Acadian Magazines

VOLUME IXSECTION II

The earliest Acadian magazine of which there appears to be any record was The Nova Scotia Magazine, of which 5 volumes were printed at Halifax, N.S., during the years 1789–92. This magazine contained but little original matter, and abounded in anecdotes and selected articles culled from The European Magazine, The American Museum, The Massachusetts Magazine, The Imperial Magazine and from many other sources. It also contained a large amount of poetry, part of which was of local origin. "Pollio," of Halifax, must have been a verse writer of influence, as several efforts appear over his signature. One of these written "For the Nova Scotia Magazine" is entitled "Odin, An Highland Ballad Versified." The editor of the magazine deals tenderly with "Pollio" and his short-comings in part as follows:—

"We take the liberty of calling our ingenious correspondent's attention to a few of his rhymes. He well knows that their harmony in no wise depends on the similarity of the written words, but on sound only: Therefore, though we are aware he can produce too many instances from the greatest English poets, we would advise him to be guided by his ear alone."

Then follow some examples of bad rhymes such as health, death, move, love, red, mead, convey, sea, etc. The editor further adds:—

"These remarks, we confide, will be received with the same spirit they are offered; which is only that of friendly communication. Cheap as they are, we would not have spent them upon an inferior writer. But from 'Pollio' we hope for many future favours; and, if he thinks with us, the least contention can easily remedy this trifling defect; trifling, we know, not from poverty of words, but more likely from too hasty composition."

The following translation of the thirty-third Ode of Anacreon, signed "Minimus," and which appeared in The Nova Scotia Magazine for March, 1790, p. 230, is not without merit. By a singular co-incidence a translation of the same Ode by W. P. Dole, LL.D. of St. John, N.Β., appears in Stewart's Quarterly, published eighty years later, and although more extended reference is made in this paper both to Stewart's Quarterly and to the writings of Dr. Dole, it may not now be inappropriate to give both translations for the purposes of comparison. Singu​larly enough it was only when discussing the outlines of the paper now before you with the writer that Dr. Dole became aware of the earlier translation by "Minimus."

The following is the text of Dr. Dole's translation:—

​Some attention is paid in this magazine to the movements of the Governor, the doings of the Provincial Legislature and the school examinations at Windsor, and at Halifax. That the practice of branding felons was then in vogue will be observed from the statement that at a Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Goal Delivery, held by special Commission before the Hon. James Brenton, Richard John Uniacke and James Newton, Esquires, on Friday, February 19th, 1790, John Stewart, Ebenezer Wright, Jane Wishart and George Smith were found guilty of Grand Larceny and ordered to be branded.

From the proceedings of the House of Assembly it is learned that Major Barclay presented to the speaker a specimen of some iron from the Iron Works, lately established at Wilmot and referred the House to Major Millidge for further information. The last named gentlemen on being asked by the speaker what quantity of iron he supposed the works in their present state could produce yearly, said about 30 tons, but that the proprietor was about erecting another fire which would enable him to produce at least 60 tons. "This information gave much satisfaction to the House, who were also much pleased with the sample of the iron produced."

Scanty and primitive as are the notices of local men and affairs contained in this first effort to found an Acadian magazine, the volumes yet contain much of interest and value to the student of local history.

This magazine was edited at Windsor, where, in the year 1792, King's College was established.

Of The Nova Scotia and New Brunswick or Historical, Literary, Theological and Miscellaneous Repository, Halifax, 1806, we are informed that one number is extant. They were all fond of long titles and of sub-titles, in these early days of magazine making, but it was the fashion of the times elsewhere as well as in Nova Scotia. In The History of Halifax City, published by the Nova Scotia Historical Society, page 139, will be found a very brief reference to this magazine. It was offered for sale at the bookstores of Messrs. Morrison, Bennett, Edward Ward and William Minns.

In July, 1826, appeared the first number of The Acadian Magazine; or Literary Mirror, consisting of original and selected matter on literary and other subjects. This magazine was published at Halifax for the proprietors, and was printed by J. S. Cunnabell, 105 Barrington St., the subscription price being $4.00 per annum—half in advance.

The following list of agents will, perhaps, be of some interest: "Subscriptions received by the following agents:—Benjamin DeWolf, Esq., Windsor; W. Sargent, Esq., Barrington; Mr. William J. Ward, Shelbourne; F. S. Blanchard, Esq., Truro; R. Dickson, Esq., Onslow; ​H. G. Farish, Esq., Yarmouth; T. Roach, Esq., Cumberland; Mr. John H. Freeman, Liverpool; W. Salter, Esq., Newport; Mr. Joshua M. Rae, Lunenburg; James Ratchford, Jr., Esq., Parrsborough; John Wier, Esq., Londonderry; William Pope, Esq., Bedeque, P.E.I.; M. С. С. Tropolet, St. John, N.B.; Mr. Edward Baker, Fredericton, N.Β."

The first volume contains three illustrations or "embellishments" as they are styled, of the Prince House at Halifax, a view of Windsor, and a portrait of the then Duke of York.

The Acadian Magazine contains much more local and original matter than its precursor, The Nova Scotia Magazine. An extensive review appears of "The Rising Village," by Oliver Goldsmith, descendant of the author of the "Deserted Village," which was published with a preface by the Bishop of Nova Scotia. (London, 1825, 48 pages. Price, 2s. 6d.) This poem, while not of a very high order of merit is yet a distinct advance in style and thought over some of the poetical effusions which appeared at the end of the previous century.

It is amusing to note the rapid advance of the pedler into the more dignified station of a merchant, and a few lines from the earlier portion of the poem may perhaps be quoted:—

Since these days the "shawls for young damsels" have been superseded by the tailor-made gown, or as close an imitation of such as the ingenuity or purse of the country maiden of this generation will permit; mill-saws and fenders have been more or less put out of business by the band-saw and the jacknife saw-mill, the latter of which travels the country laying waste many beautiful places and seeking what it may ​devour. Neville Parker, Master of the Rolls in New Brunswick, used to write poetry, some of it very clever, and Cecil and Atticus in The Acadian Magazine may have been written by either Neville Parker or his brother Robert, as they were students at college at Windsor, N.S., about that date. This is merely a surmise, but the solution offered is one that is by no means improbable.

In January, 1827, the following address, which is self-explanatory appeared in The Acadian Magazine.

​Two years (despite the self-confidence of its editor) saw the end of The Acadian Magazine, and June, 1828, was the date of its last issue. Thus passed into history the third Acadian Magazine.

