HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1898-8-12, Page 4ir.11"h tis Most,
I,'ItI1.lAI', Al (10, 12, 1898,
From Detroit to Port Angeles,
Washington Ter.
The following notes are taken from a
letter received by Robt, 1)iolceen, of De-
troit, from his son, R. hl., and wilt be of
iutereat to our readers
MrDaee F&Ticcu :—You will perhaps
think me somewhat tardy in writing, but
having written home several times since
leaving Detroit, I thought it as well to
wait a little before writing, Bo as to be
able to give you some idea of this far
Western country and its prospects and
possibilities, besides, I have for the past
week been out helping Aloolc to out some
luny on Isis farm, situated about 8 miles
from here, and which as yet is only e
small clearing in the middle of a dark
dense woods whose shady recesses afford
a shelter nob only to the timid deer, but
also a "prowling place" for the more
ferooious bear and mountain lion or cam
gar whiolh frequent the woods in con.
sidsrable numbers, and returning only
yesterday to town, this le the first oppor,
tunity I have of writing you.
It was my intention to give you a sorb
of descriptive account of my trip from its
beginning, but as you have already
journeyed far into the West yourself
there is little that I can relate in conneo•
tion with the fleet half of my trip that
has not already 001310 under your own
observation. However of that portion of
the route over which you have yourself
travelled, I will say but little, referring
only briefly to some general features of
the country, which ordinarily impress
themselves upon the mind of the passing
traveller. Leaving Detroit, as yon will
remember, on June 27th at midnight, we
arrived in Toronto nest morning at 8:30,
leaving from London Eastward in the
early hours of the morning, caught
glimpses of the country which seemed to
be looking its beet with fine fields of bay
and grain and ite many beautiful orobards
and woods. After a walk around the city
for au hour or so, I left uncle and called
on some friends before returning to the
depot.
We left Toronto at noon on Tuesday
with a train of 10 or 12 coaches, it being
"Farmers' Excursion Day" and on going
through the train I met with a number
of old acquaintances from Huron County,
among whom were Mrs. Neil McLaughlin
and Mrs. Forbes from Brussels, also
Lieut. -Gov. Cameron and Miss Grace
from Goderiob, who were en route to Re•
gine.
For many ranee after leaving Toronto
we passed through a beautiful tract of
country, but gradually the soil became
lighter and less fertile, though perhaps
more picturesque, and aswepassed
Peter-
borough er-
borou hand Sherbet Lake and vicinity,
the scenery was very pretty and continued
so until we reached Smith's Falls, when
the land again appeared more fertile, and
paseing through a fine farming country.
We reached Cerletouf Plaoe at sunset,
where after an hour's delay we set out in
Et Northwesterly direction over the main
line of the 0. P. R , and following the
Ottawa valley for some distance, we could
see a fine section of country but we soon
settled down for our first night's rest 011
board a comfortable tourist car, and next
morning at daybreak reached North Bay,
a town with a population of about 3000,
and situated on the shores of Lake
Nlpieeing, From here to tbe rugged
rocks that form the Northeastern shores
of Lake Superior, the country is covered
with innumerable little streams and
pretty lakes, whose mirror-like waters
reflect back the green foliage of tbe for.
est•clad bills around. As we neared the
shores of Lake Superior towards evening,
it was very cold and from the quiet
sylvan -like beauty of the little lakes and
hills we passed suddenly into the midst
of mighty rocks and deep ravines, down
whose steep descent rushed some torrent
stream. The scenery at this point is
very fine, and donning my overcoat and
cap, I stepped out on the platform and
although it was very cold I scarcely felt
it in the absorbing interest of the stir.
rounding scenery. We passed through
tunnel after tunnel around the base of
perpendioular cliffs, and across ravines,
and over viaducts and bridges, following
a serpentine course until we reached a
point some few miles beyond Nepigon,
and just at sunset came suddenly in full
view of Lalte Superior, whose clear cold
waters glowed in the ruddy light of the
setting sun, and clinging to the side of a
great red cliff itbat overhangs the lake,
and high above the watere our train
carved round the rook and swerving to
the right, swept on some distance back
from Thunder Bay as if afraid to venture
near its tempestuous shores.
