News clippings compiled by Art Clowes
Revised To: December 2, 2002
Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, January 19, 1855 – New Brunswicker – THE RAILWAY operations in this Province have been suspended, and the work is now at a stand still. The workmen employed on the line arrived in this City last week, on their way to the United States. There are curious reports in circulation concerning matters, which will no doubt soon be made public. Until then, we forbear making any comments.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 233 – Saturday, January 20, 1855 – ST. ANDREWS AND QUEBEC RAILROAD – It is not unnatural in the absence of full information on the subject, that some misapprehension should have arisen in the minds of a few, with regard to the startling piece of intelligence relating to the Railroad which we published last week, nor is it a matter of surprise to us, that such should be the case, for, so utterly incredible does it appear, that men would reject the greatest good that can befall them, that it is no wonder, many on the first blush of the thing, have concluded that there must be some reasons, of which they were unaware, for the refusal of the offer which it is stated that Mr. Byrne submitted to the Board.
In reality, however, Mr. Byrne made no proposition at all, but merely signified his acceptance on behalf of “Class A” of the terms which the Directors of this Board, themselves had submitted to them; – and therefore it is, now that we find the Board playing fast and loose in such an unaccountable manner, that we feel it our duty to analyze such strange and extraordinary conduct, and place the public, and such of the stockholders who are unable or have not the opportunity to investigate our Railroad affairs in full possession of the position they really stand in.
It has long been acknowledged by every one – not only that it is impossible for this section of the Company to provide any further assistance towards the construction of the Road – but that the Board of Directors in this Province is actually an hindrance to the active prosecution of the undertaking. We believe that every Director has frequently both publicly and privately expressed his earnest desire that Class A should take the entire control, and individually has signified his willingness to yield up everything to them, could they be induced to do so; nay they have done more, by passing a solemn Resolution asking the Class A to take the undertaking into their own hands. It is this request submitted by themselves, and acceded to by Mr. Byrne, on behalf of the English Stockholders, that the Board blind to the inconsistency of their own conduct, and prosperity of the Town now decline to act up to.
It is difficult to assign motives for any man’s actions, but in every matter that nearly and deeply affects himself, every one is justified in forming his conclusion upon open facts, and on the known character of the individuals he has to deal with. In this matter “our Railroad, which is of such vital importance to us all, we cannot allow any trifling or tergiversation; and therefore we frankly and fearlessly assert, that no adequate reason can be assigned for the late ridiculous decision of the Board – save perhaps, self-interest in a paltry pride and love of power in others – unless indeed, it be, that they are perfectly incapable of understanding what they are doing, and have done and which we are free to admit – appeared to have been unfortunately only too often the case.
With no settled policy or distinct objects in view they but temporize to keep themselves in office, regardless of the faith of engagements, and indifferent to the dictates of prudence and propriety; totally without prescience, they live but from day to day, and instead of being prepared for circumstances as they arise, are only occupied – alas, how unsuccessfully, – in trying to patch up the disasters which their own blunders have created.
It is almost impossible, to find a parallel for the absurd position in which the Board now stands.
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Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, May 4, 1855 – The Railway Organs of Saint John appear to be at sixes or sevens on the subject of their favourite scheme to Shediac, and Mr. Jackson’s connection therewith. Some of them would throw the blame of the evident stagnation of their hopes upon the local Government – an accusation for which we believe there is not the slightest foundation – others declare that there has been some slight mistake in relation to the payment of interest; while the Courier, is sadly puzzled between its old devotion to Mr. Jackson, its knowledge that the Province is not in fault, and its assurance that there is something wrong somewhere. Of course it must be a great consolation to every lover of the line to know that the celebrated contract, and the Honour of Mr. Jackson, are as good as ever.
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Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, May 25, 1855 – DOMESTIC – The following is from the Toronto Globe, and we give it insertion for the benefit of our readers. It is fairly entitled to the place of Chapter I of the Great Railway Humbug. If it were any satisfaction to our contemporary, we could easily inform him that we have here every prospect of a similar result of our Railway speculations! – Editor.
