LANSDOWNE.

The Governor General’s Visit to Fredericton. ___________ The Civic Address – What the Party Saw at Marysville His excellency the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Marchioness of Lansdowne and suite left St. John shortly after two o’clock Wednesday on a special train for Fredericton. The train consisted of the Director’s car from the Maine Central Railway, an ordinary – first class car and a locomotive, the latter bedecked with flags and evergreens. The train was in charge of Conductor McLellan, with William Smith as driver. Mr. Greathead of the New Brunswick railway was on board. The run to Fredericton Junction was made in an hour and ten minutes. Here the Vice – Regal Party were met by the Members of the Local Government, who had gone down on the 2.30 train. The run to Fredericton, 22 miles, was made in twenty-eight minutes, thus giving one hundred and thirty eight minutes as the total running time from St. John. This is one of the fastest trips ever made over this road. A Guard of Honor from the Military School, commanded by Major Gordon, headed by the Infantry School Band, had marched out to the station and taken their position on the street directly opposite the end of the Station. About five o’clock a number of the University students, in academic costume, marched up and took a position on the left and opposite the Guard of Honor. Owing to the uncertainty, which prevailed, as to the time the train might be looked for, the attendance of the public was not large. At 4:15pm, the train announced its arrival by a prolonged whistle. The crowd gathered round vice regal car to get a glimpse of the Marquis and Marchioness. As their Excellency stepped from the car, they presented much the same appearance as any ordinary lady and gentleman would. They were plainly dressed. And neither of them can be said to be of distinguished appearance. Neither is above the medium height and both are somewhat spare. They would pass anywhere for a prosperous business man and his wife. The Marchioness looked as though she were somewhat fatigued. The party walked through the station to the York street entrance and stood upon the steps while a general salute was given by the guard. They then entered the Government House barouche and were driven rapidly to Government House, being accompanied by the members of the Government and Deputy Adjutant General Maunsell. The members of the Government did not alight from their carriages but drove at once to the city. By a singular omission there was no cheering at the station, no doubt for the reason that no one made it his business to lead off. As the carriage in which his Excellency sat drove away a number of gentlemen in the crowd lifted their hats, and his Excellency bowed in return, but this was the only resemblance of a demonstration of welcome on the part of the public. When it was too late to mend the matter expression of regret at the omission were very general. Official Dinner At 7 o’clock the official dinner was held at Government House. The list of invitations was small and comprised only the members of the Government the Supreme Court Bench and other Dominion and Provincial officials. The guests commenced to assemble a few minutes before 7 o’clock and shortly after that hour sat down to an excellent dinner. The table was beautifully decorated with handsome flowers from the Governor’s conservatory made into bouquets and displayed 3rd displayed in large spergues. The whole arrangement of the flowers and plate was in excellent good taste and creditable to the caterer. Appended is the list of those who had invitations to the official dinner given at Government House: - H E The Governor General Lady Lansdowne Lady Florence Anson Hon. Mr. Anson A D C. H Streatfield, A D C. Lieut. Col. Drury, A D C. The Metropolitan Mr. Justice and Mrs. Wetmore. Mr. Justice and Mrs. Fraser. Mr. Justice Weldon. Mr. Judge Palmer. Mr. Justice King. Mr. Justice {illegible} Lt. Gov and {illegible} Wilmot Lt. Col Maunsell, A.G. Hon Attorney General Hon Provincial Secretary Hon Chief Commissioner. Hon Surveyor General. Hon Solicitor General. Hon President of Executive Council. Hon A Harrison, M E C. Hon Dr. Vail, M E C Hon G S Turner, M E C. Dr. Jack. Major Fenety. Major Gordon, I S C. E L Wetmore, M P P. Hon A F Randolph, M L C. A F Street, Col of Customs. Private Secretary to Lieut. Governor. When dinner was announced the Lieutenant Governor took the Marchioness into the dining room, Lord Lansdowne taking Mrs. Wilmot, Justice Wetmore, Lady Florence Anson, His Lordship the Metropolitan Miss Fraser, Justice Fraser Miss Wilmot. It was quite 9 o’clock before the diner was over, and several ladies and gentlemen had already arrived and were in waiting to be received at the Drawing Room. A few minutes after 9 o’clock the left side entrance to the drawing room was opened and the guests filed in, and were announced by Mr. Anson, A.D.C. The Marquis and Marchioness stood directly opposite the