Item

St. Croix Courier

July 25/1889

At a meeting of the directors of the Hotel Company, held last evening, the contract for the construction of the building was awarded to Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie. Work will be begun forthwith.

Beacon

July 25/1889

Keep to the Left

What Befell a Yankee who disobeyed the Injunction

(Correspondence Boston Traveller)

My first experience while driving over one of the splendid roads surrounding St. Andrews, New Brunswick, causes the above to be firmly implanted on my mind. I had read so much recently regarding the fine roads there that immediately after my arrival at the Algonquin I ordered a horse and buggy that I might ride forth and prove that man in this 19th century is proven to exaggerate. Turning down one of the broad gravelled driveways leading from the hotel, I found myself upon a street of the old town. Upwards of 60 feet wide, its sides lined with shade trees, this street bore but little resemblance to streets as we of the city know them A green sward covered its width from fence to fence, not showing upon its surface the slightest indication of wheels ever having passed over it. Here, thought I, is the best evidence of a smooth, unruffled repose, and what must be the life led by the 1700 inhabitants of the village that can permit nature's carpet, unharmed to cover a public road. I soon emerged, however, upon a travelled way, which I later learned is the road to St. Stephen, 28 miles distant. Following its even, smooth surface for some two miles I found myself on the band overlooking the lovely St. Croix River. Now I was beyond the boundaries of the town and expected soon to strike the ordinary country "rut:" road but being disappointed I had almost determined to drive on until I did find it. At last, I discovered some distance ahead an old-fashioned schoolhouse.

From its driveway appeared a horse and wagon, and in the latter a nice-looking girl, arrayed in a white calico gown. Here, thought I, is a chance to show my city ways, so whipping my horse into a trot, I prepared to pass the young lady with uplifted hat. Her horse was now on the highway and had assumed a gait somewhat faster than a walk. She kept however on my side (the right) of the road, but I anticipated that as we neared, she would turn out. My horse seemed determined to give her the right of way, but to show "my horse knowledge" I yanked the right rein, and in another instant my buggy was in collision with hers, upsetting it, and throwing her upon the roadside. I lay sprawling upon the opposite side, but immediately regaining my feet, I went to her assistance; partly stunned, but not otherwise inured, she had assumed a sitting posture. I offered my regrets, but only received in reply to the admonition, "Keep to the left." I begged her pardon and said I was on my own side. "You were not," she said; "don't you know that in New Brunswick you should keep to the left?" Offering every excuse for my ignorance, I explained that if she were from "the States" as I was and accustomed to the ways of a great city like Lynn, she would probably have committed the same error.

"A great city like Lynn," and she laughed. "Why bless your innocent 'Johnnie' soul, I've been teaching school for my sister today while she went to town, but when I'm home I'm in the doll department at Macy's, corner fourteenth street and Sixth avenue, NY, but I was born in St. Andrews and come home every second year to build up."

I righted her buggy and helped her in, and as she drove off toward St. Andrews a mischievous twinkle came in her eye, and turning her head toward me as I stood in the road feeling very cheap, her parting salutation was: "Remember, Johnnie, keep to the left."

Jack the Ripper has renewed his ghastly work in London. Another murder occurred last week. The woman was about 40 years old and of dissolute habits. Her throat had been cut to the spine. When the body was found warm blood was flowing from the wounds. A policeman who, with the watchman of an adjacent warehouse, must have been within a few yards of the sport when the murder was committed, heard no noise.

The Eiffel tower is now the highest thing in Paris.

Indian Park, under the skillful handling of Superintendent Horton, is increasing in loveliness day by day. He has distributed the mountain of loam which was piled up in the centre of the park, and the grass is now springing up all over its surface. A wharf has been built alongside the pond, and during the week the Indians disport in it with their canoes. Little can be done in the way of planting shrubbery or flowers this season but next year the work will be entered upon in earnest. About the only blot upon the beauty of the park is the condition of Queen Street extension. It is in a most deplorable state and seems entirely out of harmony with its surroundings. There are now two encampments of Indians on the park.

Steamer Escort came up from Campobello on Sunday and took a party of Algonquins—among them Mr. and Mrs. Travis Cochran, of Philadelphia, Mrs. N. W. Curtis and Philip Curtis of Boston—down to the Tyn-y-coed. The party returned on Sunday night. These visitations from the two hotels are becoming very frequent and are source of pleasure to the guest of both houses.

Lack of bathing booths. "Would it not be a paying speculation to erect 3 or 4 near the coves this side of Joe's Point, where ladies and children formerly bathed, and there is fine gravel bottom and sheltered nooks?"

Algonquin Gossip

News and Notes About the Summer Tourists

" . . . The 'permanents' at the Algonquin are increasing day by day. There are now considerably over one hundred permanent guests on the list, among them being Sir Leonard Tilley, Lady Tilley and family; . . . C. R. Hosmer . . ."

Yachting, deep-sea fishing, driving, bathing, tennis playing dancing—are among the pleasures that are daily engaged in by the guests.

Last Week's Visitors

Algonquin

Boston—largest section—about 25

Springfield, Mass.

Philadelphia

St. John

St. Stephen

Calais

New York

Montreal

Milltown

Hartford, Newbury

Southbridge

St. Paul

Toronto (all these about 4 to 5)

Argyll much smaller: 1 or 2 per place. Section at end noting new permanent residents

Kennedy's smaller than Argyll

St. Croix Courier

Aug 15/1889

Indian Point Park is becoming a very favourite resort on Sundays and is visited by crowds of people who take advantage of the rustic seats there and rest themselves and enjoy the cool and invigorating breeze from the water.

Beacon

Aug 22/1889

Sea-Side Gossip

Random Remarks About Our Summer Pleasure-Seekers

" . . . What peculiar property is there is St. Andrews air, or St. Andrews fare, which produces so much bad verse? Here is a sample, penned by a drummer who came here this summer:

Of many places I have seen

There's none excels the Algonquin

And those whose wanderings bring them here

Will get their fill of great good cheer.

Peace of mind and ease of body,

Can be obtained of Passamaquoddy.

The bracing air, the sea-girt shore,

And tables loaded with good things galore,

'Twere surely unkind to wish for more.

And when the summer's past and gone,

And again, we are back in our city home,

We will look back with longing on St. Andrews town,

And sign for past pleasures which so quickly have flown.

Here's another rhyme, but there is method in this poet's madness:

St. Andrews is not foggy,

Though they sometimes have some fog,

St. Andrews is not groggy,

Though they take a little grog.

St. Andrews is not funny,

Though they often have some fun,

St. Andrews is not sunny,

Though I've often seen the sun.

But—Algonquin beds are easy,

Algonquin dinners good,

And the scenery so charming,

I'd not grumble if I could.

. . . The past week has been a whirl of excitement at the Algonquin. Each successive week appears to be gayer than the last.

Sir John MacDonald

The Conservative Chieftain and His Lady Visit St. Andrews

St. Andrews has been all agog the past week over Sir John and Lady MacDonald, who arrived here by special train from River du Loup, on Friday last. [this would have been Aug. 16] It had been known for several days previous that the Conservative chieftain was coming, but out of respect to his wishes, his advent was kept as quiet as possible, lest a horde of office and favor seekers should swoop down upon him and disturb the serenity of his repose. Sir John was met at Edmunston by Mr. Cram, General Manager of the New Brunswick Railway, who accompanied him to St. Andrews. On the arrival of the party here they were at once driven to the Algonquin, where Mr. Jones had rooms in readiness for them. As Sir John entered the corridor of the hotel, the orchestra played an overture—"The Red, White and Blue"—in his honor. He spent a very quiet evening, in the company of Sir Leonard Tilley and Lady Tilley, whose guest he was.

On Saturday morning, Sir John and Lady MacDonald loitered about the hotel piazza, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and drinking in the pure, health-giving air, for which St. Andrews is so famous. It was generally remarked that both the Premier and his partner appeared to be in the best of health. In the afternoon Sir John had a drive with Sir Leonard, and in the evening, he was present at the Algonquin hop. The hotel was brilliantly illuminated with Chinese lanterns in his honor, and a number of fireworks were sent off, all of which, he, no doubt, appreciated. Sunday, he went to church, like all good Christians, should, whether at home or abroad, and on Monday morning he was in excellent trim for a trip to Campobello in the fishery cruiser "Dream." He was accompanied on this trip by Sir John Leonard and Lady Tilley, Sir Somers Vine, of London, and Mr. Leonard Tilley. The party lunched at the Tyn-y-coed, and got back to town at a respectable hour. Sir John retired early on Monday night, so as to prepare himself for the return journey to River du Loup, which he took on the morrow. The premier and his party started off in the morning in a special train, a few minutes ahead of the regular express. Conductor Fred. McLellan, one of the trustiest and best-looking of the B. B. R. conductors, was in charge of Sir John's train, and deposited the premier safely at Edmunston. Harry Saunders drove the locomotive through. Sir Leonard Tilley and family went with Sir John. They propose to stop at River du Loup for a brief spell and then go down to Dalhousie.