We reached Port Arthur about three
the following morning, and Fort William
some few minutes later, but rousing from
my slumbers only for a few moments as
we passed these places, I am not able to
describe thstn. The country North of
Fort William for many miles seems al•
most unfit for human habitation, at least
apparently incapable of rewarding the
exercise of human industry, but its im•
poverished surface may be but the indi•
cation of its subterranean wealth, as we
would fain believe that so much of the
Almighty's oreation is not altogether de-
void of use and value. As we neared the da
Lake of the Woode the country bsoame ea
much prettier and some fine scenery was go
presented as we passed along the chain of ho
pretty lakes, which stretch their waters 0
for so many miles from the Winnipeg 0
river down to the head waters of Lake Alb
Superior. We arrived at Rat Portage on tr
Thursday afternoon al 8 o'clock, remain. A
ing only 10 minutee. A good many pea• to
pie were at the depot, but baking a walls aw
around I could not see any of our friends, ad
Rat Portage is prettily situated on the to
margin of the lake, and along with Hee, po
IMM, a little farther on, has fine water elf
privileges. From here to Winnipeg the ro
country gradually becomes more level, die
and emerging from the woods and forests se
of Ontario, I looked for the first time on fu
the (poo prairie, which, like the bound. ra
leve ocean, stretched far out to the tori. far
zon, As we neared bhe city of Winnipeg pe
the land Seemed very rieh and fertile, but mo
with the abundant rain of the present as
soasan it is also very wet, We arrived so
there at 0180 on Thursday evening, the fol
last day of .lune, crossing tete Bea River, ova
abate reds from fte confluence with the slur
Assinaboine, where those two long slug- th
gish streams s0 gaiokly mingle thole to
waters within the city limits. 8.8
The weather dewing Mose of my stay in tett
Winnipeg was so very wet that I saw lit-
tle of the city, but I uvea favorably irn•
pressed with its general appearance.
Its main street is certainly both unique
and attractive in its width and winding
eouree, following as It does the old lend.
eon Bay trail, which, ((obit the ocnhpara•
lively recent settlement of the country,
was one of the great commercial bighways
of that country. Tbo city has 50me
epleudid buildings and also pointe of his.
toric interest, among those I visited being
the beautiful districts of S6. John's and
Iiiidonau, and t10 old Vert Garry en•
trance, which still stands as a nloiiumcut
to the troebory and atrocity of Louie
Biel, whose villainoue partioipatiou in the
oold.blooded merder of Thomas Scott,
was afterwards punished upon the soaf.
ford at Regina. While in the city I call.
ed on Dr. Iineahtel and the Bauelaugh
family, formerly of Brussels, but did not
see Mrs. Wilson as they are now living fu
the country,and the roads were so muddy
that I did not venture out. I wee at
Uncle William Grant's shortly before
leaving Winnipeg and of course stayed
at Uncle John R. Grant's wbile in the
city. He is looking very well and is al.
ways busy, being the Provincial Manager
of the Federal Life Assn. Co., of Rami•
ton, Ontario. Aunt met us at the depot
on our arrival, and is looping remarkably
well, Leaving there on Saturday even.
ing, July Sud, I came West as far as
Brandon where I spent Sunday.
Just before leaving Winnipeg depot
uncle John Grant gave me an introduc-
tion to Rev. Dr. Baird, of Manitoba Col.
lege, who was coming to Brandon to
preach the following day. We had a
pleasant conversation on the way and
Sunday morning I beard him preach.
