Railway Disaster at the Junction - 1889 Part Two

The third day’s coverage from the Spectator relating to the follow up to the major Grand Trunk Railway accident of April 29, 1889 :    

“Yesterday morning there was considerable agitation apparent among the railway authorities here. General Manager Hickson had arrived from Montreal in his official car to ascertain why so many people had been killed on the southern division lately. He arrived on the 9:20 train from Toronto, and the fine, large engine Princess was attached to his car to take it out to the scene of the accident. Mr. Armstrong appeared with an immense armful of maps and plans, and the general manager, accompanied by Joseph Hobson (chief engineer), W. W. Pope (of the solicitor’s office), Joseph Wallace (chief clerk), and Samuel Barker (superintendent of the Northern and Northwestern division), started for the scene of the wreck and spent an hour there looking over the ground. Then they returned and examined the debris which is piled on cars in the yard. Mr. Hickson was seen by a reporter after his examination was concluded and asked if he had decided what caused the accident. “I have seen all that is to be seen in connection with the accident,” he said, “but I really can’t undertake to express any opinions while the matter is in the hands of the coroner. I would be glad to afford the Spectator any information, but it would not be right for me to express an opinion until the jury has given its verdict. I may say that when the inquest is over, a rigid investigation will be made, independent of that, by me in the interests of the company.”

          “I understand you are also going out to St. George this afternoon,” said the reporter. “Will the investigation which you propose to make cover both disasters?”

          “I think I will go over to St. George before I return, but that has already been investigated.”

          “As a result of this disaster at the cut will any change be made in the road at that point with a view to taking off part of the sharp curve at the foot of the grade?”

          “No, I don’t see that there is any necessity for it. The fact that there was an accident there does not prove that the spot is dangerous. The track has been the same there since it was built, and no accident ever happened at that particular spot before.”

          “It has been generally considered dangerous though. I understand Senator Sanford wrote to you some years ago pointing out the fact, and suggesting it be altered to lessen the curve?”

          Mr. Hickson smiled : “You know how that sort of thing is. If you were to see the number of letters I get in a year offering gratuitous advice you would appreciate the fact that running a railroad is something like running a newspaper.”

          It is said, Mr. Hickson, that the locomotives used on the Grand Trunk fast trains are not of sufficiently good class for the purpose, and that to this fact the recent accidents are attributable?”

          “All nonsense. The engines we use on our fast trains are as good as any on the continent. In fact, they are the best that can be got. The engine on the limited express was built in Kingston on the best model, and has only been in use six years.”

                   SOME MORE PROBABLE VICTIMS

          The railroad authorities have been having the contents of the unclaimed baggage saved from the wreck investigated, with a view to ascertaining who the dead folk are. This morning they obtained the following list : H. Levy, Chicago; Mrs. Smith (no address); Capt. Butler, Cook county insane asylum, near Chicago; F. Randall Orr, Omaha, Neb. Also another piece of baggage belonging to a lady, in which the owner’s name does not appear.

          ANOTHER BODY IDENTIFIED

Colvin, 550 Warren avenue, Chicago, arrived here  this morning in search of the body of Morgan R. Scullin, of 781 West Lake street, Chicago. Mr. Colvin examined the burnt remains and identified a body as that of Mr. Scullin by a fragment of the coat and waistcoat. The body was the one thought to be that of Mr. Curnick yesterday.  Mr. Colvin left for Chicago with the remains this afternoon.

A BROKEN WHEEL

Mr. Hall, locomotive superintendent, has discovered that in addition to one axle of  the engine truck being broken, the outside, or north wheel in front, had five pieces broken off it, and the fragments were found and brought in front the wreck this afternoon. The pilot of the engine was buried seven feet down in the sand. It is now thought that the accident was caused by the front outside wheel breaking and taking the guide rail instead of the proper one.

          TWO TORONTO MEN AMONG THE VICTIMS

                   Toronto Globe

            Charles Fraser, who was mentioned in yesterday’s Globe as a probable victim of the awful accident of Sunday morning at the Y, is well known in this city, having been a resident here for some years. That he is among the killed is now certain, his brother Andrew having yesterday identified a watch chain found in the debris as that of his brother, and, still further, Mr. Stiff, G. T. R. superintendent, telegraphed last evening that the pass on which Fraser was checked at Windsor on the ill-fated train. There are circumstances attending the death of poor Charles Fraser of a most melancholy character, plunging, as it does, a wife and living relatives in unutterable grief. Six months ago, he left the city for Omaha, laving his wife in Toronto until such time as he was in a position to send for her. He succeeded in getting a good position in the Union express company, of his adopted city, and three weeks ago, in great hopes of a prosperous future, took steps to remove his family there. His furniture was shipped ten days ago, and his wife meanwhile remained with friends until her husband should arrive for her. He wrote Mrs. Fraser that he would in Toronto at latest on Sunday or Monday, but the stated time came to find him amongst the twenty so frightfully and tragically killed. The poor young widow is left with two children, and her grief at the loss of a husband, whose life was devoted to her interests, may well be imagined. The deceased was a brother of Mrs. Ramsay, of Grange avenue, who is now in Omaha, where she went two weeks ago. He was a prominent member of the Gaelic society, always taking a keen interest in everything pertaining to the maintenance of Scottish sentiment, and his death, of which there is no doubt, will be lamented by a large circle of friends.