Following The Acadian Magazine came The Halifax Monthly Magazine, of which three volumes were published, bearing date 1830–3. This is stated to have been a creditable production. It was "printed and published by J. S. Cunnabel, Argyll Street, opposite the west end Dalhousie College," the subscription rate being 12 shillings per annum. "It dealt with current politics, contained fiction, poetry and sketches, most of them apparently original, and an article on the death and character of George IV., may have created a stir at the time." It is a matter of regret that at the time of writing this sketch a copy of this interesting publication was not available for the purpose of review, at least not in the city of St. John.

From some very voluminous manuscript records of the early history of the Press in New Brunswick compiled by the late Joseph W. Lawrence and now in the possession of Mr. Frank B. Ellis, of St. John, we learn that in 1834 Mr. George Blatch published from the office of The St. John Observer the Two Penny Magazine, a weekly museum of literary amusement and instruction.

Concerning it the editor of The St. John Courier wrote "from the editor's known talent, and the extensive literary correspondence and other means of obtaining useful information which he enjoys, we are confident The Two Penny Magazine only wants a commensurate patronage, to render it amusing and instructive, as well as a deserving publication."

Mr. Lawrence expresses the opinion that in this enterprise Mr. Blatch was in advance of the time, and that the work was consequently early abandoned. For a number of years he kept a book and music store, importing pianos from England. He subsequently studied law, and was admitted to the Bar about 1848. In 1868 he was appointed registrar of the Court of Vice-Admiralty and later was made clerk of the Supreme Court for the City and County of St. John. As a lecturer in the St. John Mechanics Institute in its early days Mr. Blatch was decidedly popular.

In September, 1840, there appeared The British North American Wesleyan Methodist Magazine—published (monthly) by "connexional authority."

Volume one, including sixteen numbers, from September, 1810, to December, 1841, inclusive, and volumes two to four twelve numbers each, 1842–44, were published by Henry Chubb & Co., of St. John, N.B. The magazine was then discontinued for a year and a half, and ​volume five, June, 1846, to May, 1847, inclusive, was published by James Hogg at Fredericton, N.Β.

In the month of January, 1841, there was issued by Robert Shives the first number of The Amaranth.

Robert Shives was a great-grandson of Robert Kilgour, Bishop of Aberdeen, one of the Consecrators in 1786 of Dr. Seabury, of Connecticut, the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America. The father of Robert Shives was a native of Aberdeen, came to St. John and engaged in commerce. In 1811 he married a daughter of John Wiggins, of Portland, not long after which he visited Scotland, and there his son Robert was born. Mr. Shives, Sen., died at St. John, December 30th, 1824, at the early age of 37 years, and was buried in the old historic burial ground adjoining King Square.

On the 27th June, 1827, Robert entered the printing office of The Courier as an apprentice. In 1834, upon completing his time, as it was called, he went to Scotland where he spent two years. On his return in 1836, he re-entered the office of The Courier, where he remained until 1840, when he commenced the publication of The Amaranth, a monthly magazine.

During the apprenticeship of Robert Shives the volumes of The Courier, were enriched by the letters of John Gape, which continued for a year, increasing the circulation of the paper from 800 to 1,500 copies, creating a sensation in New Brunswick not unlike the letters of Junius in England. They related chiefly to the Crown Land Department. At this time the offices of Commissioner and Surveyor-General were held by Hon. Thomas Baillie, and from them he received salaries amounting to £2,019.

One of the grievances complained of by John Gape, was the large amount paid to Mr. Baillie.^[1]

The Amaranth was the first literary magazine published in New Brunswick, which contained much literary material of value and interest, and it was without doubt the best effort yet made to establish a magazine of a high class of literary excellence in the Acadian Provinces. Indeed, it may well be claimed that for fascinating interest and artistic word painting, the articles which appeared therein from the pen of Moses H. Perley, have possibly not been equalled and certainly not excelled by any other Acadian magazine writer. The sketches first appeared in The London Sporting Review and were republished in The Amaranth. Mr. Perley was a native of New Brunswick, a man of great literary capability and one who, from his knowledge of his native ​province, its beauties and its possibilities, was able to assist in making more widely known its many attractions.

Mr. W. R. M. Burtis, for many years common clerk of the City of St. John, was also a writer of merit and a frequent contributor to the pages of The Amaranth, his story of Indian life, "The Storm Spirit of the Milicites" having been more than once repablished by later periodicals.

In all the older magazines it is difficult, and in the majority of cases impossible at this late period to ascertain the identity of the various local contributors. In fact so much care was taken upon this point that it is difficult to discover even the names of the editors of many of them. In this respect The Amaranth more nearly approached the modern ideal of a literary magazine. Some of the articles by local contributors bear the writer's signature, while in other cases the first and last letters of the writer's surname are given. By this aid Mr. Jonas Howe in a very excellent article upon The Amaranth, which appeared in Acadiensis in July, 1902, has been able to discover and place permanently upon record the names of its more important contributors.

Turning carelessly over the pages of the first volume of The Amaranth recently, a poem on page 268 immediately attracted attention. It was entitled "The Dying Chief," and was signed "J. A.," Westmorland, July. The first three stanzas are as follows:—

Turning further on to the end of the following number of The Amaranth, we find the following brief but pointed editorial comment: "The poetry, entitled, "The Dying Chief" which appeared in our last number, as an original contribution, is an extract from a volume of poems published in England. The gentleman (?) who sent this manuscript to our office, and who, instead of placing his own ​initials to it added those of another, is cautioned against trying his plagiarisms in future. We had strong doubts as to the originality of the piece when we gave it a place on our pages."

In April, 1842, the editor of The Amaranth welcomed to the ranks of Acadian Literature The Nova Scotia New Monthly Magazine in the following words:—

"The first number of this work is now before us, and we hail its appearance with pleasure, as a valuable addition to our Colonial Literature. The contents of the present number are rich and varied—the original articles are written with good taste and judgment, and the selected ones are from the choicest works of the day. From the energy and resources of the publishers, we are led to believe that The New Monthly will become very popular."

This magazine was 32 pages in extent, octavo in size, and published by Simpson & Kirk of Halifax, the St. John agency being at "The Circulating Library, Germain Street." The subscription price was 8s. 9d., including postage.

From the pages of the first number of the new magazine was republished in The Amaranth, a poem entitled "The Fossil," addressed to ———, generally supposed to be to Dr. Abraham Gesner, a well known scientist who lived in St. John, and who left behind him valuable works on the geography of New Brunswick and Acadian Geology, and who gathered the nucleus of what was afterwards the Museum of the St. John Mechanics Institute, now owned by the Natural History Society of St. John.

As the poem alluded to is not lengthy, and is of some merit, it may perhaps be quoted at length. Unfortunately no clue is given as to the identity of the writer.

