The Saturday Globe Toronto, August 16, 1898.

If you want to gain some faint idea of what the passenger steamboat business of Toronto harbor means, stand at the Custom House corner any warm Saturday afternoon. You will see a steady stream of people passing down the street, added that from every street car that crosses Yonge street on the down trip, and supplemented by the many individuals who have the luck to come down in hack or buggy to the steamer landing.

At intervals this stream of south-bound humanity is broken by a great wave of people going in the opposite direction; their advent being advice to the onlooker that an excursion steamer has arrived and landed a living cargo, who now seek their several homes. It is not the size of the crowd alone, but its character which must attract attention, judging by the appearance of the people, every class is represented. Dudes with summer girls are seen in the same line as the mechanics and their wives and babies; parties of both sexes and all degrees of age are there; wives of prominent citizens with their summer visitors - no class seems to be unrepresented.

The fact is that Toronto people have got to appreciate the well-nigh unrivalled facilities afforded them for pleasure excursions by water. This city, like the rest of the world, is grasping every year more fully the idea that holidays of some kind are necessary as a buffer between our work and health. Rapid as is the increase in the number of people who make a practice of spending a part of the summer out of town, more rapid still has been the growth of the number that are unable or unwilling to absent themselves from the city for any considerable length of time, seek the excursion steamers for the change, and fresh air of sundry short trips upon the water. This class undoubtedly makes up the bulk of the crowds to be seen every day swarming to and from the wharves.

But there are two other classes in their way equally important. One is made up of residents of summer resorts near at hand. The Island, Grimsby, Long Branch and many other places, though deserted in the winter, are populous and prosperous places during the dog-days. Each of these places furnishes its constant stream of traffic to the excursion steamers, many city business men making it their regular practice to come to Toronto by boat in the morning, returning in time for the evening meal. Another class is made up of of those who spent part or all of their summer holiday in a steamer trip. Great as are the advantages offered for the other two classes as compared with people in the rest of the world, surely the last named class, as represented in Toronto's citizens, are to be treated as especially fortunate.

The great water system of the St. Lawrence and the lakes is accessible to a vast population, but no part of that population is situated more advantageously than the dwellers of Toronto. A two hours' run carries one to Niagara. The beauties of the Thousand Islands and the glories of the rapids are to be reached at little expense of time and money. We are about equidistant as a matter of steam travel from the Saguenay and Mackinac. East or west at long or at short distances, the Toronto excursionist can find places of world-famed beauty at the end of an enjoyable steamer trip.

With the increased demand for excursion facilities new steamers have appeared in Toronto harbor in great numbers, and now it may be claimed with reason that the city is fairly well abreast of the times in this regard. The growth of this great traffic will form a subject of interest to the historian, for it has a most important bearing upon the social development of the people, in the old days, before the speed, regularity and handiness of the railway proved its right to the first place in mercantile transportation business, the harbor of Toronto was its chief recommendation from a commercial point of view. And notwithstanding all the changes which have taken place, the facilities afforded to shipping of all kinds under shelter of Toronto Island remains one of the guarantees of the city's continued prosperity. The general tendency of the time, however, is undoubtedly to increase the traffic of freight by land at the expense of the shipping interest. But the direction of progress is reversed when pleasure travel is considered. During the hot season people seek the water route, where only the pleasure of the trip is to be considered, and this general tendency has made up in great part for the loss to the shipping of purely mercantile traffic.

The fact that pleasure excursion by steamer has become such an important institution is the best reason why the facilities for this popular form of enjoyment should be as good as can reasonably be provided. Considering that thousands upon thousands of people seek the water front every day during July and August, it is nothing short of amazing that so little outcry is made about the fact that the railway tracks must be crossed on the level. It is true that comparatively few accidents happen. Comparatively few accidents happen in the ordinary dynamite factory, but the argument would not be likely to reconcile the people to the establishment of a dynamite factory on a street traversed by thousands every day.

There is great inconvenience and discomfort, and some danger in crossing the Esplanade to and from the water front, and this is the supreme reason why some change should be made. Only the general understanding on the part of the people that their representatives are trying in some way to overcome the grievance can reasonably be held to account for the seeming apathy of the citizens on this subject. Another matter related to the above is the lack of facilities on the water front for passenger traffic. It is to be hoped that when the complicated Esplanade question is at last settled, something like reasonable provision will be made for the accommodation of the passengers by the various tines of steamers. The arrangements could hardly be worse than they are.

