British Whig (Kingston, ON), Feb. 26, 1883

p.2

CATCH CRIES.

Capt. Gaskin Humbugging The People.

"Captain Gaskin is negotiating with Mr. Peter Mitchell for a lengthy lease of his ways at that place. (Portsmouth probably). If satisfactory arrangements are come to considerable work will be done on the ways named."

Dear Sir; - The above is from the News of Saturday night and I would like to know what it means. It is only a few weeks ago since Capt. Gaskin, on behalf of the M.T. Company, appeared before the City Council and stated why the Company should be exempted from taxation for 10 years. Amongst other reasons given the principal one was that a large amount of money would be spent in the city in building and repairing vessels.

The By-Law is about to be presented for a vote, and how in the name of all that is good can Captain Gaskin gull the people of Portsmouth by such trash placed in this paper for election purposes and moreover to induce voters to go for Wilmot. It is too thin - and won't work worth a cent. It is as you stated some time ago, a resuisitation of the dry dock scheme of 1879; only on a smaller scale.

It would not be an election without such Tory tricks being practiced to influence some verdent voter. How do our ship carpenters and mechanics like the idea of work being sent to Portsmouth for a long time as stated in the News' article, which was no doubt inspired by the tricky Captain?

No doubt every man who has to earn his living in the city will appreciate this act, intended to take work away from our doors. Those who think it a grand move may find out what a big mistake they have made before Wednesday morning. It may be said that this has nothing to do with the M.T. Co., and is a separate speculation. So much the worse. It is then done to injure the only marine railway in the city, owned by Power & Co., employing a large number of men.

I would say to the electors and workingmen beware of all such cries between now and Tuesday night. The Tories are busy and will keep on at the low work. It is such catch tricks as those they hope to win on and not the broad principles of good government.

Yours, etc., A SHIP CARPENTER.