1883 March - 3

The airing of the Brotherly Union dispute in the Hamilton Police court took place during the morning of Thursday March 8, 1883.
          It was certainly a memorable morning in the Police Court and reporters had trouble keeping up with the confused proceedings, as evidenced by the Time report reprinted in full as follows :
          “It is not the intention of the TIMES to give a full report of what transpired at the Police Court this morning in connection with the dispute amongst the membership of the Brotherly Union for the simple reason that it would fill a couple of pages of the paper. An epitome of the proceedings doubtless will satisfy all concerned.
          “The inquiry into the misunderstanding which occurred on Monday night last about the society’s fund occupied the attention of Police Magistrate Cahill from 10 a.m. until nearly 2 p.m.

“The facts are : At the meeting in question, after the reading of the minutes, as was the usual custom, the President-elect, Mr. Alex Doston was requested to take his seat. Mr. Dublin and Mr. Dowden objected to this on the ground that there were certain charges to be presented against him, namely, that of having induced the society to make a loan or advance to one T. J. Derrick upon pretensions or false representations. Dublin and Dowden rushed up to prevent him taking his seat. The marshal, Richard Hammond, demanded that they should keep order, but order by this time was out of the question, as all the members appeared to be talking all at once, and many of them apparently ready for more than mere talk. Dublin pushed Hammond back, and Hammond grabbed him by the collar. Dowden seconded Dublin’s efforts to eject Doston from the chair. Elizes Allans and John Johnson grabbed Dublin to prevent him doing something desperate. In the scuffle, the whole three fell on top of Allan, who grabbed Dublin by the legs and pulled him down. George Staunton then took a hand. He lifted Dublin up from on top of Allans, and declared that he had no intention of doing him injury. The Vice-President, Parry Helpsley, was watching Dowden, and felt it to be his duty to throttle him when he when he saw that his efforts to keep Dodson out of his position looked successful. Nobody was very much hurt, but the proceedings were not exactly according to the rules of the society.

“The first legal move in the matter was taken by Richard Hammond, the marshal, who had a charge laid against Dublin and Dowden for assaulting him. Then counter summons were issued against Staunton, Helmsley, Allens and Hammond. Mr. Crerar appeared for Hammond and Mr. Dodson, the President of the Society. Mr. Carscallen defended Dublin. Ten witnesses on one side and five on the other were examined, and the testimony was of a somewhat contradictory nature.

“The Magistrate decided to reserve his decision until Saturday morning. Mr. Cahill was heard to remark that the members should not have raised objection to Mr. Dotson taking his seat, as he had been duly electd President by a majority of the society. Any little differences they might have about funds could easily have been adjusted.

“The court room was filled with colored people all day, and the utmost interest was taken in the investigation.”¹

¹ “The Brotherly Union : An Extended Inquiry by the P. M. into the Working of the Order – How the Dispute Arose” Hamilton Times. March 8, 1883.

The reporter for the Spectator also had to sit through the nearly 4 hour police court sitting regarding the Brotherly Union matter. His report covered mostly the same ground but did include the following heated interaction between Henry Carscallen, the lawyer defending one of the assailants, Dublin and Alex. Dotson, the president of the society who was prevented from taking his seat.

“ ‘I understand, Mr. Dotson, that you are the Mucky-Mucky of the Brotherly Union of Hamilton.’

Witness (excitedly) – ‘I want you to understand that I ain’t a monkey.’

Mr. Carscallen – ‘I didn’t insinuate that you were a monkey.’

Witness – ‘Yes you did!’

Mr. Carscallen – ‘I simply asked if you were not High Mucky-Mucky – meaning thereby High Chief; president, in fact.’

Witness – ‘Why didn’t you say so? Yes, I was elected president.’¹

²“Brotherly Union : A Name That Does Not Fit a Society Worth a Cent”

Spectator. March 8, 1883.

