The Royal North-west Mounted Police : a corps history

The Late Right Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald,
First Responsible Head of the Mounted Police Department.

The Right Honourable Sir Wilfred Lalrier,
The Present Responsible Head of the Department.

THE FORCE LOSES A GOOD FRIEND IN SIR JOHN MACDONALD BUT GAINS ANOTHER IN

SIR WILFRED LAURIER."

The

Royal North- West Mounted Police

A CORPS HISTORY

By

Captain Ernest J. Chambers

(Corps of Cuides)

Author o( a Series o( Canadian Regimental Histories, etc., etc.

Entered according to Act of _the Parliament of Canada in the year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Six
by Ernett J . Chaml)ert at the Dejxirlmenl of Agriculture.

THt MONTIMtR PRMS, MONTRCAL-OTTAWA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE.

PREFACE 4

CHAPTER I. — A Big Problem for a Young Country. — The Necessity of Providing for the Pro-
tection of Life and Property in the Great West during the Process of its Exploration and Settle-
ment.— Some Notes on the Early History of Canada's Great North- West. — Colonel Robertson Ross'
Reconnaissance of 1872 and his Report 5

CHAPTER II. — Organization of the NorthWest Mounted Police. — How the Authority of the
Dominion was Advanced Eight Hundred Miles Westward from Manitoba to the Foot Hills of
the Rockies by the Big March of 1874 17

CHAPTER III. — The First Winter in the Far West. — Hardships of the Pioneers of Fort Macleod.
— The Illicit Whisky Trade Suppressed and Law and Order Established. — A Marvellous Change. —
The First Detachment on the Saskatchewan. — Trouble with the St. Laurent Half-Breeds, —
General Sir Selby Smyth's Inspection and Favourable Report 29

CHAPTER IV. — Col. Macleod Commissioner. — The Development of the North-West Territories
under Proper Protection. — Dealings with the Indians. — The Sun Dance. — The Big Treaty with
the Blackfeet 38

•CHAPTER V. — The Sitting Bull Incident. — Unwelcome Visitors from the United States Impose

several years Hard Work and Grave Responsibilities. — Sitting Bull and the Custer Massacre .... 45

CHAPTER VI. — Under Sir John Again. — The Mounted Police placed under the Department of the
Interior. — Experimental Farming by the Force. — Lieut.-Col. A. G. Irvine succeeds Lieut.-Col.
Macleod as Commissioner. — Difficulties with the Indians in the Southern Part of the Territories. —
Tribes Induced to leave the Danger Zone near the International Frontier. — The Establishment
of the Force Increased by Two Himdred Men 56

CHAPTER VII. — Lord Lorne's Tour. — A Vice-Regal Escort which Travelled over Twelve Hundred

Miles. — Some Notes of a Highly Significant Prairie Pilgrimage 67

CHAPTER VIII. — Headquarters Removed to Regina. — The Usefulness of Fort Walsh Disappears,
and the Post is Abandoned. — The Construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. — A Record in
Track-Laying and an Equally Creditable Record in the Maintenance of Order. — p]xtra Duties
Imposed upon the North-West Mounted Police 71

CHAPTER IX.— The Rebellion of 1885.— The Uprising Predicted by Officers of the Force well
in Advance of the Actual Appeal to Arms. — Irvine's Splendid March from Regina to Prince
Albert. — The Fight at Duck Lake, and Abandonment of Fort Carlton. — Services of the Detach-
ments at Prince Albert, Battleford and Fort Pitt and of those which Accompanied the Militia
Columns throughout the Campaign 81

CHAPTER X. — Increase of Strength and Duties. — The Establishment Raised to 1,000 Men. —
L. W. Herchmer Commissioner, — More Vice-Regal Visits. — Extension of the Sphere of Opera-
tions Northward to the Athabasca and Peace River Districts and into the Yukon. — The Fight
to Suppress the Illicit Liquor Trade. — The Force Loses a Good Friend in Sir John Macdonald but
gains another in Sir Wilfrid Laurier. — The "Almighty Voice" Tragedy. — Rapid Extension of
the Yukon Duties 103

CHAPTER XI. — Under the Present Commissioner. — Handsome and Useful Contributions of
the North-West Mounted Police towards the Armies fighting the Battles of Empire in South
Africa. — The Victoria Cross. — Great Extension of the Work of the Force in Yukon and the Far
North. — The Memorable Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, and the Con-
ferring ujx)n the Force of the Distinction " Royal ". — The Earl of Minto Honorary Commissioner. —
Vice-Regal Visits. — The Inauguration of the New Provinces. — The Hudson Bay Detachments. —
Something about the Force as it is To-day and the Work it is Doing 124

APPENDIX A 159

-.^Kim'^.^^.m'^^.

