News clippings compiled by Art Clowes
Revised To: December 2, 2002
Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (70) – Saturday, January 2, 1858 – RAILWAY PROGRESS – New Brunswicker – Tenders were received last week, by the Railway Commissioners, for the construction of twenty-four miles of Railway, from Groom’s Bridge, near Hampton Ferry, to Sussex Vale; and for seventeen miles of railway from the Bend toward Saint John. The portion from Groom’s Bridge to the Valley, is divided into three sections of eight miles each; the first of these, from Groom’s Bridge to Norton, has been taken by Messrs. Blackie & Henderson of Nova Scotia, contractors on the Halifax and Windsor Railway. The next section of eight miles, in Norton and Studholm, has been taken by Mr. Dillion, P. Myers of the United States, the contractor near Lawlor’s Lake. The third section of eight miles, in Studholm and Sussex, has been taken by Mr. Thomas King, of the well-known firm of King Brothers, mail contractors.
At the other end of the line, the first ten miles from the Bend to Nixon’s, have been taken by Messrs. McBean & McDonald of Nova Scotia, late contractor on the Halifax and Windsor line; – the next section of seven miles, from Nixon’s along the Petitcodiac into Salisbury, has been taken by Messrs. Thomas and Charles Walker of Quebec, who at present are executing portions of the railway at either end.
The sections of Railway now let, are to be completed by the several contractors in September, 1859, at which time, if the work is faithfully performed, we may expect to visit the beautiful vale of Sussex by railway from this city. The only part of the whole line from Saint John to Shediac, not yet under contract, is from Sussex Vale (at or near Sheck’s) to Salisbury, a distance of about thirty miles, which if all goes well, may be put under contract next year. Then, to meet the railway through Nova Scotia from Halifax, a section of twenty-six miles only will be required from Shediac to the boundary at Baie Verte. If Nova Scotia makes equal railway progress with New Brunswick in the next two years, we may expect to pass by railway from this city to Halifax in 1860.
Turning our attention Westwardly, we find that a section of railway, thirteen miles from Bangor towards Calais, is now open for traffic; and that another section of twenty-two miles, from Calais to Lewys’ Island, on the route towards Bangor, is also completed and now in operation. The gap between these two sections does not much exceed fifty miles; and when that is filled up, there will be uninterrupted railway communications from Calais to all parts of the United States and Canada, – the railways already stretching far beyond the Mississippi and being pushed on rapidly toward the Rocky Mountains.
Viewing the vast net-work of railways to the Westward of this Province, and taking into consideration also that a section of eighty miles from Saint John to Calais, will in a short time be all that is needed to bring New Brunswick and Nova Scotia into connection with the great railway system of North America, it is not too much to expect that in five years from this time, a traveller may depart from Halifax by railway, and continue his journey, without break or interruption, by railway only, to Fond-du-Lac, at the extreme Western end of Lake Superior, and perhaps even much further to the Westward.
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Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (70) – Saturday, January 9, 1858 – The Halifax and Windsor Railway will be opened in a few days.
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Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (90) – Saturday, February, 6, 1858 – ACCIDENT – Leader – As the return train was coming into town at two o’clock yesterday (Friday) afternoon, one of the luggage tracks got off the rails and broke down the fence in Mill Street, which unfortunately fell on a young man, a son of the Reverend Mr. Schofield, who was passing at the time, knocked him down and severely him. Our reporter could not ascertain if any bones were broken. Mr. Schofield could not stand, and he was taken home to his father.
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Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (90) – Saturday, February, 6, 1858 – NEW BRUNSWICK RAILWAYS – London Times – A meeting of the Class A shareholders of the St. Andrew’s and Quebec has sanctioned, after a division, the amalgamation with the New Brunswick and Canada. It was stated that the portion of the line already opened is worked at a profit. The report of the committee appointed to examine into the question of the 10,000 acres of land, will be delivered at the meeting in February. The report of the New Brunswick and Canada describes the important progress that has taken place in their undertaking. The works are now being proceeded with up to the 50th. mile, and there are at present twenty-five miles under contract, which will be completed at the moderate cost of £2,617 per mile. Notwithstanding the inexpensiveness of its construction, the line is said to be well finished. The New Brunswick Government have transmitted £18,000 on account of their stock, and have granted the company 20,000 acres of land, with an assurance that a further grant will be made as soon as it is required for the purpose of settlement.
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Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, February, 13, 1858 – THE VERY THING – Morning News – We are gratified to see that a new plan is being carried out for effecting a Railway passage across that bottomless pit, known as Lawlor’s Lake. Finding that the more stuff thrown in there was the less chance of getting bottom, the workman have driven several tiers of piles through the centre of the Lake, over which a temporary roadway is to be built – so that we see nothing now in the way, unless it be the work going on before we get to the Lake, (back of Robininson’s and at the road crossing,) to prevent the cars running to the nine mile house, by the 1st. May. The temporary road through the Lake can be used for the purpose of filling in the embankment, between the piles, at any time hereafter; even should the filling-in take two years it will not interfere with the regular transit of the trains.
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Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, February, 13, 1858 – Sackville Borderer – The Mail Coach from Saint John was capsized on Thursday night, in Petitcodiac. It was thrown 9 feet, and struck on the top. Several of the passengers (Captain Isaac Atkinson among the number), were slightly hurt. The driver, Kilpatricak, was injured severely, but is now recovering.
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Woodstock, Carleton-Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, March 27, 1858 – Fredericton, Head Quarters – On the evening of the 17th. March, some of the labourers employed on the St. Andrews and Woodstock railway wantonly broke open the dwelling of one of the settlers in the neighbourhood of the line and assaulted and maltreated the inmates, some of whom were females. Three of the ringleaders were arrested on Monday, and lodges in gaol here yesterday morning.