On March 8, 1883, the Hamilton Times published a lengthy telegram from Montreal sent by one of its reporters who had accompanied a deputation of local municipal politicians to that city. The purpose of the deputation lengthy trip was to meet with General Manager Hickson of the Grand Trunk Railway on the subject of the possible enlargement of the company’s works in Hamilton.

The deputation was led by Charles Stiff, the manager of the Great Western division of the Grand Trunk Railway and as noted in the Times left “nothing undone that could be done for the comfort and conveniences of the city representatives, not while they were en route, but also during their brief sojourn in Montreal. Representatives of the Times and Spectator also accompanied the party.”³

³ “The G.T.R. Shops : Proposed Large Extension and Erection of New Yorks : Locomotive Works Promised : Conditions Laid Down by General Manager Hickson : H. & N.W.R. To Remain Neutral”

Hamilton Times   March 8, 1883

The Times reporter accompanied the delegation into the private office of General Manager Hickson and took down the following presentation by Hickson to the Hamilton gentlemen:

“He said : ‘It has been found necessary to secure additional facilities for building, repairing and rebuilding engines at some points west of Toronto. A number of the officers of the road, after giving the subject careful consideration, have agreed that some other western point would be the most available place for the establishment of these works. Hamilton, however, has the advantage of already having works located there, and I am quite willing to tell you frankly that I would rather extend the present shops than remove them to some other place – that is, provided the city is willing to deal with us in the liberal manner that we have a right to expect from it.”³

Hamilton Mayor Magill assured the G.T.R. General Manager that he and his council, as well as the citizens of Hamilton generally, had fond regard towards the railway and were willing to deal liberally with the company in order that there be no relocation.

Mr. Hickson then showed the delegation a mayor some plans showing what would had happen if the G. T. R. were to remain in Hamilton. In the plan, the company proposes to take in all the land embraced bounded by Hess, Eliza, Stuart and Queen streets. That area was at the time occupied by the Hamilton Iron Forging Works and Thompson’s lumber yard.

General Manager Hickson advised that the city of Hamilton should buy the land, close the streets named and turn it over to the Grand Trunk railway.  In addition, it was felt that the company should not have to pay any property taxes for a number of years.

At this point in the discussion, General Manager Hickson adamantly refused a suggestion that, if the city of Hamilton approved all the concessions being requested, that the railway company would, in turn, commit to employing a certain number of men at the new shops.

As noted by the Spectator listening to the negotiations, Hickson said that the number of men needed would vary from time to time:

“From 200 to 300 hands would be given employment. The company does not usually put up buildings and machinery without using them. But he (Hickson) would be willing to bind the company, that if they went out of the buildings, not only should the exemption cease, but the money should be paid back to the city.”⁴

⁴ “Home Again : The Civic Delegation Returns from Montreal”

Hamilton Spectator. March 9, 1883

A complication in the Grand Trunk Railway’s view of Hamilton as a location for the new shops for building, renovating and repairing locomotives was a situation concerning the Hamilton North and Northwestern Railway which had the potential falling into the ownership of the Canadian Pacific railway, a situation which would prevent the G.T.R. from using the H. N & N. W. tracks.

The civic delegation from Hamilton was then given a tour of the Grand Trunk Railway head offices in Montreal, and as they proceeded through the building renewed acquaintances with several gentlemen who formerly worked with the company in Hamilton.

A few of the aldermen returned home on the night train from Montreal, but the rail lines were so blocked that their progress was slow. They arrived in Hamilton only slightly before the rest of the deputation which came in on the official Grand Trunk Railway train which had left in the morning:

“After leaving Toronto, Mayor Magill, on behalf of the deputation, thanked Mr. Charles Stiff most heartily for his kindness and attention to the party, and the Mayor’s sentiments were endorsed by all. The deputation was probably the largest and most influential civic deputation that ever left Hamilton, and it is expected that the trip will result in benefits to the city”⁴

          After the dust had settled with the mayor and aldermen back in the city after their trip to the Grand Trunk Railway company headquarters in Montreal, both Hamilton daily newspapers published editorials with somewhat differing views regarding the retention and expansion of the railway locomotive shops.

