News clippings compiled by Art Clowes
Revised To: September 15, 2005
Saint John, The Telegraph Journal, The New Brunswick Reader, Page 5 – Saturday, January 15, 2005 – January 20, 1853 – The first undersea telegraph cable in North America is completed between Cape Tormentine, NB and Borden, PEI, largely through the efforts of inventor and engineer Frederic Gisborne.
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Toronto, Toronto (MacKenzie) Weekly Message, Page 2 – Thursday, February 10, 1853 – RAILWAYS – The new Governor of Nova Scotia Sir G. LeMarchant, gives the legislature of his colony excellent advice. He says: “While I estimate at their true value, the great advantages to be derived by the public generally, from the construction of railroads, and while I also look confidently forward towards their completion, I trust I need not remind you of the serious responsibility that rests upon you to confine the liabilities if the Province within those limits which its revenues and resources will justify, in order that the honour and good faith of Nova Scotia may continue unquestioned and unimpaired.”
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Toronto, Toronto (MacKenzie) Weekly Message, Page 2 – Thursday, March 17, 1853 – NOVA SCOTIA RAILWAYS – We take pleasure in reading the proceedings of the Nova Scotia Legislature relative to the construction of 320 miles of railway, which is their entire scheme – or 133 miles of Grand Trunk, in part of a line through the three provinces. Knowing nothing of James Sykes & Company, the English contractors, who are willing to organize a company, or act under an agreement, if the work should be made by government, we are, nevertheless, like the majority in Halifax, strongly impressed with the fairness and candour of all their propositions – and glad to find that Jackson, whom our executive have saddled us with, is there considered in the light in which we have held him from the first – that of a jobbing speculator, who is likely to injure our unsuspecting countrymen at home, and do much mischief to Canada. We perceive that the Halifax Nova-Scotian, takes pretty much the same view of Mr. Jackson and his associates as the Globe, and Examiner, and ourselves have done – but the Earl of Elgin, a majority in Assembly here, and our Executive Council, adhere to Jackson & Company; and as matter go here, the influence that those who have the confidence of the English colonial department, the premier there, and certain leading houses, such as the Baring Glyn & Company, &c., posses at Quebec, is really surprising. Reason and argument are unavailing. – Quebec, March 3.
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Woodstock, The Carleton Sentinel, Page 305 – Saturday, April 2, 1853 – ST. ANDREWS AND QUEBEC – London Times – The half-yearly meeting of the Class A share-holders in this Company was held in Thursday, at the offices, Parliament Street; Mr. W. S. Featherstone, deputy-chairman presided.
Mr. Byrne the Secretary read the Report, which stated that the works are in active progress. The portion of the line included in the first contract was in August last partially opened in the presence of the local directors and many of the influential inhabitants of St. Andrews and other parts of the Province. With regard to the work between the termination of the first contract and Woodstock, the contractors, Messrs. Sykes & Company, state that they have experienced severe disappointment in the non arrival of their plant, the vessels having been delayed by adverse winds. They are however, sanguine in their expectations as to the completion of the work by the time stipulated, namely, April 1855, and report that they are taking active measures both in this country and in New Brunswick to insure a large reinforcement of labour, with a view to resume the works with the utmost vigour in the ensuing spring. They confidently expect to send out a large number of men with further permanent plant, which will be ready for shipment early in March. In the meantime they are clearing and in other ways preparing the ground, as far as the weather will permit, for the necessary works. The company in New Brunswick continue to evince a determination to carry out the further sections of the line, with a view to complete the through route from St. Andrews to Quebec, and for that purpose have put themselves in communication with the Canadian Railway Company. The Reports of the manager and engineer, as well as of the contractors, are confirmatory of the importance of the undertaking, and fully corroborate the views formerly expressed by the directors. The Atlantic terminus of this Railway being the nearest outlet to the mother country thro’ British territory for the Canadas will always insure its prosperity, whilst at the same time no rival scheme can possibly be antagonistic to its interests. The deed of grant of 20,000 acres of land referred to in the last report has been received, and the company by their amount of expenditure are entitled to an additional grant, for which application will be immediately made to the Provincial Government. The directors hope that the progress of the works will be such as to justify them in making a call at an early date.
The report of the engineer, dated 15th of January, stated that commencing at the light house at St. Andrews, the line is in excellent order as far as the Pile bridge, which has answered every expectation. The line has been cleared as far as the crossing of the Fredericton road, 24 miles from St. Andrews, making 14 miles of clearing done beyond the ten miles of line completed. The line so far as the northwest branch, (273/4 miles) will be done within the estimates. Should the contractors succeed in bringing out the force of men in the spring they propose there will be no difficulty in having the line open to the northwest branch by the 1st of August 1853. The balance sheet shows that £12,676 has been paid in advance on 564 shares, and the balance in hand from the last account £5,846 making altogether £18,522.
On the motion of the chairman resolutions were passed adopting the report, re-electing Lord Ashburton, Mr. F. Edwards and Mr. H. Maudslay, the retiring directors, and also Mr. Warren, one of the auditors.
The chairman stated that a deputation from New Brunswick, namely Captain Robinson, RN, the President of the Company and Mr. G. D. Street, a director attended to give any explanation required.
Captain Robinson in reply to questions, stated that the position of the “A” shareholders was very satisfactory. The contract for the works was taken at a very low price, and before the rise in price of iron. He believed they would have the cheapest railroad that was ever made. There was some difficulty in making a road through a new country, and although wooden bridges were objected to in England, they were found very advantageous in America. They had constructed on their line a wooden bridge which was 500 feet in length, and cost only £800 – the estimate of the engineer being £750. A train weighing 250 tons had frequently passed over the bridge without affecting it in any way. The Province was never before in so flourishing a state as it was in at present and he had no doubt the contract for the works would be fulfilled. Since the construction of the railway had been commenced the value of property in St. Andrews had very much increased, and within the past twenty months land had generally increased in value 10 percent; but property in certain situations had increased from 30 to 50 percent in value. Last summer he had visited the district beyond Woodstock and he never saw a more beautiful country in his life; it was a perfect garden. There were iron works near Woodstock, where iron ore was found of excellent quality. In following the course of the intended line to the Canadian frontier he came to a settlement of French people, and they were so much pleased with the proposed railway; that they offered to give the company a right of way through their land free of expense.
