may not be as satisfactory as a . . . offer of money or land, ye tit would be sufficient to draw a definite result of some kind from them. What we are seeking is a straight answer to . . . question. If the railway authorities have no intention of utilizing the port we want them to tell us at once, so that we may seek other channels of improvement, and waste no further time in pursuing what may be an ignis fatuus.

Canada for the Canadians
It is gradually beginning to dawn upon the minds of the people of the Maritime Provinces that the CPR is a business investment, and that its movement are guided solely and altogether by business motives, and not by any sentimental ideas. What is best for the shareholders of the railway is the subject that is uppermost in the minds of its managers, and not what is best for the country. A good many lower province people were led to believe that it was pure patriotism that prompted the notions of the railway corporation. Aspiring politicians have fostered this idea, and have dangled before our eyes brilliant pictures of the wealth and happiness that were in store for us when the railway was completed to the Atlantic ocean, and an exit had been found for the golden grain that was being raised in such enormous quantities in Manitoba and the North-West. Many believe them, and submitted with a smiling countenance to the extra taxation which the large drains upon the public treasury entailed. Of course, there were a few doubting Thomases, but these were promptly sat upon, and so, the grand work went on. At last the two oceans were joined together by iron bands, and the great national undertaking was complete. Naturally we look for a fulfillment of the promises that have been made to us.  But they are slow in coming and when the heads of the railway are pressed for reasons why reparations are not being made at our ports for shipping this North-West grain, as Assistant Manager Shaughnessy was in Saint John , we are told that little grain will be shipped, as it cost too much to haul it. Is it any wonder that such a statement as this should awaken a feeling of disappointment and discontent? There can be no doubt that the product of the North-West is being shipped, and where is it being shipped from? The bulk of it is finding its way to Boston and other American ports, simply because it pays the railway company better to take it there than to haul it the longer distance to a Canadian port. Is this fair to Canadians? Is it in keeping with the sentiment of Canada for the Canadians? We think not. It is more like Canada for the Americans.  But we mistake the temper of the people of these lower provinces very much if the will tamely submit to being bled in order to build up the United States ports. And we will be grossly deceived in the Premier of this Dominion if he permits such a state of affairs to exist. If the railway company persist in utilizing American port and ignoring those of Canada a pressure will have to be brought to bear upon them to compel them to use Canadian ports. Otherwise it needs no prophet to forecast what the result will be in the maritime provinces.

Beacon
Nov 20, 1890
The Duty of the Hour
The memorial from the citizens of St. Andrews to the president and directors of the CPR company has been forwarded. The document is couched in respectful terms, and sets forth briefly yet forcibly the advantages we claim for St. Andrews as a terminal port. . . . What the answer to this memorial will be can only be conjectured, but whether favorable for otherwise the people of St. Andrews should not lose sight of the fact that we must have a suitable wharf here where vessels of large tonnage can lie safely at. It is simply a waste of breath for us to talk of our port advantages until this want is supplied. . . . Our plain duty I the circumstances is to provide a wharf either by taxing ourselves for it, or by appealing to the governments for aid, or by both.”

The city of Hamilton, ON, are considering the offer of a bonus of $100,000 to the CPR to induce that company to build their line through that town.

The Atlantic Terminus
There does not seem to be substantial ground for the statement in the St. Andrews Beacon of October 30 that “Halifax has been decided upon as the Atlantic terminus of the CPR. So far as can be made out from what is published and from what seems to be indicated that railway has not changed its already declared policy in regard to an Atlantic terminus. Some years ago when Mr. Van Horne talked to a number of gentlemen belonging to this city at the Royal Hotel and advised them to make Saint John a free port, like Antwerp, he told them that the company of which he was the head was coming here to seek business, as well as to bring it; and he has since told other gentlemen interested in the trade of Saint John that the CPR has access to the sea at many points and that it will avail itself to the best advantage it can of all of these. Doubtless when the Beacon published its article it had information that Halifax was to be the winter port for the fast line of heavily subsidized steamers, but that, it must be remembered, is not a CPR undertaking. It is a project of the Dominion government, and the choice of the Halifax as the terminal port in winter Is not the act of the railway company, but of the government. Many considerations would influence the government in making this choice. One of them, undoubtedly, would be that Halifax is the Atlantic terminus of its own railway.—St. John Globe
            The Beacon’s information was that Halifax had been decided upon as the winter terminus of the CPR. This information reached us by letter from a source which we regarded at the time, and still regard, as thoroughly reliable. An effort to procure further information elicited from our correspondent the statement that he would soon be in a position to give the facts. He further remarked:--“It is a pity that the powers that be will not so far relieve the situation as to give publicity now, to what must very shortly ooze out in more or less garbled form.”