GRAND TRUNK STOPPAGE
It is abundantly evident that the present ministry are about to go through the same process with the Grand Trunk Railway which the last did. They are about to grant ir aid, without having any security whatever that, that assistance will be will be sufficient to secure the completion of any part of the line, without any hope, in fact, that we shall be any nearer the construction of the road than we were before. The Government are to shovel out the money and Messrs. Peto, Jackson, Brassey & Betts are to carry it away, and that is all we shall ever hear of it. The new loan of £900,000 is to be secured on the road between St. Thomas and Quebec and between Montreal and Stratford, and even should all that be completed, we shall have advanced upon it nearly £7,000 currency per mile, a sum which would have built it throughout. But the truth is that we have no guarantee what ever that this part of the work will be finished. Mr. Peto promised that it will be done, but Canadians will be slow to receive his pledge after they have been deceived and humbugged by his partners, It is just the same ridiculous pretence which Mr. Hincks used in the first place. These contractors were said to be men of such wealth that they could not fail; they had never broken a contract, always accomplished what they had undertaken. After what has been lost by trusting to this vain boasting, how can any one be foolish enough to place reliance on similar statements again? Yet upon Mr. Peto’s simple promise, ministers propose to advance more money, and leave the whole matter in the sante higgeldy-piggeldy fashion in the hands of a most extravagant and ill-managed company. The opposition and some members who generally support the Government are trying to the Ministry carrying out their scheme, and insisting that the money shall be paid only on work hereafter to be done, but all their precautions we fear, will be in vain. The Company need the money to pay for what has already been done; and when it has been voted, Messrs. Hincks and Ross will find a way to get it from the ministry. In our view, there is no safe course for the Government to pursue, save to stop all further aid, and throw upon the Company the onus of carrying on the work. We believe that the Barings, Glyns, and others, who are deeply interested in the work, could find the money, if they set themselves about in earnest, and did not find it easier to cajole the Canadian House of Assembly. If the Company failed, however, as a last alternative, the Government would always have the power to go on and finish the road. They could easily do so, for it appears that Canadian debentures are always saleable in the English market. It might be expensive to do so, but it would be far less than the present system. The Province is now building the road; and only difference is that the Government might to it economically, if it were solely in their own hands; while at present, the work is going on in the most extravagant way. The whole operation of the Grand Trunk Company to the east of Toronto and in the city itself, have English contractors and their Agents, who were said to be coming out to America to the teach the natives how to work.
We see nothing but immense prospective loss to the Province, whichever course is taken, and can never cease to deplore the consequences of the bargain with Jackson & Company. It was conceived in corruption and has brought forth its natural fruits.
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Grand Falls, The Cataract Weekly – June 5, 1855 – The water in the St. John tributaries is very low. The Bonnie Doone left here on Sunday last for Fredericton, and our connection with the rest of the world by steam communication is at an end for a time. If we had a railroad! But no matter, we might be much worse off than we are, and, instead of dwelling upon the means of travel which we have not got, we may mention that we have got a very comfortable line of stage coaches from Grand Falls to Fredericton. Notwithstanding, the navigation of the river by steamer has interfered so materially with land travel, yet Mr. Tupper has not relaxed in his exertions to accommodate the public, but always keeps on his line the best horses, most comfortable vehicles, and accommodating and skilful drivers ! and all afforded at very moderate rates.
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Grand Falls, The Cataract Weekly – 1855 – The steamer B. F. Tibbets which has been engaged up-river in towing rafts caught fire last night and burned to the water line.
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Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, June 29, 1855 – THE RAILWAY – New Brunswicker – The Honourable Mr. Ritchie returned from England in the last Steamer. The result of his railway mission has not yet transpired; perhaps the developments will be so great that he is afraid to disclose them, less the public mind might receive a shock from which it would never recover. We may, however, by and bye, receive the interesting news by piece-meal, and in such a manner as not to overturn altogether our equanimity of mind!
Seriously, we hear it openly stated by some that Mr. Jackson thinks he has good grounds for backing out of his contract, but of the truth of this we shall no doubt be shortly advised. We trust the Directors will soon inform the public of the true state of the case, and the reasons given by Mr. Jackson for not fulfilling his engagements in this Province. There must be fault somewhere.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel – Saturday, October 20, 1855 ! The Grand Trunk Railway started operating trains between Toronto and Brampton, Ontario, on either Thursday, October 11 or Thursday, October 18, 1855.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel? – Monday, November 12?, 1855 – WOODSTOCK, FREDERICTON AND GRAND FALLS, MAIL STAGE – Leaving Woodstock, 8:00 a.m. daily, Saturdays excepted, and Fredericton at the same hour, daily, Sundays excepted. – Fare – Three Dollars.
The above connects with a daily stage to Houlton and Bangor.
The stage for Grand Falls and Quebec leaves Woodstock every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 8:00 p.m. and returning, leaves Grand Falls every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, at 4:00 p.m. – Fare – One Pound.
Stage Books kept at the store of T. Treadwell Smith, Esq., Fredericton, and at the Woodstock Hotel, and Queen’s Arms, Woodstock.
– J. R. Tupper
– November 12, 1855.