He seemed a fine man and in oonvers
tion I learned that a number of
friends in the East are acquaintances
mine, among whom area number of S
Mary's people, where he formerly live
nod also Mrs, (Dr.) Service, of Detre
with whom he said he was well acgnain
ed. While in Brandon I met Miss Gree
formerly of Brussels, and also Nels
Currie and wife, with whom I bad to
I did not see John E. Smith as he ha
the previous day, gone Eneb to ()uteri
I was speaking with Mrs. Smith over t
telephone and she wanted to send a r
out for me bot I had made an engageme
to go out to the Experimental Farm, an
bad not time to go to both places. 51
was asking very kindly for you 0u
mother, and wanted me to stay over f
a day and see their stock farm some
miles out from Brandon. Brandon
beautifully situated on the Souther
banks of the Assinaboine river, and asjyo
will remember, is surrounded by a fin
rolling prairie, When I went to Brando
I thought perhaps Mr. Smith would div
me over to Griswold, so that I could se
the Chisholm's and then take the trai
there, but as he was not home I did no
get to Griswold. Joining uncle at Bran
don on Sunday at midnight, we continue
westward, passing Whibewood about
in the morning, and crossing a splendi
tract of prairie in the neighborhood o
Indian Head and, Qu'Appelle, we steame
into Regina at 8.15 where we remains
for half an hour. Neer Indian Head i
the Governmental Farm -the faniou
Bell farm -and also the estate of Lor
Brassey, all of which can be seen from
the train. Regina has a population,
think, of about 2,000, and is the capital o
the Northwest Territories, the borne
the Lieut. -Governor and the headquarter
of the Mounted Police. Leaving Begin
about 9 o'clock we sped rapidly aver th
prairie, and about 11 a. m. arrived a
Pasqua, the junction of the St. Pau
branch with the main line, and a fe
miles farther on pulled into Moosejaw
where we remained 40 minutes for lunch
From Ibioosejaw westward for a hundre
miles or ,more the land seems very weak
and in places apparently almost barren
and alkali is apparent on every hand
The country here is absolutely treeless
and continues so until we reach the
Cypress Hills, more than 200 miles Wes
from Regina. Passing "Old Wives
Lakes," which are large bodies of water
having no outlet, we could see many old
buffalo trails, and in places along the
road the prairie is white with the bleach-
ed bones of the "vanished bison" which
not so long ago roamed over the plains in
such great herds, feeding on the short,
tufty buffalo grass which is the only form
of vegetation to be seen here for many
miles. In the evening we arrived at
Medicine Hat, a little town lying between
lofty hills and situated on the bank of
the South Saskatchewan, a river of con.
siderable size and rapid current, and
which, I wag told, is nevigatabie for more
than 800 miles to Lake Winnipeg. Here
we remained for 30 minutes during which
time I walked around the little town and
returning to the depot saw a number of
resident Indians, among them were
several large and powerful looking old
Indian Chiefs, whose tattered blankets
and saddened countenances told too
plainly of the bitter disappointment that
was born of the lash great struggle of '85,
when those former lords and guardians
of the prairies were finally subdued, and
compelled to submit to the dominion and
lash of civic law ; and looking at those
sad and wrinkled faces and remembering
the whitened bones of the buffalo through
which I had so recently passed, I could
not but experience some feelings of regret
that those two great races of the plains
should have been so ruthlessly driven
from their haunts end habits by the
onward marsh of modern civilization.
Leaving Medicine Etat at 8.80 on Mon -
y evening and passing tbrooyh a fine
oohing ootintry, covered with rich
asses upon which thousands of cattle,
riles and sheep were feeding, eve reach•
algae), next morning at 8 o'ciook
algary is the Provincial oapital of
arta, the centre of the ranching aoun-
y, and a town of considerable aizo
iter leaving Here I again settled down
sleep, and when two hoots later I
oke, it was to look with wonder and
miration and even awe, upon the
ighty Bookies, whose foot -hills our
werful engine had for some hours been
tubing and whose initial range now
se immediately before us, their perpsn-
ular column towering up like giant
ntfnels in the morning twilight, and
Aber on the great wall of the principal
ngs, extending from North to South as
as the eye could reach, their silvery
aka shooting far into the sky, and a
trent later shining like burnished gold,
they caught the first rays of the rising
n. Soon we enter the "Gap" and
lowin the Bow f
t river whose w s crystal
g
feta at a ilistarice look like a silver
cad, and glisten in the bright Iight of
e morning sun ea they rush on down
the prairie. We remote Oanmote at
0 where at additional engine was
melted to otir train, to carry us up the
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THE BRUSSELS POST
stoop grade ti the sutunith. Entering the
"Obeorvetiou oar" which wee aleo abtaolh•
ed There, and leaving Caumors at 0 O'olook,
we began the ascent and half en hour
later arrived at Banff, where 300 remained
ouly a few ruiuntes. It is very pretty
around B:tutf, and Isere ie eituabed the
famous Ilot Springs end Rocky Mountain
Park. .A. little later we reach Legge'', a
beautiful place near which them ars
several lakes high up in the monutaius.