Beacon
Nov 27/1890
the CPR and SA
The reply which the CPR have made to the memorial of the people of St. Andrews is conclusive on one point at least. That this port need expect no special favors from the railroad over any other port which it enters. It must be evident to all that the railway company have no intention of making of St. Andrews a terminal port in the sense in which many had hoped for, and those persons, who have for years past been claiming to possess information that such was to be done were either misinformed, or have been wilfully deluding the people. While in the main the railway company’s communication is much more satisfactory thane the committee had hoped for, there are some points about it that are not as clear as they might be. For instance, the company say that they do not consider it within their province to provide harbor facilities anywhere, yet they will undertake to provide wharves, warehouses, etc., for taking care of all business that may be offered. Again they say they cannot undertake to create business. Nor can the people of St. Andrews undertake to create business unless the harbor facilities are first provided. There is no used holding out inducements to ocean craft to come here to do business, if we have no wharves for them to do business at. If the railway will not provide these facilities before hand, and the townspeople are really desirous of making the effort to attract trade, manifestly their first duty is to erect some kind of a wharf, relying upon the promise of the railway to extend it if the state of business should warrant it. (actual letter next page)

CPR shipping flour to Saint John out of Boston, not via short line.

Beacon
Nov 27, 1890
The C. P. R.’ s Reply
To the Memorial from the People of St. Andrews
They will Provide Facilities for Business but they will not Undertake to Create Business
Monday’s mail brought a reply from the CPR to the memorial which was sent to hem last week by the people of St. Andrews. The communication, which was received by R. E. Armstrong, chairman of the committee, was laid before the committee on Monday evening, and at their suggestion it is published for public information. It is as follows:
            CPR
            Office of the Secretary
            Montreal, Nov 22, 1890
Dear Sir,
In am instructed to acknowledge receipt of a communication dated the 18th inst., signed by yourself and other gentlemen, being a committee appointed in accordance with resolutions passed at a meeting of residents of Sa, on the 7th instant, in relation to the construction of works necessary to make St. Andrews an ocean terminal port.
            In reply I am directed to say that whilst the Directors of this Company will be happy to do all they consistently can towards building up the business of SA, they feel obliged to maintain a neutral position as between the various seaports reached by the Company’s lines. They do not consider that it is within their province to provide harbor facilities anywhere, but only to make due provision for such traffic as may be offered for handling by the Company.  They will undertake to provide in the way of wharves, warehouses, etc., for taking care of all business that may be offered at or for SA, but they cannot undertake to create the business. If St. Andrews possesses advantages for ocean shipping, as it doubtless does, it rests with the own to convince owners of ocean craft of the fact, and to hold out inducements to them to send their ships to that port.
            It is the duty of the CPR to make as favorable rates of ocean freight in and out as are made to other ports similarly situated, and I am directed to say that that will be done. It is also the duty of the Railway Company to handle their traffic offering at that port efficiently and promptly, and that also will be done.
            Special facilities are necessary for economical handling, but these are costly and cannot be provided without a reasonable probability of their being utilized, but the Railway Company is willing to bear the extra expense involved in handling the traffic without these special facilities until it is demonstrated that that they will be required.
            I am, dear sir,
            Your obedient servant,
            C. Drinkwater, Secretary
Robert E. Armstrong, Esq.
St. Andrews, NB