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Woodstock, Carleton-Sentinel, Page 126 – Saturday, April 10, 1858 – We (New Brunswicker) have great pleasure in publishing the following announcement from the Quebec Chronicle, respecting the arrangements for the continuing the railway from St. Thomas (about 45 miles below Quebec) down to Riviere du Loup, about 75 miles further, on the route towards this Province. With steady progress of railway’s in this Province and in Nova Scotia, there can be little doubt of an intercolonial railway between eventually completed, which will unite all these Province closely together and raise them to a powerful position on this Continent:–
GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY – QUEBEC AND TROIS PISTOLES SECTION – Preparations for completing the line as far as Riviere du Loup, seventy-five miles below St. Thomas, have been progressing during the winter. Materials for fencing, culverts bridges, &c., have been delivered upon nearly the whole length; in the ensuing spring active operations will be resumed, and the construction of the line pushed on with vigour. The whole of the rails, chairs and spikes, together with iron work for tubular bridges, are being shipped to Quebec and will be here early in the spring. It is expected that the cars will be running from Quebec to Riviere du Loup, 120 miles, by the summer of 1859.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, April 24, 1858 – SUSPENSION BRIDGE – Morning News – We are glad to learn that the Directors of the Bridge have sent for Mr. Thomlinson, the Celebrated Bridge Builder, to consult with him upon the damage sustained by the Suspension bridge, with a view of having it repaired in a thorough manner.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, April 24, 1858 – Leader, 12th – The Executive have been in Session in this City on Saturday and yesterday. Railways and Mail Steamers we learn have chiefly occupied their attention. The members returned to Fredericton this morning, there being much to attend to at the close of the Session.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, April 24, 1858 – Fredericton Reporter – We learn that within the last week an extensive Coal mine has been discovered in the Poquioc Settlement, in the parish of Prince William. The coal is also said to be the very best for domestic purposes.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, May 1, 1858 – Standard – PROPERTY IN ST. ANDREWS, we are happy to state is approaching its real value; the price of town lots and dwellings, is gradually rising. Within a short time sales of property have effected at fair prices; but as the prospects of the town brighten, there cannot be a doubt that houses and lots will not only increase in value, but will be difficult to obtain. As a further instance of prosperity, we may mention that several large houses and stores are in course of erection, and the old ones are being repaired and painted. The “good time coming” we trust is at hand. The truth is, that the Railway is benefiting both the town and country.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 – Saturday, May 1, 1858 – RAILWAY ACCIDENT – Westmorland Times – On Tuesday afternoon, a young man named McLaughlin, who has been a brakeman on the ballast cars, became entangled among the wagons and was so severely injured that the left arm had to be amputated and fingers of the right hand also. He is otherwise severely injured, but we have no further particulars.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 142 (2) – Saturday, May 8, 1858 – STRIKE ON THE RAILWAY – Leader – On Monday morning, at six o’clock; when the men assembled, it was found that a large number of them were dissatisfied with the wages they have been receiving – four shillings a day – and intended to demand five shillings, or knock off work. The contractors, however, determined not to accede to their terms, and after some parley, about a third of the men agreed to work for the four shillings. At this the five shilling men showed signs of discontent and threatened those who intended to resume work. The aspect of affairs was getting black, when the Railway Magistrate, Mr. Scoullar, arrived with his police force, and he immediately ordered the mob to disperse, and on their refusing to do so he commenced reading the riot act. One of the malcontents thereupon made up to Mr. Scoullar, threatening him if he interfered with the men. Mr. Scoullar, no wise intimidated, though his force was small, recommended the fellow to lay a hand on him; but the man did not accept the invitation, and after a little hesitation the crowd dispersed – those who were willing to work for four shillings continuing their labour, and the rest returning to town.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 146 (2) – Saturday, May 15, 1858 – The people and the press of Saint John are awakening to a realizing sense of the fact that a large portion of their trade will be jeopardised by the completion to Woodstock, and so onward to Canada, of the St. Andrews and Quebec Railroad, in the absence of any connection therewith of the city of Saint John. Why the commercial men and capitalists of Saint John – whose character for energy and foresight in other matters, we believe, has never been questioned – have so long looked on supinely, and, as it would appear, unknowingly to the vigorous prosecution of a work of really such importance to them, without making an effort to save to themselves some of the trade, with the loss of which they were threatened, we cannot understand. We only hope that it is not yet too late for Saint John and Fredericton, by some decisive and vigorous effort, to tap the main track at some point above the latter city. We do not profess to know much about the technicalities of railroads, but it appears to us that very little knowledge is requisite to enable any man to come to the conclusion that Saint John should be connected with Canada by rail; that the route chosen should be the most central, especially if the most central route were cheapest. Having arrived at these conclusions, but very little additional reflection is necessary to beget another, – that the route which would most completely meet and cover all these terms is via the St John.
An intercolonial railway must be built; it is manifest destiny. The interest which Canada exhibits in the matter a good guarantee that such will be the case; at the present session, if he has not before done so, it is the intention of the Premier of Canada, Attorney-General McDonald, to submit a resolution to Parliament with reference to the matter; – bearing the impress of that gentleman’s great ability and warm interest in the cause, we cannot but entertain high hopes of the result. The more anxious are we for legislation on a railway connection, because such may fairly be regarded as a preliminary step to the achievement of that splendid object which all colonists should desire – a union of the colonies.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 146 (2) – Saturday, May 15, 1858 – ST. ANDREWS AND QUEBEC RAILWAY – In pursuance of a requisition to the Mayor of the Town, on Thursday last, a public meeting was held in the afternoon of the same day, in the Mechanics’ Institute, to consider certain matters in connection with the railway now in course of construction between St. Andrews and this place. In the absence of the Mayor, the meeting was organized by appointing John Bedell, Esquire, as Chairman, and W, T. Baird, Esquire, as Secretary.
Whereupon the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Moved by C. Perley, M.P.P., seconded by A. K. S. Wetmore, Esquire,
Resolved, That the people of this county view with deep interest the approach of the Railway from St. Andrews to this place, and the exertions now being used by the New Brunswick and Canada Railroad and Land Company towards an early connection with the River St. John.
Moved by Honourable C. Connell, M.P.P., seconded by John Bedell, Esquire,
Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, the interests of the people of this Town and County, and the New Brunswick and Canada Railroad Company, would be alike best subserved by a direct communication by Railway between the Town of Woodstock, at the River St. John, and St. Andrews, in the County of Charlotte.
Moved by W. T. Baird, Esquire, seconded by R. A. Hay, Esquire,
Resolved, That the advantage of the river trade at and above the Town of Woodstock; the natural facility for carrying the Railway across the River St. John at the aforesaid town; the fertile tract of unoccupied Crown Lands on the east side of the river, through which it would pass; and the line being a central one, with which any other line to Canada would most probably unite, – are inducements, in the opinion of this meeting, well worthy the consideration of the Company.
Moved by James Grover, Esquire, seconded by M. McGuirk, Esquire,
Resolved, That we hereby pledge ourselves to use our best exertions in procuring from the Legislature a grant of the Crown Lands on the eastern side of the River St. John, to the same extent as have been already given to the Company between St. Andrews and Woodstock, and otherwise facilitating the operations of the said New Brunswick and Canada Railroad Company, as expressed in the foregoing resolutions.
Moved by W. F. Dibblee, Esquire, seconded by F. R. J. Dibblee, Esquire,
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to put the foregoing resolutions on form, with such statistics as may be necessary to accompany them, and request their being forwarded by Julius R. Thompson, Esquire, to the Board of Directors of the New Brunswick and Canada Railroad Company.
