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

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centre Of the harbor at Nc Nab's Island, and
At various other points. Soldiers in red coats
and blue coats are common in the streets, and
sentinels are met with at frequent intervals
keeping guard over government property.
Before the government house in the navy
yard : soldier Is constantly on guard, but the
house has been unoccupied for the past seven
years, the Office which gave II an occupant
having been abolished. The house il silent
round. furnishing an example of the working
Of the red tape system. Halifax and Quebec
are now the only two points in the Dominion
where government troops are kept, and at
those places the number has been considera-
bly, reduced.
The Press of Halifax is ably conducted, but
more attention is given to leading articles and
less to news than is the practice in the United
States. The same distinction is found in all
| the Provinces, and is one upon which our
neighbors pride themselves. Perhaps their
| opinions might be modified by better ac-
quaintance with the requirements of a country
and people like ours as regards journalism.
! For the favors showere upon us BY the Press
Of Halifax we are under the most profound
obligations. Everything that could be done
| for our enjoyment by them was done in the
| most courteous, genial and friendly manner.
| The editors who took an active interest in
George johnson and Joseph Crosskiil of the
| "Reporter and Times" w. S. Fielding of
the 'Chronicle" II. w. c. Boak of the
.Citizen"; Alpin Grant of the "Colonist'';
Charles Blackalar of the Recorder; Rob-
ert Murray of the Express; James Barnes
and Henry Barnes of the "Presbyterisn Wit
ness. There were others probably interes-
ted, but the above were actively with us dur
ing our tarry.
In the early hours of Monday morning, our
party visited the stores and some attractive
places in the heart of the city. At eleven
o'clock we we're taken in carriages, provided
by the Haligonian editors, and driven over
and around the city, circuit of some twelve
miles. In every carriage was one of the men,
bers of the Halifax Press, to explain and point
out to us whatever was especially worthy of
notice. l am indebted to Mr.. Fielding of the
Chronicle" for his attendance and much Of
the pleasure and information derived from
that ride. On the way our party called at the
residence of Mr.. Alpin Grant, editor of the
"Colonist", and were received by his accom-
plishsd lady, shown through his conservatory
and beautiful garden, and served with hand
some collation.. By the appearance OF his
richly furnished rooms and premises we con-
clude Mr.. Grant has not found his business
Improbable. At the Horticultural Gardens.
which we visited, the entrance was draped on
one side by the American flag, and on the
other by the English flag. and over it was the
word Welcome" in large letters. These
gardens are supported by private benefactions,
but they are great addition to the attractions
| of the city. We saw many beautiful private
houses and grounds, and several institutions
of public character in our passage. Among
| the places we visited was the Citadel from
which view of the whole city. the harbor
and large expanse of country can be OBJ
tanned. Our whole party was permitted to
pass through the entrance into the centre of
| the fort in their carriages, privilege it is
| said which WAS never before granted to any
party or individual-not even the Prince of
Wales on his visit. The inspection of the big
guns and the elaborate works of this fortifca-
ton was not very thorough, the eyes Of our
company being mnch more attracted by the
splendid panorama which lay spread out be-
fore them, vieing in beauty with places cele-
bra,ed in song and story. As we returned to
the Hotel we passed party of British officers
engaged in playing the national game of
Cricket. 1t is a way they take to kill
time, and not a bad way either.
In the afternoon we embarked on steam
tug, procured by our hospitable friends, and
steamed up and down and across the har-
Dor. On this trip we were accompanied by
Judge Jackson, the American Consul, and
many leading citizens of the place and their
wives and daughters. From what l saw OF
the fair sex in Halifax, conclude the city
excels in the beauty and grace of its ladies
as in the hospitality and galsntry of the other
, sex. l never saw in the same number more
fair faces than were on the steamer "Goliat'
on that trip. The ladies of our party in tLeir
picnic trim, and wearied with travel did not
stand on equal terms with such formidable
rivalry, but they bore themselves creditably
nevertheless. We landed at the grounds Of
the Mount Hope Insane Asylum, and visited
that institution. The Superintendent is MIR
!. James r. DeWolf The number of inmatei
, in 1872 was 329. The buildings are we'll con
, structed, and the Asylum appears to be vel
: managed. The grounds are in excellent con
dition, both in the ornamental and practca
:. departments. Here collation. was prepare
!, for the company, but after the generous dis
4 tributon of good things enjoyed on the boa,
there was no disposition TO indulge in eatin
i, OF drinking however tempting.
:, Returning to the city, we were invited t
"a spend the evening with Judge jackson at hi
u residence, and did so, where a brilliant com
=, pany assembled, comprising some Of the mot
" notable public men Of the Province. Her
- we we're Toasted again, while sociability wa
a unrestrained, and "America," "God Save tn
20 Queen" the Star Spaugled Banner" "Yar
If kee Doodle and other national airs wei
~ sung. The daughter of the Presidel
ht of our Association, Miss Shaw, presto
ed at the piano. to whom and to Mr.
r. Shaw our party are indebted for many plea,
r. ant hours on our excursion. Judge Jackso
n introduced speech making in happy remarks
and wit and sentiment flowed freely. Pres
a dent Shaw spoke for the Association, and Nj
n Dingley was drawn out by toast to make
# speech. This evening at Judge jackson.
II whose lady is the peer of her husband in hos
. pitality and kindness, was the climax of GU
. enjoyment. Here ende,h all we can say
:. Halifax at this time. To- morrow we star
g for home s.
l.
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