Improvements Required

[article by A. W. Smith]

Now that the town has made a progressive start in its well-being, it is proper to note some improvements to make it still more attractive and enjoyable for tourist and prospective residents. Among the requisites are good smooth roads; dissatisfaction having been expressed with some in this vicinity, of their roughness, want of care and shallow water courses; this should not occur, as the amounts expended and statute labor are sufficient if properly performed, to make the highways all that could be desired. The old fogy wisdom of laying out the money, and labor, of "putting in the time," belongs to a past age; a modern and better method should be adopted, and the rustic drives would then form an additional feature to the other attractions.

In a recent issue the Beacon alluded to the necessity of having bathing houses erected in suitable localities near the western end of the town—a timely suggestion, and one which should be acted upon. There is also a demand for row boats and small sailing craft, for persons desirous of enjoying such pastimes. As there are boat builders here, the want of such craft can be supplied. It would be necessary to erect landings for service at low water, there being but one at present at the river steamers wharf. Allusion may also be made to the cultivation of flowers. The guests at the hotels informed the writer, that they would purchase bouquets daily were such to be had. There is an opening here for the young and elder girls, to cultivate a taste for flowers and raise them; the ground and climate being favourable, we know, from experience, and the outlay for seeds and labor are small. Besides, it would afford pleasure, profitable and healthy recreation, and relieve in a measure the arduous routine and tedium of "stitch, stitch, stitch" in the daily work of girls and women and be more remunerative. Many of the residents cultivate house plants, and there are a few parterres of flowers, but those grown in the open air are preferable. There are other "wants" which I may advert to in future issues, by the editor's permission.

It is to be hoped, that the residents and property holders of the town will give a practical test of their disposition to aid in its advancement and prosperity, by making the improvements indicated, and thus to some extent show their anxiety and willingness to second the praiseworthy effort of our good friends and brethren of the US, "the land and hotel Companies," who have invested extensively and expended large sums of money in the erection of the "Algonquin Hotel," which has drawn so many additional tourists here—the building of their handsome brick edifice for offices—a cozy cottage, near the Argyll Hotel—the making of the beautiful park, and improvement of the grounds, with other outlays, all tending to render this charming locality a—"Sweet Auburn loveliest village of the plain, Where health and plenty cheers the labouring swain," to make it an interesting, pleasant, and popular resort, an inviting place of residence, and afford visitors the benefit of its health-giving properties, pure air , sea-bathing, boating, fishing, drives and other recreations.

Such action on the part of our citizens would convince those other gentlemen of means who have invested in property and purpose erecting cottages for their personal accommodation—their desire to forward the interests of St. Andrews. We must bestir ourselves, show more public spirit, get out of the old grooves, and adopt a progressiveness and generosity, to add to the advantages nature has so lavishly bestowed upon the locality. "Onward!" should be our motto; let us not miss the opportunity the past cannot be recalled, the future cannot be foreseen but work at once . . .

The New Brunswick Railway is advertising a cheap pleasure excursion to Montreal via the Short Line, beginning Aug. 23 and continuing Sept. 9. The fare from St. Andrews and return will be $11.00

The St. Andrews Canning Company have been putting up finnan haddies lately, in addition to sardines. They find a good market for them in Montreal and would put up a good deal more of them were it not for the scarcity of fish.

Kennedy's Hotel will be heated by hot water shortly.

Steamer "Olivette" after arriving at Eastport on Sunday afternoon last from Bar Harbor, brought a large number of excursionists up the St. Croix River. This was the first time the steamer had been around the upper corner of Uncle Sam's domains. She steamed up as far as the northern end of St. Andrews Island and turned about and went out into the Bay through Latete passage. The trip was greatly enjoyed by all on board. Some disappointment was expressed in St. Andrews because the steamer did not come through the harbor. At the time she arrived here she could have gone through without the slightest difficulty. The "Olivette" is a large and powerful propeller and moves along with great rapidity. Her interior appointments are very luxurious.

St. Andrews Island was alive with the merry gathering of town folk, old and young, one day last week. The promoters of the picnic were Messrs. Joseph Lamb and David Clark, but they were ably assisted by Capt. "Nellie" Clark, Mr. William Morrison and his good wife and a committee of young people. The clouds hung low and threatening all day, and there was an occasional shower, but the picnickers held the effort until nightfall, and enjoyed themselves, too. In the evening, the festival was resumed in Stevenson 's hall, when large number of young folks enjoyed a few hours' dancing, the music being provided by Messrs. Rooney Bros. Cake and ice cream enhanced the enjoyment somewhat.

Beacon

Aug. 29/1889

Buying up the Views. The accompanying article is from the Boston Herald. The writer must have had a copy of the St. Andrews Beacon before him when he penned the words—"money has not yet bought up all the places where God smiles and nature laughs and shouts for joy." Article on cottage development at Bar Harbour, Newport, Marblehead Neck, etc. Driving out everyone else.

Water system needed. and below.

"The most pressing need that St. Andrews has at the present moment is an improved water system. The time has arrived we think when such should be provided, no matter what it costs. The present old-fashioned system of obtaining the supply from wells is dangerous to health and offers but a very limited protection in the case of fire. Besides, it seriously retards the progress of the place. We may boast of the healthfulness of our town, but while its inhabitants are compelled to obtain their water for domestic purposes from wells that have been in use for one hundred years almost, the boast appears an empty one. The adoption of a system of water works would remove, to a very material extent, danger form fire and danger from epidemics. It would tend to the development of the place, by encouraging outsiders to come in and build; it would enhance the value of property and reduce insurance premiums, without adding much to our present taxes. The fire wardens, on whose shoulders, we believe, rests the responsibility, should proceed in this matter at once. The coming winter will probably be a quiet one, so that if the work was entered upon now, it would furnish remunerative employment to many men who would otherwise be idle."

"Those hay fever people who have hitherto entertained doubts as the St. Andrews being on exempt locality, can henceforth 'bid farewell to all their fears and wipe their weeping eyes.' Within the past few weeks several hay fever victims have been here and not one of them has had a recurrence of the malady. . . . We think we can safely lay claim to being a second Bethlehem for the hay fever sufferer."

Mr. Jones of the Algonquin got his first breathing spell last week. Although many of the permanent guests have left the hotel, the house is still full.

The New Brunswick Railway have been making great improvements around their station lately. A long passenger platform has been laid and railed in, and now a new freight platform is being erected to the north of the station.

St. Croix Courier

Sept 12/1889

The Algonquin Hotel, after a very successful season, closes on Saturday next. A large party of excursionists from Saint John arrived on Saturday last and returned home on Monday. A brilliant display of fireworks was exhibited at the Algonquin in the evening in honor of their visit. Since opening, the number of visitors registered at the hotel amounted to about fifteen hundred. Manager Jones is authority for the statement that the building of the proposed annex to the hotel will be begun in about two weeks.

The inhabitants of the town are about to take steps to have the town supplied with water from artesian wells, the system to be owned and managed by the town, as soon as it shall be incorporated. The project is said to be feasible and the cost very moderate.

Beacon

Sept 12/1889

Water System—Since the above article was put in type, a movement has been inaugurated in the town, looking to the establishment and operation of a water system by the people of the place. . . . The proposed plan of operation was not outlined the chairman stating that the object of the meeting was simply to authorize the making of an experiment to find water by the artesian process.