Temporary ticket offices often inconveniently situated, waiting rooms less comfortable than an ordinary barn, wharves to which vehicular traffic is quite free, and without guards or fenders for the protection of the children who are to be seen there daily - often unattended - these are some of the features. It is hardly worth anybody's while to make any changes in the present transition state of the whole water front; but it was not so a few years ago, and it says a great deal for the patience, not to say sheepishness, of the Toronto public that they have submitted so long to such contemptuous treatment at the hands of the people asking their business patronage. One of the features of the new waterfront, when it comes, should be not merely good but fine accommodation for the travelling public. The effect of the present lack of system is to give the steamer traffic a wrong tone. Where everyone must fight his way through as best as he may, the decorum of travelling is impossible. The human hog, whom it is difficult to regulate in any case, has too much his way in a crowd at the wharves, and only by imitating his vicious example can decent people maintain their rights at all.

The crowd becomes a mob; it cannot show respect for itself nor can it claim it from others. Consequently the officers of the various steamboat lines, even with the best of intentions in the world, cannot bear themselves toward the public as they undoubtedly would were they protected by the rules which would necessarily be enforced were proper accommodation for the travelling public provided. Great as is the summer excursion business of the harbor at present, it will undoubtedly increase largely when provision is made that the people may reach the waterfront conveniently and safely, and find fair accommodation when they get there.

High in the favor of the people as an excursion tine stands the Niagara River Line. Between Toronto and Niagara was one of the earliest steam routes, if not actually the earliest, on Lake Ontario. Under date, "York, April 21, 1827," Hugh Richardson, who styles himself "managing owner* announced that the Canada, a British steam packet, would make regular trips between York and Niagara Town "in the short space of 4 1/2 hours*. This was marvellously good time in those days, for steam navigation had by no means attained the perfection it claims today. The City of Toronto was on this route more years ago than most residents of the city can remember. Then came the new City of Toronto, which followed the other things of the time in getting old, and a few years ago was taken off the route.

Chicora

The Niagara Navigation Company now has on this route the Chicora and the Cibola, two well-known and popular vessels. The Chicora, which was put on the route in 1880, is a splendid side-wheeler, built by Laird, of Liverpool, builder of the famous Alabama. She is 233 feet long, and authorized to carry 800 passengers. Her engines are powerful and may be judged by the fact that her running time calls for a rate of eighteen miles an hour. The splendid accommodation afforded by the Chicora has made her a favorite of thousands and has been an important factor in making the Niagara route one of the most popular, claiming the favor of the citizens of Toronto. The Captain of the Chicora is Mr. J. McGiffen, an experienced and trust-worthy navigator. So successful has the work of the Chicora been that in 1888 her "big sister" the Cibola, was launched.

Cibola

This magnificent vessel was designed by Morton, designer of the celebrated passenger vessels on the Clyde. She is licenced to carry 1,200 passengers and rivals the Chicora in speed, steadiness and sea-going qualities. Being newer, her designers and builders had the advantage of the latest developments of the ship-builders, so the new vessel has been made a perfect model of elegance, convenience and comfort. She is commanded by Capt. J. E. McCorquodale, who was for long in command of the Chicora, and who earned his promotion to the larger vessel by efficient and careful discharge of his duties, on the smaller one. Those who travelled extensively say that there are no boats on any American inland waters which combine in greater degree speed, elegance, and sea-going qualities than do the steamers of this line. The company is composed of Toronto capitalists, with Senator Frank Smith as president, Mr. Barlow Cumberland, vice-president, and Mr. John Foy, manager.

A route of somewhat the same character as to length and efficiency of service is that between Toronto and Hamilton. Years ago the steamers which ply between Toronto and Montreal made Hamilton the western terminus of their route. For some reason this was abandoned, the vessels going no further west than Toronto. This left an opening for a local line between Hamilton and Toronto and that opening was soon filed by a company which in 1886 put the steamer Mazeppa on the route. The Mazeppa did a good business and proved that the trade was well worth cultivating.

Macassa

Accordingly in 1887 the company placed an order with Messrs. William Hamilton & Co., of Glasgow, which was filled by furnishing the steamer Macassa. Still the traffic grew and Messrs. Napier, Shanks & Bell, of Glasgow, were called upon to furnish a larger and finer steamer, which entered Toronto harbor last June and has already made her name the Modjeska favorably known to thousands of excursionists. These vessels are of the style of small ocean-going craft, being built of steel and propelled by screws. They have triple expansion engines and twin screws. Each vessel is lighted by electricity throughout. They are fast and steady craft, and being specially designed for the route upon which they ply are specially arranged as to afford a maximum of accommodation. They are elegantly fitted up, meeting in this as in other respects with the finest boats on the lakes. The Macassa is 180 feet long, and has a registered passenger carrying capacity of 536. She is under the command of Capt. Stanton. The Modjeska is 185 feet long, the full length of the smaller locks on the St. Lawrence canals, which had to be used in the steamer's progress from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to this port. Her registered capacity is 720 passengers. These fine steamers have established communication between Hamilton and Toronto by water on quite a regular and almost as speedy a basis as the train service. The Macassa steams eighteen knots an hour and the Modjeska twenty, so no time is lost on the trip to and from the Ambitious City.