          The Hamilton Times editorial began be reviewing the demands which the G.T.R. wanted met in order for their shops to stay and expand in Hamilton.

          The Times made its view on that matter very clear:

          “The Times does not approve of exemptions from taxation, nor of bonuses to manufacturers. When the Council has had under consideration the granting of such favors, the Times has taken the negative side of the argument.”

⁵ “Hamilton and the Grand Trunk” Hamilton Times. March 8, 1883.

          While the Times, in principle, opposes any financial bonuses, direct or indirect, to the Grand Trunk Railway, it would support the issue being placed before the Hamilton taxpayers, and if a majority of Hamiltonians favored such accommodations in this case, the Times would support that decision.

The Times editorial then referred to the matter of the relationship between the Grand Trunk Railway and the Hamilton & Northwestern railway.

          Although G.T.R. General Manager had made no specific demands from the city of Hamilton in the matter, he clearly showed concern that the G.T.R.’s main rival, the Canada Pacific would buy the Hamilton & Northwestern railway.

          The Times editorial noted that the city of Hamilton’s best position would be to not favor either company:

          “However distasteful it may be to individuals, it is certain that the general interests of Hamilton require the maintenance the independence of the Northwestern road, so that both the Canada Pacific and the Grand Trunk may have running powers over it.”⁵

                The Hamilton Spectator’s editorial arising out of the Montreal deputation began with a focus on the workers who would e needed in expanded locomotive shops in Hamilton:

          “Mr. Hickson expressed his desire to enlarge and extend the railway shops in this city, and he believed 200 or 300 additional men would then be employed. It will be borne in mind that mechanics of the class referred to are the most valuable citizens we could have amongst us. They earn good wages. Their occupation demands that they shall be above the average in intelligence and skill, and the rules of the company require that they shall be steady, sober men.”⁶

⁶ “The Grand Trunk Shops” Hamilton Spectator. March 9, 1883

          The Spectator felt that most the new employees would be married and most having children so that about 1000 new Hamiltonians would result if the shops expanded locally:

          “To secure so desirable a result, it will pay the city to deal with the railway company in a liberal spirit. It may be as well to wait awhile and learn officially what Mr. Hickson’s request was before discussing particular projects; but we may say unreservedly that if a free grant of the necessary land and some exemption from taxation will meet Mr. Hickson’s views and secure the extension of the shops, the city authorities will act wisely in making the concession.”⁶

                The Spectator editorial went on to argue that Hamilton had much to gain by accommodating the G.T.R. conditions, the city also had much to lose by denying them:

          “If inducements are not held out to extend the shops, some other place may be selected, and we may lose the force, or part of it, now employed here. It is unlikely that the company will maintain two considerable establishments west of Toronto for the repair and construction of locomotives, and if we do not take such steps as we are able to take to secure the one establishment in Hamilton, we may have the mortification of seeing the men and machinery now here removed to Stratford or London.”⁶

                The Spectator concluded its editorial by indicating its doubt that the G.T.R. would demand the placing of the Hamilton & Northwestern railway under its control as part of its requirements regarding the locomotive shops.

          The city of Hamilton in early 1883 held the balance of power as regards the stock of the Hamilton & Northwestern railway, and the Spectator  felt that it would be in the best interests of the city, as well as the two competing major railways to have the line remain independent and open to all railway companies desiring to send traffic over it.

         

1883 - March 2

“Pushing Ahead”
          Hamilton Times. March 3, 1883.
          “Rev. C. A. Johnson has completed arrangements for the publication in an enlarged form, of the British Lion and American Eagle. Things look more favorable now than ever for the appearance at an early date of these newspapers in daily form. The enterprising publisher and proprietor is to be congratulated. The Lion will be printed at the Times office as heretofore, and the Eagle published in New York.”
          In the March 2, 1883 session of the Hamilton Police Court a matter concerning the behavior of a man named Joseph Dillabough at a meeting of the Salvation Army the previous evening. The complainant was Thomas Stout, a Salvation Army orderly – Stout was also known as being the first Hamiltonian to join the Salvation Army.
          The case involved Dillabough causing a disturbance at the meeting. When the offender was put out of the hall, Dillabough threatened to stab Stout. The captain and lieutenant of the Salvation Army in Hamilton then called the police and evidence was gathered confirming the threat being made.
          As described in the Times, there was no sympathy for Dillabough :