PREFACE

ONE undertaking to write a history of such a redoubtable corps as the Royal
North- West Mounted Police, a corps which .might be said to be constantly
on strenuous active service, and consequently peculiarly prolific of stirring
story, is tempted to dwell rather upon the dramatic and sensational incidents of the
records of the force than upon the more matter of fact and historically valuable
annals.

I have tried to resist this temntation as far as possible, my desire being to pro-
duce a volume of some sort of historical value — rather an authentic record of the
origin, development and work of the force than a spicy collection of stirring adven-
tures, more or less apocryphal in character. A few, comparatively a very few,
thoroughly authenticated stirring incidents of the service of the force are related
in the following pages, but no more than enough to intelligently illustrate the
character of that service.

The late Inspector Dickens upon one occasion informed me that he had for some
time been collecting, with a view to their publication, a number of the well-authen-
ticated stories of daring and adventure within the force, and it is greatly to be regretted
that his intention was never put into execution, for what a stirring volume might
have been added to Canadian literature.

As to the present modest volume, the record of the Royal North- West Mounted
Police is so largely the history of Western Canada that the preservation in some sort
of an endurable form accessible to the reading and writing public, of the annals
of the force seemed an actual necessity, particularly with the control of the force
undergoing a change as at present.

Every care has been taken to secure accuracy of fact, and I must especially
express my thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Fred. White, the Comptroller, for his
courtesy in assisting me greatly, not only with personal information, but by placing
documents and photographs in his possession at my disposition. I feel that grateful
acknowledgements are also due to Assistant Commissioner J. H. McIUree, for assis-
tance in securing many of the portraits used in the illustration of this work, and to
Mr. D. A. McLaughlin, Chief Government Photographer, Ottawa, for a number of
excellent illustrations procured from him.

I have drawn to some extent, too, upon Dr. H. J. Morgan's volume, ''Canadian
Men and Women of the Day," for some biographical information. It is rarely one
produces a Canadian book of historical character without doing so.

Having resided for some time in the North- West, having gone through the rebel-
lion of 1885, including the chase after Big Bear, and having many friends among the
officers and men of the Royal North- West Mounted Police, I have had the privilege of
knowing something of the way the force does its work and of the excellent spirit per-
vading all ranks, and I only hope this volume may do something towards perpetuating
the record of the invaluable contribution towards Empire building in this Canada of
ours, made by this truly admirable body of men.

ERNEST J. CHAMBERS.

The Senate, Ottawa.
September 1, 1906.

CHAPTER I

A BIG PROBLEM FOR A YOUNG COUNTRY

The Necessity of Providing Protection for Life and Property in the Great West during the
Progress of the Country's Exploration and Settlement — Some Notes on the Early History
OF Canada's Great North-West — Colonel Robertson-Ross' Reconnaissance of 1872 and his
Report.

IN 1872 the Dominion of Canada, as yet only five
years old, was face to face with a momentous
proposition.
How was the infant country, weak in population and
financial resources, to provide for the exploration,
opening up and settlement of the vast region of 2,300.-
000 srjuare miles — a continent in itself — acquired by
the Dominion in virtue of "The Rupert's Land Act"
passed by the Imperial Parliament in 1868?

The United States had had to pour out, and was
still pouring out, at that date, human life and money
with a prodigal hand to open up the new territories to
the South of the infant Dominion's recently acquired
western Empire, and the end had not yet been accom-
plished (1). With her infinitely more restricted imme-
diate resources in men and money Canada could not
face the same expenditures.

The total revenue of the Dominion in 1872 was only
$20,714,813.

