Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-07-26
LETTER FROM HALTFA.f


LETTER FROM RALIFAT
SUNDAY IN THE CIrY-UHIrEp STATES Con-
suL-AprEARANcE OF THINos-MILIrARr
AND NAvAL-THE PREss-ATTENTIONs TO
rHR MAIxE PARrY-RIpE AND SAn-RE-
cEPrIox AT CONSUL JACKsoNs.
HALIFAX, July 20, 1873.
The mex. day after our arrival at Halifax
wss the Sabbath. In the forenoon the mem
bers of our party visited such churches as
they pleased. Quite number went to the
Presbyterian church and heard the Rev. Mr..
Grant, an eloquent and independent preacher,
and auther Of work recently published en-
titled From Ocean to Ocean In his dis
course be made sharp thrust at the Domin-
ion government in connection with the Pacific
Railway scandal, which judge was very well
relished by his congregation. In the after
noon social religious meeting of our party
WAS held in the parlor of the Halifax hotel,
at which several Americans and others Of the
city were present. In the evening went to
hear Rev. Costello Weston at the Universal
W
from Kennebec county, and left our State
some three months since to settle over his
present parish. The church which he now
occupies is small, but tire foundation of a
new one is laid, which will be finished mex I
season and be one Of the best in the city,
costing some $4,000. One gentleman by
the name of West, a rich and influential citi-
zen, gives SIS 600 towards the building. Mr..
Weston is highly spoken OF by his parish,
and sustains the reputation for ability which
he had in Maine. One of his active parish
toner's 10 young man from Somerset county
married, established in business and prosper
Gus.
Al an early hour we received call from
Judge Jackson, the American Consul at this
port. Mr.. jackson is from Wisconsin, was
appointed to the Office which he holds in 1862
by President Lincoln. He has held the place
steadily from the first appointment. 1t was
difncult post during the war, and always re-
quires = strong man. Mr.. Jackson is able,
''every inch gentleman very popular with
the people of Halifax, and imagine a firs
class representative Of his government. Hi.
attentions to US we're unremitting and We saw
enough to convince US that he is held in higi
respect.
The observance of the Sabbath in Halita.
WAS universal. There wss no noise or gath
erings upon the streets, before or after churc
hours. When the time for meeting arriv e,
the streets were filled with church goers
bound to their various places Of worship.
looked little strange to see the galleries OF
cupied by soldiers in uniform, and to obsery
two regiments march in regular order TO an
from the national church where most of thel
assemble, but this is military and naval city
The day before we arrived six British men
nd ms IN I'd all
from the hArbor. 1t was a sight which v
would have been glad to see. The music
their bands on the summer evenings, comir
from the hsrbor upon the city was a delg
to the ears of the Haligonians.
Halifax is an old city, with noble harbt
and extensive Notifications. The harbor e,
tends fifteen miles inland. and at its uppe
part, called Bedford Basin, expands into
broad bay where the fleets of the world coul
ne IN safety. The city lies on the easter
side OF the harbor, upon the sides aud top
gently sioping activity. II is not laid GU
% regularly ~ St. John, its streets be in
somewhat crooked and irregular, but the
are Of fair width and kept in good order. Ow
ing to the use of bituminous coal the city ha
dark, dingy appearance; none but dark CO.
Ored paints are used, as the coal dust an
smoke would soon disfgure paints of a lipl
color. There are many fine buildings an
the new Post Office and Custom House, Il
Club House, are fine structures, and many
the blocks of stores and other places of bus
ness are OF handsome appearance. The brow
free stone 10 mostly used in their best bull
ings. There 10 great deal Of wealth in d
city, also more poverty and squalor than
common In American cities. Commerce al
government patronage have brought rich
into the city, but the benefits OF these are CO
fined to the few. There are u great maj
charitable institutions, but they are most
the work Of private benevolence. The pu
lie schools are free TO all. The city h
twenty-three places Of religious worshi
MANY elegant private residences belong
the citizens, but are mostly outside the bus
ness part of the city, in beautiful Location
overlooking the harbor The people are 81
cial and generous, graceful in manners, wit
large degree of culture and intelligence j
the middling and more favored class, an
having hearty respect and good will for tn
people of the United States. The predomi
mating sentiment at Halifax We we're told i
tovards amt xation. There is a strong feel
ing Of 10y lisy TO the Queen, but not towards
the Dominion government. Were it not fo
attachment to the Queen Nova Scotia woult
never have consented TO confederation. TIL.
Delief prevails in the Province, notwithstand
ing No tardy union with the Dominion, tina
ne true policy lies in annexation to the Uni
ted States.
have said that Halifax is a military snf
naval city. A glance at it's fortiAcstions an,
navy yardishows this. The principal FORTH
cation 10 called the Citadel, q strong worL
capable Of mounting $50 heavy guns, erec,e,
on the crest Of hill $50 feet above the leve
of the ses. in the rear Of the city and com
handing the approaches to it, There are a
80 Notifications 1t st. Georges Island, in III