The statements – based upon facts – made by the several speakers to the resolutions with reference to the selection of a route which would yield to the Company the largest returns from traffic, and secure to it large tracts of most valuable land for settlement, will stand approved by every intelligent mind in the Province. Touching the river St. John at Woodstock, it must necessarily divert all trade from the river above that place, in produce and manufactured lumber, now conveyed at get outlay of time and money by another route to the American market. Crossing the river at Woodstock, the route is not only more direct to Canada, but the valuable land through which the road must pass – and which we doubt would be granted on the same condition as between St. Andrews and Woodstock – would, when opened up for settlement, nearly, if not quite, pay the cost of erection. No time should be lost in conveying these propositions or suggestions to the Company at home, and which we have no doubt they will rightly appreciate. The largest and most speedy returns from their investments is undoubtedly what the stockholders desire; and in this case the object may not be the less speedily obtained, because pointed out in an unofficial manner by persons whose local knowledge of the country and a desire simply to see the work prosper in their hands, suggests it. Much credit is due to the able management of Julius R. Thompson, Esquire, and the energy with which the work is being prosecuted. There is but one feeling in this County towards the Railway from St. Andrews to Woodstock, and that is an earnest desire for its success. We seriously hope that nothing may occur, affecting seriously the interests of either, to mar in any way the mutual good feeling which at present, and we hope hereafter to continue to exist.
The Committee appointed to procure statistical information in matters of trade and traffic by railway and other conveyance, in and through this County, will make their report at as early a day as possible. Mr. Thompson, being present at the meeting, expressed at its close his satisfaction at seeing so large a number – the hall being nearly filled – of persons assembled at so short a notice – thus testifying the interest they felt in the progress of the Railway towards this place. He also announced the intention of the Company to transport goods over the road for this place the ensuing fall as far as Howard Settlement, and would give his attention to necessary arrangements being made for that purpose. Mr. Thompson, also kindly expressed his readiness to forward to the Board of Directors of the New Brunswick and Canada Railway and Land Company the views of the people, as unanimously expressed in the foregoing resolutions, with such statistics of trade, &c., as may be placed in his hands. Meeting adjourned.
WILLIAM T. BAIRD,
Secretary.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (158) – Saturday, June 5, 1858 – A LONG TRAIN – The Montreal Pilot, says a freight train consisting of 39 cars, were despatched from Toronto northward on the Ontario, Simcoe, and Huron Railroad, on Tuesday 3:15 p.m. under charge of Mr. Roberts as conductor, which were loaded during the night at Collingwood, for Montreal and Portland Direct, without transhipment, and delivered over the Grand Trunk Railway at 3:00 p. m., on Wednesday. This train was upwards of a quarter of a mile in length, and contained three thousand nine hundred barrels of flour, being a portion of the cargo of the Evergreen City, from Chicago.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (158) – Saturday, June 5, 1858 – British Constitution – The Executive have been in Saint John since Friday. Mr. Tilley left yesterday en route to Canada, rumour says on business connected either with a Union of the Colonies or an intercolonial railway, perhaps both.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (158) – Saturday, June 5, 1858 – ST. ANDREWS AND QUEBEC RAILROAD – By an advertisement which appears in to-day’s issue, the gratifying intelligence is conveyed that the railroad will positively be opened for traffic by the first of October to Howard Settlement, 20 miles from Woodstock.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 3 (159) – Saturday, June 5, 1858
NEW BRUNSWICK & CANADA
RAILWAY AND LAND COMPANY
Company’s Offices,
St. Andrews, May 25, 1858.
REPRESENTATIONS having been made that it is of extreme importance to the Merchants, Lumberers, and indeed to all persons connected with or engaged in business, in the Upper Sections of the Province, and the State of Maine, to be assured as to the point to which the Line will be opened this Autumn, – as to the time such opening will be made, – and as to the rates of freight to be charged, – Notice is hereby given,
1st That the Road will positively be opened for general traffic to the HOWARD SETTLEMENT, 20 miles from WOODSTOCK.
2ndly That such opening will take place as early in the Fall as practicable, but will certainly not be delayed beyond the beginning of October.
And 3rdly That the rates of freight to and from St. Andrews to the Howard Settlement will rule –
For Dry Goods and all analogous articles, at about 20 cents per 100 lbs.
For Flour and all analogous articles. At about 15 cents per 100 lbs.
For manufactured Lumber and Timber, for any distance not exceeding 20 miles, $3.00 per car, and 15 cents per car per mile additional, for all distances above 20 miles.
A car load of Boards or Deals is equal to about 3,000 feet B. M.
A car load of Shingles, is equal to about 25,000.
At these rates therefore the charge on Deals will be about 15 s per M. and on Shingles about 1 s 10½ d per M. Logs, Cordwood, Railway Sleepers and Ship’s Knees, will come under the denomination of a “Special Class,” and will be carried by agreement at rates in proportion to the quantity or other circumstances attending their conveyance.
Full particulars as to the precise conditions and rates of freight, will be published at an early day, and Public Notice of the OPENING be given as soon as practicable.
JULIUS THOMPSON, Manager.
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Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 162 (2) – Saturday, June 12, 1858 – SAINT JOHN AND SHEDIAC RAILWAY – The Railway from Saint John to Nine Mile House has been formally opened. Every day’s report, and every hour’s reflection, tends to confirm out conviction, that operations will not much longer be continued on this line. We have reason to believe that those disinterested persons who have been most sanguine in their expectations respecting the success of this road, are having their faith shaken; and yielding to the impression that the money which it would cost to complete the junction with the Bend had much better be expended in some of the other proposed lines. We have large faith in Railroads, and have no sympathy with those who grow frantic in view of the taxation they are supposed to produce. Still, our faith is grounded on certain conditions. They should open up new tracts of country, induce actual settlement, draw into one channel trade which had before been scattered and diverse, and unite important and distant districts. None of these conditions, so far as our knowledge of the country goes, will the road now building meet. And we should really like to know what encouragement there is held out to spend the immense sums necessary to complete the road immediately. And further, we should like to know whether common prudence does not that it were better to stop now at some important locality, and commence a road, at Saint John and Fredericton simultaneously, to tap the road now building from St. Andrews.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel – Saturday, June 12, 1858 – RAILWAY OPENING – Courier – We condense the following account of the Railway opening from the Leader of Thursday morning last.
On Tuesday the Railway was formally opened for traffic as far as Kennebecasis, at the place general known as the Nine Mile House, but which is in fact ten miles from Mill Pond Station.
Early in the morning the Commissioners, the Engineer, and others, passed over the line, and the completion and safety of the whole for traffic having been satisfactorily ascertained, at two o’clock the was thrown open to the public, and great numbers availed themselves of the opportunity for an extended ride. The weather was delightfully fine. In one of the trains were three hundred of the labourers employed on the works, who where hospitably entertained at dinner by the contractors, Messrs. Myers & Brookfield. There are some finishing touches required on the road, such as trimming the cuttings and embankments, putting balustrades to the viaducts, &c., and getting the iron girders of the bridge in their places, but this will be done without interruption to the traffic, and can be completed in a few days. There is also a turntable to be placed at Gilbert’s Lane which will be finished in a fortnight.