“The Magistrate expressed his opinion that people should be left free to pursue their own religious course – or, as he expressed it, ‘to go to heaven in their own way’ – and in order to warn young men against disturbing the Salvationists in future he fined the defendant $10 and bound him over to keep the peace.”^.5

^.5 “Police Court”

Hamilton Times. March 3, 1883

       

  “The Rambler : Some of the Things He Has Seen and Heard in His Peregrinations” Spectator. March 3, 1883

“I see that the charges made by Sheriff McKellar against his deputy, Fred. John Gibson, have fallen to the ground. I did hear that Mr. Gibson felt himself so aggrieved that he thought of entering an action against the sheriff. Better not. It’s only a sort of family quarrel anyway, and don’t reflect much credit upon either of the principals engaged”

On the evening of March 2, 1883, the coroner’s inquest into the deaths of Edward Mason and Thomas S. Douglas, killed in the railway collision west of Hamilton, was concluded.

Conductor James Hamilton was closely questioned about his decision to allow his train to proceed from the Hamilton Grand Trunk Railway station without ensuring that the day express from the west had passed through.

To Mr. Carscallen’s questioning, Conductor Hamilton replied:

“When I saw the Toronto train come in, I was honestly under the impression that the train was No. 8; and it don’t stand to reason that I would run my head and those of my passengers into jeopardy unless I did think so.”³

³ “The G.T.R. Inquest : Conductor Hamilton, of the Pacific Express, Examined” Spectator. March 3, 1883.

The verdict of the jury included a recommendation that, in view of the accident, a rule should be adopted by the railway company, making it imperative on both engineers, when there is a pilot engine, that they both fully understand any orders affecting the train.

From the Spectator of March 5, 1883 :

“Ice Boating – The brisk northwest wind, bright sun, and smooth ice on the bay yesterday, brought out all the ice boats in the city. Except for the open space at the canal, the ice is solid and firm from the city to the Beach. After the thaw and subsequent cold, the surface is smooth and hard, except for a few spots of shell ice. For the first time in many years, the sailing to the Beach is excellent, and yesterday, a dozen boats sailed from the city to John Dynes’ house. The wind was brisk, and even strong in puffs, and the boats flew along at a rate that no other contrivance of man ever attains. An iceboat is the most wonderful machine in the world, and no description can give an idea of its wonderful speed in a strong wind. You must see an iceboat and ride on it to know what fast travelling is. Then you will not be astonished when you are told that a boat sails from the foot of John street to the Beach in four minutes. The Ice yachtsman does not want a flying machine.”

An alarming and disturbing case was brought Hamilton Police Magistrate Cahill on Monday March 4, 1883. The case involved a man named John Higgins who lived with his wife and four children in a hovel.

The times reporter detailed the shocking nature of the lives of the members of the Higgins family and the decision of the Police Magistrate Cahill in the matter :

“During the recent  bitter cold weather, this family have occupied a small cabin in the extreme western limits not far from the old R. C. cemetery. Sometimes they had fuel; oftener they had none. The chief occupation of the father, according to the neighbor’s statements was drinking whiskey; the mother was also said to be fond of liquor, and it was no uncommon thing for the youngsters to have to stay out all night. Mrs. Coumber testified that one of the little boys had been out all last Saturday night, and that the night before she had taken him in. Constable Bainbridge deposed that the hovel tenanted by the Higgins was not fit for pigs. It comprised one room – 14’ X 10’ – and huddled together were man, wife, four children and a dog and a cat. There was an excuse for a bed, but no clothing. There were no windows in the premises. Alderman Carruthers, who sat with Mr. Cahill, suggested that the children should be sent to the Home, an idea which was concurred in by the Magistrate. Higgins and his wife were sent to jail for a spell in default of paying fines for drunkenness.”^3.5