          Another Toronto man was also a victim of the disaster, at least circumstances point strongly to that conclusion. George Duthie left this city some twenty years ago for Kansas City, where he has continuously remained ever since. Last week he wrote to his parents, who live at 263 Adelaide street west, that he would leave Kansas with his wife on Friday for Toronto to pay them a short visit. He did leave as stated, but up to a late hour last night, he had not arrived. His brother went over to Hamilton yesterday to try and find some trace of the missing ones among the ruins. He found two ticket stubs bearing the Kansas station stamp, the numbers being forty and forty-one, thus leaving no doubt, when the other circumstances are taken into consideration, that the unfortunate couple perished with the others. This is another touching incident of the deplorable accident. The unfortunate man did not see his aged father and mother for twenty years, and no doubt the son was as rejoiced at the prospect of meeting them as they were to again see a son from whom they had been so long separated. He was a man of about 40 years of age, of medium height and dark complexion.

                   THE INQUEST

          The adjourned inquest into the cause of the recent railway disaster at the junction was resumed last evening at No. 3 police station, before Dr. A. Woolverton. There was a large attendance of auditors. Joseph Hickson, general manager of the Grand Trunk railway, was present accompanied by John Bell, Q. C., solicitor for the road; Samuel Barker, superintendent of the Northern and Northwestern division; Jos. Hobson, chief engineer; James McLerie, freight agent; John Proctor, director; C. K. Domville, locomotive superintendent; Joseph Wallace, chief clerk; and Mr. Larmour. A shorthand writer was present on behalf of the Grand Trunk to report the evidence taken by the coroner.

          On opening the inquest, the coroner said that Mr. Hickson would like to address a few remarks to the jury.

          Mr. Hickson came forward and said : I only desire to express the regret of the directors and the sorrow of myself and the other officials of the Grand Trunk at the sad calamity that happened near your city on Sunday morning. It is a matter of deep sorrow to myself and the officers of the railway, and I desire to say that any assistance the jury may wish from the officers of the company will be cheerfully put before you. We desire a full investigation of the circumstances.

          Mr. Littlehales, before the taking of evidence commenced, said that as none of the jury had any experience in examining witnesses, he would ask the coroner to have the crown attorney present.

          C. R. Smith, another juror, said it might be necessary to have a counsel and also experts. He moved that the coroner request the attorney-general to grant financial aid for the purpose of paying the expense of such assistance.

          The motion was put and carried unanimously.

          Dr. Woolverton said he would have the recommendation conveyed to the attorney-general. He thought it would be impossible to have Mr. Crerar present at that session.

          Wm. Galbreaith, night station-master at London, was the first witness. He said : Have occupied that position for one year. The train arrived there in two portions from Sarnia and Detroit, and was amalgamated there. It was composed of two baggage cars, a smoker, two first-class coaches, a sleeper, a first-class coach and three sleepers in that order. It was about an average train. It was due to leave London at 4:45, but left that morning ten minutes late. An unusual number of passengers got off at London. The train was examined there and a fresh engine put on.

          Thomas McHattie, locomotive fireman at London, was sworn : Have been in that position at London one month, and before that was at Palmerston. Am responsible for seeing that any necessary repairs are made and that all engines go out in good order. Was not present when the engine of the limited express went out, but saw the engine the day before. It came in two days before. Two drivers and two engines run this train, and during the two days one of the drivers was laid off and the other did double service. Did not examine engine 738 personally. It is one of the largest and strongest engines on the road and is comparatively new, having been overhauled recently. New wheels were put under the engine truck on March 6, 1889. The express engines are given special care and examined by the driver every time he comes in from a trip. When the driver finds that repairs are necessary it is witness’ duty to see that they are carried out. The car examiners test the engine wheels as well as the cars. So far as reports showed, engine 738 was in perfect running order. A train of ten cars should take two men not less than five minutes to tap the wheels. It could not be done in a proper manner in three minutes, he thought.