The character of the road is spoken of by every one as excellent; we ourselves travelled on it at the highest speed the engine could attain, that is at the rate of fifty miles an hour, and the last train on Tuesday ran the ten miles in fifteen minutes, or at the of forty 40 miles an hour.
We are glad to say that, though the carriages were much crowded, no accident of any kind happened, and everything passed off in the best manner, – a fact which is in itself sufficient praise of the management.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel – Saturday, June 12, 1858 – Courier – The E&NAR line from Saint John to Kennebecasis, (Nine Mile House) which is 10 miles from Mill Pond station was officially opened at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 1858. The line was inspected in the morning and declared safe. A great number rode the line including some 300 labourers in one train where the contractor served them dinner.
A turntable is to be placed at Gilbert’s Lane and will be finished in about 2 weeks.
Train travelled as fast as locomotive could go which was 50 m.p.h. On Tuesday, June 8, 1858, the last train of the day covered the 10 miles in 15 minutes or 40 m.p.h. Everything on the line is satisfactory.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 166 (2) – Saturday, June 19, 1858 – In answer to our enquiry, the St. Andrews Standard admits that its hope, expressed some time since, of Woodstock becoming the grand central stopping place between St. Andrews and Quebec, is now small, and says,
“We have heard it stated that it is almost impracticable to bring the Line direct into the Town, as the grade is so steep, that it would require a stationary engine; and as the Company, (the parties most interested,) have chosen the route which they believe will be not only the most direct, but cheapest, and make the best returns, we have no inclination to interfere in the matter.”
We have only space, now, to say that we have no doubt the hope entertained years ago by our contemporary was based upon scientific proof of the practicability of bringing the line into Woodstock. It was proved practicable then; we believe it to be practicable now. We are inclined to the opinion that the grand object which now stands prominently before the manager of the railway is the securing of the Aroostook trade, which, in his opinion, is of far more consequence than the river trade; there is one thing which will interfere very materially with his expectations in this respect, – that is, the building of the Aroostook Railroad, which we believe to be a fixed fact. Ere the New Brunswick and Canada Company have their road in a position to reap any benefit from the Aroostook trade, the Aroostook road will be built.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 166 (2) – Saturday, June 19, 1858 – ST. ANDREWS RAILWAY CORRESPONDENCE – Courier – A good deal of amusement has been created during the past week by the publication, in the morning papers, of a series of letters, first privately addressed to Julius Thompson, Esquire, Manager of the Railway at St. Andrews; to M. H. Perley, Esquire, Her Majesty’s Fishery Commissioner, Emigration Agent, & c. of this city. In the first of these letters Mr. Thompson charges Mr. Perley with having said things of the Railway and Railway management, with which he, (Mr. Thompson,) is connected, that were neither true nor flattering; and Mr. Perley not having condescended to reply to this, Mr. Thompson further charges him with a want of courtesy which ought to be exhibited by a gentleman in his position. Mr. Perley still continuing silent, Mr. Thompson, as a last resource, sends copies of his letters to Mr. Perley, along with an extract of a private letter from a gentleman in Saint John to another in St. Andrews, in which Mr. Perley’s reports are brought under Mr. Thompson’s notice, to the morning papers, as the only means left of vindicating his Railway and the Company he represents from the aspersions to which, he says, they have been subjected. The correspondence was published on Wednesday morning in the News, but thus far Mr. Perley or his paper, the New Brunswicker, has preserved what great diplomatists call a masterly inactivity in the matter, in the shape of a profound silence.
Without taking part with either side in this momentous question, which would not be fair until we had heard both, we yet cannot help thinking, with all respect for Mr. Thompson, that as a Railway manager, he is altogether too sensitive and thin skinned. Suppose it be true, as he says, that his Railway and the Director who manage it are slandered and misrepresented by Mr. Perley or others, does not Mr. Thompson know that this is a vocation by which some people live? If Mr. Thompson were in Saint John instead of St. Andrews, and on the other side of politics, both his Railway management and his Railway itself, would be every day in the week spoken of, the one fraudulent and the other imperfect; and no matter how untrue these statements, or how indignantly he denied them, they would daily be repeated with fresh embellishments. It is not those who countenance and patronize such dealers in wholesale aspersion and calumny about Railways and Railway Commissioners, as the opposition press of this city, that should be the first to cry out when they get a touch of the same black brush themselves, and the source from which Mr. Thomspson says the stories he complains of proceed ought to strike the community as particularly significant.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 166 (2) – Saturday, June 19, 1858 – THE INTER COLONIAL RAILROAD – Quebec Chronicle – The correspondence between the Imperial Government and the authorities of the Colonies, on the subject of an Inter-Colonial Railroad, has been laid before the House, and is published, in full, in Tuesday’s Leader. It is very lengthy, but the gist of it is as follows:– Sir William Eyre states in his despatch dated the 11th July, 1857, that the Honourable J. A. Macdonald, “was authorized last year to proceed to England and urge upon Her Majesty’s Government the reasons which should induce and impel the Imperial Government to carry to completion this great and necessary national work.” After pointing out the commercial advantages of such inter-communication, the General concludes: “If ir (the road) would be carried to the eastern side of New Brunswick, remote from the American frontier, it would be difficult to over estimate the advantages of this great undertaking on military grounds.” The Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick (J. H. T. Manner – Sutton), and Earl Mulgrave of Nova Scotia, also express to His Excellency the views of their Councils on the subject – and both favour the undertaking. But Mr. Labouchere, the then secretary for the Colonies, speaks rather discouragingly of the scheme, on the part of the British Government. He says: “The Ministry feel that the heavy expenditure to which this county (England) has been subjected of late years and the continued calls on the resources of the empire for pressing emergencies, do not leave them at liberty, for the present at least, to subject its revenue to so considerable an extent, for the purpose of assisting in the construction of public works of this character.” Attorney General Macdonald draws up a memorandum of his proceedings in England – where he had associated with himself Mr. Solicitor General Rose, and says: “I can state, in conclusion, that the Colonial Governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as well as her Majesty’s advisors, seem deeply impressed with the necessity of this work, on Imperial as well as on Colonial grounds. My opinion is, that its construction is only a question of time. The various Colonial Governments have determined to take some united action in the matter, and are bringing the subject before their Parliaments. It has already been done in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada is now doing the same.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 170 – Saturday, June 26, 1858 – HOWARD SETTLEMENT – RAILWAY WORKS – Availing themselves of a proffered passage by a friend, we visited the works at Howard Settlement, the other day, and found the road being pushed forward with much vigour, and learned that it was the intention to put night parties on certain sections in order to have the road completed at the time stated by the manager – 1st., October 1858. At the Store, which seems to be the distinguishing nature for the point most central on the upper section of the works, there is quite a shanty settlement, embracing a store kept by Mr. Giliebur of St. Andrews, three or four spacious hotels, and some private residences, all built in a style of very primitive architecture. In the midst of the Howard Settlement, the building of several new stories has been commenced, and one large boarding house. The spot for the depot:– five acres for which purpose have been generously given by the Reverend Thomas Hartin – is levelled and prepared for the erection. The making of the station house, or so much of it as possible, is to be done in St. Andrews:– probably this will be more convenient, still, it has given rise to dissatisfaction among the mechanics of the settlement, and railroad companies should, we think, cultivate as much as possible the sympathies of communities situated on their line.