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Fredericton, NB – New Brunswicker Reporter, Page 1 – Friday, December 21, 1855 – THE GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY OF CANADA – The opening of the section of the Grand Trunk Railway from Quebec to St. Thomas, in the direction of New Brunswick took place on the 1st instant. At 2:00 o’clock on that day, two cars filled with persons from various quarters, who take an interest in the work, left the Chaudiere Junction, a distance of forty miles from St. Thomas, on a trial trip over the line. The road being thoroughly made – indeed so much so that ir is stated that no more money could be spent on it with advantage – the train sped rapidly along, and passed station after station amid the greetings of overjoyed spectators. There are several splendid bridges on the route, at each of which the train stopped for a few minutes to enable the party to view these noble structures. The bridge across the Etchemin is a tubular, girded similar to that across the Chaudiere. It has six openings of one hundred feet each; its total length is 700 feet. The iron Plates rest on stone piers. The bridge is substantial, and the deflection is nothing that can be perceived. The height above the water is 70 feet. The Boyer River is of precisely the same character, and about the same height above the water. It has two spans, each 80 feet long, and two each of fifty feet long. There is a station house at the Chaudiere Junction, one at St. Francois, one at St. Charles, one at St. Thomas, and one is in course of erection at St. Henry. At the Chaudiere, there is an engine house, capable of “Stabling” six engines, and one at St. Thomas, capable of “stabling” three.
The line from the Chaudiere to the St. Thomas passes over a very level country, the population of which is computed at sixteen thousand souls. On arriving at St. Thomas, a village of the usual French Canadian style, Mr. Cabonalt ?, M.P.P. for the county, delivered an address in which he congratulated those present on the completion of this, to them, important section of the Grand Trunk Railway. Mr. Holmes, the Vice-President of the Company replied, and in doing so, stated that the opening of the St. Thomas section that day was the fulfilment of all the promises made twelve months ago, with reference to the work to be done in 1855, and added that before another year passed, a railway communication would be opened between the extreme eastern and Western sections of the Province, with the exception of the Victoria bridge across the St. Lawrence. The benefits of the railway system, he said, we so palpable that they required no comments, and of this they had every day proofs. Scarcely a week ago the Brockville section was opened, and all the train arrangements made for the winter, but he was pleased to tell his hearers that those arrangements had to be altered as the unexpected development of the traffic had necessitated an additional train per day being put on, – (immense cheering). – and he hoped in conclusion, that the same results – though it was scarcely to be hoped at so early a date – would follow the opening of the St. Thomas section. (Cheers).
The Company then partook of a lunch or cold collation provided for them in the depot. It was very substantial, and worthy of the occasion, – Meats and wines were excellent, and appetites were keen after travelling. Quite a number of ladies as well as gentlemen sat down.
The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given from the chair, and drunk by the company with much enthusiasm. Major Rhodes, M.P.P., proposed the health of the contractors, Messrs. Peto. Brassey, Betts and Jackson, coupling with the toast the name of Mr. Beekie, their agent, on this section, whom he praised for his ability. The Major stated he was the first to draw attention to that section of the country, and take one of the contractors, the chief Engineer, and some gentlemen from Quebec, to visit it. He hoped the road would realise the anticipations then formed, and that in section it would be of the same advantage that Railways have conferred elsewhere. Difficulties of an unusual nature had been overcome by the Grand Trunk Company, and their work was progressing favourably – he doubted not to a successful completion. After some further remarks, he concluded by giving his toast, which was received with hearty and continued cheering, and was drunk with all the honours.
The health of A. M. Ross, Esquire, the Chief Engineer of the Grand Trunk Railway, was next given and responded to by that gentleman in an appropriate manner.
Various other toasts having been drunk and speeches made, the steam horse was again set in motion, and shortly after night-fall the party reached Point Levi, and proceeded to the Victoria Hotel, where a dinner had been provided, which was partaken of by a number of ladies and between fifty and sixty gentlemen. The chair was occupied by Mr. Holmes. After the toasts of the Queen and the Governor General had been drunk with all the honours, the Chairman proposed the health of the allied armies. He introduced his subject with an eloquent and feeling speech. He spoke of the glories of the British arms, and their historic renown – the heroic endurance of the troops in the Crimea – their successes and the noble cause they fought for – the defence of human freedom.
Colonel Robinson, of New Brunswick, replied and Mr. Rennie, on request, sang “The Englishman.”
The Chairman next proposed New Brunswick and Sister Colonies, coupling with the toast their names of two gentlemen who were present from New Brunswick, the Honourable Mr. Botsford and Colonel Robinson. He spoke of the section of road just opened as one link in the future connection of the colonies.