^3.5 “Terrible Destitution : Saddening Revelations in a Hamilton Hovel”

          Hamilton Times . March 5, 1883

“For every white face in the auditorium of the police court this morning, there were three dark ones. The case in which the colored people were interested was one which threatened the existence of the society – the Brotherly Union – which has lived in Hamilton for nearly 25 years. There is an eruption just at present in the Hamilton branch of the society, which has its origin in the States. The name of the society, as far as the Hamilton branch is concerned, appears to be a hollow mockery”

⁴“Brotherly Union : A Name That Does Not Fit a Society Worth a Cent”

Spectator. March 8, 1883.

          The annual business meeting of the Brotherly Union was contentious to say the least.

          In the contest to elect a president of the society for the coming year, William Mallory was narrowly defeated by Alexander Dodson. Mallory and his supporters, unhappy about the defeat, later discovered, in going over the financial books of the society that Dodson had improperly approved a loan of $25 from the society’s account to a man named T.J. Derrick.

          At the next meeting of the Brotherly Union society, the meeting at which the Dodson was to begin his 1883 terms as president, a noisy, turbulent confrontation erupted. Two supporters of Mallory, the defeated candidate for the presidency, Messrs. Dublin and Dowden, physically tried to prevent President Dodson from assuming the chair of the meeting.

          Great disorder prevailed as physical pushing and shoving ensued.

          Richard Hammond, the duly appointed marshall of the Brotherly Union, tried to cool down the inflamed situation by threatening to call the police:

          “The squabble continued till 11 o’clock, during which time Hammond was knocked about the room by the obstructionists.

“ ‘They came near knocking down the stove,’ a witness said, ‘I didn’t want the stove knocked down as there was fire in it.”⁴

When the dispute reached the police court, the heated dispute flared upon again.

1883 - March 1

On March 1, 1883, the adjourned police court investigation into the case of Fred John Gibson’s accounts with the sheriff’s department was reopened.

John R. Hinds, a clerk in the sheriff’s office, testified that Sheriff McKellar had ordered that all accounts had to be entered into the daybook kept in the sheriff’s office. Gibson had failed to comply with this order consistently.

When the clerk reminded Gibson of Sheriff McKellar’s directive, Gibson said, “I’m deputy sheriff, and I can do what I like.”

The counsel for the defense was able to determine from the clerk that the accounts book had not been regularly kept for two years and that the deficit that Gibson had been charged with had been accounted for.

The next day, counsel for both the prosecution and the defense in the Gibson case met Magistrate Cahill at the Police Court. The prosecution admitted that there was no longer a case against Gibson.

The magistrate therefore discharged the deputy sheriff:

“The deficits in the execution account were caused by drawing from that account moneys to defray the expenses of the office. Gibson is said to be only to blame in taking upon himself too much responsibility.”¹

¹ “The Deputy Sheriff : The Bottom Falls Out of the Charge Brought Against Him” Spectator. March 2, 1883.

An abrupt change in the weather prompted the following article in the Spectator of March 2, 1883 under the headline, “The Thaw:”

“The thaw of the past few days has destroyed the sleighing in the city, though on some of the country roads, the sleighing is still better than the wheeling. There are bare spots on the roads between Hamilton and the Beach, and between Hamilton and Dundas. There is a good deal of hard ice on the city streets yet, but they are very dirty, and today, for the first time in three months, wheeled vehicles are in general use. The dirt on the streets prevents the running of the street railway company’s sleighs, but the tracks are being opened up for the cars.”

The inquest into the deaths of Edward Mason and Thomas Douglas  as a result of the railway disaster reopened on February 28, 1883 at No. 3 Police station, Coroner White presiding.

