Loyalists' Day

Year
1894
Month
5
Day
18
Article Title
Loyalists' Day
Author
------
Page Number
2
Article Type
Language
Article Contents
LOYALISTS' DAY. To-day is the anniversary of the founding of the city. Although St. John has grown very little in population in the last twenty years there is here now a fine, substantial city, with many excellent institutions, and almost everything to make life pleasant for those who desire to enjoy pleasant lives. The accumulation of wealth has not been rapid, yet what the industry of man can do in a hundred years or so is pretty well shown by comparing the edifices and the institutions which are here to-day with the tents and huts in which the first settlers began the foundations upon which those who have followed them have built so securely. Without any inquiry whatever into their political views and opinions, into their motives and aims, we can at once recognize our debt to them for the commencement which they here made and which enables those who now live here to enjoy the life that is about them. They were for the most part a sturdy, brave and energetic people, almost dauntless in courage, and possessed of strength and energy which has made deep impressions upon the solid hills upon which they commenced their city. No special monument exists to their memory, but their monument is all about us. Other men are steadily working upon it, constantly adding to it, successfully extending it. And yet a monument to the Loyalists has been proposed in almost every generation which has succeeded them. Nearly half a century ago when the idea of a General Public Hospital was first promulgated among the people it was proposed that it should be erected as a tribute to the founders of the city. It has been erected as a practical thing without any sentimental consideration behind it. Many other projects have been brought forward and some of them carried to successful results. The memorial to the Loyalists is not yet begun. If there is any blame for this it rests upon the descendants of the Loyalists. Other people who have since come here would not be unwilling, we should think, to bear testimony to the good work done by those who laid the City’s foundation. Perhaps, it is not really of importance so long as the city works are carried on with the brave and hearty spirit with which the Loyalists began, and for the most part continued, their work.