Mr. Street fully confirmed the statement of Captain Robinson, and said there were also excellent coal fields.
The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman and directors.
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Grand Falls, The Cataract Weekly – April 2, 1853 – A new steamer called the Richmond, owned by Messrs. Hathaway, Small and Tupper, was launched at Indian Town a short time ago; she is a stern wheeler and intended to run between Fredericton and the Grand Falls.
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Saint John, The Telegraph Journal, The New Brunswick Reader, Page 7 – Saturday, April 10, 2004 – April 11, 1853 – Moncton shipbuilder Joseph Salter gives his workers better working conditions and a shorter workday. This date is observed as New Brunswick’s first Labour Day.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 379 – Saturday, June 4, 1853 – SAINT ANDREWS AND QUEBEC RAILROAD – Charlotte Gazette – The work s along the Line are at present most actively progressing; and daily fresh forces are being added to the large body of men previously employed on them. Respectable parties are arriving from all quarters, with the view of undertaking portions of the work, and there cannot now any longer exist a doubt about the belief is rooting itself far and near that the Pioneer will be, in fact, the Pioneer line to Quebec – the first to walk on from these Provinces to the waters of the great St. Lawrence. A friend, who has not been much of late in the interior of the County, visiting it the other day, was thunderstruck at the transformation some places along the line had undergone; villages fast forming where, a few months ago, not a solitary house stood. We are not in possession of the precise force employed at present but it must be very great. Last week upwards of 200 natives arrived by the “Imperial,” and there are, at this moment, many hundreds more on the way. The prospect therefore, is cheering, and must afford a proud satisfaction to every true friend of the Country.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 386 – Saturday, June 11, 1853 – GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR FOR THE SAINT ANDREWS RAILWAY – New Brunswicker – We are informed that at the recent sitting of the Executive council, two Government Directors were appointed for the St. Andrews and Quebec Railway, under the provision of the Act passed at the last session of the General Assembly. These Directors are Benjamin Wolhaupter, Esquire, high sheriff of the County of York, and George Hatheway, Esquire, one of the members for that County.
Mr. Wolhaupter has had much experience in the management of private corporations, having been for years a Director of several Companies, and for a long time President of the Central Fire assurance Company; he also has the reputation of being a thorough accountant.
Mr. Hatheway is a young and energetic, and at the election stood well on the poll. He has practical knowledge of the business of the country, and is possessed of much decision of character. As neither of these gentlemen has any connection with the Railway Company and are believed to be quite free of all local feeling respecting its management, we presume their appointment will be acceptable to the Company.
As there is no salary attached to these appointments, Mr. Hatheway will not vacate his seat by his acceptance of office.
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Grand Falls, The Cataract Weekly – June 18, 1853 – There are a great many people here this year; there is no denying it; every boat that comes up is crowded; passengers are so plentiful that they can bring little or no freight. Three boats arrived here on Saturday last; Reindeer and Bonnie Doone left Fredericton at 4:00 a.m. and the J. D. Pierce left at 6:00 a.m. The latter had about 180 passengers; she went on the Grand Falls with full freight and 75 passengers; and returned to Woodstock on Monday with 40 more, and left again for Fredericton the same evening with about 50; thus making a trip up to the Grand Falls and carrying about 350 passengers up and down, without interfering with her regular trips between Woodstock and Fredericton. On Monday evening the Reindeer came up with about 150 on board and on Tuesday evening the J. D. Pierce again made her appearance with as many more. The Bonnie Doone also gets her share. These boats must soon all go on the lower route unless we have heavy rains almost immediately, as the water is getting very low.
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Woodstock, The Sentinel, Page 395 – Saturday, June 18, 1853 – The new steamer Richmond, built at Indian Town for Messrs. Hatheway & Tupper, made her first appearance here on Thursday (June 16, 1853) evening. She is a beautiful beast, and her engines are built on an entire principle, she requires a more extended notice than our space will permit us to give this week. We shall return to the subject in our next.
We regret to learn that the Fireman belonging to this boat was drowned, while attempting to get on board at Fredericton. His body had not been found when the boat left.
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Woodstock, The Sentinel, Page 395 – Saturday, June 18, 1853 – There are a great many people this year, there is no denying it; every boat that comes up is crowded; passengers are so plenty that they can bring little or no freight. Three boats arrived here on Saturday last, the Reindeer and Bonnie Doon left Fredericton a 4 o’clock, A.M., and the J. D. Pierce left at 6. The latter had about 180 passengers, she went on to the Grand Falls with a full freight and 75 passengers, and returned to Woodstock on Monday with 40 more, and left for Fredericton the same evening with about 50, thus making a trip to the Grand Falls and carrying about 350 passengers up and down, without interfering with her regular trips between here and Fredericton. On Monday evening the Reindeer came up with about 150 on board, and on Tuesday evening the Pierce again made her appearance with as many more. The Bonnie Doon also gets her share. These boats must all go on the lower route unless we have heavy rains almost immediately, as the water is getting very low.
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Fredericton, The Provincial Archives – RS/22/72 – HILLSBOROUGH PLASTER & RAILWAY COMPANY – 1853
Saint John, NB
June 27, 1853
Sir:
I enclose a certificate signed by a majority of the Directors of the Hillsborough Plaster & Rail Road Company – Which certificate by requirements of the charter of the Company was to be made within three years from the date of the Act of incorporation and filed in the Office of the Provincial Secretary – You will please place the same on file and oblige your servant.