Proceedings at the inquest were, according to the Spectator reporter present, negatively impacted by the lawyers in attendance:

“The examination of the witnesses, whose evidence threw more light on the cause of the accident, was impeded by the presence and interference of the counsel for the different people interested. The three learned gentlemen did not agree in many respects. As an answer fell from the lips of a witness who was apparently trying to tell a straight story, the legal gentlemen who grab, turn it over in their minds, fix it up, and each with a different version would fire it at the coroner and request him to take it down. The coroner, very prudently, looked after the evidence himself, and consequently got it straight.”

The most combative lawyer was Henry Carscallen, who represented the conductor on the Pacific Express.

After considerable conflicting testimony, the inquest adjourned to continue the next day.

On Thursday March 1, 1883, Larkin Hall on John Street North was the location for a public lecture. The Main speaker for the evening had been advertised as being Professor C. A. Johnson, a man described in the Hamilton Times as “the well-known professional, astronomical lecturer, literary and educational writer, editor and publisher of the British Lion and the American Eagle.”

Johnson began the evening by addressing the paying audience as follows : “ ‘I have much pleasure to introduce to you our chairman for the evening, Rev. Dr. Davis.’ The reverend doctor said he would defer his remarks until the Professor had delivered his lecture. Mr. Johnson, having insisted on the rev. doctor speaking first, he (the doctor) asked Mr. Johnson to act as chairman, while he made a few remarks. Professor Mallory was then asked to step forward amid loud applause, after which Rev. Dr. Davis said : ‘The speaker before you have got a right to stand forward and tell you about his subject. In a trance a man or woman pass through things; as no things are here before you, who knows the secret place of thunder?

“Mr. Johnson interrupted and said the speaker could talk about his trance, but not about the secret place of thunder.

“The rev. doctor at last agreed to talk about the trance. He said he saw such wonders in his trance as no one would recognize as being saw. There are three elements, and he had passed through those elements. He then entered into a deep lecture on astronomy, and when he had said “being that he did not come to lecture himself, he would show.”-

“Prof. Johnson interrupted and asked him to stop speaking until after he was through. He also appointed Prof. Mallory as the proper Chairman.

“Prof. Johnson arose and was warmly greeted. He said the people should be warned of anything that is dangerous. “I am here to warn you of thunder and will show you that thunder did more harm than lightning. I was received very warmly in Buffalo. Very many had become relieved in their minds on my showing them that thunder did more harm than lightning. I have no objection to anyone laughing. I am a clever man myself and very jovial. I have always been very timid of thunder. I often imagine I hear thunder when I really do not. In the sound of thunder, there are two circumstances that need comment. The one is the long continuation; the other, its force. On June 17^th in the year 1712 – (applause). Gentlemen, you are not required to believe everything I say. Think for yourselves. Thunder may take place without lightning. I* have come to the conclusion, and I think my conclusion is right, that thunder takes place without lightning. In proof of this statement, in 1836 there were seventy-three days in India, when there was thunder without lightning. I have given you these facts and figures to show you that it has thundered without lightning.

“A voice – ‘How do you know?”

