Stranica 295 [295]
OCR
DANIEL’S HOTEL, PRESCOTT. Prominent among the leading hotels of Central cott. Many years of experience, coupled with an aptitude for the business and an honest pride in not make Daniel’s Hotel a favorite with the general public. Situated very conveniently to the ferry, and but a short distance from the railway depot, it affords every convenience to travellers. It has long been a favorite resort for American tourists, who are among the best judges as to the merits of an hotcl, and thoroughly appreciate the courtesy with which all guests are invariably treated by Mr. Daniels and his assistants. During the past year the hotel has been remodelled and changes highly advantageous brought about. The dining hall, sitting room, billiard parlors, office and sample room, upon the first flat, are elegant and commodious. In every department the maxim that “Order is heaven’s first law," is acted upon, the result being a model hostelrie. Mr. Freeman I. Daniels is the gentlemanly manager, and with the commercial public numbers a host of friends. THE PRESCOTT.“ LELEGRAPH,, On the 31st day of December, 1831, Mr. Miles, of Kingston, arrived in Prescott, bringing with him the plant for a printing office, with which he commenced the publication of the Grenville Gazette. The paper struggled bravely for existence, but in consequence of the difficulties encountered, Mr. Miles became discouraged, and: disposed of the office to D. McLeod, who, however, did not long continue the publication, the Gazef/e passing into the hands of William B. Wells (now County Judge at Chatham), Mr. Wells at that time being the representative of the county in Parliament. Mr. Wells changed the name of the paper to that of the Vanguard, which continued, like its predecessor, a staunch advocate of Reform principles Finding the publication unprofitable, Mr. Wells sold the plant to a man named Wilson, who changed the politics of the paper, making it a Conservative journal. Wilson disposed of his interest to the late Robert Headlam, who continued its publication for about two years, when it passed out of existence. In 1847,a man named Harris started a journal called the Packet, but after a few issues became discouraged, and removed to Bytown (Ottawa). In September, 1847, Mr. S. B. Merrill arrived in Prescott, from Kingston, bringing with him the materials for a printing office. On the sth of October following, the first number of the Prescott Telegraph was issued in the interests of the Reform party. At that time Prescott contained only 1,700 inhabitants, and few business men who would furnish advertisements—the mainstay of all newspapers. Notwithstanding all the difficulties encountered, the Telegraph was soon placed upon a sound financial basis, and rapidly won its way as a powerful advocate of Liberal principles. Mr. Merrill was a trenchant and caustic writer, an able politician, and an excellent judge of the weak points in the armor of political opponents. His friends were warm in his praise, but those who suffered from his: keen criticisms were doubly anxious to rid Prescott of his presence, and at one time threatened to destroy the office, being exceedingly exasperated in consequence of the course pursued by the Zelegraph at the time when the Parliament Buildings were destroyed. In time this bitterness of feeling passed away, the rancour of party hatred giving place toa christian spirit of mutual forbearance. In 1861, Mr. Merrill handed over the Zelegraph to his sons, but continued the editorial management until 1863, when he was appointed Collector of Inland Revenue for Prescott Division, a position to which he was well entitled, from long and faithful service to the Reform party. ' In consequene of Mr. Merrill’s retirement, the Telegraph became the property of Mr. P. Byrne, who formed a partnership with Mr. J. W. Anderson.— Subsequently, Mr. Byrne was appointed Emigration Agent for the Province of Ontario, Mr. Anderson purchasing Mr. Byrne’s interest. After conducting to Mr. Isaac Watson. The latter being a parliamentary reporter, devoted but slight attention to the paper, which began to exhibit signs of decay. In March, 1877, Mr. John A. McKenzie, an experienced journalist and printer, assumed the management, and in June, 1878, he became proprietor. From that date up to the present time, the Ze/egraph has been constantly improved, and edited with ability, gaining in circulation and influence. Under Mr. McKenzie, it bids fair to become one of the leading local papers in Ontario. Its rivals have one by one disappeared in Prescott, among the slain being the O/d Messenger, the Zribune, and the Plaindealer, the latter having passed into the hands of three different parties in a short space of time. THE BUCKLEY FAMILY, AND JoHN BUCKLEY. In the year 1829, the late Timothy Buckley and his wife emigrated to Canada from the City of Cork, — Ireland, and settled in Prescott, where he carried on