          Capt. Wm. Hall, Toronto, sworn, said : Was a passenger on the train from Detroit, and occupied a berth in the sleeper until the train reached Harrisburg, when he was aroused by the tapping of the car wheels by the examiners. Got up then, and the berth was shut up and he took his seat. The speed from Dundas down was about twenty-five miles an hour. Was in the fifth car from the engine, and thought the car was well-filled. First indication of anything being wrong was a kind of “shock concussion,” as if the train had struck something. Then the car went ahead. There was no noise of breaking glass or timber, and the engine did not whistle. Then the car jumped the track, bumped about and stopped. From the time of the concussion, the car ran two or three lengths. Got off on the north side of the track, east of the switch, and observed the passengers coming out of the car ahead, which had its end knocked in. Saw the ladies stepping out over the timbers as cool and unconcerned as possible. Heard no noise or screaming anywhere. Looked for the enginemen, and could not find the engine for a while, as it was buried under timbers. Met the fireman walking past the engine, and some one said to look out, as the boiler might explode. Witness suggested that some one should go back and flag any oncoming train. Thought no one was specially hurt. Then started with Mr. Dixon to telegraph to Hamilton, but the conductor went instead. About that moment, the flames, which he hadn’t noticed before, broke through the roof of a car that had been telescoped. The flame was fully ten feet wide when it shot up into his view. It originated in the mass of wood next to the engine, but did not catch fire from the engine. The fire got a draft from somewhere and spread very rapidly. Witness ran down to the telegraph office and saw a train coming up on the Toronto track.  Went on from there to Hamilton thinking no one was hurt, and that the accident was not serious. The track, he said, was moved laterally two or three inches in a southerly direction. It was two or three minutes from the time of the accident that the conductor reached the telegraph office. Could not see the smoker after the accident. Three cars were jumbled up together, and the fire originated in the heap. Heard no one say that there was anyone under the wreck. Did not see any appliances there to put out the fire, and did not notice any efforts made to put it out. The fire was too large to be put out by ordinary appliances. On cross-examination witness said he was formerly bridge inspector on the Grand Trunk, but now owns vessels on the upper lakes.

          David Walker, of the Walker house, Toronto, said he was on his way home from Chicago, and was riding on the last car on the train, the sleeper Montpelier. The car was very full with people going to the Washington centennial. Went to sleep before the Detroit river was reached and awoke in Paris. On coming near the scene of the accident was standing at the door of the car talking with the brakeman, and on looking at his watch saw that it was 6:50. Immediately afterwards felt a concussion, and was thrown against the door, and then thrown backwards. Felt as though the car was off the track and then the train stopped suddenly. When he got off he saw the engine lying on the north side of the track and water rushing down the embankment from the broken tank. Helped to carry out three wounded who were underneath the smoking car. Looked underneath the car again and didn’t see anyone, but another man was looking in from the side and neither could see anything. Looked under another car with cane chairs, but could see no one else. Subsequently met the engine men and the baggage man, and the latter told him that several persons from the smoker had been dumped into the baggage car. Saw the flames commence to shoot up a short time afterwards and went through the cars waking up the people. The flames spread very rapidly and as soon as they reached a car would rush through it like a funnel. Uncoupled the last two cars and with the help of several men ran them back. Then witness went to the right side of the track and saw a dead body lying there. In a few minutes an engine arrived from Hamilton and the men called on the passengers that could to come on board. Witness asked if they had brought out any doctors and they said no, being Sunday morning they could not get an answer to their telephone messages. There was a heap of debris over the locomotive, which he thought was the remains of the tank. Did not hear any screams or groans under the wreck. The cars were on fire when the first auxiliary came up, but the cars had not all caught fire when the second auxiliary came, about eight o’clock. Thought the train was not running more than twenty-five miles an hour for some time before the accident.

          James Dargie, the man who tried the wheels at Harrisburg, said it was his duty to examine the wheels and brakes of all trains that came in there. The wheel-tappers begin at the rear of the train and tap every wheel except the drivers, one man going on each side of the train. Remember tapping the wheels of the limited express on Sunday morning. It is timed to arrive there at 6:23. Examined all the wheels on the south side of the train, including the front wheels of the engine. Thought it took him five or six minutes to do it. Found no defect in any of the wheels. Occasionally do find defects, and always take the car off and replace it. The train stops there on purpose to be examined.

          Alexander Dargie, brother of the last witness, said he tapped the other side of the train and found it all right.

          Alexander Douglas, London, said he was a yardsman there and made up all trains. Made up the limited express with ten cars.

          The inquest then adjourned until Friday evening at 7:30. The jury will go out to have another look at the locality this afternoon.

                                      NOTES

          Mrs. McLeod, of Toronto, looked over the watches in the superintendent’s office, but found none she could identify.

          Mr. Dougherty, the traveller for J. M. Williams & Co., has been heard from. His wife received a telegram from Wiarton saying he is all right.