“The Professor – ‘My learned friend, that is for you to find out; I represent The British Lion, and I won’t stand such a question – I am frightful of the thing and am sometimes afraid I will go to heaven sooner than I would like. Thunder is sometimes heard when it is cloudy; it is also sometimes heard in clear weather. This surprises a great many. When the sky is clear, the thunder is not heard (Continuous laughter and applause). Thunder and lightning are only engendered when clouds are piled one on top of the other. I remember being frightened of thunder, and lately I have been telling people all over the country to be aware of thunder. I am not afraid of lightning. In some parts of the world thunder is never heard. Some people think that the same thunder is heard all over the world. This is a mistake. It may thunder in Hamilton and not in New York. This may be surprising but it is so. It may be surprising to some, as I have said before, that in some places it never thunders. In Norway, it never thunders, therefore we can understand it is not so dangerous there. I would advise you never to run, ride or walk fast when it thunders. Some people say to me that the secret place of thunder is with married ladies. I think this is wrong. I want it distinctly understood that thunder kills from a general stand point. (Applause and laughter.) When a cannon is fired off, you will see the flash first, but it is not the flash that kills. What is it? (Voices – the ball.) I have no objection to powder, but I have to shot. I want you all to understand that it is thunder that does the harm, not lightning. On the 5^th of July 1826, I can’t tell you at just what hour, but it really occurred at that time, a farmer in Cornwall was thrown by a roar of thunder. If this is so, is not thunder the most dangerous article? When he woke up, he was asked, “What have you perceived?” He said, “I have heard nothing and have seen nothing.” Why? Because thunder had driven all the senses out of him. Yet some say thunder is not dangerous. Thunder is no respecter of persons. In 1776, a thunderbolt damaged a minster and his church. The minister knew nothing and became so deluded and insane through the shock that he said he had seen nothing – no lightning, no thunder. Gentlemen, thunder is a dangerous thing. (Laughter and applause.) You must do your own thinking, gentlemen, and I will do mine. (Laughter.) Thunder really is the powerful agent, and if lightning always accompanies thunder, as some people say, it is because I have not seen it. It is strange no one has ever discovered the secret place of thunder but the British Lion. It is that has attracted attention in all the large cities of the United States of America. (Laughter.) The creation of thunder is an event, and it does not happen without a cause. (Loud applause.) In my opinion there is a beginning and an end to all things but the Creator. There is a scientific case of thunder. I believe the secret place of thunder is located in the electric clouds, and in my opinion there is no other place but the clouds for a secret place of thunder. You may differ from me. If you do, you can fix it to suit yourself. (Loud applause.) When the cloud melts away, that settles the entire thing (Loud and continuous applause.) The Chairman, Dr. Mallory, asked the audience to separate Prof. Johnson from his lecture. As Rev. Dr. Davis wished to continue his lecturer on astronomy, Mr. Mallory would take up no more time. The rev. doctor was again received with great applause (A voice – give us your trance.) The doctor said he passed through a trance and had seen the three elements. He saw the sun travelling on; when he came into contact with the sun, he stopped with his conducting angel and saw it pass. He went on to say that the sun had three spouts – a water spout, a wind spout and - . Prof. Johnson and Mr. Mallory seeing that the rev. doctor was wading into astronomy, cut off his speech, and Prof. Johnson asked the audience to sing ‘God Save the Queen” and disperse, but they could not sing, and as there were many present who would not disperse until the learned professor would reply to their queries, the audience again became seated. The professor expressed his willingness to have them put any question they wished and he would give them every attention. Great excitement prevailed among the audience, several expressing their great interest in science. The following questions were asked the renowned editor of the British Lion :

^1.       From what standpoint is it safe to view thunder?

^2.       Have you ever seen thunder?

^3.       What are the chemical ingredients of thunder?

^4.       If it is dangerous to ride fast, did the thunder cause the recent accident on the Grand Trunk?

“The lecturer took notes of all the questions and said that he was willing to hear what they had to say, but that he had not agreed to answer anything. He advised them all to think for themselves. (Tremendous applause.)

“Rev. Dr. Davis, who was stopped by Mr. Mallory as he was entering upon a lengthy discussion on the sun’s three spots, announced his intention to deliver a lecture himself at an early date. The object of the evening’s lecture was solely for literary and educational purposes. Those  present were most enthusiastic over the learned dissertation on the ‘Secret Place of Thunder.’ Hamilton’s friend and scholar, C. A. Johnson, is a great thinker.”^¼

^¼ “Thunder’s Secret Places : Learned and Eloquent Dissertation by the British Lion Editor : Dr. Davies in a Trance” Hamilton Times. March 2, 1883.

^½  “The G.T.R. Collision : On March 1, 1883, the formal opening of the Hamilton Gymnasium took place:

“In consequence of the gymnasium proper not being large enough to contain many persons and give an exhibition at the same time, Mr. Bruton fitted up a temporary apparatus in the new Central hall, 102 King street east, in front of the gymnasium rooms.”²

² “Hamilton Gymnasium” Spectator. March 2, 1883.