It reads as follows:—

The Mayflower or Ladies Acadian Newspaper appeared in 1851, not less than five numbers being published. Of this periodical, Miss Herbert was the editor, and the place of publication was at Halifax.

The Mount Allison Academic Gazette was the official organ of the Mount Allison (N.B.) institutions for about ten years, during which time it was issued semi-annually, and took the place of the catalogues usually published by educational institutions.

No. 1 was dated December, 1853, and contained 6 pages, of closely printed matter, of about quarto size, relating to the Academy and its affairs.

In 1862 the University was opened, this publication taking the name of The Mount Allison Gazette, New Series of which there were but two issues, namely, June, 1863, No. 1, and December, 1863, No. 2.

The Eurhetorian Argosy appeared in 1878. Vol. No. 1, January to June, contained six numbers. This was the College paper of the Mount Allison Institutions, and in May, 1903, it will have completed its twenty-ninth volume, being now known as The Argosy.

The next magazine in the order of publication, of which I have been able to find any record was The Provincial or Halifax Monthly Magazine, which was printed by James Bowes & Son, and was ably ​edited by Mrs. William Lawson. Mention is made of it in the article on^[2] Canadian Magazines before alluded to, and Mr. Arthur H. U. Colquhoun remarks therein that "the articles on copyright, on the new system of telegraphs, and on various subjects of timely interest indicated good editorship, and a staff of competent writers." But in December, 1853, after two years of dauntless effort, the periodical gave up with a cry of "no subscribers."

After 1853, all attempts at the publication of a literary magazine in Nova Scotia appear to have been abandoned, and for the literary ventures of this class for the next half century we must look to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

In McFarlane's Bibliography of New Brunswick, page 58, a most valuable publication, by the way, is noted, "The Parish School Advocate," edited by Alexander Munro. The first number was issued Jan. 1st, 1858. Its platform was as follows:—

1st. Free schools, supported by direct assessment to a limited extent.

2nd. The Bible, the test mark of moral obligation, without which education is useless.

In 1895, The Chignecto Post, published at Sackville, N.B., and edited by W. C. Milner, celebrated its twenty-fifth birthday, by the issue of a thirty page number, which contained a very full biographical sketch of Mr. Munro accompanied by his portrait.

In The New Brunswick Magazine, volume 1, No. 2, pp. 78-80-81, will be found an article from the pen of Dr. George Stewart of Quebec, and entitled An Early New Brunswick Magazine. This article gives an excellent idea of The Guardian, the magazine just mentioned, and a few notes from the article named may perhaps be admissible.

Dr. Stewart informs us that the new venture was on a more ambitious scale than The Amaranth, the editors and publishers being Mesers. Edward Manning and R. Aitkin. It was issued monthly at St. John, and lasted for nine months only, being withdrawn in September, 1860.

The Guardian was devoted to education and general literature. It was printed by the firm of Barnes & Co., of St. John, who like the historic firm of H. Chubb & Co., of St. John, and Cunnabel, of Halifax, have aided in the conception of many literary ventures.

Anything relating to New Brunswick but politics, was the maxim of its editors. It was to be largely provincial in its tone and character, and a lengthy programme was prepared. Papers relating to Nova Scotia ​and Prince Edward Island were not debarred from its pages however. Its contributors were not paid.

Mr. William R. M. Burtis who had been a valued contributor of fiction to The Amaranth, provided most of the fiction published, his story entitled "Grace Thornton, A Tale of Acadia," continuing through eleven chapters.

An amusing printer's error occurred in connection with a series of papers written by Mr. R. Penniston Starr, a leading coal merchant of St. John, and a man of good literary taste. The last page of Mr. Starr's first article, contained his initials, which were not observed, however, by the compositor. What the compositor did observe, were the letters P. T. O. (please turn over), at the foot of the page proceding the last. P. T. O. was forthwith adopted by Mr. Starr as his pseudonym, much to the amusement of those who were aware of the joke.

Dr. Stewart further tells us that such subjects as "Poetry in America," "British Poetry," "State of the World at the Christian Advent," etc., appeared, and that they were pretty heavy, but that there was a good list upon provincial subjects, such as "The Botany of the Lower Provinces," "Education in New Brunswick," "The Geography of New Brunswick, "Geography of Nova Scotia," "History of Acadia," and "The History of the Loyalists" The caribou and the Canadian grouse or Spruce partridge were also written upon.

The nine numbers when bound, made a volume of 218 pages, the cost to subscribers for the set being two shillings and sixpence.

Prof. W. F. Ganong, of Smith College, Northampton, Mass., is the owner of a complete set of The Guardian.

The Progress Magazine was the first published in Prince Edward Island, and it was started in the Progress office by Thomas Kirwin, in 1868, so we are informed by Mr. Cecil T. Bagnall in a short article in the Christmas number, 1902, of The Prince Edward Island Magazine. Regarding its publisher Mr. Kirwin, we are informed that he was a splendid specimen of Prince Edward Island manhood, and that he was born at Tryon, on the 17th April, 1832. Losing both parents before he was eight years old, he was taken to Charlottetown by an older married sister, and sent to a private school, afterwards entering the Old Central Academy, changed to Prince of Wales College, then under the mastership of John Arbuckle. He learned his trade as a printer in the establishment of John J. Pippy in Charlottetown, afterwards removing to Boston, Mass.

In 1962 Mr. Kirwin fought in the war of the Rebellion, was wounded and later sent home. 1866 he went to Summerside and started The Progress newspaper, and continued to publish it for three years, at the end of which time he again returned to Boston, where he has ​since permanently resided, now enjoying a responsible editorial position on The Herald, which he has held for twenty-one years.

In a personal letter from Mr. Archibald Irwin, the editor of The Prince Edward Island Magazine, that gentleman states that only one copy of The Progress Magazine was printed, and that it was altogether made up of clippings from British and American magazines and newspapers on miscellaneous subjects. It appears to have commenced and ended with number one. The page was about ⁠5+1/2⁠ x 8 inches in size, set two columns to the page. Typographically it was neat but not at all superior in style.

In 1867, Dr. George Stewart, then a young and enterprising druggist, with a place of business on King street in the city of St. John, commenced the publication of Stewart's Quarterly, a periodical which was conducted with much ability, and in the editing of which he had the assistance of writers of more than ordinary talent. This magazine was more general in its interests, and therefore appealed to a wider range of supporters than did any of its predecessors.

Like most of the boys of that period, and of the twenty years following, Dr. Stewart appears to have had the stamp collecting mania in an acute form.