          Yesterday Chief McKinnon received a letter from William Long, of New York, inquiring about Henry Pringle, a young man from Chicago, who is supposed to have been killed. He had about $150 in gold in his possession.

          David Booth, of Toronto, who was supposed to have been one of the victims, has been heard from. He is safe in Chicago, not having started for home.

          The fact that more watches than there are victims were found in the wreck has been explained by the fact that one of the passengers was an agent for the Waterbury watch company and had several time keepers in his hand baggage.

          The public may as well understand that William Burrwell, who lives near the scene of the recent accident, did not charge anybody a dollar for keeping a horse on the day of the accident; neither did any horse remain in his yard all day without food.

          General Manager Hickson went out to St. George to see the wounded who still remained there, and subsequently visited the wounded from the junction at the hospital here. There are six wounded still at St. George : Mr. and Mrs. Marshall; W. Benedict, Belleville; Dr. Le Quesne, Cleveland; Miss Andrews, Belleville; and Thomas N. Doutney, temperance lecturer.

          Eugene P. Newhall, formerly of the SPECTATOR staff, and now of Omaha, arrived in the city yesterday in search of his brother-in-law, C. J. Fraser, of Toronto. Mr. Newhall traced the missing man as far as Detroit, and when he arrived here he found that Fraser’s watch had been found in the debris and identified by a Toronto relative, so that there is no doubt whatever that Fraser was one of the victims.

          “The Railway Horror”

        Spectator.   May 2, 1889

        The week’s WEEKLY SPECTATOR, published this morning, contains a graphic description of the terrible railway accident at the junction cut, list of the killed and injured, identification of the bodies, inquest to date, etc. May be had at SPECTATOR counting room, in wrappers, ready for mailing, 4 cents per copy. Also for sale at the bookstores.”

         

Powder Mills Explosion - 1884 (Part 2)

 

“Daniel Dougherty, killed by the explosion of the Hamilton Powder Mills, was the only one of the five whose death was not instantaneous. When he was found after the explosion, he said to those who would have shielded his eyes from the glare of the sunlight: ‘Don’t cover up my eyes, boys, I’ll never see another one.’

        Like to the forest primeval that stood near the village of Grand Pre.

        So were the willows and pine trees, silent and tall in the valley.

        There in this valley of darkness toiled men on for a pittance,

Standing forever and waiting the stroke that there is no escaping.

        Fearing yet never expecting the crash of that terrible thunder

        Leading a wretched existence for children and dear wife and home.

    *      *   *

        While the city’s streets were crowded and the people bought and sold,

        And joined the eager throng before the god of millions, gold,

        Rolling down the mountain side to the busy street

        Came boom of guns announcing tale of battle and defeat.

        Away in that dismal valley the dead and dying lay

        Shattered and blistered and withered – so noble and yet but clay.

        A battlefield indeed it was, where capital’s grasping hand

        Crushed life and hope and brightness out of all that little band.

        The carrion crow in hundreds flapped every wing o’er head,

        Where stalwart, brave Dan Dougherty would soon be with the dead.

        His bruised and burned and blackened face turned upward to the sky,

        And his seared eyes appealing to the weeping friends nearby,

        He told them that his death was near, his race was almost run,

        ‘Don’t cover up my face, boys, I’ll never see another sun.’

         An inquest into the Cumminsvill tragedy was called as soon as possible. The testimony was recounted in detail the Hamilton newspapers. Much of it was highly technical as to the nature of the operations of the powder mils, but it was all devastating to the company's regard for the safety of its employees:

"One witness – Robert Curran

“ – Worked one and a half years in the crackers, and up to five minutes before the explosion had been running at the usual speed; had run even faster; knew one of the journals in the crackers to heat some time ago; drew the attention of the boss to it, and got instructions to keep it oiled and he thought it would take no harm; ; do not know that the shakers had been rubbed that day; would just as soon work in dry powder as green; the general instructions were to keep everything in good order.

“Edwards Corlett, superintendent of the work, said – I always gave orders to shut down the mills when danger threatened and to let me know; there was no particular time to oil; left it to the men’s judgment; thought them capable of oiling when necessary; Dent did not draw my attention in any particular to the machinery being out of repair; the whole mill was dangerous, but the crackers most so; was in the crackers nearly all the forenoon and saw nothing wrong with the machinery; had been 29 years in those mills and thought them as safe as the general run of mills

“Amos Barnes, black boss, recalled. Thought the crackers were not in good repair; he always felt timid in them"

There was little doubt as to how the jury would rule on the matter:

“At the close of the inquest questions were submitted by the coroner to the jury, to which they returned the following answers:

First – That the crackers were the first building to explode, causing the death of Wm. Hetherington, Harry Tibble and Wm. Murray.