At 0 o'oloek we reach the summit of tbo
Rookies and from the car, a6 an altitude
cif 5,300 feet abovo;tbe sea, looked ont'up•
au the great "divide," a eparlcliug 51000m,
wiliC)1 C10s0 et hand separates in tu'o,.
Rude waters flowing la opposite directions,
the 0130 Westward to the Pacific and the
other feast to Hodson Day.;
Commsociug the downgrade hero we
passed through scenery indesari5ablsin
its grandeur, and just at noon our train
pulled up at Donald, a beautiful little
town needing in the shadow of the Bel.
kirks, and where the time again goes bank
an lipid, tbe other changes of an hour
each having been made at Port Arthur
and Brandon. Leaving Donald the rail.
way crosses the Oo'umbia to the base of
the Selkirke, and a little further down,
the Rookies and lelkirks crowding to•
gather forces the river through a deep
narrow gorge, the railway olinging to the
elopes hundreds of feet above it. At 3:30
we reach Glacier Hones, one of the most
beautiful spots in all the mountains.
The altitude here ie still over 4,000 feet
and yet not far away is "Sir Donald" a
naked pyramid, rising up still higher for
more than 0 mile and s half above the
railway, while to the right and within
ball an boar's walk, is the great Glacier,
an immense mountain of ice, and away
to the loft could be Been the magnificent
fells "Illioillewait," wbioh tumble its
waters down the mountain side for
thousands of feet into the valley beneath.
At 5:30 on Tuesday evening we arrived
at Revelstoke, where see remained until
next day, baying from early morning un-
til evening feasted our eyes on the varied
splendor and magnificence of mountain
'winery. Leaving Revelstoke on Wed,
uesday evening, we again crossed the
Columbia and passing oat through the
"gold range" by Eagle Pass we sped on
towards the coast, witneseing some flue
scenery all the way through British 0o -
Imelda until we reached Vancouver at
noon on Thursday, the 7th of Joly. Here
we remained for an hour, when we
boarded a beautiful steamboat hound for
Victoria where we arrived at 7 o'clock
the seine evening. The sail down the
Straits of Georgia was delightful. The
day was perfect and the fine air of the
Paoifio was very refreshing. On our
rigid the shores of Vancouver Inland
could be distinctly seen, away to the
East and Sontih the magnificent range of
the Casoede mountaine were in full view
with Alt. Baker, the king of the Cascade
range, more than a bundred muse away,
towering far beyond the Blonde, its
fleecy sides bathed iu the flood.ligbt of
the
afternoon sun, u a standing and eta nd a there in
all
ite magnificence to high above ite fel•
owe, it appeared as the great guardian of
the Paoifio. Toward evening as we near.
ad Victoria we could see at the bask of
Port Angeles the beautiful range of the
Olympic mountains, whose long line of
now Dapped heads were very beautiful
ndeed. We reached our destination Fri -
ay noon, July 8th, after a very interest.
ng and enjoyable trip of nearly 4,000
miles, Ynure &c.,
R011IosT 1%I. DIMON,
Isi orawiiele.
A public Reading Room is proposed in
connection with the Library.
Rev. Wm. 3, Ashton, of the vicinity of
London, is spending a few holidays at
the home of his parents on the Oth con,
Thos. Gibson sold the last half of July
make of oheese of the Fordwioh factory
at 7 9110 e. per pound. They were ship.
ped from Listowel,
The Board of Health visited the
cheese faotories in the municipality and
found them in a good sanitary condition,
and everything was very satisfactory,
While drawing gravel Matthew Wilson
bad the misfortune to have one of his
feet caught in the spokes of the wagon
wheel, which twisted his ankle one of
joint, and severely strained the tendons.
The train on Wednesday night of last
week ran into and killed a oow and a 2 -
year -old heifer on lbeltraok about ball a
mile West of this station. The oow was
the property of our towneman, E. G.