In "Literary Reminiscences" published by Dr. Stewart in the Canadian Magazine, that writer informs us that "he began to write for the press very early in life, and in 1865, in St. John, N.B., established The Stamp Collectors' Monthly Gazette,^[3] which was withdrawn in 1867," when Stewart's Quarterly was founded in the same city.

Concerning the Quarterly, Dr. Stewart informs us that "it lived five years, and though, as a financial venture it was not very profitable, it earned quite a reputation in Canadian letters. Its contributors were drawn from Newfoundland to British Columbia. The Rev. Moses Harvey of St. John's, as well as Judge Prowse, were frequent writers in its pages. Dr. Harvey's valuable papers on Newfoundland did much to make that ancient colony known all over the world, for the newspapers, attracted by the author's attractive style, made copious extracts from his articles."

A complete set of Stewart's Quarterly is now difficult, in fact almost impossible to obtain.

Taking up at random the fourth volume, the only one in the writer's own collection which is complete, it appears full of interest, and treats of a variety of enticing topics.

One of the principal poetical contributors was Enyella Alleyne, three examples of whose skill as a verse writer appear in this volume. The leading editorial article in the first number, is devoted to the ​writings of this contributor. So well was the identity of the poet concealed that even the editor of the magazine in which the poems from time to time appeared, was deceived, and supposed that it was to one of the fair sex that he was indebted for the really creditable verses which from time to time adorned the pages of his magazine.

The editorial opens thus:—

"Some three months ago the literary world of Canada became aware of the fact that a poet of no ordinary powers was among them. Yet so modest has been this lady (for who else but a woman was it who joined together such strings of linked sweetness long drawn out, as Milton hath it) that, though her graceful compositions have attracted the attention of admiring thousands, she still holds from the public eye her name, and only suffers her mysterious signature, which reads the same backwards and forwards, to accompany the fruits of her muse."

"In the columns of The Daily Telegraph and Journal this new light sought fame, and in that widely circulated journal she obtained it."

It occasioned great surprise when it became known that the writer Enyella Alleyne was Mr. H. L. Spencer, afterwards editor of The Maritime Monthly. Mr. Spencer is still actively engaged in the newspaper work in St. John.

From the verses of Enyella Alleyne, one example is submitted for your criticism:

As the majority of readers now find it impossible to identify most of the writers, who, under assumed names contributed to the earlier Acadian Magazines, so in another generation the names of many of those who contributed in no small degree to the literary success of Stewart's Quarterly might be equally difficult to obtain. For this ​reason the names of such of them as, with some assistance, have been identified, are herewith appended.

Alexander Rae Garvie, who resided in Miramichi, N.B., was a contributor to The Quarterly, and was a member of a very clever family He was a brother of T. C. Garvie, of Halifax. His article on "Plaugarism" and "A Reverie" attracted the most attention. He published a volume of poems "Thistledown." He died in Montreal, March, 1874. Extensive notices of Mr. Garvie appear in The Maritime Monthly, volume III., No. 4, March, 1874; also volume V., page 89, 1875, which magazine followed immediately after Stewart's Quarterly.

Andrew Archer of Fredericton, was a contributor to The Quarterly, signing himself "A Bowman," this being a pleasantry upon the name of Archer. He was a dentist by profession, but never allowed himself to be styled Doctor.

Mr. Archer compiled "Archer's History of Canada," used for some years in the New Brunswick Public Schools. He edited a weekly newspaper, published at Fredericton about 1870, entitled Head Quarters, and which had quite a good literary tone.

​Charles H. Hallock, founder and first editor of Forest and Stream, still writes for that publication. He lived in St. John and carried on a business in Chubb's building as a stock and exchange broker during the war of the American Rebellion. It was supposed that his sympathies were rather with the South in that memorable struggle. At the close of the war he returned to the United States.

Dr. Lucius Allison was the alleged writer of a clever and humorous article, entitled "About Some Old Girls."

Mr. Hunter Duvar was a well-known contributor, both in prose and verse to several of the Acadian magazines. Some of his writings were well thought of. The Prince Edward Island Magazine contains some good examples of his work, as well as an obituary notice, published with his portrait at the time of his death.

It would not be just to conclude this somewhat lengthy list without a more extended reference to W. P. Dole, LL.D., who has been a willing and valuable assistant in nearly all of the magazine enterprises which have been launched in New Brunswick, from the first issue of Stewart's Quarterly to the present day.

The Shady Side—Unsuccessful men—Youth—Bubbles—and a review of Gladstone's Juventus Mundi were contributed to Stewart's Quarterly, by Dr. Dole over the nom-de-plume of Laelius. Of these "Youth" was the most popular.

An example of Dr. Dole's ability as a verse writer has already been given. Another which simply bears the initial "C," and which appeared in Stewart's Quarterly, is considered by him to be one of his best efforts in verse.

Following immediately upon Stewart's Quarterly, appeared The Maritime Monthly, edited by Mr. H. L. Spencer, the first number of which was published at St. John, in 1873. It was continued through at least five volumes of six numbers each.

It was a well edited magazine, containing only original contributions, but it was perhaps not quite up to the standard of Stewart's Quarterly. It ventured somewhat into the realm of religious denominational discussion and of local politics, possibly not to the furtherance of the welfare of the magazine.

Many of those who had been contributors to Mr. Stewart's magazine continued to support The Maritime Monthly, which was published under the auspices of the "Maritime Monthly Club," the members of which were as follows:—

Mr. John Boyd, at the time of his death the newly appointed governor of New Brunswick. He was a well known writer and lecturer.

Mr. H. L. Spencer, who has been elsewhere alluded to.

​Mr. John McMillan, of the firm of J. & A. McMillan, booksellers and publishers, by whom the magazine was printed. The firm of McMillan was far in advance of the times, for many years carrying on an establishment that had no equal in the Acadian provinces, and possibly no superior throughout Canada.

Mr. Ezekiel McLeod, now a judge of the Supreme Court of New Brunswick.

Rev. James Bennett, afterwards Doctor of Divinity, a minister of the Presbyterian Church, a man of good literary attainments, but somewhat slovenly in his style and methods of work.

Mr. J. Newton Wilson, a merchant of St. John, and an occasional contributor to the pages of the magazine.

Mr. T. M. Robinson, for many years connected with the Western Union Telegraph Company at St. John.

Two valuable papers which appeared were "The First Courts and Early Judges of New Brunswick," a paper read before the New Brunswick Historical Society, on November 25th, 1874, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Society, by the late Joseph Wilson Lawrence: and "Our Blind," by I. Allen Jack, A.B., now D.C.L., a paper of eleven pages, the writer of which acknowledges valuable assistance from C. F. Fraser and M. H. Richey of the Blind Asylum, Halifax, and from Dr. Wiggins, Principal of the Institution for the blind at Brantford, Ontario.