Beacon
Dec 4, 1890
It is safe to say that no document ever awakened a greater degree of interest in St. Andrews than the communication from the CPR which was published in the Beacon of last week. While some people were disappointed that it did not contain a distinct promise to make an ocean terminus of this port, the general feeling was that on the whole the answer which the railway gave was as satisfactory as we could reasonably expect. Even the few who had endeavoured to thwart the committee’s proposals and who had sneered at the meeting and at the memorial, were compelled to admit that the information which the committee received was well worth the effort that was put forth to obtain it, and amply justified the promoters of the movement in all that they had done. The document has been the principal theme of conversation about town during the past week. It is satisfactory to note that the feeling of the majority of the citizen is in favor of taking the advice of the railway, and putting forth an effort to attract ocean craft here. The suggestion of the Beacon that a wharf of some kind should be built to stat business with seems to be generally accepted as a good one. NO time should be lost in pushing this matter to a conclusion. If the people are really in earnest, they should at once decide the amount that they are willing to expend themselves in the erection of the wharf. After that they can call in the assistance of he government, but in our opinion it is little use to ask government aid the people are not willing to expend something themselves. We have reason to believe that the local government will look very favorably upon such a request form SA, and in view of the national importance of the work we think that the Dominion government would not refuse to extend a certain amount of aid. With the amounts received from these three sources we ought surely to be able to build quite a respectable deep water wharf.
            In the meantime it behoves us—as suggested by the railway—to do what we can towards convincing owners of ocean craft of the advantages that we possess here, an of the inducements we are prepared of hold out to them to send their vessels to this port. And this ought not e be a very difficult task. The town should at once authorize a committee to enter into correspondence with the various steamship companies doing business in Canada, and point out to them the facilities that we have for carrying on an ocean trade. It would also be a good plan to incorporate the communication from the railway with such correspondence in order that the managers of the steamship lines might be assured of the friendly disposition of the railway towards the port. Then it is for the people to say what inducements they will make to bring vessels here, in the way of reducing port charge, or of making the port entirely free. If steamships companies can be assured the same rate per mile will be charged for freight to St. Andrews as to any other Canadian port, thus making he land carriage cheaper than to any other port in Canada, and the people of the own will consent to make the port free, we thin there is a reasonable chance of St. Andrews being recognized by the ocean transportation companies. The effort is worth making.

Beacon
Dec 7, 1890
W. C. Van Horne, the president of the CPR was born in Illinois in February, 1843. He entered the service of the Illinois Central Railway as telegraph operator at Chicago. He afterwards put in six years on the Joliet division of the Michigan Central. When he became of age he took service with the Chicago and Alton railway as train dispatcher, then as superintendent of telegraphs, and later as assistant superintendent of the railway. Mr. Van Horne, says a writer, is a living proof of the mendacity of that proverb about the rolling stone, for he has rolled around considerably and gathered “moss” all the time. In 1872 he became general superintendent of the St. Louis, Kansas city and Northern railway. From Oct 1874 till Oct 1878 he was general manager of the Southern Minnesota line, being president from Dec, 1877 to Dec, 1879 he was also general superintendent of the Chicago and Alton. In Jan 1880 he became general superintendent of the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul railway, a position he held for two years. In the meantime his capacity and ability as a railway man became known in the west, and the projectors and capitalists of the CPR secured him as manager of that enterprise. He had not reached his goal yet however for his career knew no pause until in 1888 he became president of this the largest private corporation on earth.

Beacon
Dec 18/1890
Some Sound Advice
We commend the following letter to the people of Sa, and we do so for two reasons,--firstly, because the advice which it contains is sound, and secondly, because it is a very clear manifestation of the warm interest which he writer takes in the town. We might explain that this communication was received some days, ago, but as it was marked “personal,” we did not care to make it public until the writer’s permission had been first obtained. In reply to a request to allow it to be published, the writer gives us permission to use it in any way that we see fit, and he further adds that “I marked it private because I feared that some of the good people of St. Andrews might think me presumptuous in some of my suggestions.” We think that we speak the voice of the people of St. Andrews when we say that no suggestion would be considered presumptuous coming from the source from whence this one comes.