We learn from conversation with very intelligent gentlemen, – warmly interested too, in the welfare of the road, – that much disappointment and regret is felt by the people of Howard Settlement at the proposed change in the direction of the road, by which, instead of the road coming direct to Woodstock, – what every one considers was the intention of the Act and the intention of the Company originally, – it is to be carried past. A shareholder in the Company has said to us that such a thing was never thought of, until recently, was that the line was not to strike the Town of Woodstock directly.
We were glad to find very great improvements on the highways, as well as in the appearance of the settlement generally. There is still one thing wanting, as we stated on a former occasion, – that is a post-office in the Settlement; and we would urge upon the people the necessity there exists for them to take such steps as are necessary to secure the advantages of a regular mail.
We must notice one little thing, – such small things we like to notice, – that is, the politeness of the children in Howard Settlement. It speaks well for the teachers and parents, to the stranger riding through a settlement, to have children whom he meets, take of their hats and bow in a respectful manner; and in such a manner were our friends and ourselves treated by all urchins we met.
——
Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 170 – Saturday, June 26, 1858 – Saint John, Leader – What induces the owners of land along the line of Railway just out of the City to be so busy just now visiting the electors? Can any one tell? We cannot, but this we know, that the great land owners have put in claims for enormous damages, three parties claiming no less that SEVENTY TWO THOUSAND POUNDS for their land, one proprietor alone having the conscience to ask £40,000 for five acres of filth, which is a public nuisance, and a cause of pestilence. If the land owners succeed in getting an Opposition candidate elected at the coming election, there is one more chance of saddling the country with this £72,000. If the present Government remains in office the land owners will get just what their property is fairly worth and no more. Are the people of Saint John willing to pay at the rate of eight or ten thousand pounds an acres for the land outside the city which is either producing no return or not more than the simple interest of a hundred and fifty or two hundred pounds an acre? If they want to saddle the country with a sum equal to nearly two thirds of the entire revenue of the Province, they will pledge themselves to vote for the Opposition candidate; if they desire to give for the land through which the Railway passes no more than it is fairly worth, they will decline pledging themselves.
——
Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 185 – Saturday, July 24, 1858 – The document of which the following is a copy has been handed us by a gentleman of this town, who received it from the Honourable Attorney General MacDonald of Canada. We republish it, and trust that the vast importance of the subject will be sufficient excuse for such a disposal of so much of our space.
RETURN
To an Address of the Legislature Assembly, of the 31st. May, 1858, for all correspondence, dispatches and papers relating to the Inter-Colonial Railway, during the last and present years.
By Command,
- J. J. Loranger, Secretary
Secretary’s Office, Toronto, 31st. May, 1858.
(Copy) Sorel, 11th. July, 1857
Sir: I have the honour to report that the Executive Council of my Government, having had under consideration the important advantages which Canada and the Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia would derive from the construction, or rather the extension of the line of Railway from the Rivière du Loup to Halifax, have requested and authorized the Attorney General for Upper Canada, the Honourable J. A. MacDonald, to proceed to England to place himself in communication with yourself, with the view of urging upon her Majesty’s Government, the reasons that should induce and impel the Imperial Government to carry to completion this great and necessary national work. The Executive Government of Canada have no doubt that the Governments of the Eastern Provinces will cheerfully co-operate, with this Government in pressing the subject upon the attention of Imperial Authorities, and with this view propose to communicate to the Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the action of this Government. I may also add that the Honourable the Attorney General has received authority to call to his aid the services of any gentleman whom he may deem necessary to the success of his mission.
It appears to me quite unnecessary to expatiate on the manifold advantages that must result, in a commercial point of view, both to the Mother Country and these Provinces, from having a direct communication between Halifax and Quebec, and thence to the farthest western extremity of Canada at Port Sarnia; but I should also observe that, should the projected line be carried to the eastern side of New Brunswick, remote from the American frontier, it would be difficult to over estimate the advantages of this great undertaking on military grounds.
I have, &c.,
- M. EYRE,
Lieutenant General and Administrator.
The Right Honourable H. Labouchere, &c. &c.
****
Government House
Toronto, 22nd. July, 1858.
Sir: The project of constructing an Inter-Colonial Line of Railway between Halifax and Quebec having been brought under my consideration by a dispatch from the Provincial Secretary, of Nova Scotia, dated Halifax, 24th. June, 1857, and concurring entirely with the Executive Government of Nova Scotia, in the advantage that must accrue to the Mother Country and to the Colonies on the completion of so great an undertaking, I have the honour to state that I have without delay brought the subject to the notice of my Council; and I hasten to apprize Your Excellency of the action of the Government of Canada, in the confident hope that the Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia will co-operate to the utmost of their ability in effecting what must contribute so much to the material prosperity of these colonies.
I enclose a copy of a minute of my Council, pursuant to whose suggestions the Honourable J. A. MacDonald, Attorney General, C.W., has already started for England on this mission.
I have, &c.,
- M. EYRE,
Lieutenant General Administering the Government.
Honourable J. H. T. Manners-Sutton, Lieutenant Governor, &c. &c.
****
The Committee of Council respectfully report to Your Excellency, that they have had under their consideration the dispatch of the Lieutenant General Eyre, the Administrator of the Government of Canada, on the subject of a Railroad from Rivière du Loup to Halifax.
The Legislature and people of New Brunswick have always evinced a lively interest in the proposed railway, and uniformly manifested a disposition to aid such an undertaking to the full extent of the resources of the Province.
The Committee of Council advise Your Excellency to assure Her Majesty’s Government and the Administrator of the Government of Canada, of the interest they feel in the proposed Railway; of its importance to the Colonies and the parent State. They believe that the perpetuation of British power in American depends upon the consolidation of the Colonial Empire which the proposed undertaking would greatly promote.
When the question, in 1852, was the subject of negotiation between the Province and the Imperial Government, New Brunswick agreed to contribute a fair proportion towards the construction of the Railway. His Excellency Sir Edmund Head, the present Governor General of Canada, having taken an active part in the promotion of these arrangements, is fully cognizant of the views of the people of this Province, and of their deep interest in the question.