main entrance to the room. Facing them were a number of officers in full dress uniform. These were Lieut. Col. Maunsell, A.D.G., Lieut. Col. Drury, Major Gordon, L.S.C. Capt. Grey, Governor General’s foot guard, and Capt. Cropley 71st, Lieuts. Young and Bremner, I.S.C., Lady Florence Anson, stood by the Marchioness while the reception was in progress. The Marchioness wore a beautiful dress of black striped satin, and violent bodice, and train lined with strawberry colored satin over a satin skirt trimmed with Brussels lace. Her ornaments were diamonds and a magnificent pearl necklace. Lady Anson was also elegantly attired. She wore a light blue silk dress trimmed with white jet lace. Like the Marchioness, her ornaments were diamonds and pearls. The scene in the drawing room during the presentation was very brilliant. The list of those who were presented is as follows: GENTLEMEN. Archer, Andrew. Bailey, Prof. L W Beckwith, Harry. Barker, Spafford US Consular Agent Blair, Hon A G Campbell, J R Cropley, H A Campbell, H M Royal Artillery Fraser, Hon J J Gregory, G F Gillespie, Hon T F Harrison, Hon A Hilyard, F S Maunsell, George Maunsell, Lieut Col Macnutt, L C McLellan, Hon D O’Malley, Major Mitchell, Hon. James Parkin, G R Rivet, Prof F P Ritchie, Hon R J Ryan, Hon P T Richards, C L Roberts, Rev G G Street, W W Vavasour, E W Wetmore, E L Wetmore, Judge Wiggins, Rev A V Winslow, T B Ladies. Alexander, Mrs. F Beckwith, Mrs. Harry Barker, Mrs. Spafford Cropley, Mrs. H A Drury, Miss DeWolf, Miss Fraser, Mrs. J J Gregory, Mrs. G F Green, Mrs. Hilton Hilyard, Mrs. F S Maunsell, Miss McLellan, Mrs. D O’Malley, Mrs. Parkin, Mrs. Geo. R Richards, Mrs. Chas L Rivet, Mrs. F P Street, Mrs. A F Temple, Miss Winslow, Mrs. T B Wetmore, Mrs. A R Wetmore, MRS. E L Some of the dress of the ladies were very handsome. Among those obtained were: Mrs. Wilmot, Rich Black Velvet, trimmed with lace; gold ornaments. Miss Wilmot, Pink Satin Dress, trimmed with white Spanish lace. Mrs. H. S. Hilyard, black silk dress, trimmed with white jet; gold ornaments. Miss Temple, black satin dress trimmed with lace; gold ornaments. Mrs. A. F. Street, cream satin, trimmed with lace; ornaments diamonds. Mrs. E L Wetmore, black silk, trimmed with smilax; gold ornaments. Mrs. DeWolfe, black silk dress, trimmed with lace; ornaments diamonds. Miss Drury, cream satin skirt with floral satin bodice; gold ornaments. Mrs. G F Gregory, black satin dress with court train; ornaments diamonds. Mrs. D. McLellan, black brocade dress, steel trimming; ornaments diamonds. Mrs. Spafford Barker, black velvet, Spanish lace gold and topaz ornaments. Mrs. G. R Parkin, white satin dress, lace trimmings, and gold ornaments. Mrs. Chas. Richards, black brocade dress, gold and ruby ornaments, and natural flowers. Mrs. Prof Rivet, garnet silk dress, and gold ornaments. Mrs. Wiggins, black silk dress, blue ribbon, gold ornaments. Mrs. Judge Wetmore, black velvet dress, trimmed with lace, gold ornaments. Mrs. Judge Wetmore, black velvet dress trimmed with lace, gold ornaments. Mrs. Henry Beckwith, black silk dress, gold ornaments. Mrs. H A Cropley, black silk dress, gold ornaments and natural flowers. Mrs. Maunsell, pale green brocade, trimmings peacock green, and ornament pearls. Mrs. J J Fraser, cream brocade dress, natural flowers and gold ornaments. Mrs. Major O’Malley, black satin dress, trimmings lace, and flowers, ornaments diamonds. After the formal presentation their Excellency mingled with the company and a very pleasant hour was spent. The guests and callers retired shortly before midnight. The Civic Presentation took place in the Parliament Buildings on Thursday, the Assembly Room having been kindly placed at the disposal of the City Council for that purpose. To prevent crowding on the floor of the Chamber admission was by ticket, and when 10:30 arrived the room was comfortably filled with a gathering of citizens and ladies. There were present Judges Wetmore, King and Fraser in their official robes, the Attorney General, Mr. E L Wetmore, Mr. T. C Allen and Mr. H B Rainsford also robed. Dr.’s Jack and Bailey and Prof. Bridges, of the University, were also present in their academic costume. A guard of honor from the military school was present. The attendance of citizens was not large and there was absolutely no public enthusiasm. His Excellency was accompanied by the Marchioness of Lansdowne, the Lieut. Governor Mrs. and Miss Wilmot, Lady Florence Anson, the Governor General’s staff, the staff of the Lieut. Governor’s, the officers of the military school corps and Capt. Cropley of the 71st, who joined the staff of the Governor General without invitation and without the order of his commanding officer. The Marquis proceeded to the Speaker’s chair. Lady Lansdowne occupied a seat on his right. His Worship, The Mayor and the City Council then advanced from the corridor on the right. They were accompanied by the City Clerk and City Treasurer. Ald. Farrell was not present. His