Dr. Jack also contributed some verses and an article of 26 pages entitled "The Church, the State and the School."

Rev. Moses Harvey of Newfoundland, Hunter Duvar, Mary Barry, William Murdock, George J. Forbes, Olga Stewart of Halifax, and the late Edward Jack, C.E., were contributors.

C. M. and C. D. M. of Halifax, possibly one and the same writer, but whose identity cannot at present be stated, contributed translations from the German in verse.

Vol. III, No. 4, of The Maritime Monthly contained a three page review of the literary work and lectures of Mr. John Boyd, afterwards Senator and Governor elect of New Brunswick. These lectures were delivered in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and some parts of the United States, in no case for a pecuniary consideration, so it is stated, but for the benefit of literary and educational institutions, libraries, churches, public and private charities, etc. In this review are enumerated with much minuteness of detail the services of Mr. Boyd in this particular, and an approximate financial value is set upon each item, the grand total amounting to $26,300. It is also stated that "we do not include in the above, several readings given by Mr. Boyd at sea, one of which ​on the 'Scotia,' in conjunction with Mrs. Scott Siddons, when he was returning last from England, yielded $300 for the Seaman's Orphan Asylum, Liverpool."

The modesty of this last paragraph reminds one of a story related at the expense of a brother merchant who was a near neighbour of Mr. Boyd's, and who was wont to allude to the establishment in which he was a junior as being conducted by "me and Mr. Turgar."

As Mr. Boyd was one of the Maritime Monthly Club, it would at least have been in good taste had the article so highly eulogistic of himself been suppressed.

In the fifth number of volume 1 appears a vigorous and scathing review, twelve pages in extent, of a sermon upon "The Apostolic Origin of the Church of England," by the Rev. Francis Partridge, now Dean of the Cathedral at Fredericton, and at that time Rector of Rothesay, N.B. The sermon referred to was preached in Trinity Church, St. John, on the 2nd July, 1874.

From the literary style of this composition, the well known opinions of Rev. James Bennett upon such subjects, and his connection with the magazine, we may reasonably infer that the review was from the pen of that well known Presbyterian divine.

Whether we concur in the views expressed by Dean Partridge or not, we must at least admit that he was quite within his rights in preaching such a sermon if he wished to, and like the eulogy of Mr. Boyd we cannot but feel that it would have been in the best interests of the magazine had the article not been permitted to appear.

Soon after this date The Maritime Monthly appears to have be come embroiled with The Daily Telegraph, then edited by Rev. William Elder, D.D. over the "Louisiana Difficulty." Upon this topic the Monthly takes occasion to remark that;—

"Last month we expressed our candid convictions about the much talked of Louisiana difficulty. We do not believe in forming conclusions upon exparte statement of facts. Our remarks appear to have offended The Telegraph. We were by it held up as a disgrace to the "Canadian Press," for our fearless and independent expression of opinion. We hope no more serious charge can be brought against the "Canadian Press." We sincerely pity the editor who is capable of flinging such impotent thunder upon such a flimsy pretext. But mirabile dictu, we are told that we should be ashamed of ourselves for expressing opinions upon such a topic, different from The Telegraph, and the great majority of leading newspapers, and some very eminent men in England and America. On the contrary we are not ashamed, but we ​beg to enter our decided protest against the "back-boneless lubricity" of our contemporary's logic."

In the same issue of The Maritime Monthly appears the following extract from The American Canadian Gazette, published at Boston, Mass.

"We see that a St. John paper, in the course of some censures on The Maritime Monthly for February, makes much ado over its lack of articles on Canadian subjects, and thinks the publication of the sixth paper of the series on the "Valley of the Platte" while but one or two of the other contributions have a local significance, displays great want of judgment. Such a criticism is either reprehensibly captious, or arises from a notable ignorance of periodical literature. No leading magazine or review in this country or in Europe is supposed to invariably devote any considerable portion of its space to discussion of local or national subjects, and some of them have contained almost interminable series on subjects altogether foreign.—American Canadian Gazette.

The editor of The Maritime Monthly thereupon takes occasion to remark that "The Platt Valley Papers will be continued next month."

Evil days appear to have by this time fallen upon this magazine, for the number last alluded to contains the notice that:—

"Thus far it has been published at a pecuniary loss to its proprietors. Shall it be sustained? It is for our people to answer. Our subscription list must be doubled—our advertising patronage must be doubled—else the magazine must die. The proprietors have furnished a magazine which is an honor to the country. Will the country allow it to perish for want of support."

The country appears to have been deaf to this appeal, for soon after its publication The Maritime Monthly ceased to exist.

The University Monthly, published by the students of the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, N.B., was first issued in 1882, the first number published bearing date March of that year. It is still continued, and is now in its twenty-third year. Prof. W. F. Ganong, who has previously been mentioned, has a complete fyle upon his library shelves.

On September 1st, 1882, the first number of The Wollestook Gazette appeared, published in connection with the St. John Grammar School Debating Society, with the following editorial staff from among the members of the Society, namely:—Theophilus Cushing, John A. Gallivan, David Russell Jack, Alexander W. Macrae and William C. Knowlton. The publication was about quarto size, sixteen pages in extent, including three pages of advertisements, and the issue was limited to ​two hundred and fifty copies. All the members of the editorial staff, none of whom were at that time over 18 years of age, took an active interest in its promotion. The magazine was issued monthly for a year, with commendable promptitude, and. by earnest dunning sufficient subscriptions were collected, which, with the assistance of the very generous advertising patronage received from persons interested in the welfare of the school, sufficed to meet all liabilities, with a surplus of $8.15 in the treasury.

Mr. M. Chamberlain was much interested in the undertaking and, in addition to his subscription, aided by literary contributions. Messrs. Manchester, Robertson & Allison, Daniel & Boyd, through Hon. John Boyd, afterwards Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, and Henry Jack were the principal advertisers, paying at the rate of $40.00 per page per annum.

The venture was an ambitious attempt at schoolboy journalism and created no little interest among the friends of the students.

The work was taken up during the following school year by an entirely new staff consisting of Frank B. Ellis, now on the staff of The St. John Globe, G. S. Sinclair, H. E. Goold, and L. M. Jewett Among the principal literary contributors during the second year were G. S. Sinclair, now an Episcopal minister in the State of New York; G. M. Hayes, at present of the Finance Department, Ottawa; T. M. Dieuaide, who is to-day upon the staff of The New York Sun, F. S. Hartley, now a Baptist minister at Fredericton, N.B.; W. C. Cross and E. A. Powers.