Respectfully
Samuel Howlin
To the Honourable
John R. Pastetow
Provincial Secretary
New Brunswick.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, September 9, 1853 – TURNING FIRST SOD – On Wednesday next, the great Railway Demonstration, or in other words “the turning of the first sod” is to take place in the City of Saint John. From a late visit to that City we have been able to ascertain that the principal inhabitants are determined to make a highly creditable effort to support their municipal dignity, and that no necessary cost will be spared to make this isolated beginning an honourable precursor of what they wish to follow. Every one in Saint John is on the move, and business for the time seems to be almost rendered secondary to pleasure. – There will be a great Holiday in which numbers from various parts of the Province will participate, and we learn that invitation have been sent aboard for the elite of the neighbouring Provinces.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, September 9, 1853 – SAINT JOHN VISIT – During a late hasty visit to Saint John we were exceedingly pleased to find that those Railway views of which we have for many years been the feeble yet consistent exponent, are rapidly gaining favour in the public mind. People are now beginning to see the importance of a connection with Canada; and the rabid sentiment of “give us a Railway anywhere” is fast dying away. The success of the Portland Line, and its immediate ownership by Mr. Jackson, has opened the eyes of the thousands who previously could look only in the direction of the United States; and a determination to throw aside the City leading-strings, and to assume the manly position to which nature has entitled them is fast gaining ground.
We are not in a position, to see clearly how far this reaction may be too late in Saint John. Certain it is, that should the people of that City amuse themselves with trifles only for a year or two longer, their golden opportunity will have passed away forever. Theirs will be the second fiddle while they have an existence. The capitalists who now own the Montreal and Portland line, and who propose to construct the European and North American one, were never, and never will be anxious for a route through the heart of this Province to Canada; and thus while they threw cold water on our project of a union with the upper Provinces, they themselves became the owners of one in the same direction. Words cannot express this transaction in a plainer light than that which it is practically placed already. It was a business transaction of course, and reflects much credit upon the cleverness and foresight of Mr. Jackson and his associates. In the midst of all this we do not however despair. We have within ourselves resources which, if well and wisely applied, will soon realize all the benefits of an Intercolonial Railway, and the sooner we commence applying them the better.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, September 9, 1853 – ENGINEER – Mr. Morton, the American Engineer employed on part of this Province to superintend and control the Railway surveys of Mr. Jackson, has received the sum of £550 for two or three brief visits which he has recently paid us. It is also rumoured that he has suspended the operations of Mr. Wilkinson, who was surveying the line on the Douglas Valley route, and that a party under his own immediate control, and entirely in his interest, is now proceeding with that survey. We have heard of certain gentlemen contractors, figuring in the double capacity of a company to pay for the work, and another to perform it; but if Mr. Morton who was hired to superintend Mr. Jackson’s proceeding, is now accomplishing the survey himself, we would be most respectfully to enquire, who is employed to watch him in his turn? We think the Company ought to employ Mr. Wilkinson for this purpose; and we are sure a more competent Engineer, or one more devoted to the interests of New Brunswick cannot be found in the whole service.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, September 9, 1853 – RAILROAD – Standard – Much has been said, written, and published on Railways, and the important subject has been discussed in every possible point of view in the lower Provinces, within the last two years. A considerable mixture of local and sectional feelings has occasionally manifested itself in the articles emanating from some of our contemporises. They appear to think that they possess all knowledge, and that others should not venture to give an opinion. This however is a great mistake, as he avenues of knowledge are open to every enquirer. The St. Andrews & Quebec Railroad, the only one yet in progress, and which runs entirely through British territory, without doubt a road that will pay as well as any other, and the shortest line connecting the upper and lower Provinces, running through the centre of this Province, has had its share of abuse heaped upon it from time to time, and has occasionally been omitted altogether in railway notices, from the fear that, if it attracted attention, the effect might be, their pet projects would receive the go by. Still, under all the trails and disappointments, the friends of the line moved on quietly, resolutely and energetically, and they have now the satisfaction of knowing that ten miles are daily travelled over, and that by the Fall, 26 miles will be opened for traffic. In the meantime the Contractor will be progressing the work towards Woodstock, and thence to the Grand Falls to meet our Canadian brethren. We are happy to observe, that our Montreal friends are not content to have a terminus at Portland, but are resolved to have another in the Bay of Fundy, at St. Andrews, the distance being nearly equal, thereby securing a winter outport on the Atlantic in British territory – as proposed by our much respected contemporary the “Montreal Sun,” and thus putting this Province in commercial communication with the great Valley of the St. Lawrence. But even this splendid scheme meets with opposition from some of the “old fogies” of Saint John, as nothing will answer them but a connection with Portland. We conclude these few observations with the following extract from a letter we recently received from a gentleman who knows the trade and resources of New Brunswick as well as any man within its boundaries. He says, “The Province is in a profound lethargy in reference to its true railroad interests from which it will awake by and by, with astonishment as its own blindness and stupidity.
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September 14, 1853 – First sod turned for the E&NAR.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, September 16, 1853 – SOD TURNING – To-day – we write from Saint John, and on Wednesday, September 14 – New Brunswick witnessed its first great pageant, in the turning of the First Sod of the projected European and North American Railway. Apart from any special or local views in reference to this great project, we will endeavour to give our readers such a brief epitome of the proceedings as our time and space will allow, premising our intention to avail ourselves of such reports as may hereinafter be given by our contemporises in the immediate vicinity of the celebration.
At about half-past 10, a.m., the procession, which had been forming for upwards of two hours in the vicinity of Lower Cove, started towards Queen’s Square, and thence throughout the principal streets of the city, accompanied by thousands of the citizens, the country people around, and a number of strangers who had availed themselves of the opportunity for witnessing the pleasures and ceremonies of the occasion. The different trades appeared most respectably represented. Carpenters, Blacksmiths and Founders, Masons, Stone-cutters, Bakers, Printers, Cordwainers, Tailors, Millers, Riggers and Sail-makers, all well represented by the respective banners and emblems of their respective profession, led the way, and were followed by Mayor and Corporation of the City of Saint John, the Executive Committee of the Portland Convention, the Engineers of the European and North American Railway, and its President and Directors. Then followed the City Fire Companies, the Musical Bands at intervals, the Portland and Carleton Municipal Representatives, and the Millmen; and last, the Free Masons, accompanied by the Grand Master, Mr. Keith of Halifax, wearing a number of rich and magnificent orders.