Second – That the explosion was caused by friction on the heated journals.

Third – We believe the machinery was not in a safe state of repair, considering the nature of the work.

Fourth – We believe that they were manufacturing at too great a rate of speed consistent with safety.

Fifth – We believe the press ignited from the crackers and was the second building to explode, causing the death of Geo. Matthews, Dan. Dougherty, and seriously wounding Albert Culp, and we believe that the machinery in the press was in a good state of repair.

Sixth – and, in conclusion, it is our opinion that the company are to blame in the matter.”

In an editorial, the Weekly Times also was very critical of how the Hamilton Powder Company was operated:

“The verdict of the coroner’s which inquired into the cause of the death of the five men who were killed in the explosion of the Cumminsville powder mills recites the facts without exaggeration or extenuation. The death of the workmen was due to the recklessness of the Powder Company, which caused the mills to be worked beyond their capacity, allowing the journals to heat. The danger was pointed out by one of the workmen now deceased, and it must have been obvious to all the men accustomed to the business. The Company took and fearful has been the penalty. The families of the men who have been killed are said to be in a destitute condition, and an appeal has been made for aid. They doubtless have a valid claim for damages against the Company, but matters of that kind are not, as a rule, speedily settled, and in the meantime, the public should not withhold the charity that is urgently required.

“The facts with regard to the Cumminsville explosion seem to show that something is needed to restrain ‘soulless corporations’ from taking fearful risks. Not only were the mills run much faster than usual on material 70 per cent more dangerous than green powder, but the machinery was in bad repair, and the superintendent did not consider it his business to see that it was at least oiled up."

The only doctor who served the inhabitants of Cumminsville wrote the following letter to the Times:

“To the Editor of the Times;

        SIR, - Relative to the condition of the bereaved families of the victims from this disaster, I wish to say a few words and place the facts before the public. The names of those killed were : Wm. Murray, George Mathers, William Heatherington, Henry Tibble and Daniel Dougherty.

“Wm. Murray leaves a widow and seven small children. They do not own the house they live in and have no means of support. George Mathers leaves a widow and five small children, They own no house and have no means of support. Wm. Heatherington leaves a widow aged mother and two sisters. He was their chief support. Henry Tibble leaves a widow and three small children, They have no means of support. She has been only eighteen months in the country, and her relatives in England depend on the parish. Daniel Dougherty leaves a widow, an aged mother-in-law and seven small children, the eldest being a girl of twelve years. They have no means of support. Albert Culp, the only survivor, and whom I am attending, has a wife and three small children. He is in a precarious state, and, should he live, will be unable to work in the coming winter.

“This makes, in all, thirty-four persons, nearly all of whom are in a destitute condition – twenty-one being small children, with the probability of their number being added to shortly. The inhabitants of this small village cannot offer those people help to any great extent, as they are people who require all they have for their own families, many of the men having been working in the powder mills, and who are now out of employment, with the likelihood of remaining so for some time to come.

“Prior to this awful calamity these people, although poor, were industrious, sober, Christian people. Should anything be given to these poor people, however small, it will indeed be considered a great boon, and such offerings will certainly be well made use of. Should any person see fit to contribute offerings to help them live over the coming winter, they can address letters to them containing the amounts.

An outdoor entertainment was organized to raise funds for the immediate aid of the families of the deceased:

“Pursuant to announcement, the promenade concert and display of fireworks took place at Mr. George Thomas Tuckett’s grounds, corner of King and Queen streets, and, considering the miserable weather, was very largely attended. The full band of the Thirteenth Battalion was present and played one of their best programmes. Prof. Hand & Co. (who never do anything by halves) set off a display of fireworks which would have done them credit under any circumstances, and notwithstanding the general dampness which prevailed, the pyrotechnics were brilliant and beautiful. A large number of balloons were sent up during the evening. The Virginia Jubilee Singers sang several selections, which greatly pleased the people.

“Altogether the entertainment gave the utmost satisfaction, and something like $250 was realized, which will at once be applied to the relief of the sufferers by the recent powder mills explosion. After the concert, all who took place were entertained at supper by Mr. Tuckett."

The day after the concert and fireworks display, the funds raised were ready to be delivered:

“On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. George T. Tuckett informed a Times representative that $226 was realized at the concert and fireworks exhibition at his grounds on the preceding evening. This is very good, when the weather which prevailed on Monday night is taken into consideration.

“Tomorrow, Mayor Mason, Mr. Tuckett and Mr. Breay (Prof. Hand’s partner) will drive to Cumminsville and distribute the money amongst the needy. Mr. Tuckett says that he has received several sums in aid of the sufferers from those who could not attend the concert, and others who wish to contribute now have the opportunity. Donations will be accepted by any of the gentlemen named above.