Beacon

St. Andrews—A Resting Place, a Sanatorium, a Pleasant Resort

Article by A. W. Smith

(good summary of summer activities)

It is no small meed of praise for summer visitors from all parts of this continent, who sojourned at the Algonquin and other hotels during the season now drawing to a close, to express their views in the words which head these lines. There is no question of its being a sanatorium—a place where the influences are naturally and spontaneously promotive of health and vigor without human aid—a place where those seeking rest and recreation can tarry at pleasure in the excellent hotels and nice cottages, and establish health without taking any other treatment than such as is afforded by hygienic tables, sea baths and exercise of their own selection. Here the tired, worn out, nervously prostrated man or woman, or the afflicted dyspeptic may cast a hopeful anchor in this haven of havens. The present writer never tires of singing the praises of the locality, and still believes in its future greatness, under a necessary infusion of new blood, energy and enterprise, which has happily begun to permeate its prospects.

There has been a beneficial stir here during the season; the numerous sojourners at hotels indulged in rational amusement such as fishing, boating, driving, promenading on the piazzas and rustic paths, or playing lawn tennis and similar games, and by way of variety swinging in hammocks and reclining under tents; last but not least in dancing, a pastime enjoyed every Saturday evening in the spacious hall and rooms of the Algonquin, to the strains of the orchestra which furnished music for the hotel. All this has come to an end, most of the visitors have returned to their homes and all will be gone by Saturday when the Algonquin is to be closed for the season. It should be noticed in all truthfulness that Mr. Jones and his efficient helpmates, have won golden opinions for their management and efforts to please the numerous guests. If any matter-of-fact reader should imagine this picture is slightly over-drawn, I can refer him to any of the visitors who were here—some of whom were cured of hay fever and other maladies and left restored with excellent health.

The news of the comparatively sudden death at Montreal of Mr. P. S. Stevenson, president of the New Brunswick Railway, was received at the Algonquin Hotel on Sunday night, and caused a painful shock to the inmates of the hotel as well as to the townspeople. Only a few days previous, Mr. Stevenson, while coming from Montreal with Mr. Cram to join his family at St. Andrews, has been taken sick on the road, and Mr. Cram returned with him. His physicians said his illness was not serious, it was simple as attack of biliousness, and he would be all right in a day or two. His home being closed up, he was taken to the hospital. On hearing of his illness, his family at once proceeded homeward, and it was fortunate that they did, as Mr. Stevenson 's death took place a few days after they got back. The deceased was in his 64th year. His wife and seven children survive him. With the exception of one, who is in training in England, all his family were at his bedside.

Beacon

Sept 19/1889

Summer Season Summarily Suspended

The Algonquin Hotel doors locked for Nine Long Months

The Algonquin is closed. On Tuesday last, Mr. Jones swung to the great front doors of the big summer caravansary, turned the key in the lock and departed for St. John, leaving the house to the mice and the rats, and the autumn breezes, which whistle mournfully around its broad piazza and deserted lawn, as if sighing for those merry spirits which have departed it.

We shall miss Mr. Jones's bright and cheery presence: we shall miss the tuneful strains of the orchestra; we shall miss the jolly maidens who made the house ring with their merry laughter, and the parlor floor tremble with their nimble feet, as they tripped through quadrille, and Germain, and waltz; we shall miss the youth with flannel suit and silken sash, who played tennis, and flirted with the girls the whole livelong day and half way through the night; we shall miss the little children and their innocent prattle; we shall miss the dudish waiter, with his three-storey-and-a-mansard-roof collar, gold eye-glasses, immaculate shirt front, claw hammer coat, and patrician airs. Yes, and Tipperary shall miss him, too. All these things we shall miss, and many more, but we shall not be like those who sorrow without hope, for we have abundant faith they that they will return another year to gladden our hearts, enliven our streets, and fill our pockets.

Closing a summer hotel means something more than simply discharging the help and locking up the doors. There is a vast deal to be done before the key can be turned. Carpets have to be lifted and rolled up carefully; rugs taken from the rooms and stowed away; blankets folded and stored where mice or moths cannot reach them; mattresses and bolsters and pillows carefully arranged; window-blinds taken down so that they may not become faded; chamber ware neatly packed; furniture covered up; glassware and silver ware and dishes put into close cupboards; table linen and napkins and towels folded and put away; machinery oiled, and a vast amount of other work to be done, which nobody but a hotel-keeper would ever think of. For over a fortnight this work had been going quietly on at the Algonquin. As fast as a room became vacant, everything was carefully packed away, and sprinkled with motheline, to protect it from the moths. A week before the hotel doors were closed, the parlor carpet was lifted, and the room filled with the piazza and hall chairs. The lawn tennis court was stripped and the nettings housed on Thursday last. The dining room and kitchen were not touched until the last guest had gone. Everything has been done most systematically, so that when another season comes around, very little time or trouble will be necessary to place the house in habitable shape again.

The season has been a most successful one for the hotel and the indications are that next season it will be even more successful, provided additional accommodation is furnished for guests.

The water problem is no nearer a solution this week than it was last. The fire Wardens do not appear to have taken any action on the Chamcook Company's latest offer, and no advance has been made by their own committee in the direction of water. They have corresponded with several artesian well operators, but their figures are away beyond what the committee had anticipated. It looks now as if the experiment of boring will be done by hand. Whatever is to be done should be done quickly

An Improved Water System

The discussion of this important topic in the Beacon, leads me to offer a few remarks upon the subject. While publishing the Standard for nearly half a century, and since my retirement from that office, I have endeavoured to promote the welfare and prosperity of St. Andrews to the best of my ability, and believe, that in some measure, those efforts were productive of benefit; I still feel anxious to do all in my humble way to forward its interests. I thoroughly agree with the Beacon in its advocacy for having a pure and abundant supply of water; and read with attention the clear, concise and to my view reasonable proposition of Mr. R. S. Gardiner, V. P. of the Chamcook Water Co. on the matter.

It has been admitted that a purer or better spring of water is not within the limits of the town better than on my own premises; but I am not so selfish as not to be willing to be taxed for abundant supply of that element for my fellow townsmen, and believe that a majority of its inhabitants will cheerfully submit to a moderate increase of taxation for that purpose. There is not a community in the province with so moderate a rate of tax as St. Andrews, and it behooves its property holders to foster any movement on the part of the Land Co. or others to improve the town. The large expenditure of capital by the Land Company, and the success which has crowned their efforts, are a guarantee of their desire to make this vicinity widely known and appreciated. That there are some impure wells in the town, located in low ground and not over-tidy back yards, will not be denied, which in some cases have been productive of fatal consequences, and which should be filled up.

It matters not who furnishes a supply of water for house or for fire purposes, whether the townspeople or the Chamcook Water Co. An ample supply can be had within the town plot from the ridge commonly known as the Barrack hill, by boring through the rock, in other words artesian wells not much over one hundred feet in depth, and at a moderate cost, as the piping for conveyance to all parts of the town would be on an inclined plane, steep enough not to require pumping apparatus. The wells on the hillside are seldom ten feet in depth and furnish a supply of water even in the driest months; this I know from actual experience of forty years.

Like other communities, it has men of brains, enterprise and pluck but unfortunately do not possess the necessary funds to carry out the good work while those who have means, lack public spirit and will not invest. The fact is as I recently expressed it, we require an infusion of new blood and capital, a quantum of American push, speculative a progressive spirit, a whole souled interest in the town. The bugbear of taxation is worn out; every city and town in the Dominion tax themselves for improvements, and they must do so, or remain in the cold shades of neglect and decay, which its people I believe will not permit. I comply with your request, and have written over my own signature, as I am neither "ashamed nor afraid to discuss the subject in public point.'—A. W. Smith

Beacon

Sept 19, 1889

St. Andrews as a Freight Port

Beacon

Oct 3/1889

Interest in a water system has flagged since the rainy season has filled up all the wells.

Algonquin bears now occupy a shed on the public wharf.

The Scott Act and Temperance—A signal failure due to poor enforcement

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.

Things are booming about the St. Andrews Bay Canning Company's premises just now. In addition to the "little fishes biled in ile," otherwise sardines, the company are canning some very fine finnan haddies. A ready sale for all these goods I found in the Canadian market. The chief difficulty the company have to contend with is the procuring of suitable female help to do the packing. They have been working at a great disadvantage ever since they started, owing to this fact. The girls in this neighbourhood are either all employed, or else they do not want to work, while it seems almost impossible to get outsider. The company could do a great deal more work if capable packers could be obtained.

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 rumors 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 New Brunswick Railway. 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 St. Andrews, Mr. Cram going to Saint John, and the remained of the party pursuing their way to Montreal.

A wealthy Montreal gentleman is considering the question of building a cottage in St. Andrews. It will be a magnificent one, if he builds at all. (Smith?)