After traversing the principal streets of the City, the Procession, which just occupied an hour in passing a given point, defiled into Brussels Street, and thence, wheeling to the left, entered the valley in rear of the city, and passed up to the grounds prepared for the ceremonies. There, as His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, with Lady Head and Suite, entered the precincts, the fine Band of the 76th Regiment struck up the National Anthem, while the customary Salute of Artillery boomed forth their welcome. The Address was then read by Mr. Jardine, the President of the Company, and responded to in appropriate terms by His Excellency, after which the First Sod was turned and wheeled off, His Excellency and Lady Head presiding.
Some minor ceremonies between the Corporation of Saint John and His Excellency followed; but these, in consequence of the crowd, we were unable to witness.
The place chosen – whether or not on the track – was nevertheless well calculated for display, as there may not be a spot in New Brunswick more appropriate for the purpose than the great Amphitheatre which there nearly surrounds the Valley.
On every view the hill-sides were covered with human beings to their very summits; and the living mass in the Vale itself, for a great distance was as solid as the comfort of the people would allow. Upon the whole, there might be sixty or seventy thousand present.
The fireworks in the evening were beautifully managed by S. K. Foster, Esquire, and his associates, and attracted large numbers. They were displayed in the residence of the Honourable Mr. Hazen.
We next take up the brief thread of our narrative at the Custom House, where agreeably to announcement, a Luncheon on the most extensive scale of hospitality was prepared by the Company. Here we should think that upwards of three hundred persons sat down for refreshments, and did ample justice to the Luxuries of the Tables. There were present, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and suit – the Members of the Executive, and most of the Legislative Council; – a large number of the Members of the House of Assembly – and several distinguished strangers; among the latter were the Officers of two or three American Ships of War now in the Harbour, and Mr. Jackson, with several of his European assistants and associates. After the discussion of the Lunch, then came the speech-making, which was of a highly superior order. His Excellency spoke, and spoke well, on several occasions, and the American Commodore made a speech full of native talent, good taste, and sound judgement. Mr. Johnston of Halifax – oh! how we regretted that the noblest representative of Constitutional Government in Nova Scotia was not present – but as we said, Mr. Johnston was there, and made a long speech. Mr. Jackson also spoke long and well, and in doing so manifested a degree of fact for which as a man of business he deserves a great amount of credit, never committing himself to any particular plan, beyond that already promulgated by Mr. Poor of Portland, and although advocating the Federal Union of the Provinces, yet dealing in generals, and recommending patience for its accomplishment.
The Ball was, we are informed, a splendid affair, but it was unfortunately marred by the insufficiency of the gallery, which gave way, and besides breaking up the whole affair inflicted serious injury upon several, some of whom it is feared will scarcely recover. Among those most injured is Mr. Thomas Rainsford of this City. Some of the Regimental Band, which were the first in their profession during the whole of the day – have also been injured, though not dangerously.
Mr. Howe. More of this anon. (To be continued)
Our views on the various speeches delivered on Railways at the mammoth Luncheon in the Custom House, Saint John, will be given next week.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, September 23, 1853 – SOD TURNING – Part II – We promised in our last, to give our readers a summary of the speeches made at the late Luncheon in Saint John, and we now proceed to fulfil our obligation, our quotations being from the Courier of Saturday. We publish entire the speeches of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, the Commodore Shubrick, as excellent specimens of the kind and cordial feeling which should ever exist between the distinguished officers of both countries; and first that if His Excellency:–
“His Excellency Sir Edmund Head then rose and said, that he did not rise for the purpose of repeating the expression of his gratification on this occasion, or of again asserting the great pleasure he felt in viewing what he saw around him; because he had already told them to-day what his feelings were. But he would remark, that when he first came here, six years ago, the state of the Province was very different from what it now is. Some change had taken place since then; he had watched its progress with great satisfaction; and this feeling came with double force, when he witnessed the kindness, the cordiality, and friendliness which had been displayed on this great occasion. He could only say, that his own opinion of the importance of this meeting had not been exaggerated, and he looked forward with the utmost confidence to the future prosperity of New Brunswick, in connection with the proceedings of this day. He had already uttered on paper, and read to them, this morning, his sentiments on this subject; but he thought it right now to repeat, in a more familiar manner, that those written remarks were his own genuine sentiments. There was now present, very near him, a gentleman of well known ability and prominence, from the sister Province of Nova Scotia, who had witnessed the memorable proceedings of this day, and he (Sir Edmund Head) wished that that gentleman might carry away with him an earnest hope, that a unanimity of action should now provide all the British American Provinces; and that New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Canada, should be proud of the collective name of ‘British North America.’ But, not to be mistaken he must observe, that he was far from entertaining any feeling but that of the greatest friendship towards our neighbours on the Western border, of whom such a distinguished member and Officer, (alluding to Commodore, Shubrick, who sat next to His Excellency,) was now present. It was our duty and our interest to cherish the feeling and the hope, that the peace between Great Britain and the United States should be perpetual, so that the advantages respectively possessed by the two countries might be perpetually interchanged. Respect for law and order was a characteristic of both countries; and he hoped that the conduct of all, on both sides the border, would continually show that they all belonged to the same race. These were sentiments intimately connected with the Railway scheme, which was hereafter to form an iron link between these Provinces and the United States; and by means of which facilities for intercommunication were to be extended in both directions. His excellency concluded amidst thunders of applause, by proposing the health of “The President of the United States,” which was immediately drank with all possible honour, and vociferous acclamation.”
“The Chairman then gave a toast – ‘Commodore Shubrick and the United States Navy.