 

 

1883-12-27 Police Commision

“A meeting of the Police Commissioners was held this morning, at which all three Commissioners were present.”

Hamilton Times.  December 27, 1883. Had three members

The Hamilton Police Commission in the 1880s had three members : the mayor of the city, the Police Magistrate, and the senior judge of the Wentworth County Court.

The Commissioners met monthly on a regular basis, and would, on occasion, have extra meeting should circumstances warrant.

The meeting of the Hamilton Police commission in December 1883 was held on the day after Christmas that year, December 26, 1883:

“There were two applications for cab permits. They were made by William Dryden and Alex. Bain on behalf of their sons, both of whom were underage. The commissioners refused to grant a permit to either, as they can see no reason for making an exception to the provision of the bylaw.”¹

¹  “Police Commissioners : Charges Against  Detective Officers Investigated ”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 27, 1883.

Unusually, the commissioners were faced with accusations of misconduct placed against two members of the force

“The statement that Detective Doyle received $50 from a private individual was investigated. The information  was conveyed to the Commissioners by the Chief of Police, who learned of it through Mr. R.R. Waddell, who was the legal advisor Malcolm, from whom the money, or note, was said to have come. The Chief submitted to the Commissioners a letter he had written to Mr. Waddell, asking that gentleman to formulate a specific charge against Doyle, and Mr. Waddell’s reply, in which he refused to comply with the request, stating that he had no charge to make and that he was not a public prosecutor. Mr. Waddell said that he had given Doyle a note for $50 for certain services to be rendered by the officer, and that he (Waddell), believing it to be a dereliction of duty on the part of any police officer to receive money from those whose cases they are working on, had communicated the fact to the Chief. It was further stated that Detective Doyle had destroyed the note.

“Detective Doyle was heard in reference to the matter. He admitted that he had received from Mr. Malcolm a rough draft of a note for $50. He had at first refused to accept money from Mr. Malcolm, who pressed the note on him. Malcolm wanted him to give information concerning the movements of his wife, who was living apart from him. After receiving the note, he had torn it up.

“The Judge said he thought the affair called for an investigation, and it was decided to defer it until the next meeting, when witnesses will be brought and the whole case gone into.”¹

The second charge had also been placed against a member of the detective force, and it involved an interaction with a newspaper reporter, working for the Hamilton Tribune:

“Charges brought against Detective McKenzie by W.P. Robinson, reporter of the Tribune newspaper, were investigated. The charges were that McKenzie had insulted Mr. Robinson in No. 1 Police Station, and threatened to eject him from the station, and had assaulted him. The Commissioners made a full investigation of the charges. They requested the representatives of the press to withdraw, and discussed the evidence with closed doors. The result of the secret consultation was that the charge of using insulting language was dismissed, and it was decided that the assault charge should be carried to another tribunal.”¹

As there had been a rash of burglaries, some with violence involved in Hamilton recently, the Wentworth County Judge made a statement about the situation, referring specifically to an incident at the toll gate, near the Desjardins canal between the bay and the Dundas marsh:

“The Judge brought to the notice of the Board the great number of burglaries that had recently been committed in and near the city. He referred especially to the recent robbery near the toll gate, and said he thought the police of the city should have taken that matter in hand, as the gate was virtually in the city, and the crime had been committed by ruffians from the city.

“The chief said the police were now working up the case.

Finally, Chief A.D. Stewart brought up a matter which he felt very strongly about:

“Chief Stewart made an appeal to the Commissioners in favor of allowing the police to be armed at night. There are at present over seventy professional thieves and burglars in Hamilton who practiced their nefarious business at night, and usually they were armed. It was not fair to expect a constable to cope with one or two burglars, when he was armed only with his baton and they had revolvers. He averred that Hamilton was the only city in Canada whose police went unarmed at night.

“The Judge thought it was unfair to the force. For their own protection as well as for the better protection of the public, it would be well to allow the men on night duty to carry revolvers. They were discreet men, who knew the use of firearms, and could be trusted.

“The Magistrate did not approve of the carrying of firearms by the police force.

“The Chief was asked to prepare an estimate of the cost of pistols, and submit it at the next meeting.

“The Board then adjourned.”¹

1883-12-26Election Meeting

“A meeting of the electors of No. 3 ward, called by the Labor Political association, was held last evening at Blaisdall’s cottage, on the corner of Locke and Pine. The little room in which it was held was crowded.”

Hamilton Spectator. December 26, 1883.

With Christmas day, 1883 just passed, the attention of many Hamilltonians was directed intensely on matters related to the soon to take place election for Hamilton aldermen and mayor.