Modjeska

Grand Stairway, Steamer Modjeska

At this end of the route, owing to the unsettled state of the waterfront question, the accommodation for passengers on the wharf is only temporary and therefore unsuitable. But as earnest of what the company may be expected to do as soon as an opportunity is offered is seen on what has been done at Hamilton. The dock at the western terminus is spacious and well situated. The necessary buildings, guards and gates have been provided so that the passengers can visit in comfort if they are too early; buy their tickets without unnecessary crowding, and get upon the boat without danger and without jostling. This line is under the control of the Hamilton Steamboat Company, made up wholly of Hamilton capital. The following are the officers: President T. B. Griffith; vice-president Geo. E. Tuckett; secretary J. M. Lottridge; manager at Hamilton, J. B. Griffith; manager at Toronto, F. Armstrong.

Toronto Island Ferry

Though as a rule small and making a short trip without special features, the Island ferries are among the most important steamers in the harbor. It took the people of Toronto a long time to discover the Island, but at last they seem to have awakened to the fact that at their very door is a summer resort which can hardly be surpassed as a breathing place for a city population. The improvements carried out at what is called Centre Island are the beginning of what promises in time to become a fine park. The wide sward, the rapidly-growing trees, the permanent walks and bridges, constitute an immense improvement over the stretches of sand and reedy lagoons which were the Island of a few years ago. At Hanlan's also great improvements have been made. The breakwater, though not all it promised to be, at least affords means for making a walk from end to end of the Island. The part known as the Wiman baths has not improved as rapidly as the other parts, and does not hold its own with them in popularity. The place has its attractions, however, and in the natural course of events will come to the fore again in popular favor.

Mayflower

The fact that the Island has now a large summer population as well as a daily throng of visitors has called forth a ferry service rapid, frequent and continuous. The boats are more numerous than they have been before, and though a good deal remains to be desired in the case of some of them, the service shows satisfactory enterprise and willingness to accommodate the people. The Island Park Ferry Company has a fleet of seven steamers: The Kathleen, Capt. James McSherry, and the Gertrude, Capt. George Murkison, run from Brock street direct to the Island Park. The Island Queen, Capt. A. J. Tymon; the Truant, Capt. V. K. Murphy; the J. L. McEdwards, Capt. M. Cochrane; and the Arlington, Capt. James Quinn, run from Church street direct to Island Park. The Ada Alice, Capt. Joseph Murphy, runs direct from Church street to Wiman baths. These boats vary in carrying capacity from the Ada Alice, 54, to the Kathleen, 200. From Church street a boat runs to Island Park every fifteen minutes beginning at 1 o'clock p.m. Andrew Tymon, a veteran in the Island Ferry business and long a believer in the "Centre Island" even when others expected nothing of it, is the manager of the company, and Mr. J. D. Murphy is secretary treasurer.

Toronto Island Ferry

Toronto Island Ferry

The Toronto Ferry Company (Limited) is a new-comer in the business of transport on Toronto Bay. The fleet of steamers of this company includes the Mascot, Capt. Livingstone; the Canadian,Capt. Jennings, which ply from Yonge street wharf to Island Park; the Sadie, Capt. Tufford, and the Mayflower, Capt. Moulton, plying from Yonge street to Hanlan's Point, and the Luella, Capt. Martin, and the John Hanlan, Capt. Jackman, plying from York street to Hanlan's Point. The Mayflower is a new departure in Toronto ferries and it is hoped that ere long a full fleet of this class of vessels will make the trip across the bay. The Mayflower is 140 feet long by 38 feet beam and 45 feet extreme width, and is propelled by two direct acting diagonal engines of over 300 horse power. She is lighted throughout with electricity. The designers are Messrs. Logan & Rankin, of this city, and she was built by Messrs. Doty. A sister steamer, the Primrose, was launched last June, and is now about ready for the route. Mr. E. B. Osler is president of the company, Mr. Wm. Hendrie, Hamilton, vice-president; R. A. Smith, secretary-treasurer.