(1) In the U. H. CofiKremional Reconlx there ix a re|M>rt of onKasoinents
with hoRtile IndiniiM within the military ilivimon of the Minaouri from 1K('>K to
1882. In the recapitulation it ii* nhown that "more than 1 ,00<) officerH an<l
•oliiiem were kille<l or wouncie<l" in the Indian fiithtinx of that |>cri(Kl. Four
huniiretl battle* and nkirmivhe* were foUKht with Indiana in the fourteen
yearn.

Between 1862 and 1868 no le»w than 8<K) ncttlcrK were murdered in the
MMlth-weat by the Cheyenne*. Arapahoe* and Comanrhe*.

DurinK the tint week of the big .Sioux War which began in 1862 and
which coMt the U. H. Government between $I5,000.(MH) and t20.000.000,
over 700 white* ()eri*hRd throuKhout the western frontier of Minnennta and
adjacent di*tricl» of Iowa and Dakota. an<i more than 200 were made cap-
tive*, a condition often wone tliaii death.

At that very time the United States was spending at
the rate of $20,000,000 a year upon its western Indians
alone, and naturally enough similar complications with
the Indians in the Canadian west as those which had
occurred in the United States, drenching the camps and
trails of the pioneer settlers with blood, and necessita-
ting the frequent despatch of costly military expeditions,
were feared even by those not usually timid. There
were powerful and ferocious tribes of Indians in the
new region — the Crees and Blackfeet for instance — it
was well known, but just how many was a matter of
dispute, for the knowledge of the new country was very
meagre, based upon the unverified tales of the half-
breed trapper and the fur trader. There was even great
uncertainty as to the actual extent and main physical
features of the country. There were great rivers and
lakes and considerable mountain ridges which had
never even been heard of, and such great streams as the

Mr. Donaldson, a United States fJovcrnmcnt census ancnf, has shown
by actual records that l>etween July4, 1770 and .June. 30, INSOthc Inilians had
co«t the Unite<l States (Jovernment S0i0,2.'i0. 284.02. It was further shown
that only ime-third of this amount ($2.'V2,0(K).(HN!..'i4) had been spent on
pacifj'imi anil civilizinK Indians, two-thirds (S(l9r)„'{.'i0, 277.68) had been
nbsorlMMi in finhtinK them. In .March. 1882 the U.S. .Senate called on the
.Secretary of War for the cost of the Indian wars for the perio'! I872--I882.
The report showe<l that it amounte<l to no less a sum than S202.004,.50(l.

It is not to l)e wondered at that one Unile<l States officer. General Har-
vey, once *|>cakinit of the cost of the fre<|uenl Indian wars, remarked: — "It
would l>c better a* a matter of economy, to board unil IihIkc the Indians at
the Fifth Avenue Hotel, than to tight them."

Saskatchewan, Bow, Qu'Appelle and Belly Rivers
were incorrectly sketched upon the crude maps. (2)

Among so much that was uncertain as to the new
region there was this much known positively: — The
Dominion had undertaken to govern the Great North-
West, and by a solemn covenant entered into with the
Province of British Columbia, had pledged itself to lay
down across the vast unexplored stretches of forest,
prairie, flood and mountain, a railroad connecting the
old British colonies on the Pacific coast with the original
provinces of Canada.

Up to 1866 Vancouver Island and the mainland of
British Columbia, formerly called New Caledonia, were
separate colonies, but in the year named they were
united under the name of British Columbia. July 20,
1871 British Columbia became a province of the Do-
minion of Canada on the specific understanding that
within two years work would be begun upon a railway
to connect the province with eastern Canada. The
very day that British Columbia entered Confederation,
parties of engineers entrusted with the preliminary
surveys for the new railway, left Victoria to work east-
ward, and others started from the Upper Ottawa to
work westward.

It was obvious that to ensure the safe construction
and operation of this trans-continental railway, no less
than to provide for the security of the settlers who
were already beginning to filter into the wilderness,
some powerful and efficient instrument would have to
be provided for the assertion of the national authority
and the enforcement of the law.