In January, 1891, the first issue of Canada was published by Matthew Richey Knight, at Benton, N.B. The publication was issued monthly at 50 cents per annum, the price being afterwards raised to one dollar. Each number contained twelve pages, about 9 x 12 inches in size in double columns.

It claimed to be "A Monthly Journal of Religion, Patriotism, Science and Literature," and it appears to have made a vigorous bid for popular favour. Many club offers were made, and it was announced that every postmaster in Canada and the United States who sent twenty-five cents in stamps would receive Canada for a year, and would be appointed sole agent for his locality in addition to other inducements which were enumerated.

The magazine contained little, if anything of historic interest or permanent value.

The editor appears to have been addicted to the writing of poetry, for in addition to numerous other advertisements to which his name is appended, there is an announcement that "the poems of ten ​years, by Matthew Riehey Knight, price 40 cents, are for sale at the office of Canada, and by Knight & Co., Halifax, Nova Scotia."

For the benefit of persons who may not be aware of the geographical location of Benton, N.B., it might be added that it is a post village in Carleton County, 19 miles from Woodstock, contains one store, one hotel, a tannery and two saw-mills. No printing office is mentioned in the Gazetteer, so that Canada was probably printed elsewhere, Benton being merely the editorial and distributing centre. Canada does not appear to have been continued for more than two years at the most.

In the advertising columns of Canada, appears a notice of The Echo, a monthly of current notes and events, social gossip, etc. Price twenty-five cents a year, invariably in advance. It is doubtful if The Echo could be properly classed as a magazine.

Nova Scotia Illustrated, a monthly journal published at 41 Sackville St., Halifax, Nova Scotia, by J. H. Bradford, contained twenty: pages. The first number of volume 1 was dated April, 1895.

In the same month appeared The Occasional Magazine, published monthly at five cents a copy, 50 cents a year. Professor R. C. Archibald, of the University of Mount Allison College, Sackville, writes that he has Nos. 1, 2, 3, and that it was published by Smith & Williams, Halifax, N.S., the size of page being ⁠7+1/2⁠ x 5 inches.

The publication of The New Brunswick Magazine was commenced with the July issue of 1898, by William Kilby Reynolds, and it continued through three volumes of six numbers each, being issued monthly.

During this short period both the magazine and its editor passed through many vicissitudes. Most of these are of too recent occurrence to admit of their discussion in a paper such as the present.

During the first year of its publication the magazine was a valuable one, but at the end of that period, its editor feeling that he could not obtain sufficient revenue from the venture to pay the cost of publication and his own maintenance, accepted a position with the Intercolonial Railway of Canada, which required him to make Moncton his headquarters. Finding that it was impossible to satisfactorily conduct the magazine from that point, and give proper attention to his official duties, Mr. Reynolds, in the August issue of 1899, in a special announcement informs the public that The New Brunswick Magazine will in future be under the direction of Mr. John A. Bowes, from whose printing office it was issued from the beginning. Nos. 4 and 5 of the third volume were printed, bound, placed in wrappers and addressed to the various subscribers but no copies were distributed outside ​the city of St. John. The sixth issue of Vol. III. was printed, but was never bound or distributed, and is now, or was recently, still in the hands of the binder awaiting its final disposition by the printer.

The Rev. W. O. Raymond., LL.D., of St. John, was a warm friend to the enterprise from its inception, and after its abandonment by Mr. Reynolds, that gentleman made desperate efforts to keep it alive. The third volume is, in itself, a monument to his industry and zeal, nearly all the articles which it contains being from his pen, either over his own name or the pseudonym of "Historicus."

Dr. Raymond's articles on "Portland Point," which continued all through the three volumes of the magazine, are of great historical value, and are without doubt the leading feature of the magazine.

Probably second in importance and historical value and quite unique in their character, was a series of compilations entitled "Provincial Chronology," not signed, but which were the work of Mr. Clarence Ward, who has been for the past nineteen years the Recording Secretary of the New Brunswick Historical Society.

These consisted of notes of events of an historical interest, a marriage notice and death notice of some prominent provincialist, one for each day in the month, arranged in chronological order.

Other important contributors were Prof. W. F. Ganong, Ph.D., of Smith College, Northampton, Mass., a provincialist by birth, who wrote, "Relics of the Acadian Period," "Thomas Carleton, Governor," "The Ashburton Treaty" "Where Stood Fort LaTour," etc., I. Allen Jack, D.C.L., writer of "Old Times in Victoria Ward" in three numbers, Jonas Howe, Placide P. Gaudet. Harry Piers, of Halifax, and Hon. Pascal Poirier.

The magazine was not a financial success, its number of paying subscribers, or rather of those who promised to pay being limited to about seven hundred.

As a literary work it was probably the best that had been produced in the Acadian Provinces up to that date, with the possible exception of Stewart's Quarterly.

The first volume contained 390 pps., the second 341 pps., and the third 288 pps. The subscription price was $1.50 per annum.

The editor, William Kilby Reynolds, was a writer of marked ability, having a love for historical study. He was careful as to facts and wielding a graceful pen. He died in 1902.

We now note a new era in Acadian Magazine literature, one where the illustrations from being an occasional embellishment, became a feature of the magazine. In March, 1899, Vol. I. No. 1, of The Prince Edward Island Magazine, edited and published by Mr. Archibald Irwin, of Charlottetown, P.E.I., made its appearance as a ​monthly, and from the outset it appears to have been a success. This volume contains 436 pages of reading matter and is liberally illustrated. A great variety of topics by many writers are touched upon, the object, apparently, being to make the work of such a character as to appeal to the natives of the Island, of various classes and individuality, whether at home or abroad.

At the end of this volume we find the following brief editorial reference to the work of the magazine and its success during its first year:—

"With this issue is completed Volume I, of The Prince Edward Island Magazine. To those whose articles have filled our pages we tender here our sincere thanks. It will doubtless make them glad to know that the success which has come to the magazine, is much greater than was expected when the first number was published, and this we attribute to the quality of the work of our kind contributors." The first volume as before stated, contained 436 pages of well written and well illustrated articles of good variety. The magazine has now completed its fourth year with no apparent diminution of vigor or interest, and this may probably be accepted as sufficient evidence that its progress has been satisfactory both to the public and to the publisher.

Among the contributors to this magazine, Lawrence W. Watson is entitled to a foremost place, his articles on "The origin of the Mailicites," "Charlottetown in the Olden Times," "Autumn Flowers" and "Among our Orchids" all appearing in the first volume, and all being worthy of preservation.