Corsican

The steamers of the Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Company connect Toronto with the other ports of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. This is an old established connection and furnishes one of the most enjoyable long trips to be had anywhere. The steamers are composite side-wheelers having a record for safety and regularity in running which ensures the patronage of large numbers every season. The vessels are the Passport, Capt. Sinclair; the Corsican, Capt. Ada; the Spartan, Capt. Garrett, and the Algerian, Capt. Batten. One of these steamers leaves Toronto daily during the season, passing through the Thousand Islands and running the rapids and reaching Montreal at 6:30 the following evening. Connection is made at Montreal by steamer for Quebec, and at the latter place for the Saguenay. There is no other system of river navigation in the world that offers such variety and beauty of scenery as this. The steamers of the company are now run as passenger boats simply, so that the rooms formerly devoted to freight can now be given up wholly to the accommodation of passengers. The old plan of serving meals in the saloon, which, in years past, was the one objectionable feature of this trip is thus overcome, a separate, commodious dining room being provided on each steamer. The company has its headquarters in Montreal, the agent in Toronto being Mr. Barlow Cumberland.

Alma Munro

The Merchants' Line makes Toronto one of the principal stops in its long route from Montreal to Chicago. The steamers of this line are the fine propellers Acadia,Capt. A. Malcolmson; the Cuba, Capt. J. H. Hume, and the Alma Munro,Capt. J. Clifford, each fitted up for about 80 passengers. The round trip occupies sixteen days. The steamers are always crowded during the season, and the trip is a popular one, especially with the Americans, who appreciate the restfullness of almost three weeks on the waters of the beautiful St. Lawrence and great lakes. The owners of this line are known as the Montreal and Chicago Merchants Shipping Company, Mr. G. D. Graham,Toronto, president; W. A. Geddes,Toronto, vice-president; George E. Jaques, manager, Montreal; Messrs. W. A. Geddes & Co., are the Toronto agents for the line.

The steamer Ocean, a large and powerful propeller, makes a weekly round trip from Hamilton to Toronto and Montreal. The fine accommodations offered and the attractions of the trip itself make the Ocean a popular boat with all classes of people. The commander of the Ocean is Capt. John T. Towers, widely known as a favorite with the whole travelling public. Messrs. W. A. Geddes & Co. represent the Ocean in Toronto.

The propeller Persia, Capt. John H. Scott, has been on the route between St. Catharines and Montreal for the last twelve years, and has become as well-known as any other passenger boat that enters this harbor. She offers good accommodation for 65 passengers and her officers and crew from the captain down understand their business thoroughly. With the large number of people who spend their holidays in the Thousand Islands, the Persia offers a favorite means of reaching their destination.

The Empress of India, one of the best known steamers in the harbor, has been for years on the route from Toronto to Port Dalhousie in connection with the Grand Trunk to the Falls and Buffalo. The Empress was built in 1876, and was rebuilt in 1883-84, when she was provided with new and powerful machinery, making her one of the fastest boats on the lake. She is owned by Mr. A. W. Hepburn, of Picton, and is run under the control of the Grand Trunk for six months in the year. She is in command of Capt. W. H. Soames, with Mr. W. H. Smith as purser. At first only a daily trip was run by the Empress but now the business has increased as to call for two trips a day for about four months of the year.

The steamer Eurydice, Capt. Joseph Jackson, is a side-wheeler and plies between Toronto and Lake Island Park at Wilson, New York, and also makes a weekly trip to Grimsby. The Eurydice was completely overhauled last winter, and provided with new boilers, and is a fast sea-worthy steamer. The proprietor is Mr. P. G. Chase, of Toronto.

A new addition this summer to the steamers in Toronto harbor is the Lakeside. This vessel is a propeller with a capacity of about 300 people. She makes a daily round trip between Toronto and St. Catharines, coming down from the City of the Saints by the old Welland Canal. Her time is conveniently arranged both for Toronto and St. Catharines people, and the enterprise of her owners in putting the vessel on this route has already been rewarded by a good traffic. Capt. Wigle, who commands the steamer, is owner in company with Mr. Walker, the distiller, of Walkerville.

The J. W. Steinhoff is a propeller, commanded by Capt. Pollock, who in ability has no superior and in experience few, if any. The vessel makes three trips a day to Victoria Park. The proprietor is Mr . R. G. Barrett.

The C. W. Merritt affords an excellent service to Long Branch. The vessel is commanded by Capt. J. Boyd, the owners being the Polson Iron Works Co.

The Dan, a small but speedy and pretty propeller, plies to the Humber, a resort which suffered for a time owing to the opening up of other attractive places, but which is being re-discovered by the people to their own great advantage. The Dan has a carrying capacity of about 100 people. She is in charge of Capt. Donaldson, the owner being Mr. W. H. Clandinning.

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