4 December 1890
Dear Sir,
Mr. Drinkwater sent me a week or two ago an official reply to your letter of the 13th November about terminal facilities at St. Andrews. I would like to add unofficially suggestions as to one or two matter that have occurred to me as of importance to your town.
            It seems to me that the best way to make the advantages of such a place known to the world is to induce as many people as possible to come there even as pleasure seekers. I may illustrate my meaning by pointing to the experience of Vancouver, where hundred of thousands of dollars have been invested in real estate and buildings and a number of important manufacturing industries have been established ruing the past two years by people from a distance who happened to first that place while on pleasure trips and who had no thought before going there of any such investments. A majority of the finest buildings there were built by gentlemen from England, France and Japan and from different points in the United States, whose attention was attracted to the place in visiting or passing through it on pleasure trips. Of those who visit pleasure resorts a large proportion have large means and many are constantly on the lookout for promising investments. A good ideal has already been done towards making St. Andrews a popular place of resort, but a good deal more should be done and part of this should be done by the town and pat by its people individually, and I have no doubt that those interested in the hotel will do their share, although I know nothing about their views. One of the first things necessary is to provide a suitable place for bathing. Without this St. Andrews must lack the chief attraction of a seaside resort, and it seems to be that the little bay, not very far from the hotel, which is enclosed by a railway, could at a very small expense be made to answer this purpose, but the more attractive it is made the better it will be.
            Another important matter would be the general improvement of the town. It would take but little to make it a most attractive place, for its natural situation is very beautiful. The expense of keeping the streets clean and in good order would not be great and some means should be found for inducing every householder to keep his place, however humble it may be, in a neat and rim condition. Paint and whitewash will go far towards this and will cost little, and flowers cost nothing beyond a little care. If 50 or 100 householders could be got lead off in this I am sure it would work a complete change in the appearance of the town within two years, for everybody with any pride would have to follow. And the business places too should be given a wide awake look, in fact everything suggesting that the town had “gone to seed” should be got rid of if visitors are to be attracted to it and think well of it. This company will do all that is necessary towards putting its own premises in proper order and will make every effort by advertising and otherwise to bring people there.
            I trust that these suggestions will be received in the spirit in which they are given and that I will not be thought officious in having made them. If I had not come to feel a good deal of interest in the matter I should not have taken the trouble to say anything.

Yours truly,
W. C. Van Horne
Robert E. Armstrong, Esq.
SA, NB

Beacon
Jan 15, 1891
The Wharf Matter
The citizens of St. Andrews will be called upon this week to state whether they are willing or not to lend their aid to the project of building a deep sea wharf here, with the view of attracting trade to the port. A meeting of the citizens committee to consider the matter was held on Thursday evening last. . . . Mr. Snodgrass, from the committee appointed to draft resolutions for the proposed public meeting, submitted a report, which was adopted with some slight amendment. The purport of the first resolution is, that in obedience to the suggestion of the CPR authorities, the people of St. Andrews deem it desirable that an effort should be made to provide deep sea wharf facilities here; that a committee be appointed to prepare and obtain signature to a petition to be submitted to the Local Legislature praying that aid be granted b the government for the erection of the wharf; that delegation of two members of the committee be chose to proceed to Fredericton to urge the claims of St. Andrews upon the government; and that the residents of the parish of St. Andrews authorize the drafting of a bill providing for an assessment of $1000 a year for twenty years on the parish, the money so obtained to be applied to wharf purposes. Another resolution gives the committee appointed at the meeting authority to ask for aid from the Dominion Government. A third resolution directs the committee to open up correspondence with the CPR, with the view of obtaining from them an opinion as to the most desirable site for such a wharf, and also as to whether they would make rail connection with the wharf if it was erected.