Cole.
3. 0. Moes, who had the sub.00ntraot
of finishing the dam, has completed the
work and now F'ordwfch oan boast of
having as good a dam as is to be found
in the country. All that is needed now
is plenty of rain to fill up the mill pond.
John A. Wilson, who was raised in
this village, and who has been working
on this seotion of the 0. P. R, for it num-
ben of years, left with his wife and
family for the Prairie Province. He
will tape up bis abode in the vicinity of
Olive P, 0,, where Mrs, Wilson's parents,
Dlr. and Mrs, Carter reeide,
On Sunday the teachers and scholars
of the Methodist Sunday School enjoy
ed a treat of a unique character. Thele
were several visitors present, among
whom was Ambrose Mason, of Toronto.
This gentleman is enperinbendent and
teacher in a Sunday school for mutes.
When the study of the lesson was over,
Mr. Mason gave an address in sign
language on "Christ stilling the tempest,"
the Lord's Prayer, signs for words, etc„
interpreted by his brother L. A. Mason,
Cook's Cotton Boot Compound,
sueeeesfuily need inonbhly b over
10,000Ladies, Safe, effectual. Ladies ask
your druggist for Cooks Cotton Root nub
50500. Take no othor,as all Mixtures, pills and
Imitations aro dangerous. Price, No. 1, 51 per
box; No. 0, Ie degrees stronger, ee per box. No.
for 2, mailed on receipt of price and two s•eeni
stamps, The Doak Company Windsor Oat,
lid" Nos. 1 and 2 sold and recommended fry all
responsible Druggists in Canada,
Nos. 1 and 2 Boldin Meal by
Druggist, Bookseller St Otltfeian.
IMPROVED YORKSHIRE
BOAR FOR SERVICE.
The undersigned will keep for service ou
Lot 00 Oon. 0'Aforrie, the 11ora'.hred Im•
moved Yorkshire Blear, "'Dag Lodge L
owniigll1-
fellow." o,2180'bredby J ,n oue'fordito w ia7Tmtted ak�1000a so
bo tall 013•' forms, bo paid at time
of eerviee with privilege of returning if neo-
Oeaary.
A n0011)0r of photo() 7y0ang nova for sale far
breeding purposes 0hicll well be sold at
prices to suit 10UIPP 8201100, Proprietor,
Strictly One Price.
Always Reliable,
Making Room with Low Prices
For our large Fall importations of Dress Goods,
Silks, Mantles, etc. All Summer Goods are marked so low
in price that every intending purchaser should secure a
share of the bargains offered in every department,
SHIRT WAIST BARGAINS.
20 only rine Cambric and Muslin Shirt Waists, in stripes and
figured patterns, fast colors, white collars and cuffs, regular price
85c, Clearing price 55e.
15 only Printed 11Tuslin Shirt Waists, point yoke and pleated
back, white detachable collar and cuffs, real value $1.85, Clearing
price 95e.
FLANNELETTES.
A line of good patterns and fast colors, regular price 5c, selling
at 4c.
1 case 82 inch wide, extra heavy, all good patterns, in light
colors, worth 7c, Special at 5c.
15 pieces best quality Angolo Flannelette, all good patterns,
regular price 14e., Special at 11c
SHIRTINGS.
28 inch heavy Oxford Shirting, nice patterns and fast colors,
new goods, regular 123c., Special at 10c.
80 inch best quality Cotton Shirting, a complete range of pat-
terns and warranted fast colors, Special at 11c.
COTTONADE S.
27 in. extra heavy Cottonades, regular price 20e, Special at 17c.
10 oz, best made Cottonades, new patterns and worth regular
28c,, Special at 22c.
10 oz. Cottonade Tweed, a new line, extra heavy, worth 28c.,
Special at 22c.
SPECIAL BLANKETS.
50 pairs only 10/4 Flannelette Blankets in white and grey,
extra heavy, worth regular 75c., Special at 55c.
Ita'See what Bargains we are offering in Dress Goods before
you decide in buying elsewhere.
JR FERGUSON `r i,; Dry Goo
a Groceries.