Such an instrument was created in the North-West

(2) It was less than twenty years since the first systematic attempt to
explore the western part of the continent had been made. Itwas not until after
1853 that the western half of what is now the United States was thoroughly
explored, in the year named the United States Secretary of War being
authorized by the President to employ engineers to ascertain the best route
for a railway to connect the Mississippi with the Pacific coast. The first
reports of these engineers were decidedly discouraging.

The British Government in 1857 despatched an exploring expedition
under Captain Palliser to explore the vast unknown territory of British
North America west of Lake Superior, with special instructions to attempt
to locate a practicable horse route on British Territory for connecting Eastern
Canada with British Columbia. The explorations of this expedition ex-
tended over four years, and although the quest for a trans-continental wag-
gon trail, owing to the restrictive instructions issued, was unfruitful, the
results were important, demonstrating that there was an immense land re-
serve in the western part of British North America, capable of being put to
the use of man.

In 1859 the Edinburgh Review ridiculed the idea of forming the Red
River and Saskatchewan country into a Crown Colony, denounced it in fact,
as a wild and wicked notion, declaring that hailstones, Indians, frosts, early
and late, want of wood and water, rocks, bogs, etc., made settlement im-
possible.

One has but to read Dr. Grant's interesting volume "Ocean to Ocean"
to realize what absolute ignorance there was as to the Great North-West in
1872, not in what is generally regarded as the East merely, but in Manitoba
as well. Thus the learned annalist speaks ot meeting while at Fort Garry,
and on the same day. Archbishop Tache. and Mr. Taylor, the United States
Consul. He writes that to hear the Consul and the Archbishop speak about
the fertile belt was almost like hearing counsel for and against it. "The
Consul believes that the world without the Saskatchewan would be but a
poor affair; the Archbishop that the fertile belt must have been so called
because it is not fertile."

Mounted Police, a body which has earned for itself
during the thirty-three years of its existence an im-
portant and highly honourable place in the annals of
Canada.

Before proceeding with the relation of the facts con-
nected with the organization of this splendid force and
with its services to the country and the Empire, it is
probably better, for the purpose of indicating the exact
conditions prevailing in the North-West in 1873, the
year the force was organized, to briefly trace the history
of the country up to that time.

The original means of communication between the
Great North-West and Europe was via Hudson Bay, and
for a very long period that was the only trade route
between our great west and Britain. The British flag,
it might be remarked, was the first European ensign to
fly over any part of that vast domain, and it held un-
disputed sway over the shores of Hudson Bay and the
region to the south and west of it for many years before
the last of the lily-emblazoned flags of France in the
valley of the St. Lawrence was replaced by the Union
Jack. English trading posts had been established on
Hudson Bay and Straits, and English trading influences
felt throughout a considerable portion of region which
now forms part of the Dominion's North-West and
North-East territories within forty years of the founding
of Ville Marie (now Montreal) by de Maisonneuve. A
keen conflict was for a number of years maintained
between the French and the English for the possession
of these remote territories, and the trading forts suc-
cessively changed hands as fortune happened to favour
the one or the other.

A British expedition, under Sebastian Cabot, in 1517
discovered Hudson Strait. In 1576-1577 Martin
Frobisher made his voyages of discovery to the Arctic
regions of Canada. In 1585 John Davis discovered
Davis Straits, and the two following years visited the
seas to the north of Canada. In 1610 Henry Hudson,
in command of another English expedition, discovered
and explored Hudson Bay and James Bay, and win-
tered on the shores of the latter. Hudson, being de-
serted there by his mutinous crew, another English
expedition under Captain Thomas Britton proceeded
to James Bay in 1612 to effect his relief, but failed. In
1613, two distinct English expeditions, one under
Captain Fox, the other under Captain James, both, as
had been the case with Hudson, despatched in quest of
a north-west passage to the Far East, explored both
Hudson Bay and James Bay. In 1670, King Charles
II, of England, granted to Prince Rupert the charter
to trade in and about Hudson Bay and Straits, in
virtue of which the Hudson Bay Company was organ-
ized. A governor and establishment were sent out
from England, and two forts or trading posts estab-

6

lished. The main object of the company was to
engage in the fur trade, but its charter authorized it to
conduct explorations.