As the plans for Mr. Wheelock's cottage have not yet been completed, it is doubtful if anything will be done this season towards building it.

An October Wedding

Another Evidence of the Kindly Feeling the CPR has towards St. Andrews

Details

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 efforts 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 and 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

The handsomest horse in town is being driven by Captain Herbert of the Argyll hotel. It is dark bay Morgan colt, with black points, and can show a fine pair of heels to most of the horses around town.

The present occupant of the dwelling at Fort Tipperary will move out shortly, the Land Company, who have a lease of the property from the government, having in view some additions and alterations to the building. These will not be made before the Spring.

Vicious dog fight in town witnessed by large crowd and nothing done about it until one was almost in the throes of death. Disgraceful.

Beacon

Oct 17/1889

Women and Water—Old Town, Maine, a little town situated at the junction of the Maine Central and Bangor and Piscatqaquis railways but not possessing one-third the advantages that St. Andrews has, is deeply agitated over a system of waterworks. The position of this town, in some respects, bears a close resemblance to that of St. Andrews. A company exists there having large, vested interests in the town, and they have made what the Bangor News says is "a very fair and equitable offer," viz. If the town will take fifty hydrants at fifty dollars per hydrant, the company will put in a system of water works to supply Old Town, Stillwater and Great Works, and include in their offer a supply of water for two public fountains, also water for street sprinkling, the town hall and all school buildings free of cost. This offer is not so good as that offered St. Andrews by the Chamcook Water Company, yet it would appear from the following Old Town despatch to the News, that there is a strong probability of its being accepted . . . . (Dover has waterworks, Brewer, Bucksport, Ellsworth)

The Houlton gentlemen, who recently purchased sixty acres of land on St. Andrews Island, intend to erect several cottages thereon. Mr. Clark and Mr. Munson, two of the owners of the land will each build a cottage, we are told next spring.

Beacon

Oct 24, 1889

An Old Prison

A Peep Within the Walls of St. Andrews Jail

How Some Prisoners Have Escaped. The Story of Hugh Waddell's Escape and Recapture Told once More.

The recent escapes from the County Jail, followed by the removal of Mr. Mark Hall, for nineteen years jailer thereto, have directed public attention to this venerable institution.

St. Andrews' Jail was not the creation of yesterday, as a glance at its antiquated walls will readily show. It was constructed as far back as 1832, and, doubtless at that time it was considered to be a model prison in every respect. In these advanced days, however, it is very far from being what it ought to be, and there is little doubt that to this cause, as much as to the alleged carelessness of the Jailer, is due the numerous escapes that have taken place from time to time. The immense blocks of granite out of which the venerable pile is built were brought all the way from Deer Island, Maine, in sailing vessels, there being no quarries in this neighborhood in operation at the time. The building itself is quadrangular in shape, two stories in height, with a low-pitched roof, running down from the four sides. A little over one-third of the building was designed for the use of the jailer; the rest was for prison purposes. On the ground floor are the criminal cells, and from the glimpse we got of them in company with Sheriff Stuart, on Friday last, we would blame no prisoner for trying to escape from them. They are both small and dark and ill ventilated, and before they were provided with a water closet, must have been noisome dungeons indeed. There are five cells on each side of the corridor. The cell doors are of iron, and the entrance is so small that a man, with a corporation on him of any size, would have some difficulty in getting through. Each cell is 6 x 8 feet in size, and is surrounded by solid stone walls, two feet thick. There is an aperture in the outside wall of each cell to admit air and light. These apertures are about four inches wide, by twelve inches high. In olden times, a large wooden plug was used to close them up, but of late years the wooden plug has been discarded, and a sliding window covers the space. An old fashioned drawbar fastens each cell door.

The corridor is, perhaps, five feet wide. It is entered by two doors. The first door is of solid wood very securely fastened. The second is composed of broad iron bars held in transverse sections. It is fastened on the outside by means of a modern prison padlock of ponderous size. There is no fastening whatever on the inside, so that when the jailer has occasion to go in, he must have some person to stand guard at the door until he comes out. Usually, his wife or his daughter has performed this service but it is a dangerous job to ask any woman to perform, where there are desperate characters imprisoned. There is a low window at one end of the corridor, which admits light. This window was protected by thick iron bars, which were considered escape proof, but not many years ago, the prisoners sawed them through and made their escape. Since then, an additional grating of the strongest iron has been placed outside of this first grating (the latter having been repaired) and he would be a bold ingenious fellow who could saw his way through this window now without detection.

Cutting for Freedom

Even with the old-fashioned grating it was no easy task to cut through to liberty. The prisoners who did this job must have been at their work for some time. They unraveled the yarn from their socks before beginning their task each day, and fastened it tightly around the bar above and below where the cut was being made. This helped to deaden the sound. For fear any noise from the sawing should reach the jailer's ears, the rest of the prisoners tramped up and down the corridor, whistling and singing, and making as much noise as they could, keeping a close watch upon the door at the same time. When they had sawed as long as they dared, the cut was closed up with soap and dust sprinkled on it to hide it from view. Then, having removed the yarn, the prisoners slipped off to their couches, no doubt to dream of sweet liberty. In this way they carried on their work until two of the bars had been cut through. Then, the crossbar was easily swung out, and one by one the prisoners crawled out through this narrow hole, and gained their liberty.

The Debtors' Quarters

The second floor of the building is utilized as a debtor's prison. It is well lighted, and in comparison with the lower apartment, is quite comfortable, indeed. There are four cells on this floor. One of them is now being used by a female prisoner, who is serving out a sentence of twelve months for larceny. There are three males downstairs, Henry McIntee, awaiting trial on a charge of arson, William Walker, serving out a term for vagrancy, and a debtor. Walker had the honor of letting himself out on one occasion, but he did not enjoy his freedom long, being brought back in about a week afterwards. He received an addition of ten days from Judge Stevens for breaking Jail, his honor remarking at the time that he would blame no prisoner for walking out when he found the door open.

The Escape of Hugh Waddell with three other prisoners, on the 23rd of July 1883, caused one of the biggest sensations that St. Andrews has ever experienced. Waddell was awaiting trial on a charge of setting fire to the American House, in St. Andrews. On the day of his escape, he had been entertaining an old sweetheart of his. While she was conversing with him through the grated door, the jailer's family were alarmed by hearing a noise as if caused by something falling. Instantly, the woman screamed out, "They've gone, every one of them." And she had spoken truly! When the affrighted jailer reached the prison quarters every one of his four birds who had been caged so securely (as he thought) had flown. It was a general jail delivery in earnest, without any court ceremonies to lend éclat to it. The lock had been broken by the prisoners, though exactly how they had done it has not been discovered to this day. Of the four prisoners who gained their liberty that time, but one, Waddell, ever saw the inside of a St. Andrews jail again. They got across into Uncle Sam's territory, as speedily as possible, and from that day to this the whereabouts of those three missing jailbirds have been unknown to the authorities. Waddell was out a year and a month before Sheriff Stuart got his fingers closed on him again. It was some months after he had flown that the Sheriff heard that he was in Boston. By the consent of the Attorney General proceedings were at once begun looking to his extradition. The papers were made out, and the Sheriff, with Mr. James G. Stevens, started off to Boston to collar the prisoner and bring him back. But the task proved a more difficult one that they had anticipated. They enlisted the services of the United States and Boston detective forces, but not a clue could they get concerning him. After a long and weary search, the Boston detectives had to declare themselves beaten for once, and the Sheriff and his companion were obliged to return home empty-handed. Time went on. The extradition papers were mildewing in the Sheriff's desk, and the Sheriff himself had about made up his mind that he and the St. Andrews Fire bug had parted company forever. But one day, the townspeople noticed a sudden change come over the usually stoic features of the Sheriff. All at once he seemed to be full of business. His step became buoyant; there was a flash in his eye that had not been seen there for some time before, and the number of constables that were observed hastening in and out of his presence betokened something unusual in the wind. But the officers of the law were as dumb as clams, and the curious citizens were obliged to satisfy their curiosity by indulging in surmise and speculation. The presence of constables about the wharves night after night, evidently lying in wait for someone they expected to arrive by water, roused the curiosity of the people almost to fever heat. By degrees it leaked out that the Sheriff had received information that Waddell was on his way to St. Andrews, and that to see his sweetheart he was willing to risk liberty and even his life. But he did not land. One night, while watching along the riverbank, the constables observed a boat being rowed cautiously towards the shore. It was not more than a hundred yards from the beach, when a shrill whistle from the land was heard. In a twinkling the bow of the approaching boat was turned seaward, and the craft was rowed silently and quickly away into the darkness. It was afterwards learned that Waddell was in this boat, and that his watchful friends on shore had given the signal which had caused the boatmen to turn about so quickly. After watching in vain for his return the constables abandoned their vigil. A day or two afterward, Sheriff Stuart went to Saint John and, with the assistance of two Saint John detectives, made a search of two vessels in which it was thought the fugitive might be concealed. But, beyond hearing that the man he was after had come as far as Eastport in one of the vessels, the officer of the law left Saint John littler wiser than when he went here. Coming home in the steamer he accidentally met a party who was acquainted with Waddell's haunts in Boston. Again, the Boston Detective machine was set to work, and this time with better results. Ascertaining that Waddell's mother was living in Boston, the detective visited her, and on the pretense of securing her son's services as a bartender for a Nantasket Beach hotel, he learned that his man was on the way from New York in the schooner "Annie Frye." The detective kept track of the schooner until she arrived at Biddeford, Maine, and then hastening thither he had little difficulty in picking Waddell out from the crew. He was arrested, taken to Boston, the extradition proceedings were renewed, resulting in his return to St. Andrews Jail, on the 20th of August 1884. After he had got back to his old quarters, and while waiting for trial, he and another prisoner conspired to attack the jailer and gain their freedom. Another prisoner let the secret out. The Sheriff, on making an investigation, found that an iron bar had been wrenched off the drunkard's cage in the jail, and with this the jailer was to receive his quietus. All the prisoners denied any knowledge of the bar, and it was only found when the rotten flooring in one of the cells was lifted up. The prisoners were kept closely confined until their trial took place when Waddell was sent to Dorchester penitentiary for fourteen years. He went to prison as meek as a mouse and is still an inmate of it.