W. L. Cotton deals with John Hunter Duvar and his poems. Mr. Duvar will be well remembered by the readers of Stewart's Quarterly and The Maritime Monthly as a verse writer of ability.

Professor John Craven was a contributor of merit to Vols. 1 and 2, his principal articles being " Port Lajoie," "The Island of St. John in 1721," and "The first settlement of Three Rivers," as well as some verses.

Rev. Maurice Swabey, a Church of England clergyman now deceased, was an occasional writer, and in addition to some of his poems, there appeared, "Fox Hunting in Prince Edward Island in 1840–45." Mr. Swabey was a man of marked ability, if somewhat eccentric, and he resided for a time in Prince Edward Island, and afterwards in New Brunswick. In 1878, he published in London, England, a small volume of poems of about 70 pages in extent, entitled "Voices from Abegweet, or The Home on the Wave."

Abegweet, as we all know, was the Indian, name for Prince Edward Island. After leaving New Brunswick, Mr. Swabey became Vicar of ​St. Thomas, Exeter, England, at which place he remained until his death during the past year, 1902.

Mr. Swabey's^[4] memory is held in high esteem by many of his old parishioners at St. Jude's Church, Carleton, St. John, N.B., and many anecdotes are related regarding him. Careless as to appearances and an earnest conversationalist, we can almost see him now, as upon one occasion he drove off the Carleton Ferry at low tide up the steep floats, in a conveyance—perhaps akin to the Wonderful One-Hoss-Shay described by Oliver Wendell Holmes, in his poem entitled the Vicar of Bray, when on the

Yes, off the boat and up the floats, the rat-tailed bay wandering at his own will over the floats, now with one wheel dangerously near the edge, almost over the water, the next moment the other wheel mounting high upon the log which divides the footpath from the carriage way, a piece of an old clothes line for reins, with harness held together with twine, board nails and pieces of wire, the parson earnestly discoursing all the while, and his companion in momentary dread of a fatality, or again in the words of Holmes,

But to resume our subject after a somewhat lengthy digression. In the issue for July, 1901, the editor of The Prince Edward Island Magazine pays a high tribute to E. L. M., whose series of five articles on Charlottetown fifty years ago, has much value as a contribution to the historical literature of the Island, in part in the following words:—

"For the first time since the establishment of this magazine, we are called upon to announce the death of a contributor, and to testify as far as the poor words at our command will allow, to the worth of a most estimable and well-beloved woman. To many of our readers the identity of the writer, E. L. M. may have been known. But it was not known to all, that the initials were those of Elizabeth L. MacDonald, the wife of Hon. Senator A. D. MacDonald of Charlottetown. The majority of our readers will, we fell sure, mourn her death. By the ​editor of this magazine, her loss is keenly felt; her interest in the publication was sincere and sympathetic, and her assistance, so generously given, was of great value."

Other contributors of note were Jeremiah S. Clark, who is an authority on Indian affairs as well as a good writer of verse, and enjoys more than a local reputation, Hon. A. B. Warburton, D.C.L., who contributed several valuable articles on educational matters; and May Carrol, a writer of verse who contributed some good poetry, notably "A Life," "A Boating Song," "An Easter Lily."

In the later numbers of the magazine "Tommy Hawke" becomes quite a feature contributing a cleverly written series of short articles and paragraphs, dealing in a humorous vein with almost any subject, from the state of the weather, to the Sunday School Picnic.

About the same size as the magazine last mentioned, but typographically and in the quality of its illustrations very much inferior to it, was The Cape Breton Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1, of which bears date September, 1901, containing fifty pages of printed matter. The price was ten cents per copy, or $1.00 a year. Following the September issue appeared a second issue of 50 pages described as the October and November issue, Nos. 2 and 3. After this, there appeared in December of the same year, Vol. 1, No. 4, and in March, 1902, an issue styled Vol. 1, Nos. 5, 6 and 7. In the last mentioned issue the announcement was made that the magazine would appear in future as The Cape Breton and Nova Scotia Magazine, but no future issues were forthcoming.

It is stated that the publisher lost heavily by the large fire at Sydney, and a well known critic expresses the opinion that the publisher lacked business ability, and that the later issues of the magazine afforded a good illustration of how not to read proof.

The editor of the magazine was Robert P. Bell, and it was published by the Bell Printing and Publishing Co., P. O. Box 592, Sydney, Cape Breton.

The articles of interest to students of local history contained in The Cape Breton Magazine were "The Catastrophe at Swivel Point," by J. Shetland: "An Idyll of Acadia," by Rev. C. W. Vernon. " First Seventy Years of St. George's," an exceedingly valuable paper by the Venerable Archdeacon Smith, D.D.: and "The Old Cape Breton Christmas," by John J. McCabe.

It is seldom that the promoter of a magazine is able to summon to his assistance such an array of talent of recognized ability, within the sphere if his own immediate relationship, as was the case with Mr. Theodore Roberts, when in November, of 1902, he commenced at ​Frederieton, N.B., the issue of "The Kit-Bag"^[5] In the three numbers already issued we find contributions in prose and verse by Charles G. D. Roberts, poet and novelist now of the city of New York, and Elizabeth Roberts MacDonald of Fredericton, a verse writer of ability, brother and sister respectively to the editor. Among the contributors were also Bliss Carman, who needs no introduction to Acadian readers, and his sister Jean M. Ganong, wife of Professor W. F. Ganong, Ph.D. of Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, both of them first cousins to the editor.

Mrs. Ganong contributed a short story to the second issue of the magazine entitled "The Wall-Flower," a love story that is somewhat away from the stereotyped form, with which magazine readers have been familiar for generations.

Theodore Roberts is himself a writer of verse of no mean ability, many of his best productions having a freedom, an easy swing that is not mere jingle, and a poetry of rythm that is charming.

Having previously edited The Newfoundland Magazine, published at St. John's, Newfoundland, and having other experience gained in professional editorial work elsewhere, Mr. Roberts did not, by any means enter the arena of Acadian Magazine literature as a novice or an amateur, with much to learn and many impracticable ideals to overcome. In fact before making his bow to the literary public, to whom he looked for support in the new enterprise, the announcement was made, through the medium of advance notices in the press, that The Kit-Bag would contain no amateur work, and that its readers might depend upon that magazine containing only the finished work of professional writers. Having thus deliberately cut himself off from association with, or assistance from amateur writers, of whom there are not a few of ability in the Acadian Provinces, it remains to be seen whether Mr. Roberts will he able to maintain that standard of freshness and originality which is essential to the success of any magazine.

If the work of professional writers only is to he utilized, a fund must be created out of which to remunerate such contributors, as with them fresh ideas and well written stories or verses mean dollars.