Worship read the following address; To His Excellency, the most honorable Henry Charles Keith Petty Fitzmaurice Marquis of Lansdowne and Earl of Kerry and Shelburne, &c., &c., &., Governor General of Canada. May it please your Excellency. The presence of your Excellency and the Marchioness of Lansdowne among us, this day, is hailed with pleasure by the citizens of Fredericton, of whom the Mayor and City Council are the representatives, and have the honor of presenting to you this address. The appointment of your Excellency to the office of Governor General of this Dominion was at the time regarded by the older inhabitants and politicians as an earnest of the liberal disposition of Her Majesty’s Government towards the subjects of the Queen in this part of Her Empire. Although nearly half a century has passed away, there are still many among us who have a vivid and pleasant recollection of the great services rendered to the State by Your Excellency’s illustrious ancestor, the late Marquis of Lansdowne, who for many years filled one of the highest offices in Her Majesty’s Government, and whose name and fame must forever be inseparably linked with those other statesmen – the Greys and the Russells – to all of whom British North American Provinces owe a large debt of gratitude for the free Institutions which we this day so abundantly enjoy. We are pleased to find that the mantle of the ancestor has fallen upon a worthy descendant for we are reminded that Your Excellency at a very early age gave promise of a brilliant future. The highest official gift at Her Majesty’s disposal in British North America is an assurance that your appointment to the distinguished post of Governor General was the result of merit and not mere political preferment, and we sincerely believe that Your Excellency’s conduct in the administration of the government will fully sustain the confidence of the Sovereign and give universal satisfaction to the people. We beg to inform your Excellency that in another year we hope to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the foundation of this city. Here and in the vicinity, one hundred years ago, a large number of Loyalists from the old colonies came and pitched their tents in the wilderness amidst great privations and sufferings, and it may be added that the same loyal devotion to the Crown which marked that period remarks undiminished this day in the descendants of that heroic band – many of who, living among and near us, occupy high social and official positions; and, as of old will always, should occasion demand it, be found ready to go forth in defence of their Queen and country. Every street in our little Metropolitan City bears an historic name – in remembrance of the Mother Land – called after Kings, Queens, British Statesmen, and Provincial Governors, and during the last summer we opened and made another street which we called “Lansdowne.” Royalty has honored us with visits on four separate occasions and each successive Governor – General since Confederation has looked in upon us; a hearty welcome was accorded and in return the people were compensated by the kind acknowledgments made and the pleasant impressions left on the minds of all on the departure of their Excellencys, and it is our earnest hope that the visit of your Excellency and the Marchioness of Lansdowne though brief, and at an unfavorable season, will prove as enjoyable to you as it is satisfactory to ourselves. In conclusion, we beg to add that it is earnest prayer for our people that a kind Providence will ever keep your Excellencies from all evil and harm, and that wherever your lot be cast – at home or abroad – peace and happiness may attend you throughout life. On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fredericton, I have the honor to present to you this address. (Signed). G.E. FENETY, Mayor. (Signed). C.W. BECKWITH, City Clerk. Fredericton, Oct.24th., 1884. To this address his Excellency replied to the following effect. – THE GOVERNOR GENERAL’S REPLY. Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen of the City Council, - I have the greatest pleasure in accepting this loyal address and I thank you for your assurances of devotion to the Crown and your attachment to the union with the Mother Country, and I join with you in the hope that it may continue and prove of advantage to both parties. I can assure you that there is in the Old Country a strong desire to see the connection consolidated and made more lasting rather than broken or in any way impaired. There are illusions in your kind address, which, as they touch me personally, I cannot pass over without notice. It is a source of profound satisfaction to me that the memory of that old Liberal statesman, whose name I have the honor to bear, has not been forgotten. Those who watch the struggles in England in the early part of the last half century for civil and religious liberty, are familiar with his name and record; and I know that in no