To the three Provinces, such a Railway would be of the highest importance, as a means of developing their resources, promoting their material interests, and strengthening that mutual sympathy and unity of interest and feeling so essential to secure for them that commercial and political position to which they are entitled from their situation and resources.
The Committee of Council are confident that if Her Majesty’s Government could be sufficiently impressed with the great importance of the proposed Railway to the Empire in a national point of view, and that Imperial interests absolutely require it, they would not hesitate to take such measures as would secure its construction.
New Brunswick with her large domain, could provide a vast field for future colonization, which, with her other resources, would afford a present security and future means to defray what might be considered her reasonable portion of the expenditure.
The Legislature of New Brunswick, during its recent session, expressed the opinion that Your Excellency should ascertain whether the Government of Canada would undertake the construction of a Railroad from Saint John to Canada, jointly with the Government of New Brunswick, upon such terms as should be consistent with interests and means of the respective Provinces, with the aid of the Imperial Government.
The Committee of Council are so fully impressed with the great importance of the matter that they would have advised Your Excellency to send a delegation to England, to press the subject upon Her Majesty’s Government, did it not appear to them that from the lateness of the period Your Excellency received the intelligence, such delegation could not arrive in London in time to give that weight to their representations, which would be the primary object in any such mission.
The Committee of Council advise Your Excellency to communicate this minute to Her Majesty’s Government, to His Excellency the Administrator of the Government of Canada, and to his Excellency Sir Gaspard Le Marchant, the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia.
Charles Fisher,
- L. Tilley,
James Brown,
Charles Watters,
- H. Steeves,
David Wark.
To His Excellency the Honourable J. H. T. Manners-Sutton, Lieutenant-Governor, &c., &c., 10th. August, 1857.
****
Government House
Fredericton, NB, December 10, 1857.
Sir: I have the honour to forward you herein enclosed, a copy of a Memorandum of the Executive Council of this Province in Committee (which Memorandum has been approved by me) on the subject of the construction of an Intercolonial line of Railway. The Memorandum was (as appears on the face of it) drawn up by the Executive Council in Committee, as a reply to a communication addressed to the Provincial Secretary of this Province by the Provincial Secretary of Nova Scotia, to whom a copy of the Memorandum has been transmitted.
I have, &c.,
- H. T. Manners-Sutton
To His Excellency The Right Honourable Sir E. Head, Barrister, &c.
****
The Committee of Council of the Executive Council respectfully report to Your Excellency that they have had under their consideration the letter of the Provincial Secretary of Nova Scotia, on the subject of an Inter-Colonial Railroad, with the enclosures, the copy of a letter addressed to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies by the Attorney General of Nova Scotia and the Honourable A. G. Archibald, and the copy of a letter addressed to the Provincial Secretary of Canada, by the Provincial Secretary of Nova Scotia.
The Government of New Brunswick have always evinced a deep interest in the proposed Railroad, and believing it to be an object of great national importance, have at all times manifested their readiness to unite in pressing the subject upon the Imperial Government.
On the 10th. of August last, we advised your Excellency to assure Her Majesty’s Government and the respective Government of Canada and Nova Scotia, that we were fully alive to the subject, and would have been prepared to have sent a delegation to England to unite with the delegates from Canada and Nova Scotia, in bringing the question under the notice of the Home Government, had we received timely intimation that the Government of Nova Scotia was moving in the matter.
The dispatch of Lieutenant General Eyre, Administrator of the Government of Canada, informing your Excellency of the action of the Government of Nova Scotia, and inviting the cooperation of this Province in securing “the construction or rather the extension of the line of Railway from Rivière du Loup to Halifax,” dated at Toronto on the 22nd. day of July 1857, was received by your Excellency late in the evening of the 29th. day of that month. The members of the Executive Council were immediately summoned to Fredericton to advise your Excellency.
It appeared evident, that however important a delegation might have been, it was then too late to secure its arrival in London in time to unite with the Delegates from Canada and Nova Scotia in pressing the subject upon the House of Government. We submitted our views to your Excellency in writing, which were approved of and transmitted to the principal Secretary of State for the Colonies by the first mail.
It now appears that we advised the only course that was open at that late period, and the statement in our minute “that the delegation could not arrive in London in time to give that weight to the representations which would be the primary object of any such mission,” is admitted by the letter of the Provincial Secretary of Nova Scotia to the Provincial Secretary of Canada to be correct.
The legislature and people of New Brunswick have at all times expressed a readiness to aid the construction of an Inter-Colonial Railroad in proportion to the means of the Province, and its interest in the work.
During the last session of the Legislature the House of Assembly passed an address to your Excellency, praying that your Excellency would correspond with the Governor General of Canada, to ascertain whether Canada would unite with New Brunswick, in the construction of a Railroad from Saint John to Quebec, on joint account, with the aid of the Imperial Government.
The desirableness of a Railroad uniting the Colonies has always been felt, and is daily assuming a greater degree of importance.
We believe that the three Provinces are interested in the work, – that New Brunswick would assume a fair share of the responsibility id Imperial aid could be obtained; but the Provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia have each an interest beyond their respective boundaries, the road through New Brunswick being absolutely necessary to the success of their respective lines.
New Brunswick is now constructing railroads which would form part of any general system.
We feel that by our unaided resources our operations must necessarily be limited. If the joint action of the other Provinces could be secured, and the aid of the Imperial Government obtained, the great work of constructing an Intercolonial Railroad could be accomplished, and each Province also enabled to construct such local lines as trade and travel might require, with greater facility and less risk than the lines now in progress.
We advise Your Excellency to assure the Government of Nova Scotia that we are prepared in concert with the other Provinces to enter upon the consideration of the mode by which this great measure may be accomplished, and if any plan can be devised to secure it, and the guarantee of the Imperial Government obtained, we believe the Legislature of New Brunswick would render such facilities as the means of the Province would justify, and proportioned to its interest in the work.
Charles Fisher,
James Brown,
- M. Johnson,
- H. Steeves,
- L. Tilley.
To His Excellency the Honourable John Henry Thomas Manners-Sutton, Lieutenant-Governor, and Commander in Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &c., &c.
****
Provincial Secretary’s Office,
(Copy) Halifax, 23rd. November, 1857
Sir: I have it in command from His Excellency Sir Gaspard Le Marchant, to forward for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, the enclosed copy of the communication of Messrs. Johnston and Archibald to the British Government on behalf of Nova Scotia with reference to an Intercolonial Railway and also a copy of a letter address this day to the Government of Canada, upon the same subject.
It is much to be regretted that New Brunswick was not represented by a delegate when this question was recently pressed upon the Home Government.
