The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-11-24

element in Montreal its trade and COM
merce have been seriously ,encroached
upon by the latter city; and since the
lumber and shipping trade of the city
have declined. many enterpnsing fac
tories have been established here,
The chief interest of Quebec, how
ever, lies not in its commerce, but in its
historical attractions. In passing
through the quaint and narrow streets
one, feels that he is treading on a
strange and weird world, wholly at va
rance with the rest of our continent.
The streets are narrow, crooked and
often very steep, winding up and down
almost mountainous declivities, and the
houses generally are built of cut stone
in a style of severe simplicity. These
quaint buildings crowding along the
waters edge and perching on the very
mountain side, it's massive walls and
battlements rising, tier upon tier, to
the famous citadel, crowning the noun
tain top dominating the magnificent
landscape for many miles around,
plainly tell Of place and people with
a history.
All about this ancient stronghold,
first of the French and then of the
English, every height and hill side has
been the scene of desperately fought
battles. Here the French made their
last fight for empire in America in the
ever memorable battle in which Wolfe
and Montcalm fell. But peace has pre-
vailed for over hundred years-the
fortifications are giving place to ware
houses, manufactures, hotels and uni
versities and the great new docks of
massive masonry, located on the St.
Charles, and also opposite the city at
Point Lewis, besides other harbor inn
provements, indicate that Quebec is
about to re-enter the contest with Mon
treal for commercial supremacy in Can
ada; and the capacious hotel, "The
Chateau Frontenac," built by the Can
adian Pacific railroad officials, occupy
ing on Dufferin terrace one Of the most
magnificent sites in the world, is the
latest great step in this direction.
Entering the City.
We have set before our readers the
special feature of Quebec, as seen from
the river and opposite shore before en-
tering the city. Now let US land and
view in detail, however brief the most
striking monuments, military, ecclesi'
astical and civil, Of this matches
Mecca of tourists. Az one puts foot or
this historic soil, the ancient and for
eign aspect Of the city impresses you
One writer says
"The quaint, picturesque figures oi
the inhabitants, their alien speech
their primitive vehicles of locomotion
|. theirantique French houses huddled to-
gether and poised up high on the edgt
Of the cliff, the enwalled citadel ant
menaeing Notifications, the narrow
crooked streets and winding steep as
cent to the Upper Town, recall some ole
world capital; a survival Of mediaeva
| times"
A visitor on landing by steamer, o.
entering the city by rail, will be met b!
that characteristic parsonage to b.
found everywhere, the Caleche driver, i
not for much enlightenment, for tn
means at least of getting to and fro II
"Old Quebec" and its interesting enyi
rons, for without such or similar aid
slow progress would be made. Secur
ing Caleche, whose driver can tall
English, we commence to take in tn
antiquities at the rate of 81 for the frs
hour and a half dollar for each sue
cessive hour.
Journeying in the Caleche.
A caleche is jaunty, one horse, two
wheeled, hooded vehicle, usually yer
shabby looking and peculiar to Quebec
1t reminds one of n covered buggy o
stills, being perched on two larg
wheels at height difficult to enter an
alight from; but once located, the pas
senger finds the springs so constructe
as to ride with ease, even for long dist
ances. It is drawn by homely, bu
hardy little horse with a driver 70
Carter" as he is called) sitting on
narrow ledge" in front, which Is sin
ply an extra heavy dashboard, of tn
English design. These carriers" ar
usually fIellCll SdHduldlS, NHO Univ
up and down the long, winding hill
at a break-neck speed, urging thei
horse forward by the sharp, dissyllabi
cry, 'Marchedonc." The caleche is nc
adapted for carrying luggage, only IL
tended to accommodate two persons bt
sides the driver.
After a winding passage of a ha
hour through narrow streets and lane
at an elevation or grade, say, one foe
in four, from Lower Town to Uppe
Town, we are landed first on Dufferi
terrace, at "The Chateau Frontenac
combination of an ancient castle an
modern hotel; here we register OF
names and enjoy its comforts, its cour
estes, and the enchanting views {
many days. This hotel is one of II
handsomest and most convenient hote
in America, worthy of special mention
in another letter.