part of the British Empire are civil and religious liberty more honored than they are in the Province of New Brunswick. This address could not have been presented to me under more opportune circumstances, as this is my official birthday. Just a year ago to-day we came to Canada as strangers, and looking back over the past twelve months while I cannot congratulate myself upon having done very much, I am tempted to persuade myself that we have at least laid the foundation of a friendly acquaintance with the people of the Dominion. And, Sir, the reception we have met at your hands leads me to feel sure that we can count upon your support and countenance. Speaking of one anniversary reminds me of another. In another year, you tell me that you will celebrate the founding of Fredericton, and I am also told that you might, if you wished, well celebrate this year the establishment of New Brunswick as a separate Province. In the hundred years which have passed since then, although there have been periods of depression, the progress of your province has been remarkable. While this no doubt is due in part to the national advantages of the Province, to your abundant mineral wealth, to the fisheries which abound upwards to your coasts, to the forest which clothes your hillside and to your fertile soil, it is more due to the qualities of the people, inherited from those ancestors of whom you have spoken – men who have handed down to their descendants those characteristics which make good settlers, good citizens and good subjects of the Crown. It is a source of the greatest pleasure for me to have been able to visit Fredericton before the close of my first year’s residence in Canada. I desire especially to convey my thanks for the kindly reference to Lady Lansdowne. Much of the success of a Governor General depends upon his wife, and you will agree with me that Lady Lansdowne is none less fitted to discharge her duties because on her Mother’s side she is a Russell. We will carry away pleasant recollections of our visit to Fredericton and trust that we will leave such a pleasant impression behind us that you will not feel called upon to re-baptize that thoroughfare which you have so kindly named after us. Presentation. At the close of this address the Mayor presented the City Clerk, the City Treasurer, and the members of the City Council. The following ladies and gentlemen were also presented: Wnn Crocket, Chief Supt. Education. Mrs. Fenety Miss Fenety Mrs. C W Reckwith Mrs. George Bliss Hon. Mr. Turner Mr. T.C. Allen Mr. H.B. Rainsford Mrs. Dr. Bailey Mrs. C.H. Lugrin Miss Mable Jack Prof. Bridges Mr. G.F. Fisher Mr. John Richards Dr. Coburn Master Burton Beckwith Master Wentworth Winslow. The Marquis called Wentworth Winslow up to him after Beckwith had been presented, and greeted him very pleasantly. From the House of Assembly the Vice Regal party went to the Cathedral. They were met at the main entrance by the Metropolitan and the Rev. Mr. Alexander and were escorted through the building, in the various portions of which they took much interest, expressing their admiration of its chaste and quaint beauty. From the Cathedral they drove to the Gibsou Ferry and were conveyed across the river. The Attorney General and the Chief Commissioner of Public Works crossed in the Ferry and pointed out the bridge in course of construction. (By the way this is the paper bridge). The Solicitor General, the President of the Council and Hon. Mr. Turner accompanied the party to Marysville. On arriving at the village the party drove at once to Mr. Gibson’s residence. They were met at the door by Mr. Gibson, who proceeded them to the Cotton Mill, which they entered at the northern door. They were escorted through the mill, visiting all the apartments, and taking the greatest interest in everything which was being done. Mr. Ingham, who is putting in the spinning machinery, gave a full explanation of the different processes. His great experience in this work enabled him to make the subject very interesting. After looking through the mill the party went up to the church, which they spent a short time in examining. From the church they proceeded to Mr. Gibson’s residence again, where the Marquis and Lady Lansdowne alighted and entering the house were received by Mrs. Gibson. They remained for a few minutes and then returned to the city where they arrived at 2 o’clock. The Marquis expressed great satisfaction at what he had seen at Marysville, and the evidence of the extraordinary business talent of Mr. Gibson. Immediately on the return to the city the Vice regal party drove to the university where they were received by Dr.’s Jack and Bailey. Only a few of the students were present, the majority of them having left before the arrival of the Marquis, who had been expected at an earlier hour. After inspecting the University building the party returned to the city and drove to Government House to lunch. They left this city for St. John in the afternoon.