The gallant Commodore, on rising to respond, observed that as far as the toast was personal to himself, he could give nothing in return but his thanks. With regard to the Navy of the United States, perhaps it did not become him to say much. At home, they usually called it ‘the infant Navy,’ and he supposed it was considered as an infant Hercules. It was very far from a full grown Hercules at present; and therefore they must leave the infant gradually to develop himself. But he would say a word or two about the service to which he belonged. A very extravagant idea existed in the United States, of the state of the Fisheries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and of the state of affairs between the fishermen of these Provinces and the fishermen of the United States; it was supposed they were all preparing to cut each other’s throats; that swivels, bowie-knives, and revolvers were the order of the day among them; and that therefore it was necessary to send vessels of war, on both sides, to keep the peace. But he found no such thing when he came among them; he found them fishing together side by side, in perfect amity; and if anything annoyed them, it was, that the men-of-war came there with their revolvers and paddle wheels, to scare the fish and hinder their business. And what did he find when he came here? On returning from a short cruise, and on his way home, his anchor had scarcely touched the ground when a Committee came on board to invite himself and his officers to be present on this interesting occasion. For his part, there was nothing farther from his thoughts than the being so invited; he had not thought about the subject, and therefore he was prepared to say but very little about it. But he found the people here preparing to build a Railroad, to bind the State of Maine (and if the State of Maine, then the whole of the United States, because they were all united together as one and indivisible,) to the Province of New Brunswick. This Railroad was a necessary consequence of their natural position and connection. The Provinces and the States were naturally one, in interest and in sympathy. You could not separate them; imaginary geographical lines could not for it; God had made them one, and those whom God had joined together, man could not separate. There might be, as doubtless there were, points of difference between the different people and their institutions and customs; but these must be worn down and gradually assimilated. It was the business of those who make the laws to do this; he did not know how it was to be done; but he supposed it would be done, and he thought the time was not far distant when it would be effected. He would not detain the company any longer, in saying what might much better be said by others present, but he would beg leave to offer a sentiment, viz:– ‘Prosperity to the Great European and American Railroad.’
The speech of the Honourable Mr. Johnston of Nova Scotia followed the Chairman’s toast of “Our sister Provinces and our Guests.” This was the first opportunity which we had of hearing the celebrated leader of the opposition in Nova Scotia, – the old and somewhat starchy opponent of Colonial Constitutional Government. Mr. Johnston is a small man, apparently in the vicinity of sixty, rather Clerical in his appearance; a presumption which is not at all lessened by his address and manner. He extolled the Portland Convention to the highest pitch, and stated that if its provisions were not now in course of being carried out in Nova Scotia, it was only the natural result of “those political differences which had disturbed her repose and impeded her progress;” but how far the Honourable gentlemen had a concern in those disagreements, he did not say. We quote the following as in entire accordance with much of what followed, as it assumes what we most unequivocally deny, namely that the project then in contemplation was one of an Intercolonial character:–
He (Mr. Johnston) had always considered it as one of the most honourable characteristics of this Railroad, that it was planned and conceived by men who belonged to different Governments and countries; and it was so planned for the purpose of bringing them into closer connection with each other. But there was also an aspect of a minor character which touched his mind. He looked upon Railroads being formed in all these Provinces as highly necessary agents, in effecting a measure which was of the first importance to the prosperity of British North America. He referred not only to the union of these Provinces by the material iron band, but also to a closer union of confederation as one country. He remembered that some years ago, when certain Delegates from Canada came to Halifax, he was very much amused to perceive, that arguments from the little Province of Nova Scotia were looked upon pretty much as a young man, with a little purse, would be looked upon by his elder brother, with a full one. It was just at the time when the spoils from the Casual Revenue had been realized; the Delegates were rather presumptions for Nova Scotia to utter an opinion. But he trusted that a time was now coming when all prejudices and local influences would be forgotten, that Canada would overcome all such distinctiveness, and that association with her sister Colonies of smaller means and dimensions would even by her be looked upon with favour; and he (Mr. Johnston) viewed the Railroad as a measure of the first importance effect such a connection.”
Here, the fling at the Canadian Delegates in their course of negotiating the “minor” yet only sure plan of Railroad ever contemplated between these Provinces, is too palpable to miss our observation, while the simple question – what a Railroad from Shediac in New Brunswick, to Portland in Maine, has to do with “effecting such a connection, or association of the sister Colonies” as Mr. Johnston describes it, may involve a puzzle of which even himself might find it hard to give the meaning, but if his great and hitherto successful competitor, Mr. Howe, who in consequence of a severe domestic affliction we regret to say was not present, were at his side, we can easily imagine that the Honourable Ex-Attorney-General, would find it necessary to be somewhat more explicit.
The next speaker to whom we shall refer is Mr. Jackson, who expresses himself with a degree of fluency for which we were no prepared to give him credit, considering his practical and active habits as a man of business and an Engineer for so many years. At the commencement of his speech, he lauded these Provinces highly, and set every one in the room in extreme good humour. He stated that he had seen more of the country and its resources than any one else within its bounds, and pronounced the whole most admirable. He said:-
“I took the measures of New Brunswick, of Nova Scotia, and of Canada.” I said, “It will never do for conflicting interests to exist here; the work can only be done by combination of all the Provinces.” It was said, there would be difficulties in New Brunswick; I saw none. In Canada there were much greater difficulties; there were conflicting interests to be reconciled; there were the jealousies of various localities to be overcome. But what has happened there? We have brought about an amalgamation of the whole; all those interests are now united; there is not one of them that is not satisfied; all are united into one great combination to carry out the whole project. There are many in this room who can witness that I have never lost sight of the Lower Provinces, or of your interests. You have only occasion to sink your own local differences, all your conflicting prejudices and feelings. Do not look at this district or at that district, but at the whole Province. Let us feel that New Brunswick without Maine is useless; let the iron band move over all alike, and you will be infinitely greater and more prosperous than can now be conceived
* * * * *
“But there must be no want of confidence, for that we will not overlook. We stand on our character, and if you dispute that, you drive us out of the country. We stand on that, and we have a right to it, for we have long experience and practice. We will stand on the scheme advanced by Mr. Poor at Portland. You must give a little now; that you may reach much. We will carry the Railroad through the whole of your Provinces, which will redound immensely to the good of all. I am glad to see many here, from various parts of the Province, apparently approving of our propositions. But if you think you can do better, then at once tear off the seals from the contract, and annul it. But there is not one single word of that contract which we will ever deviate from in the slightest degree; and under that contract we will make a Railroad through the Province, which will be a pattern card for your sister Provinces to come and look at. We will deal with you as we have ever dealt with others, and will come to you with our character in our hands, requiring your entire confidence. Everything that we have hitherto done in New Brunswick shows that we have the fullest confidence in you; we believe that there is a fixity of purpose in you worthy of being trusted; and one great proof of that is, the tight and hard bargain that you have made with us. That we consider as a guarantee of your entire sincerity and good faith. [Here, from noise around us, we lost a few words]. I do hope and trust that this Railroad, which will unite the Province, will have the effect that has been shadowed forth by previous speakers. I have heard but one feeling in Canada, of a desire to meet this question fully, fairly and freely; and I think it but right to state, that if ever you come to meet this question of Provincial union, Canada is prepared to do her duty; and I believe that Nova Scotia is equally so prepared. I have had the honour of interviews with the Duke of Newcastle and Mr. Gladstone, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on this subject; and I think I may say that the project is favourably viewed by the Government at home. In Canada, so strong is the desire to open future and more rapid communication between the Provinces, that Canada is prepared to make great sacrifices to effect this measure. If you are prepared to meet her in a kindred spirit; if you will only forget the past, and will only endeavour to remember what will benefit all the Provinces unitedly, there can be but little doubt of a successful arrangement of the matter. I can tell you that your honest, indomitable perseverance and industry has given you a high character in Canada, but if you only go on in the same way, you will effect a most important change in your situation. You have a land teeming with riches; you have within yourselves resources of unparalleled extent and value; and if you only go on in a right spirit, you will leave to those who are to follow you such an inheritance and possession, as any portion of the world might envy; and if you meet Canada in that spirit, you united efforts and resources must result in rapid prosperity and greatness.”