BRUSSELS
PUMP WORKS.
I wish to inform the people of Brussels
and sorrouudiug district that I have pur•
ohaeed the Pump Business of JAMES
BELL and will be found ready to attend
to all wants in either neer work or repairs
at moderate prices.
No better Pump in the market.
Order left ab my shop or residence or
at P. SCOTT'S shop will be promptly
looked after.
ea -Orders taken for lbs Digging of
Wslle and Cisterns.
Gomez' Greek,
MILL STREET, • BRUSSELS.
TMLORN!
Iii G. Richardson
Is prepared to do all kinds of
work in his line,
Good Workmanship and
Good Fits Guaranteed.
LATEST $TYLE$.
Suits made for $4 and upwards.
J"Sltop hi Garfield Blocks
A.
rnJSLEY
Real Estate 86 Loan
AGENT, BRUSSELS.
Money to Loan on Farm Secur-
ity at the Lowest Rate
of Interest.
•
Money Loaned on Notes and
good Notes Discounted. Sale
Notes a Specialty.
Fire d Life Insurance Written.
Spacial Attention given to
Conveyancing,
A,f '4.J' O U S L, E Y,
O tiee over Deadmen's Drng Store,
BRUSSELS.
I Buggies and wagons.
Always on hand and away down
in price to suit the times. I can
give you a buggy for the next two
months, second to none in the
town for either quality, finish or
style, for $65. If yon want a
Buggy you will find it to your
interest to call and see my stock
and you will say my statement
is collect.
JNO. WYNN, ,
OEtanIA.GPo MATTER.
White Star Lase.
ROYAL MAIL STEAMSHIP'S.
Ilotween Now York and Liverpool,! via
Queenstown, every Wednesday.
As the sboamore of this lino carry only a
strictly limited number in the slam and
mecum 0.33117 a000mmodations, intending
passengers are reminded bbat an early ap-
plication
For iplaue, ratee, necessary this
H. Kerr,
Agent, Brands.
EVERY
GOOD
C y...; /NG
Costs an effort and reading my
ads is the price you pay for the Parch•
aging advantage noel poesees over your
lees enlightened neighbors,
NO GUFF
GOES WITH US.
Honest trading needs no taffy, Ido
not talk customers into baying, I do not
have to, the goods talk aid ouetamere
take the goods on their own need j(pdg-
ment.
All Summer Goods
Al and Below Coat. Moet be
oloarod out. Pall goods arriving, A full
line of the beet Grooeriss in the market.
Nothing but the fined goodskept.
t.
Agent for Parker's Dye Works.
J. G. Skene.
AUG. 12, ].898
PECIAL
marl's
in all Summer Goods
00011 aR
Oroquet Sets, children's Wagons,
Balls, Bats, Gardening Tools, &c.
BIG VALUE
In a fine Line of Bibles.
ALBUMS. -..±+-
A job lot, will be sold below ori-
ginal cost to clear out.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Ready for Opening Days.
CUT IN TOYS.
To clear out our stock of Toys wo will
reduce the price to COST during the mouth of
August.
Seo our Rocking Horses—Shoo Fly Breed—
warranted not to balk, run away or kick. No baby
should be without a pair. It will lighten the
mother's cares and a good team will do a whole
family.
"POST" Boo1ore1
SPECIA -
�" •� ' •� ;l• { ten .
MU I
L
ALE.
MR= l', sec..... 0.x.1.
FIFTY PIECES OF
MUSLINS o#r
Some Sold as Nigh
As 25 Cents.
—
ALSO A LINE
..OF.
–+–
TO
-4•–
T O BE CLEARED
AT ONCE.
DELAiNES,
All Wool and Silk.
The whole lot put on a table and
price to be 1.0 cents a yard
for your choice.
We Cleared Out an entire lot
of samples of
American Tats,
Color's : Grey) Brown ane Black
And we are going to sell them as we
bought the -1x1, that is a great
deal below their
real value,
Colne in and examine them
and we will ask you a price
that the smallness will sur-
prise you.
Come with. tele Crowds to
B.B.G»N B. G
The
Corner
9 Store
SEAPORTH,.,