The Jailer's Goose Froze

Dark, ill ventilated and uncomfortable as St. Andrews Jail may be now, its present condition is ten times better than it was a few years ago. It is not many years since it was so cold that a goose belonging to the jailer froze to death in it. It is almost a miracle that the prisoners did not share a like fate. The walls had not been cemented for years, and the wind and weather had opened the interstices in the stone to such an extent that the building was like a sieve. Within quite a recent period the walls have been pointed with cement, and thus and thus the wind was prevented from whistling through the cracks and blowing the hair off the prisoners' heads as it had been doing. There is also a stove in the corridor and a closet for the prisoners' comforts that a few years ago they were stranger to.

The Late Jailer

To talk of the Jail without having something to say about the Jailer would be like describing a church without mentioning the minister. Mr. Mark Halls, as has been stated before, has held the position of Jailer for almost twenty years. Whatever his faults may have been, none can say that he was ever cruel or unkind to those unfortunates who were placed in his charge, and if he erred at all it was on the side of leniency. Had he been a man of less kindness of heart and a stricter disciplinarian, it is probably that escapes would not have been so frequent as they have been. It is the knowledge of this fact that has created a great deal of sympathy for him throughout the County, and the wish has been freely expressed that he should be reinstated and given one more chance.

Mrs. Hall has been alike a mother to the prisoners and has accorded them kinder treatment than they were entitled to. In other prisons the inmates have a stated hour for getting up from their beds to their meals, and if they do not rise at that time they either have to do without or take cold victuals. In St. Andrews Jail, humanitarian principles have to a large extent governed the conduct of the jailer and his wife in this regard. It has ever been the practice to keep the fires alive until the last prisoner has arisen, so that his mug of tea might be warm and comfortable for him. No doubt in some people's eyes this would be considered an unnecessary kindness, and some might even be disposed to find fault with the jailer or his wife for it, but, under the circumstances, we cannot blame them. Situated as the jailer is, comparatively alone, there should be some better arrangement of the cells than exists now. As things are at present the jailer is comparatively at the mercy of the prisoners. There should be some arrangement by which each cell could be scoured without making it necessary for the jailer to go in and close each one. In addition to this, the means should be at hand to lock the corridor door from the inside, when the jailer has occasion to go in. If some such arrangements s these were carried out and a little more light provided, so that every object in the corridor could be distinctly seen by the jailer before entering, and the position of every cell door and prisoner noted, the number of escapees would be reduced to minimum, and a great deal of danger to the jailer's person removed.

A Youthful Jailer Appointed

Since Mr. Hall's removal, the jail has been in charge of Mr. Leonard Chase. Mr. Chase slept in the jail office, and took his meals at his home, which is only a few rods distant from the prison. His appointment was only a temporary one, however, as on Monday the announcement was made that the Sheriff had appointed his son, Louis Stuart, to be responsible position of jailer, and that it was the Sheriff's intention to move into the jail himself as soon as possible. Sheriff Stuart says that the jail is to be run on jail principles after this, so that intending "boarders" should bear this in mind. The man who tries to escape after this, need not be astonished if he is "winged" before going many yards.

A Wasted Life

England's First Naval Engineer Dies of a Loathsome Disease in St. Andrews Poor House

In a pauper's grave, in sunny Saint Andrews, the victim of one of the most loathsome diseases that flesh is heir go, rests all that is mortal of George Lane.

Few of those who have waited upon this poor unfortunate in his declining years knew that his hand held the throttle of the first steam war vessel that Great Britain ever owned. Yet evidence can be found to establish that fact beyond question. Lane was an Englishman by birth. There was no need to tell that to anyone who heard him talk. His speech betrayed his nationality at once. In early life he was apprenticed to the great English engineering firm of Maudsley and Company, who have assisted in building so many of Britain's iron walls. When the first naval steamer was built Lane was placed in charge of her engine. How long he held that position is not known. It is known, however, that he was in the English navy for a number of years. When Col. Maudesley, a member of the above firm, visited St. Andrews fifteen or twenty years ago, he was told of Lane' existence. The colonel remembered him quite distinctly, and Lane and he had several interviews. Through the intervention of Col. Maudesley, on his return to England, Lane was granted an allowance by the English government. This he often referred to as his "superannuated allowance."

When Lane first came to St. Andrews, thirty-eight or forty years ago, he was one of the biggest dandies in the town. It was his boast that he had "twenty-two white waistcoats" to select from. He usually appeared on the street with wide man-of-warsmen pants on, and was seldom seen without one of the white "waistcoats" he was so proud of. In those days he was a railroad engineer. He had come out of Canada from England and had driven a locomotive in Quebec before drifting down to St. Andrews.

The bane of his existence was grog. He had acquired a taste for it while in the navy, and when he got ashore his appetite for strong drink increased rather than diminished. By degrees he descended the social ladder. He drank himself out of the cab of his locomotive; he drank up his "superannuated allowance"; he drank his "twenty-two white waistcoats" and his dandy apparel. Everything he owned went for rum. At last, the day came when he had no place to lay his head. Turned out of his lodgings, he sought shelter in the cabin of an old, stranded schooner that was lying at the upper part of the town. [this is surely the H. V. Crandall or Mary Ellen!] For many years he lived there an amphibious existence. Then disease fastened itself upon him, and the poor dissipated wretch had to abandon his cabin home at last and seek refuge in the Poor House. There he lived until a few days ago, when death came and ended his miseries. His exact age at the time of his death is not known, but he is believed to have been near ninety.

Capt. Herbert, of the Argyll hotel, will have quite a respectable park of his own next summer if he is enabled to carry out all the plans that he has in contemplation. For several days past he has had a crew of men, with oxen and horses, cutting down trees, and removing stumps and stones from his property in front of the hotel. He expects to have the whole of his twelve acres clear when next summer arrives, and at the rate he is progressing now there is no reason why he should not have it done. The captain is a hustler, make no mistake.

[Oct 30/1889—Eugene Fay to B. R. Stevenson , MS3-Z-435: "Will you aid the management of the "Algonquin" by sending us the names and addressed of all persons that you know, who are afflicted with Hay Fever, it having been thoroughly demonstrated the past season that Hay Fever sufferers will find at St. Andrews complete exemption from this disease. Circulars containing the strongest testimonials to this effect are being prepared. Hay fever people desire to remain away from home through September, and such a clientele means a months' more business for our Hotel, and we urgently request your assistance to obtain the names and addressed of any sufferer from this disease (whether liable to go to St. Andrews or not), as by writing to them, we expect to get the names of other Hay Fever people of their acquaintance, who will be liable to go there."]