Here again we find Mr. Jackson pledging himself to unite the Provinces, but not one word of particulars, except with respect to the “scheme advanced by Mr. Poor of Portland” – the making of a line to connect with the United States, and thence by his own line to Montreal. It is true that like the Priest who promised just such weather as his parishioners should unanimously ask for, he states that he is willing to comply with the general desire, but he at the same time uses the terms – “this Railway will unite the Provinces,” as if nothing further were necessary.
We will not call Mr. Jackson’s speech an intentional evasion of the truth; but this we will say, that if he or any one of his auditors had adopted the conclusion that the line from Saint John to Portland and thence through American Territory to Montreal, is one which will in time be tolerated as “uniting the provinces” the mistake is most egregious.
The speech of Mr. Wilson, the zealous and consistent advocate of the only line yet contemplated for the real purposes of colonial unions, we regret to say was not listened to with the attention which it deserved. True to their original and patriotic design, the people of St. Andrews have never ceased their efforts to connect the sea-board of New Brunswick as a terminus, with the vast country of Canada; but their means have been feeble, and we fear they have, not been cheered with the support and sympathy which they so well deserve. In Saint John – we speak with confidence – there are hundred who even amid the festive scenes exhibited at the turning of the “first sod” felt a deep sorrow that the great Inter-colonial project of 1852 had been necessarily abandoned, and that there is no likelihood that it will ever find favour in the eyes of Mr. Jackson and his associates. They feel that while we are to be brought in “closer proximity” to a country with which we have already one of the finest water communications in the world, the two millions of Canada, our own free sister colony, are yet to remain to us as aliens.
The public are now familiar with the fact – one upon which, as an unbeliever, we have often been called to order – that the owners of the Atlantic steamers have through Mr. Cunard informed the world that they will not patronize Halifax as a terminus; and hence the thousands to be realized in Saint John by “European travel and traffic,” have failed into moon shine’ and this while one end of the anticipated line is destroyed, the other is essentially and confessedly American. Here then we take an imperative stand; and as Mr. Jackson expresses his willingness to construct such Railways as the people may require, let him be told at the next meeting of the Legislature, that New Brunswick required a direct communication with Canada – that the route by the Valley of the St. John is the only one in this Province which at present can prove remunerative; and that Saint John itself is worthy of a better fate than to act as the mere conductor of a trade which it should and must finally command as an Atlantic reservoir, and Home and Canadian terminus.
We cannot close these observations without again referring to the non-committal speech of Mr. Jackson, the surprising assumption both on his part and that of Mr. Johnston, that the line now in contemplation involves the union of the Provinces. A greater piece of fallacy never was promulgated, and every one in the Province who has thrown off his baby dress and assumed that of a man, cannot help seeing it.
As a guest on the occasion, we tender our sincere thanks to the Company for the magnificent spectacle which they produced of their own unbounded hospitality, and the fast growing greatness of the Province. Our regret is deep that the object of their noble display had not another starting point and another direction; but under the present circumstances they doubtless did very best in their power.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, September 23, 1853 – WOODSTOCK REFORMER – The Woodstock Reformer has passed into the hands of Mr. Thomas Peabody, a young and respectable Printer of that village.
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Fredericton, Head Quarters, Page 2 – Wednesday, October 19, 1853 – ACCIDENT ON THE NORTHERN RAILROAD – Toronto Leader, September 26 – On Saturday, as the train was returning to the city, Mr. Bell, freight conductor, by some mishap fell from the top of a freight car. He was seriously injured, the bones of his legs near the ankles protruding through the skin in several places. He was also seriously injured about the head. The accident occurred beyond Thornhill. The unfortunate man was picked up and placed on board the cars, which, although they contained considerable freight for Thornhill, did not stop at that place, but proceeded directly to the city, in order that medical aid might be procured with as little delay as possible for the injured man.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, October 21, 1853 – JACKSON RAILWAY SYSTEM – The Quebec and Richmond Railway – As another proof of the boasted unanimity on the Jackson Railroad system in Canada, and the great dependence placed in that gentleman and his associates there, we give the following from the Toronto Globe of the 4th ultimate. The Editor in alluding to the various topics introduced by Mr. Jackson at the Quebec dinner, and among others, the highly impertinent observation that Canada must shortly become independent, says:
“We are much obliged to Mr. Jackson for his kindly informing us that Canada will eventually be independent. Perhaps it would be better to allow the Canadians themselves to decide that point. They imagine they know a little more about their own wants than any stranger. Mr. Jackson was undoubtedly quite right in saying that he did not anticipate any loss; if half is true that we hear of the way in which the Richmond and Quebec and the Grand Trunk are being constructed, the gain on the contract will be enormous. The Montreal Gazette says on this subject.