The audience attending the opening of the gymnasium was given an exhibition of exercises. Chief of Police Stewart was chairman of the gathering.

Stewart’s remarks were summarized in the Spectator as follows:

 “The value of judicious exercise and the benefit he had derived from the gymnasium itself were cited. He stated that he wished some law could be enforced here as had lately been passed in Germany, making it compulsory that all the scholars in the public schools should take a course in gymnastics. He referred to its value to the ladies also, in improving the health and toning up the system, and hoped that the ladies of Hamilton would make use of the hours set apart for them specially in the afternoon.”²

On March 2, 1883, the Hamilton Times reprinted the Dundas Banner report on the aftermath of the announcement of the results of the recent provincial election in that community:

“On Tuesday night, when sufficient evidence had been received to make certain that Dr. Macmahon had been returned by a handsome majority, some enthusiastic individual proposed a torchlight procession. The matter was not discussed, but at a moment’s warning, lighted torches were produced and a large crowd of boys formed, and preceded by a sleigh containing Dr. Macmahon, Mr. Coots (president of the Dundas Reform Association) and several others, marched up Main street in procession. The main body of Reformers gathered in the committee rooms knew nothing of the affair until it started, and we have no desire to declare the procession either a successful one or a wise one, but such an exhibition of blackguardism and cowardly ruffianism occurred on the part of Tory toughs, led by several prominent and hitherto considered respectable members of their party, that there is no course open but to point out to the so-called party of ‘gentlemen’ that hereafter their cognomen would be more exactly that of the ‘party of hoodlums.’ After the Reform procession had passed the Tory committee rooms, making no annoying demonstrations whatsoever, it was proposed by some of the most active committeemen amongst the Tories, the duty workers to this and the last campaign, to attack the procession. The roughs gathered at that place took up the cry, and a rush was made, those carrying torches assaulted, lighted torches thrown at those in the procession and lumps of snow and ice hurled at those in the sleigh. Several people were severely hurt, and, of course, the procession, such as it was, was broken up. Prominent Conservatives stood on the sidewalks, laughed and thought the ruffianism displayed a clever thing, and an admirable exhibition of the young Conservative spirit, and made no effort to call off their hounds.”

          Following up on the Dundas Banner report, a Times reporter said that he had talked with a “young Dundasite” who “boasted that nearly all the torches had been destroyed, and that Dr. Macmahon had been struck with chunks of ice.”^2.5
2.5 “Blackguardism in Dundas : Actions of Which True Men Should Feel Ashamed” Hamilton Times. March 2, 1883.
          March 1 seems like an early date to be thinking of spring.

However, given the easing of the wintry weather conditions in Hamilton at the turn of February to March, 1883, the Times sent a reporter down to the bay. His report follows:

“The mild weather is having a perceptible effect on the ice in the Bay. It is beginning to have a honey-combed, sodden appearance, and it will not require many more days such as yesterday and today, with one or two heavy winds, to break it up.

“Those whose business leads them to speculate seriously on the opening of navigation expect an early breaking up of the ice and are making preparations for it. Among them, the boat builders are the busiest class, and they are actively at work getting out the new stock of boats or repairing the old ones in preparation for the early demand which is expected.

“Foremost amongst this class is Mr. H. L. Bastien, whose stock of new boats shows that he has not been idle during the winter. He has built some forty lapstreak boats of different sizes – all stout, serviceable craft, and a good many of them elegantly finished. Besides these, he is turning out four luggers, which he expects to have completed by the time the boating season has fairly begun. All the boats which Mr. Bastien has finished so far are superior in build and finish to those turned out in any previous season by him.

“Mr. Luke Thompson is just completing a fine, large sailboat, which he has been engaged upon nearly all winter.

“The steamer St. Magnus is being got ready for the season by her owner and builder, Mr. Robertson. Her cabin is being closed in. She is to run between Montreal and Duluth next season.” ^2.5

^2.5 “Prospects of Navigation : Activity in the Boat Building Business : Preparing for the Season” Hamilton Times March 1, 1883