Beacon
Jan 22, 1891
The Deep Water Pier

Another Step Forward
The People of St. Andrews Parish Are Unanimous
In favor of a Deep Water Wharf and take action at a Public Meeting
The public meeting which was held in Stevenson’s hall, on Friday evening, lat, in support of the deep water wharf scheme, was attended by a large representation of the rate payers of the parish of St. Andrews.
            Sheriff Stuart called the meeting to order at 8 o’clock, and after reciting what had been accomplished by the previous meeting spoke briefly as to the object of the present one. It was called he said for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken to secure the erection of a deep sea wharf. There has, said he, been great talk of St. Andrews becoming the terminus or one of the termini, of the CPR. When the Short Line was being built through Maine we were led to believe that St. Andrews would be made a terminus of the railway. The CPR have completed the road they have acquired the NB Railway, but the promised benefit have not resulted to the town. It is true, said he, that a few people have come down from Quebec to look at the country, but the business has not improved.
            It has been believe that the CPR would provide terminal facilities here. They have not done so, but they have told us in effect in the correspondence we have had, with them that we must put our own shoulder to the wheel. . . .
            [Draft petition to federal government here]
            The speech made by the mover was clear, logical and convincing, and if there was doubt in any7body’s mind as to the purport and scope of the resolution that doubt was removed before the speaker sat down. He remarked in opening that a resolution, so good in itself, deserved a better fate than to be placed in his hands. It seemed to him that the opportunity had come for the people of St. Andrews to do something, to dare something and to achieve something. Two generations, he said, had been looking forward to this day. St. Andrews is now one of the termini of the greatest railroad in the world. We must improve the chance which good fortune has brought to us, otherwise the histori9al of the future will write about us that we were a people stupidly indifferent to our opportunities. It is true, he said, that there are other termini. It is also true, he remarked, that the completion of the railway has brought us no prosperity. This should bring us no surprises or disappointment. It could not be expected that the railway would carry the traffic of the road all to one port. The fact that we have competition for this traffic should spur us on to work. We would be content with a small share. Allusion was made to the discharging of the sugar vessel in Saint John, and to the fact that the disbursement of the vessel in that port would amount to $1000. One such happening as this in a year, said he, would return to us all that we have spent. He thought the meeting would agree with him that care should be taken that the town should not be burdened by a tax that was burdensome. He felt that the proposed tax would not be a burden. Touching on the reply of the CPR to the memorial he said it was a business like one, and by it we are relieved from the expense of docks and warehouses for the CPR have told us that if we can “attract traffic to the port they will provide the facilities for handling it.” But you ask why talk about a wharf if the railway are to provide facilities? We need a certain amount to facilities to start with before we can hope to attract trade. We need a wharf that we may look upon as a germ, as it were, of a greater wharf. We may cast about for any other scheme, but the building of a wharf such as we prop0ose, would seem to be a necessary preliminary. The committee have not procured any estimate, as that would have incurred expense, and they were not authorized to incur any. The tax named in the resolution would not be great. We are relieved this year from the hotel tax, and the increase over that would not be felt burdensome. If this meeting will pass the resolution, and find a committee ready to do the work the chances are that we will have a wharf that will be a credit to the town. . . .

That the people of St. Andrews are sincere in their desire to elevate the commercial standing of the port was evident from the large number who attended the public meeting on Friday last, and from the harmony which characterized the proceedings of that meeting. The entire scheme, as outlined in the resolutions of the committee, was adopted without the slightest manifestation of opposition. There had been some misgivings in the minds of member of the committee as to the fate of that portion of the resolution authorizing an assessment upon the parish, and it was felt that if any opposition to the project developed at all it would be on this section. But it was carried almost unanimously.
            In adopting the resolutions, a second step hash been made towards the desire end. But ere is a vast amount of work yet opt be done and there are difficulties to encounter that will tax to the utmost the patient, perseverance and ability of the committee. We think that the committee who have been entrusted with preliminaries are men who can be relied upon. But they should not be allowed to do all the work. There are others in the community who can render helpful aid in this matter, and they should come forward; every one who loves his town and desires to see it prosper should rally to the front, and help to push this scheme to a successful issue.

Mr. Van Horne’s Visit to Saint John
SJ has been favored with a visit from the CPR managers, Messrs. Van Horne and Shaughnessy. They had a conference with the directors of the Bridge Company, with a view, it is said, of securing some better arrangement for traffic over the bridge. Several public and private delegations waited up the railway magnates with respect to trade matters but little beyond promises were received. When asked about an elevator Mr. Van Horne replied, says the Globe, that Canada at the present time was shipping very little wheat, as the consumption was becoming greater every year, and continuing he said the railway company were not at present considering the shipment of grain from the Maritime Provinces. Both gentlemen referred to the great stake their railway had in this province, saying they had 481 miles of road which they are compelled to operate, and they promised to make arrangements and provide facilities for all classes of trade as fast as it offered. A committee from the Board of Trade made a very strong request that as low a rate be given to St. John from the west for lour and meal for Bay of Fundy ports as is now given from Boston. Mr. Van Horne promised to bring the mater before the freight managers of the road. The subject of bringing tea from china by the CPR was next discussed, and Mr. Van Horne said their rate have been greatly lowered, and he thought that now the Saint John merchants could import cheaper than via London and Suez Canal. The committee also asked Mr. Van Horne to have the local freight rate from Saint John to the up river counties made the same as for St. Stephen. Mr. Van Horne promised to look into this matter. It is rumoured that the Leary people are tying to sell out their interest in Carleton to the railway.