“The Quebec and Richmond Railway – We are informed, on most reliable authority, that this road which Mr. Jackson represented he was to make “not like one of you Yankee roads, but equal to a first class English road,” is not at all likely to come up to the intention, nor to the plans of such works as plans have been furnished.”
“As a large amount of Provincial money is invested in the undertaking, the press can have no hesitation in giving facts to the public, which may tend to create inquiry in the public mind, and possibly induce such action in Parliament as may procure at least decent work from Jackson & Company in return for extravagant prices paid them under their contract.”
“By the contract they are bound to provide and pay for the Engineers on the road. But they have saved this expense by not having had an Engineer stationed on the works at all. This may seem incredible, but it is nevertheless perfectly true. The sub-contractors are, consequently. left to the rule of thumb as to grades, and get through culvert work in a way which has not yet been seen even on what Mr. Jackson, “in true English style,” calls “one of your Yankee roads.”
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, October 21, 1853 – THE SHIP “RECOVERY” – Nova Scotian – The bark Recovery arrived at Shediac on Thursday, 27th September from Newport, Wales, with iron and materials for the Shediac Railway.
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Fredericton, Head Quarters, Page 2 – Wednesday, October 26, 1853 – COLONIAL NEWS – Canada – GRAND TRUNK TELEGRAPH LINE – Montreal Pilot, October 15 – The wires of this Company reached the city yesterday, and the Line is finished to Knapp’s new block in St. Francois Xavier Street, where the office is to be located. Portions of the Line west of us have been worked several months. The business offices now upon the Line and its Branches, are thirty-eight, viz:–
Toronto Kingston Cobourg
Dundas Bath Port Hope
Galt Newburg Newcastle
Preston Napanee Bowmanville
Berlin Demorestville Whitby
Guelph Picton Belleville
Georgetown Wellington Port Credit
Norval Consecon Brantford
Brampton Port Trent London
Streetsville Brighton Simcoe
Lambton Colborne Port Dover
Barrie Holland Landing
Newmarket Richmond Hill Thorn Hill
Four more are to commence business next week, viz:-
Montreal Prescott Cornwall
Brockville
Six additional offices on the Western Division commence business on the 1st. of next month, viz:-
St. Cartharines Niagara Falls
Niagara Chippewa Lewistown
Buffalo
During the month of November additional offices will be opened in the Ottawa District, viz:-
Bytown Smith’s Falls Perth Kemptville Merricksville
Barrett’s Rapids
The work is going on rapidly between Montreal and Quebec, there being no less that 150 labourers employed upon it. Its completion is expected in a short time.
The whole length of line now completed, including Branches, is over 80 miles. Over 1,000 miles more are in progress, and labourers now engaged upon them. Not less than one hundred and thirty-five offices in Canada can be reached by the Lines of the Grand Trunk Company, when all is finished. It will be the longest Line in the world, under the direction of one Company.
To Messrs. Snow and Dwight the Canadian public are indebted for originating and carrying out this magnificent enterprise. The Lines so far as finished, are doing an excellent business, and the stock bids fair to become a leading one.
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Fredericton, Headquarters, Page 2 – Wednesday, November 2, 1853 – THE ALBERT MINING COMPANY AGAINST EUGENE – Legal and Others – During the whole of last week the Court of Chancery was occupied in hearing counsel for and against the Plaintiff’s application for an injunction to restrain the Defendants from interfering with their mining operations near Hillsborough in the County of Albert.
The Master of the Rolls after a full hearing of the cause has taken time to consider.
For the Plaintiff, the Honourable, the Attorney-General, J. W. Chandler, Q.C.; Honourable J. H. Gray, Q.C. For the Defendants D. S. Kerr, and W. J. Ritchie, Esquires.
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Toronto, Toronto (MacKenzie) Weekly Message, Page 3 – Thursday, November 3, 1853 – MORE RAILWAY SCHEME – Nova Scotia Gazette – A letter received from William Jackson, Esq. suggests that if Nova Scotia and New Brunswick would grant £20,000 sterling each per annum, Canada, £30,000, and Britain an equal sum – in all £100,000 sterling per annum – for a period long enough to enable him to purchase 3¼ terminable annuities, that he and his friends would complete a Trunk Line of Railway from Halifax to the St. Lawrence; the British Government, securing the sums to be given by the provinces.
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Toronto, Toronto (MacKenzie) Weekly Message, Page 3 – Thursday, November 3, 1853 – NORTH AMERICAN & EUROPEAN RAILWAYS – The North American and European Railway, of which “the first sod” has been turned, is abandoned by Jackson & Company. The bubble has burst.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, November 4, 1853 – EUROPEAN & NORTH AMERICAN RAILWAY – It is a vast consolation to the Province – as Mr. Jackson has abandoned the Railway line eastward from Saint John, and to use his own forcible expression, voluntarily “torn the seals,” – that we have such a binding “Contract” in existence, as that drawn by Mr. Ritchie – forced by that gentleman upon the government – and so freely and frequently boasted of by the Courier and Freeman. This noble “contract” will now of course be placed in the hands of the Attorney-General; and on the expiration of the time allowed for its fulfilment, will of course be duly placed in the Court of Chancery.
We anticipate some warm work on this subject at the next sitting of the Legislature, when the whole central and a great part of the border influence of this Province shall have been roused to a sense of the successful trick which has been played, in the resuscitation of the Shediac hash, – in its “new and improved” dishing up, with just enough of the American – Jackson sauce to make it palatable for the appetite of Saint John!
To be brief about the matter, things at present stand thus:– Mr. Jackson has found it inconvenient to proceed with his “contract” and has therefore abandoned it: – and it doing so right well does he know that not one living can hold him accountable; here the humbug ends for the present, but we suppose to be revived under some other guise so soon as it may suit the interests and convenience of the “contractors.” What will become of the Shediac Line when divested of its head and tail we cannot say; but this we know, that a canal cut across the isthmus would serve all rational purposes of our present commercial policy. This stump of Dagon, deprived of its extremities, afford a sorry substitute for an Inter-colonial Railroad.