In 1672 the French Jesuit priest, Father Albanel,
inspired by that zeal for the spread of the Gospel of
Christ among the heathen Indians, which led so many
devoted French priests, in that brave era, throughout
daring trips of explorations, and in many cases, alas!
to glorious martyrdom, performed the feat of making
the passage overland from Montreal to Hudson Bay,
and took formal possession of the land in the name of
the King of France, although the English had already
established themselves there.

If the officials of the Hudson Bay Company heard of
the good priest's visit and patriotic act, it does not
appear to have concerned them, for the year 1686 the
company had no less than five trading posts in opera-
tion round the shores of Hudson and James Bays. They
were designated the Albany, the Moose, the Rupert,
the Nelson and the Seven Factories. In the year last
named one of these English posts was overwhelmed
with disaster. The activity of the English traders in
the then far north-west was interfering with the fur
trade of the St. Lawrence, and an expedition under
Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, was organized in
New France to proceed to Hudson Bay and destroy
Moose Factory. The commission was thoroughly
executed, and, in subsequent expeditions, between
1686 and 1697, d'Iberville captured five more posts of
the company, and destroyed many of its vessels; but
the Hudson Bay Company was not destroyed nor de-
terred from its purpose. In 1696 d'Iberville returned
to France, and under the treaty of Ryswick, passed
that year, there was a mutual restoration of places
taken during the war. By the treaty of Utrecht, 1713,
Hudson Bay,, and adjacent territory was definitely
and finally ceded to Britain, fifty-seven years before
the Laurentian colony of New France.

There was destined to be many years' dispute as to
exactly what comprised the Hudson Bay territory, or
Prince Rupert's Land. The original charter com-
prised the country drained into Hudson Bay and Hud-
son Straits, but the company's voyageurs and trappers
travelled over great areas to the west and south of
those limits, and established forts or trading posts
therein. Rival English fur traders disputed the
monopoly of the company, even to the coast irade of
Hud.son and James Bays, but the Company generally
succeeded in driving them out and destroying their
establishments.

The French, too, with their wonderful genius for
inland discovery, penetrated from the distant St. Law-
rence settlements to the great prairie region to the
south and west of Hudson Bay. In 1732, two Montreal

traders, de la Verandrye and du Luth (after whom the
city of Duluth is named) , built a fort on the Lake of the
Woods, and before the conquest of New France was
completed, enterprising French pioneers had established
trading posts on Lake Winnipeg. Lake Manitoba, Cedar
Lake, and on the Saskatchewan.

For a time after the conquest, the French fur traders
appear to have practically withdrawn from the vast
region west of the great lakes, and the Hudson Bay
Company enjoyed full possession of the far western
fur trade. Then rival concerns returned to the big
company's sphere of operations. The most important
of these was the North- West Company, organized on a
co-operative system at Montreal, 1783. Its promoters
were Scotch and Frc;nch, and as it was a Canadian
company and operated over the same route as the
former fur trade of New France, it attracted to its
support the hardy voyageurs and " coureurs des bois "
who had diverted so large a share of the western fur
trade to the St. Lawrence route during the French
regime. To them the Hudson Bay Company was an
hereditary enemy, and they entered upon the work of
opposition with great zeal. Rivalry of the keenest
kind prevailed between the two companies, and pitched
battles and bloodshed were the result. The Hudson
Bay Company claimed the whole of the present north-
west, including Manitoba, by reason of its charter and
alleged prior occupation. The North-West Company,
as a Canadian concern, on the other hand, claimed the
right to trade in the prairie region on the ground that
it had not only been discovered by parties sent out
from Canada during the French regime, but had, up to
the time of the conquest, been occupied by Canadian
traders or their agents, and was consequently a part of
the Canada of New France which was ceded to Britain
by the Capitulation of Montreal, and not rightly a part
of the Hudson Bay Territory.