However, willing they may be at the outset to help along a good cause, they cannot afford to continue without remuneration to contribute the result of their best thought.

The first number of The Kit-Bag contained 32 pages of well written matter, the third contains but twelve, while the price has been increased ​from ten to fifteen cents per copy, the subscription rate still remaining at $1.00 a year.

It is to be hoped, for the credit of this part of Canada that this magazine may continue to flourish as it deserves to do, and long continue to be a credit to its editor and his assistants.

Another late effort in the realm of Acadian literature is a magazine entitled Neith, published monthly at ten cents a copy or $1.00. a year, by A. B. Walker, B.A., LL.B., Barrister at Law, of St. John, N.B., the only coloured barrister in New Brunswick. The first issue was dated February 1903, and its advent had been looked for with much curiosity by the literary coterie of St. John. In fact it may be stated that honours were easy as between Neith and the Local Election for the House of Assembly. The coming of each was anticipated for some time and the public curiosity having now been satisfied as to both issues, the .people of that city are seeking a new sensation.

The first issue of Neith contained 60 pages of printed matter upon various topics, chiefly devoted to the negro race, and its alleged wrongs. Portraits of several of the contributors appear, but the editor has modestly withheld his own for a subsequent issue. That of his son appears at the head of an article entitled "Pleasures of the Imagination" of which he is the alleged writer. This article contains a smoothness of composition, a grace of words, and a sequence of thought that is really surprising in a writer not yet out of his boyhood.

The Rev. W. O. Raymond, M.A., LL.D., who is well known as an authority on local history has contributed an interesting article entitled "The Negro in New Brunswick," while Dr. Dole, who has been before alluded to, as one who has cheerfully contributed gratuitously to the assistance of many impecunious promotors of local literary enterprises, graces its pages with a song.

We now come to the last of the magazines which will be mentioned in this paper, namely Acadiensis.

The origin of the name is too familiar to need any explanation to such an audience as this.

It has been the chief aim of its promotor to make the publication of such a character that neither he nor those who have so graciously contributed to its literary success, should have any cause to be ashamed. How far he may have succeeded in reaching towards this ideal, is for others than himself to judge.

The magazine appears to have aroused more than a local interest, and assurances are not wanting that its coming is looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation in some of the centres of culture, both in Europe and America.

​Local history, and the writings of local men of letters are what are particularly sought after. No short stories or similar works of fiction having been admitted to its pages, it cannot, of course, compete with the so-called popular magazines of the day, either in price or embellishments. It, nevertheless, represents the most ambitious effort at an illustrated magazine that has yet been produced in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

There has been no dearth of literary material from which to draw, but careful editing is essential to the successful continuation of the work.

The task of magazine editing, even in an amateurish way, while it is exacting work, accompanied by many petty annoyances, is not without its compensating pleasures. The many kindly letters received, the friendly helps from unexpected directions, the interest in the work displayed by persons whom the editor has never seen, are all sources of pleasure and gratification.

What the future of Acadiensis is to be, it is difficult to say. A little effort on the part of those who have both the material and the ability at their command, to contribute a desirable article, even once a year, or a kind word to a neighbour on behalf of the enterprise, would be of material assistance to those who have borne the heat and burthen of the day, and carried the work along to its present stage of development.

A strong effort has been put forth to make the work of value and interest to Nova Scotians particularly, and while this effort has been partially successful, it must be remembered that to make the work valuable and interesting to the people of that province, it must have the literary support and friendly co-operation of their own people.

This desired assistance once secured, there could be little doubt that the magazine could be carried on successfully, and do a useful work for many years, a work of which we Acadians who love our country, its traditions and its history, would have no reason to be ashamed.

It is perhaps worthy of mention that copies of Acadiensis may be found in nearly all the Provincial libraries throughout Canada; in the Lenox Library, Fifth Avenue, New York; in the libraries of the Senate and House of Commons at Ottawa; in the New York State Library at Albany; The University Library at Cambridge, England; the Library of the British Museum; the Royal Academy of History at Madrid, and in many others of less importance.

While the subscription list is not a large one, the magazine reaches homes on the American continent, scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, and from the Klondyke to Southern California. The list ​of European subscribers although small, also shows a wide sphere of influence.

In the Salutatory article in which Acadiensis was introduced to the reading public, one or two points were touched upon which, it was hoped, would have aroused some discussion among the writers for the press throughout our three provinces. Among others might be mentioned the Union of the Maritime Provinces of Canada into one province governed by men of broad minds and large ideas.

This is doubtless an old subject to many readers, but it is one that is eventually destined to again return to prominence. There are many ways in which such a union would be of inestimable benefit to the people of our provinces.

Viewing the matter from a broad standpoint, it is difficult to see in what manner any of the Maritime Provinces could fail to profit by much an amalgamation.

We are, as at present constituted a divided people, having similar aspirations, hopes and ideals, whether political, literary or otherwise. We are all working, each in our own small way, for pretty much the same objects, the advancement of education, the promotion of trade and commerce, the upraising of the pursuit of agriculture as a means of livelihood, and lastly for the upholding of the supremacy of the Empire on the oceans of the world.

The Maritime Provinces have produced, and are now represented in the parliament of Canada by some of the most able men in this fair Dominion, yet these provinces do not command that position in the eyes of the people of their country as a whole, to which by reason of their history, their geographical position, the character, ability and integrity of their sons and daughters, they are justly entitled. Neither do our literary men receive such recognition as is their due by reason of their work and their accomplishments.

Last year there was published at St. John, an historical work of national importance, namely the Winslow papers, edited by the Rev. W. O. Raymond, and yet two publications issued in the Upper Provinces which profess to give an epitome of the historical publications of Canada during the year, contained no mention of it.

Ontario claims to be the literary centre of Canada, yet the city of Halifax is, in point of settlement, older by many years than is the city of Toronto. The city of St. John was incorporated half a century before the cities of Toronto and Montreal. King's College, Windsor, has been producing able men of letters for over a century, and we have many other institutions of learning of which we have no reason to be ashamed.

​A house divided against itself cannot stand. Three provinces having common interests, torn asunder by petty jealousies, envy and rivalry, cannot expect to command that respect in the Council Halls of the Dominion, which would be their lot were they to send their representatives forward, as voicing unitedly the will and sentiments of a million of people.

Putting aside all differences, standing shoulder to shoulder, and presenting a united front, there is no reason why, before the present century shall have run its course, and a century is but as yesterday in the history of an Empire, there is no reason, I reiterate, why the brightest diadem in the crown of the fairest daughter of the greatest Empire that has been, should not be known to the world as the Province of Acadia.