The Honourable Mr. Botsford replied, He expressed the very great gratification he felt, at being present at the opening of the road to St. Thomas. He looked at it as an important step in the direction of the union of the Colonies – a question which he felt the deepest interest. That interest was expressed by the people of the sister Colonies and he was happy to find it existing in Canada. The people of the Lower Provinces looked with much admiration on the progress and wealth in Canada; but he doubted if the Canadians fully estimated the value of a railroad through to the harbour of Halifax, the mines and the fisheries of the sister Provinces. The railway projects of New Brunswick were in turmoil and for while under a cloud, but as a member of the Legislature, he was able to state that they were not given up. If they could not be built by private enterprise, the Legislature would do it. It could get the necessary credit. The Honourable gentleman continued to speak on the destiny of the union of the colonies, and stated his belief that the general voice of the people of the maritime Provinces was in favour of it.
Other appropriate toasts were given and appropriately responded to.
The length of the Grand Trunk Railway, now completed, is 555 miles. The road is located below St. Thomas, as far as the Riviere du Loup, and the whole of the distance is about level. It is not expected, however, that the railway will be extended to that point for the present.
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Fredericton, NB – New Brunswicker Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 21, 1855 – RAILWAYS – On our first page will be found some speeches delivered at a late Railway Celebration in Canada, and among the rest one by Honourable A. E. Botsford, of the Legislature Council of this Province. Several spurious versions of this speech have got into circulation; one of them representing the Honourable gentleman as saying that the North Shore Line was the most popular in New Brunswick. Our version is from the Quebec Gazette, and we are quite satisfied with its correctness, as it is in full accordance with much of which we have head before from the same gentleman.
But who is the “Colonel Robinson of New Brunswick,” alluded to in one of the paragraphs? is it the Major Robinson who once skirted the North Coast with a line, and wrote romances about the “masses of ice” floating in the Bay of Fundy?
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Fredericton, NB – New Brunswicker Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 21, 1855 – THE RAILWAY – Nova Scotian – The Gazette of the 5th instant contains an official communication from Mr. Howe, by desire of the Railway Board, to the Lieutenant-Governor with accompanying statements “showing the amount of Traffic on the Nova Scotia Railway from the 8th of June to the 22nd of November, with the cost of upholding the same.” These returns, which embrace three periods, are highly satisfactory. The Trains commenced running on the 8th of June – four trains per day – to nine mile station, 6 miles, two months, and to Sackville, 8 miles, one month. The returns for the quarter ending 8 September give the number of miles run 4,446, and the passengers carried from station to station 17,602.
The Revenue received during the same period was
£ 1,018 4 3
Against which are the expenses, including maintenance of Way, Locomotive charges, repairs, traffic charges, and depreciation of rolling stock.
437 15 4½
Net Receipts £ 580 8 10½
Five hundred and eighty pounds over and above wear and tear and working expenses is not a bad beginning, when we consider the number of miles run, and the character of the country over which the road passes. The second period is from the 8th to the 21st September when the running of trains was interrupted – four trains a day – the miles run during that time being 656, the number of passengers carried 3,258, and the gross earnings of the road £174 11 6.
The trains recommenced running on the 22nd October, from which time to the 22nd November, – the number of miles run was 1,312, the passengers carried 4,715, and the gross receipts £272 13 7.
Upon analyzing these returns we find the gross proceeds during the first quarter to average £78 per week – from 8th to 24th September, about £85 per week, from 22nd October to 22nd November – when the trips were reduced from four to three trains per day – upwards of £60 per week. The falling off during the latter period is attributable to several causes the want of a Locomotive to immediately supply the place of the “Mayflower,” injured on the 22nd September, and the diminution of pleasure travel, consequences on the advanced season of the year, being among the more prominent. But if the number of passengers has been less, the freight list exhibits a steady increase – the freight carried for the month ending 22nd November, being but little less than for the three months ending 8th September. By and bye the Railway will give a capital account of itself, especially when it reaches the ell wooded heights of the Ardoise and the fertile country which lies beyond. Meanwhile its projectors, managers and friends have great reason to be proud of the success which has so far crowned the enterprise.
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Fredericton, NB – New Brunswicker Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 28, 1855 – NEW RAILWAY CONTRACT – Halifax Recorder – On Tuesday last, the Railway Commissioners opened a heap of tenders that were offered, pursuant to conditions previously advertised, for constructing a section of the Railway, about 7 miles in length on the Eastern Road, leading to Truro. There were nineteen separate tenders submitted. Messrs. Spencer Sutherland & Son, of Canada, secured the contract, as their estimate of the cost of performing the work was below the valuation that any other competitor named. Exclusive of iron materials the Commissioners provide, the Contractors have engaged to finish this section at the rate of £4,500 a mile.
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A. Clowes
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