Beacon

Oct 31/1889

Resort Builders Woes

Reference to a Hay Fever Association in an article on Bethlehem, NH, which is being developed as a summer resort, and the tasks of maintaining a summer resort in the face of opposition from locals.

The task of building up and maintaining a summer resort is far, very far from being an easy one. The man who enters upon such a task, and succeeds in it, requires to be endowed with almost supernatural gifts. He must be a man of wonderful nerve, as well as a shrewd, far-sighted man. He must possess unerring judgement, as well as a never-failing store of energy and enterprise. Another essential element in his composition must be tact. But above and beyond all he requires patience. He cannot be too patient. He must take Job for his pattern every day of his life. If he does not, he will either fail or commit suicide. The discouragements which he is called upon to grapple with would completely annihilate an ordinary individual. In many cases, where a spot has been fixed upon as a summer resort, the people do not "rise to the occasion" as they should. They are slow to apprehend the benefits that will result to them; they distrust the motives of those who are engaged in the enterprise. They withhold the sympathy and cooperation which are necessary factors toward success; they decline to leave the old ruts they have been travelling in; refuse to make necessary improvements and generally act in such a manner as to indicate that they desire to be let alone. Too often this is the result of their conduct. The men who are interested in Bethlehem, NH, as a summer resort, have been passing through just such experiences as we describe. Speaking of it, an exchange remarks:

"God has supplied it with a glorious site, with magnificent surroundings, and with a health-giving atmosphere, but he devil seems to sand in the way of the most being made of these many advantages." From a reading of the article in which the above occurs, we find the Devil alluded to presents himself in several shapes. Lack of cooperation on the part of the citizen is one of them. Another is malicious opposition. In speaking of this, the exchange we quote from says, and very pertinently, too: — "It seems strange that when some persons make improvements in, and add to the attractions of the village, there are men who go out of their way to abuse these benefactors and use their official position to crowd them. They seem to put in practice, the old saying regarding cutting off the nose to spite the face, for they are themselves benefited by the improvements but let their malice blind their eyes to knowledge thereof." A third shape in which his Satanic majesty asserts himself is in the refusal to place the road in proper shape. Some of the Bethlehem drives are in such a state that livery stable proprietors refuse to let their horses travel on them, and hence they suffer a pecuniary loss. In consequence of these drawbacks many summer visitors give the place the cold shoulder, and even the Hay Fever association, which contributed largely to making it what it is, have threatened to give it the go-by. There is a lesson in all this for us.

A new hotel is being built at Fredericton Junction

To build up a town, says an exchange, people must stick together like brick dust on a bar of soap. There must be no wrangling or quarrelling or jealousies among them. Property owners in town must offer inducements to secure business, must advertise in local papers, and above all things must not expect to make a fortune in a year or two.

A special train arrived here on Monday afternoon last, having on board General Manager Cram, Mrs. Cram, and Master Cram, Mrs. and Mrs. James Burnett, (of Montreal), and a lady and gentleman from California. They were "prospecting" for the coming season.

Beacon

Nov 7/1889

Suspicious of St. Andrews

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 St. Andrews, in the arrangement as either Saint John or Halifax. The Saint 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 New Brunswick crossing, 58 miles; New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick 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.

Rapid progress is being made on the Townsend cottage at Chamcook. The building is now in frame and gives promise of being a handsome as well as substantial structure.

It may interest our citizens to know that the landlord of the Algonquin paid to persons doing business in St. Andrews for supplies, etc., purchased between June 28th and Sept. 19th, the sum of $4122.74, add to this over $8000.00 received by St. Andrews people for labour and materials up to the time the hotel was finished. In addition to the above, the money expended by the hotel visitors in our stores was no inconsiderable sum, and would have been much more had our merchants, kept and exposed for sale, goods adapted to that class of customers. The foregoing is another evidence, that those who recognize that the procession of progress is moving, and are willing to keep step to the music, should lead in our town affairs.

The two Algonquin bears are heading for their McAdam home.

Beacon

Nov 14/1889

The Water Question

Boston, Sept. 16

W. D. Forster, Esq.

My dear Sir, just before leaving St. Andrews, I promised to send you for your own information, figures and facts upon the cost, etc., of a water system. My time has so largely been occupied in my legitimate business, that until now I have had no opportunity of complying with that promise.

Based upon the estimates of hydraulic engineers, the cost of construction of water works for St. Andrews—by a system of bored wells—would be $43,000. This covers the cost of boring four wells to an average depth of 120 feet. Stand pipe to contain 150,000 gallons, 30 fire hydrants, steam pump and fixtures, an 8-inch supply pipe on one of the streets running from NW to SE, six inch pipes on the other streets laterally, and four-inch pipes upon certain of the streets transversely. Bonds issued to the amounts of the cost at 5 percent would amount to an annual expense of $2,150, to which add the annual cost of maintenance, such as superintendence, Engineer, labor, fuel, would be $2,500 more, making a total of annual expense $4650, which the taxpayers must pay. On the other hand, the Chamcook Water Co. stands ready to put in the water system, upon the town through its Fire Wardens, making a contract with the Co. for 30 hydrants at a total annual cost of $1500.

It may, in answer to this, be asserted that under a water system owned by the town, the cost of water to private users would be much less than under the Water Company ownership. Reference to "Whipples" Water Supply for 1888-9, which gives the figures for over 500 water systems in Canada and the United States, does not bear out such an assertion. Fredericton, New Brunswick, for instance: with a population of 7000, expended $109,000, has a bonded water debt of $100,000 at 5 percent interest, has 9 miles of piping (St. Andrews would have about 6 ½), while the average charge to users for water is about the same as the Chamcook Water Co. proposes. New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, 5000 population, with 8 ½ miles of piping, expended $65,000 and has a bonded debt of $68,000 at 4 ½ percent, and charges much above Chamcook Water Co. figures. Truro, Nova Scotia, with 6 miles of pipe, has expended $43,000, has a bonded debt of like amount at 5 ½ percent, and charges private users a fraction less than Water Co. proposition. The same general condition prevails in nearly all small places where the municipality has put in the works; the exceptions being those towns so situated that the water supply is brought from lakes, ponds or streams, at an elevation above the town, rendering unnecessary the steam pump, stand pipe or reservoir; but as such a condition does not exist at St. Andrews, comparison with these exceptional cases is valueless.

It may be said by those representing the town: "We don't propose to put in the complete system; therefore, the cost, bonded debt or interest, will not be as great as the figures above given." Very well, the proposed contract of the Water Co. only compels the fireboard to immediately locate 12 hydrants at a cost of $50.00 each per annum, equal to $600.00, and in any event the rental of fire hydrants only commences when each hydrant is ready for service. Besides, the suggested answer is unfair to the taxpayers. A partial system may give Mr. Odell, Mr. Magee and yourself a water supply, while Mr. Lamb or Mr. Smith, by reason of living on the hill, will be without it. Yet all these gentlemen would be taxed pro rata to provide a water system. If the own puts in the water, it will at the same time put a bonded debt upon the tax payers, that will be a lasting burden and unless the whole system at an approximate cost of $43,000 will be provided, the town's needs will only be partially me for the time being and the further expenditure must come sooner or later, while it must not be forgotten that the principal amount which the bonds would represent finally becomes due, and must be paid. I understand that it has been suggested to bore several artesian wells, from which though people may carry their drinking water. Such an idea is merely throwing money away, because it does not in an effective way, meet the needs of the future which I believe St. Andrews has.

Furthermore, I cannot see how St. Andrews can undertake the raising of money for the purpose, upon bonds, until incorporation of the town can be had, and it is not necessary for me to dwell upon that as an event of the near future. The whole situation summed up seems to me to be this: a corporation stands ready to put in the water system upon the basis of a contract with the town, whereby the maximum cost to the town when completed will be $1500 per year. Rather than accept this it is proposed by citizens, that the town shall bond itself for say $43,000, bind itself to pay annual interest upon that debt of say $2150, together with such further as long as may be a deficit between water sold and expenses of operation. If the gentlemen interested in the latter plan, proposed investing their own money as a business operation, that would be one thing, but to place upon the town a large interest-bearing debt, when it is not necessary, should be opposed by very tax-payer, upon grounds of self-protection.

Yours truly,

Robert S. Gardiner.

The Algonquin bears made a short stay at McAdam.

