British Whig (Kingston, ON), March 26, 1884

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A Reply To Shoveller.

The Editor, British Whig.

Dear Sir, - We are rejoiced to know that the shovellers are in such good trim for the spring work. We never had any belief in the statement that shovelling was a killing occupation, as some declared it was; and as to the starvation cry it is all humbug. Why the most of the shovellers have four or five houses under rent, and they have made enough money, as employees of Capt. Gaskin, at the Montreal Transportation Co.'s dock, to live without work at all. And so it is time that other men had a chance, especially when they dictate to the Company how they shall conduct their business. Now we are glad the shovellers are so healthy and hardy, though some of them have shovelled from 15 to 20 years; and this is a comfort to us who are just taking hold of the shovelling. A good many of us are poor men, and if we can make as good a showing as the old hands have done, if, after working 10 years, we have as much property, we will be all right, and I hope also healthy and hearty.

Yours truly, One of the New Shovellers

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SAILORS' UNION.

Yesterday morning at 9 o'clock the voting began at the Sailors' Union rooms, Ontario street, in connection with the offices of President and Vice President. The candidates were: For President, McCoomb, Cassidy and Quartz; for Vice-President, Fleming and Kirkwood.

The candidates and canvassers worked very hard. It is said that men attempted to vote who were not qualified; that others had membership tickets that were forgeries; but the poll clerk, A. Easton, detected them, defeating their schemes. Bribery and corruption is also charged. It was announced that the poll would close at 8 o'clock, and at that hour a large number of sailors collected in the vicinity of the booth. Some were willing to bet two to one, before the result was declared, that Cassidy would be elected, while others were equall willing to bet upon the success of Quartz and McCoomb.

At 8 o'clock the room was closed and the count began. Half an hour later and the suspense of the sailors was broken by

The Following Announcements:

For President - McCoomb, 40; H. Quartz, 9; Cassidy, 14 votes.

For Vice-President - Fleming, 49; Kirkwood, 11 votes.

After the reading of the figures a ringing cheer rent the air. The elected men made addresses, thanking the electors for the support they had been accorded.

A vote of thanks was passed to the polling clerk, and then the President and Vice-President "set 'em up for the boys."

The Full Staff.

The officers of the Union now are:

President - J. McCoomb.

Vice-President - J. Fleming.

Secretary - A. Easton.

Treasurer - J. Palmer.

The new President is well qualified for office, and there is no doubt that the Union will prosper under his rule. The Vice-President is also a good man. Altogether the Union has officers who will look well after its business.

A Sealed Verdict - Capts. Taylor and Scott and Mr. W. Power have concluded their arbitration and value of the schooner O'Gorman, destroyed by fire some time ago. Capt. Malone insured her in the Royal Canadian Company for $1,800. The Company did not think she was worth that amount and an arbitration was decided upon. The arbitrators presented a sealed verdict and a bill of $30 for their labors. They insisted that the verdict should not be opened until the bill was paid. Capt. Malone thinks the Company should pay the costs of the arbitration. The Company are willing to pay one half of it. Until a settlement is decided upon the verdict will remain under seal.

Removing Westward - Mr. Clarke, of the firm of Clarke & Robbins, of Sackett's Harbor, intends to remove to Buffalo. There he will establish a branch fish house. If the fishing in Lake Ontario does not improve the whole business will be transferred to Buffalo. Mr. Clarke is a former Kingstonian.

Here & There - The Dominion Wrecking & Salvage Company are giving the boilers of the str. Hastings a thorough overhauling.

The steamer Europe is being thoroughly repaired and fitted up in grand style. She is to be manned this season by Andrew Thompson, Captain; Alex. Brown, mate; Joseph Crossland, Engineer; J.H. Norris, purser, and James Clyde, steward.

Mr. Ross, manager of the Electric Light Co., is still in Montreal, superintending the work of putting lights in the Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Co.'s steamers and the Windsor Hotel. He will probably arrive here next week.