His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor of this Province considers it highly desirable that no time should be lost in ascertaining the views of the three Provinces on a subject fraught with such deep consequence to all of them, and trust that some means will be suggested by which the views of each may be understood, and if possible a basis of co-operation be devised.
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are alike engaged in the construction of Railways which are as yet sectional and not calculated to be of material advantage to each other.
Previous to the meeting of our Legislature in February, His Excellency would be glad to learn the intention of the Government of New Brunswick, with reference to connecting these two Provinces at all events.
It has been the avowed policy of Nova Scotia to carry a trunk line of Railway to the borders of New Brunswick, provided that Province would agree to meet us there, but if not to continue our toad to Pictou.
Our road is now under contract to Truro, and we must decide whether it shall be extended towards the New Brunswick border or Pictou.
It remains then for the Government of New Brunswick to indicate whether we shall be united by a common line stretching from Windsor to Halifax, thence to Shediac and Saint John, by the arrangement now in progress, and it is to be hoped at no distant day to be extended to Quebec (either by the Northern Route or a connection with the line from Saint Andrews to that place) or disjointed and apart expend our resources upon local and isolated Railways without a common interest or object.
I am further commanded to solicit the consideration of this subject and a communication thereupon at an early period as convenient.
I have, &c.,
Charles Tupper
The Honourable the Provincial Secretary, New Brunswick.
(Concluded next week)
——
Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel – Saturday, November 27, 1858 – LAST RAIL – In acceptance of an invitation from the Mr. Julius Thompson, Manager of the New Brunswick and Canada Railway, we in the company with several gentlemen from this town, made an excursion to Howard Settlement (Canterbury) and witnessed the laying of the last rail, completing the connection between St. Andrews and the Canterbury Station House on Friday, November 26, 1858.
The connection was formed some six miles below the Canterbury station, the work having been carried on from either end of the section. The crews had last the last ¼ mile of rail over the morning. The train from St. Andrews arrived at 2:00 p.m.
The last pair of rails were placed in their places, all but driving one spike in each, the Rev. S. D. Lee Street and Rev. Thomas Hartin, standing one on either side of the track, broke each of them a bottle of champagne on the rails and spoke proper words. Mr. Edgar of the Journal and ourselves, having been previously requested to perform the service as representatives of the press, drove home the last two spikes, one in each rail.
Following the opening ceremony, the first engine passed up the line to Howard Settlement (Canterbury) which is about 20 miles from Woodstock.
——
Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel – Saturday, December 4, 1858 – The NB&C facilities at Canterbury were officially opened on Wednesday, December 1, 1858. The buildings at Canterbury include a three fold building that houses the station house, offices and dwelling for the station master. Other buildings include a warehouse for freight and a handsome woodshed. The engine house is large enough for 4 engines. A water tank completes the facilities.
The engine Shamrock arrived at 1:30 p.m. with 1 baggage and 3 passenger cars. While the passenger cars were only second class cars, they were all built in New Brunswick.
About 2:00 p.m. an “all aboard” was heard and about 150 people headed for St. Andrews at railroad speed. The engineer was Mr. Lewis and the conductor was Mr. Hipswell. Canterbury to St. Andrews including all stops took 3 hours. The people from the north stayed over night in St. Andrews and boarded the north bound train in St. Andrews on Thursday, December 2, 1858 for a 9:00 a.m. departure.
——
Grand Falls, The Cataract Weekly, December 4, 1858 – Grand Falls bridge is now au fait accompli. There it stands and will remain for years another monument to the superior skill, scientific and mechanical ability and indomitable perseverance of its designer, contractor, and builder, Mr. Joseph Tomlinson. All see and admire – and it must be seen to give one an accurate concept of its grandeur. A walk or a drive across will perfectly satisfy any sane person of its beauty, its strength and durability; not the slightest motion can be perceived – everything indicates sterling firmness. Horses crossed upon it last week, and today it is open for public traffic. The painting can only be performed at certain times, so that Mr. T. has decided to discontinue the use of the brush until next spring, at which time it is determined to inaugurate the opening by a grand display of some description. The impetus given by the erection of this bridge to actual settlers on the opposite side of the river must be considered. Many are making preparations for improvement during the coming spring. Mr. Hartley and a corps of men laid off large tracts of valuable land during this fall. These are all carefully selected for their fertility and suitability for agricultural pursuits, well watered, and road sites properly located.
——
Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 17, 1858 – ANOTHER RAILROAD – News – A large public meeting was held at Houlton last week, at which speeches were made and resolutions passed in favour of constructing a Railroad from that town to Bangor, in order that the Aroostook County may be opened up for settlement. All the Maine Editors recently paid a visit to that fine section of the country, and have been busy ever since in praising it up and directing the attention of emigrants from other parts of Maine thither. They will also take hold of this Railroad, and we have no doubt it will soon be under way – for they manage in the States to build Railroads without money, as every man in the vicinity feels that he is part of a Railroad, and not merely a sleeper; and therefore ought to lend it a helping hand. What is to become of Saint John as soon as St. Andrews taps Woodstock, and Bangor begins to close upon the lumbering regions above? If we make no attempt at self-defence this winter we shall all go down the Bay of Fundy together. By the may, why could not a Bill be introduced into the House taxing the Counties immediately interested for one half the interest on the outlay of a Railroad? Suppose the question were submitted to each of the interested Counties, to be decided by ballot – for or against such taxation?
——
Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 17, 1858 – DREADFUL ACCIDENT – Saint John, Morning News – A person named (as we understand) Robert Ellison, working on the Railway near the new Car Shed, was frightfully, if not fatally injured, on Saturday afternoon about 4:00 o’clock, from the effects of blasting. The men have been in the habit of setting off three or four blasts at a time, and they did not sufficiently cover the places up – the consequence of such carelessness is that the stones fly about in all directions. We have several times seen the stones fall upon the public road, a long distance off. The unfortunate man was standing in the vicinity when one of these blasts was fired, and a stone fell upon him, fracturing the skull in such a manner that his recovery is hardly possible. He was at once conveyed to his home on “Vinegar Hill,” where he has a wife and seven helpless children. We understand that Mr. Ellison buried a son about a month since.
New Brunswicker – We regret to learn that Mr. Ellison expired yesterday about three o’clock. He was a worthy man and was much esteemed by all who know him.
The accidents along the line of Railway have of late been fearful.
——
Woodstock, NB, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (60) – Saturday, December 18, 1858 – SAINT JOHN – It is said that the Saint John merchants have in contemplation to spend such a sum of money as may be necessary to render the St. John better navigable for steam boats above Fredericton, in order to stop the trade which is likely to be diverted to St. Andrews. Such a course would be a “better late than never” policy, and the object might, we judge, be achieved without a great expenditure.