Workmen have been employed the past week in adding a wing to Kennedy's hotel. The addition is quite a large one and extends to the third story. (8 bedrooms, plus laundry and pastry room)

Beacon

Nov 14, 1889

A Preferable Route

The Gazette is about the only Saint John paper that recognizes fully the part that Charlotte County ports will play if the branch line from Mattawamkeag to the Grand Southern crossing is built. In a recent issue is says: —

The refusal of the government to grant the same rates from Saint John to Halifax for through traffic that they were willing to grant from Moncton to Halifax, has undoubtedly led to the proposal to build a line direct from Mattawamkeag to the Shore Line, at its junction with the New Brunswick Railway. This project if carried out would give us the shortest possible line from Montreal to St. Andrews, L'Etang and Saint John, while it would be about 30 miles shorter to Halifax than the present line, and practically at short as by the proposed Harvey-Salisbury railway. The railway from Mattawamkeag to the Shore Line would have the merit of accommodating four winter ports, viz., St. Andrews, L'Etang, Saint John and Halifax instead of a single too much favored harbor, and therefore it ought to be preferred to the Harvey-Salisbury lie, by all who have the interests of Canada at heart, and not merely the aggrandizement of a single section at the expense of all others.

Beacon

Nov 21, 1889

The Fish Business

Our merchants do well in seeking to obtain a share of the great fish trade of Upper Canada, which the completion of the CPR line has opened up to them. With the advantages that St. Andrews possesses as a fish distributing centre there is no reason in the world why we should not have the lion's share of this business. All that is wanted is a little enterprise and business tact. We have men here who possess both of these qualifications, and we hope that the efforts they are now putting both will result beneficially to themselves and to the town. The Saint John merchants, who are ever on the alert to extend their business, have been endeavouring to obtain control of this market, but St. Andrews is ahead of them, in that we have the fish swimming at our very wharves that are needed, while the Saint John people have to get their supply from NS. For this reason, fish from St. Andrews can be landed in Montreal quicker and in much better condition than the fish from elsewhere.

As regards fresh fish this is a very weighty consideration. Hitherto, Portland, Maine, has controlled the finnan haddies trade in Montreal, although the Maritime Provinces also ship a great many to that market. The Portland fish appear to be put up with greater care and in smoother packages than much of the Maritime Province article. Doubtless, this fact is a great measure accounts for their popularity. We are glad to be able to state that the experiment which the St. Andrews Canning Company, made this summer of shipping haddies in cans, was attended with such success that it is altogether likely that next season this branch of their trade will be pushed with redoubled vigor. With a little more care in the curing and boxing of our haddies we think that our people stand an excellent chance of doing a large business in the Canadian market

The St. Andrews Canning Company will close down their business for the winter season in a week or two. They are well pleased with their first year's work, and are looking forward to doing a much larger business next summer. During the winter months the Company will busy themselves in shipping fresh fish to the Canadian market.

The fish business looks very promising for St. Andrews. The Canning Company are increasing their output and find a ready market for all their goods. As their articles become better know they will find some difficulty in supplying all the orders. Up to Saturday two thousand cases of their manufacture had been shipped to Montreal. This represents a cash value of something like $10,000. Mr. G. D. Grimmer intends going into the fish business on a more extended scale this winter and has been in Montreal arranging matters in that quarter. The old steamboat wharf, which has been in idleness for a number of years, has been leased to the Messrs. Conner, an enterprising firm who have already begun exporting fish to the upper Canadian market.

Beacon
Nov 28/1889

A Man with Wings—The Unique Experience of a St. Andrews Man in the Days of his Youth

We venture to say that there is not another man in the province who has had the experience of Mr. Obadiah Conley, of St. Andrews. It would be only multiplying words to say that it was a unique experience. Briefly stated, Mr. Conley once had wings and flew. We do not ask our readers to believe that the subject of our remarks has, or ever had, anything of the bird in his composition, or that he is any more angelic than the rest of St. Andrews people. Not at all. All that we ask them to believe is that he once had wings and sailed through the air something after the fashion of the birds.

How he came to have wings and the manner of his flight he has told us in his own words. they are in substance and effect as follows: —

"When I was a boy, I was brought up on Machias, Seal Island. My father was a light-keeper there. Isolated as I was from the rest of the world, my chief delight was in clambering over the rocks of my island home, and listening to the music of the waves, as they beat and broke against the craggy shore. It was to be expected that the wondrous works of nature which surrounded me should head me to delve into her mysteries and seek to wrench from her mighty secrets; the flight of the birds particularly occupied my mind. Day after day would I watch the seabirds circling over my head, and winging their way over the waters with an energy that never seemed to tire. One day the thought occurred to me, why cannot I also fly? Why cannot I make wings, with which to follow the sea gull in his flight? At first, it seemed impossible, but the more I pondered over it, the more I became convinced that I could do it.

But how was I to form my wings? This was the question which staggered me. But it was not for long. Taking my gun one day I picked out a large gull and shot it. then carefully removing the feathers from the bird's wings, I found out how they were fashioned. Every muscle, every tendon, every bone I carefully observed. With these wings for a pattern, I began to task of making wings for myself. How did I make them? All that I can tell you is that I endeavoured to follow the pattern of the gull's wings as closely as possible, and with the material at hand, and my inexperience in the art of making wings—you see I was only fifteen then—I think if you saw them you would say that I made a good job of them. My wings were made of canvas, the inside of them being composed of a series of wires, and springs carefully adjusted. Straps were attached to them to fasten them to my arms and body.

When they were completed to my satisfaction, I put them on. I found that I could work them quite well and thought I would have no difficulty in flying. As soon as a favorable opportunity came, I tested them. Were they a success? Well, not exactly. I flew with them thirty feet or more, when the apparatus which I had rigged for a tail gave out, and I landed rather heavily on the soft side of a rock. If that tail had not given out, I believe I would be lying yet. However, I got all the flying I wanted at that time, and I have not tried it since. I think, however, that the day will yet come when lying machine sill be a recognized form of location."

Perhaps. Who knows what is locked up in the womb of the future? Mr. Conley, we might add, is a man of considerable genius, but the opportunities to develop it have been lacking. He is living in the hope of someday reaching a sphere where his talent will be recognized. At the present time his inventive mind is occupied in perfecting the fire escape, which he thinks will outrival anything in that is now in use.

Beacon

Nov 28, 1889

Charlotte County's Resources

We doubt if there is another County in the whole Dominion which offers such tempting opportunities for capitalists as does Charlotte County. Where is there another County so rich in natural resources, in mineral wealth, as Charlotte? Coal deposits at Lepreaux, granite and slate quarries at SG, silver and gypsum at Frye's island, copper on another island, salt wells at the Bayside, immense cliffs of red sandstone at St. Andrews. What more could we ask for? What more do we want? And yet we have not mentioned the St. Andrews turnip, or the St. Andrews sardine, or the Grand Manan herring and cod, all of which possess considerable importance. Nor have we dwelt upon the glory of its scenery, or its beautiful, capacious harbors the fame of which is almost world-wide. Surely, if there are a happy people on the face of the earth they should be the people of Charlotte. And so they would be, if the capital was at hand to develop the rich resources of the County.

Beacon

Dec 5, 1889

A Chocolate Ghost

Details—black ghost in Saint John

On Sunday last, all that was mortal of the late William Morrison was deposited in St. Andrews Cemetery. "For twenty years, Mr. Morrison had been an invalid, suffering from a most painful disease. On more than one occasion he had been brought so near death's door that he could almost see within its portal, but his wonderful vitality always came to his rescue just at the moment his friends thought he was passing away. The deceased was a native of St. Andrews, having been born here in 1829. In early life he "followed the sea," acting for the most part in the capacity of ship's steward. He crossed the Atlantic over fifty times, visiting many foreign climes, and bringing back with him a wealth of anecdote with which for years he delighted those whom he met. He was married twenty-six years ago, when he abandoned the sea forever and entered upon hotel-keeping. [1863 Morrison's Hotel opens?] Some years ago, his health became so bad that he had to give up the hotel business. [origin of Windsor House?] Since then, he has lived quietly, suffering the most excruciating pain with a calmness and fortitude that few people would manifest. In the midst of all his suffering he was ever ready to assist others to enjoy themselves, and in the summer season, when his health would permit, no picnic party appeared to be properly made up unless he was with it, to enliven by his anecdotes and wit. His death, which occurred on Friday last, was hastened by a cold he received while attending a picnic on St. Andrews Island last summer. The deceased was one of the oldest Free Masons in the County, having been "made" in the old Hibernia lodge. His wife survives him. His funeral, at which Rev. Arch. Gunn officiated, was very largely attended.