As we said before, we anticipate some warm work on this subject at the next session, and at the general election which is to follow; and we are now fully persuaded that the prudent course pursued by the Head of the Government in not dissolving the House of the Government in not dissolving the House last summer was with the design of giving sufficient time for the discussion of this important subject throughout the Province.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, November 4, 1853 – MONTREAL & PORTLAND RAILWAY – We learn that about 59 miles of the Montreal and Portland Railway are out of order. If so, it must have been sadly constructed, as it has been in use only about three months, and has not even had a trial of the snows and frost of autumn or winter.
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Grand Falls, The Cataract Weekly – November 5, 1853 – The steamers are busy as bees just now. The Bonnie Doone and Richmond, left for the Grand Falls on Tuesday and returned on Thursday. In fact six steamers put in at the Woodstock wharf in one day.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 134 – Saturday, November 5, 1853 – STEAMER SUNK – The steamer St. John sprung a leak, on Saturday night last, while on her way from Saint John to Fredericton, owing to her having been overloaded, she was run on shore and her freight taken out before it was much damaged, but the boat is full of water. We have not learned what is the extent of the damage.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 134 – Saturday, November 5, 1853 – The steamers are busy as bees just now. The Bonnie Doon and Richmond left for the Grand Falls on Tuesday and returned on Thursday, and the J. D. Pierce left the Tobique on Wednesday, and also returned on Thursday; on which day no less that six steamers were at our wharfs, viz:– The John Waring, Bonnie Doon, J. D. Pierce, Richmond, Reindeer, and Ann E. Davis.
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Woodstock, Carleton Sentinel, Page 134 – Saturday, November 5, 1853 – The friends of the European & North American Railway in Saint John are in a sad fix, and editors are puzzling their brains to explain Mr. Jackson’s letters so that they can be construed into meaning nothing at all. We give below Mr. Jackson’s letter to the Governor of Nova Scotia and if, after reading it any unprejudiced person will say that Mr. Jackson does not mean to quash the whole proceedings then we give up beat. He states that Nova Scotia can not build her part, and Maine is unable to make hers; what then becomes of the grand scheme? Is New Brunswick to build the whole line, or is that from Shediac to Saint John to answer every proposed? The fact is, Mr. Jackson has seen the cupidity of some of our leading men and he thinks he can drive a still better bargain than the one he made. He does not like to back square out, but back out he intends to, as sure as his name is Jackson. One fact has come to light which is worth noticing; Mr. Jackson is not bound to fulfil his contract, and can throw it up whenever he pleases; but even admitting that he is bound, what then? is it not madness for the people of New Brunswick to talk of building railroad that is to end nowhere? They talk of building a road through the Province, at an immense expense, to connect with Nova Scotia at one end and Maine at the other, but in Nova Scotia they cannot agree upon anything, and Maine is unable or unwilling to build her part, of what use then will ours be? But it is useless to talk on the subject, Mr. Jackson has abandoned the project and that is all that can be said about it. but here is the new dodge. Mr. Jackson now asks for £40,000 sterling per annum from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, £30,000 sterling per annum from Canada, and £70,000 sterling per annum from the Imperial Government, in all £140,000 sterling per annum for a number of years, but what that number is, the report saith not. The following is Mr. Jackson’s letter:–
Montreal, September 30th., 1853
To Sir Gaspard Le Marchant, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia:
Your Excellency,– It was my intention to have paid my respects to Your Excellency in person, on my way to Europe, but the position of matters there (politically) compel me to return per the next steamer, to look after the interests we have embarked in on various parts of the Continent.
The non-arrival of Her Majesty’s consent to the bills passed last session, as well as the unfinished state of surveys, would have precluded us from entering closely into any arrangement for the Nova Scotia Railway; for, until we can go closely into details, as regards cost, as prudent men we should not enter into positive engagements.
We are sorry to hear from Mr. Beatty that the works will be heavy and expensive; sufficiently so to deter any Company, or body of men from undertaking the works, for unconnected with a through route, there is not traffic to support even a very cheap line; and neither we, nor the Government of Nova Scotia, would venture to expend a large sum unless we and they saw an equivalent return for the outlay.– I am afraid the cost will deter both us and your Government from undertaking them; but this we cannot decide on till the surveys are complete.
While in New Brunswick I had a confidential communication with Sir Edmund Head; and conveyed to him the result of several communications I had with the Ministers of Canada.
Since my return I have address a Letter to the Honourable Francis Hincks; a copy of which I beg to enclose for your Excellency’s consideration.
A Dispatch enclosing my Letters has gone to Lord Elgin, and I am sure His Excellency will at once join in the matter; and I trust when I reach London, to arrange for a direct application to be made to the Governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick from the Colonial Office, to ascertain their sentiments.
I have taken this course advisedly; and hope to work out a great result; unless the Grand Trunk of Canada take up the whole system, Nova Scotia will for years be debarred from making Halifax the great mart of the east; for Maine is unable to make her lines; she can give no state aid, and her Cities and Citizens are too poor; the British Capital cannot be got to aid her.
I have the honour to be
Your Excellency’s
most obt. servt.
- Jackson.
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Fredericton, The Reporter, Page 2 – Friday, December 30, 1853 – CANADA WAKING UP – Mackenzie’s Message – The Great Western Railway is soon to open between Niagara Falls and London – 150 miles – the distance, which it took us four days to travel in a one-horse wagon, in 1824, being now overcome, we suppose, in 5 or 6 hours. Many rascally jobs are connected with this road – the expenditure is outrageous – but Canada can stand it all – for a finer country than the Railway traverses is on where to be found. Omnibuses carry the passengers and their luggage across the Niagara on a wire bridge elevated 240 feet above the swift current of the deep and narrow channel of the romantic outlet of the surplus waters of Lakes Erie, Michigan, Huron and Superior. Monarchy and democracy are reached upon wires, and the difference is not so striking as some would imagine – the machinery of politics, like that of railways, is very much alike.
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A. Clowes
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