——
Grand Falls, The Cataract Weekly, December 18, 1858 – Grand Falls Bridge has fallen this morning, in consequence of the chains snapping. Two teams lost, two men seriously injured.
——
Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 24, 1858 – GRAND FALLS BRIDGE – The disaster to the Bridge over the Grand Falls is attributed to the action of the extreme cold upon the iron chains upon which it was suspended. We regret to learn that one of the men passing over at the time of the accident, has since died from the injuries which he sustained in the fall, and the other lies in a precarious condition.
——
Fredericton, NB, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 24, 1858 – A POLICEMAN ON THE RAILWAY KILLED – New Brunswicker – On Saturday night, one of the Government Police on the line of Railway, named Jackson, was killed while in a shanty. The full particulars have not yet transpired, but it is said that he was struck on the head with a bottle. Two men have been arrested.
The Chief of Police thus reports the matter:–
“A man named Jackson was killed in a shanty boarding house about 8 miles out on the Railroad. It is reported that Jackson went in to stop a fight between two men named Bradley and Kenan, and in doing so was struck on the head, which caused his death. Bradley and Kenan are lodged in Jail.”
——
Woodstock, NB, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (64) – Saturday, December 25, 1858 – GRAND FALLS BRIDGE – A variety of circumstances contribute to render the duty of recording the fall of the above a painful one. First, there is the unhappy loss of life, and the anguish of the widow and fatherless children left to mourn their loss; then there is the maimed and mutilated survivor, who claims our sympathies; then the disappointment and regret of the inhabitants of Grand Falls and County generally, who reckoned do much upon the advantages that should derive from the bridge; then, again, the feelings of Mr. Tomlinson, whose whole mind was in this work, that cannot be described; and last, and least, there is the amount of loss to the Province. All these contribute to render the fall of the bridge a most painful and deplorable fact. An attentive correspondent writes us this under the date of Saturday last:
“Our bridge has fallen; the entire span between the two shore abutments is a complete wreck; about sixty feet remain unbroken on the rocks beneath; the remainder, falling into the rapids, has been swept away. Upon this latter portion, Mr. Tomlinson’s horses were, and of course disappeared at once. This dreadful accident happened about 7:00 o’clock this morning; but half an hour elapsed before the accident was discovered, and the alarm became general. Two of his men, John Simpson and Dennis Hughes, were also precipitated the whole distance, 110 feet. Simpson died this evening, leaving a wife and two children. Hughes can scarcely recover; his injuries are extensive and internal.”
“Mr. Tomlinson feels the calamity very much; but no comments in the least derogatory to his reputation as a bridge-builder are made. The same unbounded confidence in his ability and judgment remains firm in the minds of every individual here.”
“We trust that the Government will not be deterred in immediately re-constructing this work. Mr. Tomlinson is here with the necessary working material, and seems more anxious than ever, seemingly, to re-commence the work. The Government can never have it re-built at so reasonable a price.”
“Sharp frost and inferior iron are the evident caused of this catastrophe.”
“Yours truly,”
“CITIZEN.”
The general impression, so far as we have heard opinion given, is in accordance with the view advanced by our correspondent, as to the cause of the catastrophe; but whether the fault lies in the manner of forging, or in the ore itself, is a matter of interest, and for further investigation. The Government will, we hope, give orders for the immediate reconstruction of that portion of the bridge which has fallen. Of course the work covered by a large portion, of the expense already incurred remains – the approaches, the abutments, &c., as also that part which has fallen, and now lies upon the rocks, which may be recovered; so that the expense of reconstruction can not be very great, – probably not more, at the outside, than £2,000. Besides as stated by our correspondent, Mr. Tomlinson being on the ground with much of the needed material, affords additional facilities. Here, as at Grand Falls, public confidence remains unabated in Mr. Tomlinson; and we have no doubt he will rise from this singular reverse all the brighter. We have been told that, for the first two days succeeding the accident, Mr. Tomlinson, did not allow the bridge to occupy his words or apparently his thoughts, which were entirely engrossed by the state of the poor fellows who were injured personally, and whose sufferings it was his first desire to relieve.
*——*
Since writing the above the following was received:
Grand Falls, December 23rd, 1858
Mr. Editor: The unfortunate accident which has so lately occurred here, resulting in the loss of life and property, having cast a gloom over the minds of all classes in this community, a public meeting was called by the Sheriff on Wednesday, the 22nd, instant, for the purpose of giving a public expression of the feelings of the inhabitants generally with regard to a disaster so universally felt and so deeply deplored.
At the appointed hour, a large concourse of our most respectable citizens having assembled in the County Court House, the Sheriff was called to the chair, and P. H. Beardsley requested to act as Secretary. Below is a duplicate of the resolutions as they were unanimously passed by the meeting:
Resolved, That this meeting deeply deplores the lamentable accident which has occurred to the bridge at this place, as well as to the two unfortunate persons who were on it at the time.
Resolved, That from the most reliable information it can obtain, this meeting attributes the failing of the bridge to the parting of the bars or chains which supported it, owing to defects in the iron.
Resolved, That the great importance of this bridge to the people of Victoria County, and of the River St. John generally, imperatively requires that the portion of it which has sustained injury should be replaced as soon as possible; and that the co-operation of the representatives of this County is required to effect this most desirable object.
Resolved, That, from the quantity of iron and other material on the spot, with that used in the fallen bridge, which remains uninjured, and could be used in its reconstruction, – the towers and approaches remaining uninjured, and the blocks, ropes, and other appliances and tools used, – a vast saving would in the opinion of this meeting, result from the reconstruction of the bridge being at once proceeded with.
Resolved, That this meeting desires to express its entire confidence in the skill and ability of Joseph Tomlinson, Esquire, the first contractor; and is convinced of his ability to replace the structure in a safe and efficient manner.
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to transmit a copy of the above to the editor of the Carleton Sentinel, with a request from this meeting that he will publish the same.
PUNDERSON H. BEARDSLEY,
Secretary.
——
Woodstock, NB, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 2 (64) – Saturday, December 25, 1858 – A STEAMER WANTED – How difficult it is to satisfy man’s progressive tendencies, which are ever reaching onward and still onward. A little while ago and our travellers and traders felt that in the completion of the railroad from St. Andrews to Howard Settlement, they had a great boon conferred. But now again they are dissatisfied; they want a more rapid communication with Saint John than is now afforded, and a steamer is called for to ply between the latter city to St. Andrews. Seriously, we do think a good steamer on the route this winter would pay; it certainly would be a convenience. People will not travel, even a short distance, by schooner; and the time made by these latter vessels must necessarily, at this season of the year, be so uncertain, that those who have freight to come feel dubious about trusting it by such comparatively risky conveyances. A steamer making one or two trips per week would, we repeat, be a convenience, and probably would pay.
——
A. Clowes
– End of File –