Some political events were large scale, others smaller. A smaller event in terms of space to hold ratepayers and candidates was held on December 26, 1883 :

“The meeting was called to order at 8 o’clock sharp, and Mr. Geo. Collis took the chair. He explained the object of the meeting in a few brief remarks, and said the Labor-Political association was composed of wage-workers who were quite independent of party lines, and who were determined to have a voice in civic affairs, and see that legislation was always for the good of the country.”¹

¹ ”The Municipal Battle : Ward Meetings in Nos. 1 and 3 Last Night : The Candidates Air Themselves on the Free Library Question, the Ward Appropriation plan, Street Pavements, Etc.”

Hamilton Spectator     December 26, 1883.

One of the two aldermanic incumbents, Alderman VanAllen was the first speaker. He lauded his own, and council’s successes during the past term, while voicing his decided opposition to a movement to establish a free public library in Hamilton:

“Ald. VanAllen was then called upon to address the electors. He did so dwelling upon the time he had been in the city, and on the fact that in the early days, he had been a working man himself, and for the past fifteen years an employer. He referred at length to the many improvements made in No. 3 ward during the past three years, for which time he had been one of the representatives of No. 3 ward in the city council., and to the fact that he had warmly supported the new bylaws on wood, coal, etc. In expressing himself on the free bylaw, he said he was proud of the fact that he was one of those who helped vote it down. If the bylaw had passed its second reading and had been submitted to the people, it would have entailed  a cost to the city of $700, and that was one of the principal reasons of his opposing it. The statute was such that the people might be called to pay about $8,000 a year to keep it up, and he thought if the bylaw was passed, it would be one of the worst things for Hamilton that had ever happened. He also explained that Mr. F. C. Bruce was not present to address them because of the sickness of one of his children.”¹

The following speech was from prominent lawyer, seeking election to Hamilton council :

 “Mr. J. V. Teetzel was next called upon. He opened with a brilliant, rhetorical effort upon Ald. VanAllen’s speech, and said it was all very well for that gentleman to say he actively supported the new coal, wood and other bylaws, but the chief credit was due to the workingmen of the city, who had promulgated them, and, by their efforts, had carried them into effect. He expressed himself as being in favor of a free public library, public parks, independence of the Northern and Northwestern railway, and public baths. He also said he was opposed to bonuses being given and exemptions from taxation allowed, and thought that money given as a bonus to any industrial monopoly might be better employed in effecting permanent improvements in the city.

The next candidadte to speak needed no introduction to those gathered. George Elias Tuckett was one of Hamilton’s richest and most prominent citizens, having already had a distinguished career as a local municipal legislator :

 “Mr. George E. Tuckett said that if the reforms clamored for so anxiously just now had been wanted before, the people could have got them, for you can only legislate up to the wishes of the people. He expressed himself strongly in favor of progressive local government, and thought it wrong to keep the Crystal palace gates closed at any time, unless perhaps when the fair was going on. He wanted to be able to go in there whenever he chose to do so. He thought  the electors of each ward  should meet frequently and consult as to what was best for the interests of the ward, and tell their representatives in the council what was wanted.  If it wasn’t done, they could turn their man out. It was unfair to hold one meeting a year, and then blame the old representatives high and low for their work. No man could be expected to have sufficient intelligence to legislate capably for the whole ward.”¹

          There was one more speaker before the proceedings were closed, a speaker who experienced some heckling and intense questioning from those assembled, as had most other speakers:

“Mr. Mills made a brief address. The speakers were frequently interrupted by those present, who asked questions as to what they would do in this or that matter, and the chairman was forced several times to call the meeting to order. One man present was greatly trouble over the fact that there was neither sidewalk no water main on the east end of Herkimer street. He said the residents of that portion of the street had petitioned for both these, and because one man objected, the request was refused.

“At the conclusion of the meeting, a vote of thanks was tendered to the chairman, who made a suitable response, and the meeting adjourned.”¹

1885-06-29Gore Fountain Speaks

As the eighteenth anniversary of Confederation approached, a first-term Hamilton aldermen proposed that on July 1, 1885, the Gore Park fountain be turned on and the gates opened allowing everyone access to the park during evenings for the rest of the summer months.

The transformation of the huge unoccupied downtown property, triangular in shape, known as the Gore had happened twenty-five years previously. It had been intended that a complimentary sized and shaped property would be added to the Gore to make sufficient space for a town square.

The Gore had become Gore Park with attractive fountains big and small placed in it. However, the water in the fountain was often, even mainly, not turned on and the park, surrounded by a fence, had it entrance gate only opened to the public on special occasions.

Such a major change being considered, the Spectator felt it appropriate to “interview” the Gore Park Fountain for its views, views which were published in the form of a poem:

 “Dear Spectator ;

As your paper is voted best channel for news,

I have asked your reporter to publish my views.