The annex to Kennedy's hotel is being rapidly pushed forward in anticipation of wintry weather. Mr. Shaughnessy is in charge of the work and is making a good job of it. With the additional room [8 rooms] the extension will give Mr. Kennedy ought to be able to cope with next season's run of tourists.

Our fish Trade

What the Enterprising Men of St. Andrews Intend Doing this Winter

"We are to begin shipping haddies at once, "remarked Mr. G. D. Grimmer to the Beacon, when he was asked what he intended doing in the fish business, "and as soon as the weather gets cold enough, we will begin sending forward frozen fish." The ladies will be put up by Messrs. Petrie in their fish shed at the Point. It is Mr. Grimmer's intention to ship none but the best. The boxes will be made in Saint John. They will be made of planed boards and will in every respect compare favourably with the American article, with which it will have to compete. In order to facilitate summer shipments, Mr. Grimmer intends erecting a packing and icehouse in the rear of his store. He will get his ice from Chamcook.

Mr. Patrick W. Connors, of the firms of Connors Bros., of Black's Harbour, who have leased the old steamship wharf, St. Andrews, for the fish trade, is now in St. Andrews purchasing barrels in which to pack the frozen fish that his firm intend shipping from here to the Canadian and US markets. They have a schooner of their own, and will use her in purchasing and collecting fish. Mr. Connors, who has had considerable experience in the fishing business both as a fisherman and a buyer, expects to begin shipping next week, provided the weather is cold enough.

About Turnips

There are some subjects which a newspaper editor in Charlotte County must approach with considerable delicacy. One of these is the temperance question, the other is that of turnips. Nevertheless, there are times when an observant, honest journalist must approach both subjects, no matter what the consequence may be. In the few remarks that we have to make today turnips and not temperance will be the theme. Everybody living in Charlotte County, especially in the neighbourhood of St. Andrews, knows the economic importance of this article of diet. When we say that $100,000 are received annually by our farmers for turnips (we base this statement upon figures given us by a prominent agriculturist in the County) a better idea of the turnips' importance can be obtained. We hear it stated in some quarters that the St. Andrews turnip of today, is not he turnip of ten years ago, that is has deteriorated. Is this true, or is it not true? If it is true, then what is the reason for it? Is it due to any controllable cause? Can it be remedied in any way? Is the ground too rich or is it not rich enough? Are our farmers using proper fertilizers? Are they using the right kind of seed? These are important questions, important from the fact that they bear upon a very important trade, the loss of which would be a great blow to our farming interest. The Agricultural Societies of the County, established for the better providing of food, for man and beast, might wish a good deal of propriety look into the matter. It is one that, without doubt, should come within their purview. How best to promote the growth of the turnip is a project which might be discussed very profitably. A little ventilation of the subject would do no harm and might to a great deal of good. We would suggest that our agricultural societies join in offering a prize for the best essay on "The Turnip—how to promote is growth, how to preserve its quality." Money spent in this way would be well invested.

Beacon

Dec 12/1889

Shulee and Shinimicas, the two Algonquin bear cubs, are no more. They yielded up the ghost last week, at the bidding of the town butcher. Their plump little carcasses were shipped to Boston.

St. John's Chocolate Ghost

More on the Chocolate Ghost

The International Steamship Company have in contemplation a very radical change in the running of their steamers next summer, says the Portland Press. Three steamers will be put on the route between Boston and Saint John , giving a service of five trips a week. On two trips a week only will the steamer touching at Portland, making the other three direct between Eastport and Boston. By the new arrangement trips will be made from Boston to Digby and Annapolis via Eastport, thus giving NS travel the benefit of their best steamers. It is the intention of the company to make quick trips between Saint John, Eastport and Boston. Leave Saint John say at 7 am, Eastport at 12 m., and go from the latter place direct to Boston, arriving there early in the morning. The details of the new arrangement have not yet been made public, but the intention is to give additional steamboat service and quicker transportation tot travelling public on their route.

Beacon

Dec 19/1889

Reputation First, Money Afterwards

If our manufacturers expect to do a permanent and paying business, it is absolutely essential that they should place nothing on the market but the very best of goods. Particularly is this necessary at the inception of a venture. In order to build up a reputation, the manufacturer must needs bend all his energies to providing a first-class article. The pecuniary returns are bound to follow. Too many men who go into business think only of the present, and in their haste to realize upon their manufacturers send out an inferior class of goods. The public soon finds out what manufacturer makes reliable goods and what unreliable, and it is only a matter of time when the unreliable man will have to go to the wall. If he was the only one to suffer very few would complain, but too often he drags others down with them; too often such people besmirch the reputation of the place where they manufacture to such an extent that it is almost an impossibility for a man who wishes to do right to establish a business there after wards. A number of years ago a firm began the manufacture of Sardines in St. Andrews, their factory is still standing on one of the wharves, a silent monument of wasted opportunities. The class of goods they manufactured was not what the public wanted, and we were told only the other day that some of the upper Canadian houses still have immense quantities of these sardines on hand they cannot dispose of. What was the reason for this? Simply because the goods they manufactured were an inferior article and were not what they were represented to be. It does not need a man with a very big brain to see the effect such an incident must have upon goods in the same line coming from he same vicinity. Businessmen, who have been nipped before, are very chary about taking hold of such goods and in nine cases out of ten will refuse to accept them, unless at the manufacturer's risk. Thus, it become doubly hard for the manufacturer, for not only has he to build up a reputation for his own manufacturers, but he has also to fight against the bad name which his predecessor gained. Now that our people are trying to re-establish manufacturing industries here, this incident is of value to them.

Traffic on railroad to St. Andrews over 150 percent better last summer than summer previous. Same is true of the steamboats.

At a meeting of the Algonquin Hotel Company in the Dufferin Hotel, Saint John. on Thursday last, it was decided to issue $100 bonds to the extent of $20,000, payable in five years, at 6 percent. Mr. Simeon Jones, having resigned from the directorate of the Company, his song, Mr. George We. Jones, was elected to fill his place.

The shipping of fresh fish from St. Andrews has begun in earnest. On Friday last Messrs. Connors Bros.

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 summertime.

This is 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 town has improved as a result of the influx of tourists, 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 roadbed 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 yet 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,

A Promising Prospect

The outlook for summer travel from the upper provinces to St. Andrews this summer looks very promising. Mr. Robertson, from Saint John, who has been promoting the West India project in the large Canadian cities, says that during his journeys he heard St. Andrews often talked about, and he have it as his opinion, that next season would witness a much more stupendous boom than last year. As Mr. Robertson has no particular interest in St. Andrews, and as his opinion was entirely unsolicited, we feel inclined to place a great deal of weight upon it. Mr. Robertson further stated that in a conversation with Mr. George W. Swett, of the Windsor Hotel, Montreal, that gentleman mentioned the facts that there was a great deal of enquiry about St. Andrews from travellers and tourists. Mr. Swett remarked that the tendency of tourist travel was more and more towards the East, and hence he believed that St. Andrews had scarcely begun to enter upon its career as a summer resort.

Put Up or Shut Up

To the Editor of the Beacon—

Sir.—there appeared on one of your recent issues, a statement to the effect that, during the past summer season, there was paid to St. Andrews residents, by the management of the Algonquin Hotel, the sum of $4,122. I am informed that the truth of this statement is questioned by certain of your citizens. I do not care to take the trouble to prepare the proof, simply to satisfy the curiosity of idle gossips, therefore make the following proposition. Any one or more residents of St. Andrews, having reason to question the amount so stated to have been paid, shall, individually or collectively, deposit with either of your town councillors the sum of $100, I depositing in the same hands, a like amount. If I do not give you, for publication in the Beacon, a detailed statement showing to whom every dollar of the $4,122 as paid, and if necessary, adduce proof by the Algonquin receipts and accounts, as to every item on such statement, the $100 deposited by me shall be equally divided among the churches of St. Andrews to be used for benevolent purposes, and the other $100 returned to its depositors. But if I do furnish such statements and proof, the $100 of the doubters shall be divided as before named, and my money returned to me. A committee, consisting of any three of your clergymen, may decide upon the question of evidence produced.

Robert Gardiner