Your readers have clamored to know of the reason

Why I don’t choose to squirt, when it’s out of season;

I propose to enlighten the public at large

And show them how utterly senseless this charge:

They’ve long-forgotten the ways of the Good Queen Anne days

Urging blame, when I’ve merited nothing but praise.

A fact worth noting of those who should know;

I am not of this age, its inventions and show;

I belong to the times of economy rare,

When pure water was saved with the greatest of care,

When washing was only done one day in seven,

As the waste of the gift might bring vengeance from heaven;

For tho’ free as the air, and with oceans to spare

Then many believed  they must use it with care.

I am not quite at home, as just hinted before,

With the new-fangled actions as seen round the Gore;

Wooden streets, patent sweepers, electric connection

For speaking and lighting; they all throw reflection

On our forefathers’ days, when they toiled and they strained

And tho’ hard was their lot – yet they stoutly maintained

That ‘twere certainly best for the good of the rest

That inventors should hang as of Satan possessed

I must stoutly protest with supreme indignation

Against opening the Gore, and each new innovation

Why should anyone dare to make common the spot

That by lock, fence and custom is not

For mechanics who toil; nor their wives who endure,

Nor their children much needing the air that is pure ?

Tho’ the new alderman’s views I don’t care to abuse,

I will speak for myself – I will squirt when I choose.

So please let me hear of no more agitation

For modern ideas or new desecration;

Let me squirt only once a year, that is all I should try,

Just for Canada’s sake, on the first of July.

But on evenings – oh no; or on hot summer days –

I will stiffen my neck against all such displays;

I’ll economy ply, for the lake might turn dry,

In spouting its water in waste to the sky.”¹

¹ “The Gore Fountain Speaks”

Hamilton Spectator     July 30, 1885.

1883-05-28Ad

With the month of May almost over, the advertisement section in the Spectator of May 28, 1883 had a distinct summer flavor.

From the accompanying portion of that day’s newspaper, looking first at the right column from the top down, the following can be seen:

1.   Ad for D. Dewey, ice dealer. Business was located on George street, between Bay and Caroline streets. The ad claimed that “entire supply harvested this years.”

2.   Ad for a sale of fine silks at Knox, Morgan & Co. store “We keep in stock a full range of Colors and beg to remind City trade of the advantages of buying these goods here.

3.   Ad for W.W. Walton, wholesale and retail dairy, 10 Vine street. Ice was prominently mentioned plus a series of dairy products for sale – ‘Milk, Cream, Butter, Cheese, Buttermilk, and everything in the dairy line. Production of cream was a specialty : ‘Our Cream for Family Use, Ice Cream and for Butter making is separated from the milk as soon as milked, by the very best Danish and German separators and thus given our customers beautiful, thick, fresh Cream immediately after milking.’ And finally, ‘We were the first to introduce the Centrifugal Creaming System in Canada, and one of the first in the world.’

Looking next to the left, top of the columns :

1.   Ad for the third in a series of fund-raising concerts given by the popular 13^th Battalion Band, plus guest vocalists. Money raised to be used to purchase new uniforms for the band. Concert at the Drill Shed on James North. Single admission 25 cents.

2.   Ad for the ‘First Grand Moonlight Excursion to the Beach, Ocean House. The Ocean House and its near neighbor, the New York Roller Rink, on the Hamilton Beach strip, near the Burlington canal were popular destinations for Hamiltonians. A special way to get to them in May, 1883 was via a side-wheel paddle steamer, the Canadian. The schedule for the Moonlight Excursion involved, leaving the James Street Wharf at 7:45 p.m., sharp as the proprietors of the Canadian insisted on keeping rigorously to advertised departure and return times. Both while going to the Beach and while returning, passengers on the Canadian were entertained by the full Independent Band. 20 cents would buy a ticket for the excursion; an extra 15 cents would pay for admission, if desired to the rink where famous trick cyclists, Westbrook & Hacker, were going to give an exhibition of their skills. The Canadian was to return from the Beach, leaving there at 10:30

3.   Ad for the Bay View Pleasure Park, located at the far west end of Hamilton, not far from the Valley Inn. George Midwinter proprietor of  Bay View Pleasure Park, boasted that the roller skating rink at his park was the ‘largest in Ontario.’ The park could readily be reached from Hamilton with departures every half hour by two small passenger steamers, the Shamrock and the Lillie The Bay View Band provided music for the people in the park generally, while the Bay View Quadrille band provided music for dancing.

4.   Small ad for the Lakeside house, on the Beach strip “thoroughly renovated and refurbished. Bar, Bowling alleys and restaurant in connection.

5.   Finally, small ad for the Wellington Street Swimming Baths, on the east side of Wellington, north of King street : ‘now open every day. Water warmed by steam pipes. Ladies’ bath opens June 2^nd.’