In 1811 and 1812 the Earl of Selkirk, having ac-
quired a controlling interest in the Hudson Bay Com-
pany, decided to form a settlement, and sent a number
of settlers out from Scotland to locate upon lands on
the Red River. This was the first serious attempt at
settlement in what is now the great province of Mani-
toba. The North-West Company, whose employees
up to this time had practically monopolized the trade
of the Red River Valley, soon came into violent conflict
with this settlement, and determined and dastardly
measures were resorted to to accomplish the destruction
of the settlements. Attempts to starve the settlers
out by seizing their supplies en route from Hudson
Bay failed, and so did efforts to arouse the Indians to
accomplish the destruction of the settlement, and other
efforts to bribe the settlers from their allegiance to the
Hudson Bay Company. At length a party of North-

West Company men entered Fort Douglas, the head-
quarters of the settlement, and carried off the guns
and means of defence. This caused somewhat of a
stampede among the settlers, and the raid upon the
fort being in course of time succeeded by the arrest
and transportation to Montreal of the Governor of the
settlement, Miles Macdonell, the settlement was
abandoned in June 1815, the year of Waterloo. Later
in the same year, the main party of the Selkirk settlers,
recruited by some new arrivals from Scotland, returned
to the destroj^ed settlement and rebuilt their homes,
fort and mill. The half-breed adherents of the North-
West Company, who had been directly responsible for
the previous disaster, again showing a disposition to
create trouble, the Selkirk colonists suddenly fell upon
their settlement and took their leader, Cameron, pris-
oner, releasing him, however, on the promise of good
behaviour. June 19, 1816, the colony was again sur-
prised and raided by the North-West Company's half-
breeds. Twenty-one of the Hudson Bay Company
officials and adherents were killed and one wounded in
this affair. Again the afflicted colonists were forced
to take shelter in the Hudson Bay forts to the
north.

Meantime Lord Selkirk had arrived in Canada to
endeavour to secure protection for his colony, but
failed signally until he personally organized a mili-
tary force. Upon the conclusion of the war of 1812-
1814 with the United States, two Swiss auxiliary
regiments in the British Service, the De Meuron and the
Watteville regiments, were disbanded in Canada, and
Selkirk engaged one hundred of their officers and men,
clothed and armed them at his own expense, and with
thirty canoe men started out via the great lakes for his
settlement. It was June, 1817, before the expedition
reached the site of the settlement, and the refugee
settlers were recalled from Norway House on Lake
Winnipeg. The Red River colony was re-established,
but for many years longer had a painfully chequered
existence.

The troubles in the great North-West became a
subject of discussion in the British House of Commons
and of Parliamentary investigation, and finally, by
Parliamentary mediation, an union of the interests of
the Hudson Bay Company and the North-west Com-
pany was accomplished, the united company taking
the name of the Hudson Bay Company. The Govern-
ment of the vast region now known as Manitoba and
the North-West was vested in the company, whose
officers were commissioned as justices of the peace.
A special clause in the license granted to the recon-
structed company, prohibited any interference with
colonization.

The troubles of the Selkirk settlers were not yet over.

From ignorance of the country the settlement nearly
suffered extermination from floods and famines.

In 1835 the Hudson Bay Company purchased the
rights of the Selkirk family to the Red River Colony^
and a sort of government was set up by the Company
with a council (Council of Assiniboia) comprised of its
servants. The colonists had no voice in the selection
of the members, and the Company's governor and his
council made the laws, interpreted them, and enforced
them. Before many years the British genius for repre-
sentative government asserted itself, and the British
and Canadian parliaments were petitioned by the
settlers to make them equal participators in the rights
and liberties enjoyed by British subjects elsewhere.

In 1857 this matter was discussed in the Canadian
as well as the British Parliament, and the question
of joining " Rupert's Land and the North -West
Territory" to Canada made such progress that pro-
vision was made in the British North America Act
anticipating the admission of the territory into Con-
federation. At the very first session of the Dominion
Parliament the project took definite shape, and a series
of resolutions were passed favouring the admission of the
territories ruled by the Hudson Bay Company into
Confederation. The Imperial Government having
expressed its approval, negotiations were entered into
with the Company, and in 1869, a formal deed of sur-
render of the territories was executed, the Dominion
Government agreeing to pay 300,000 pounds sterling
to the Company for the relinquishment of its mono-
poly and rights in the territory, the Company retaining
its trading posts and one-twentieth of all the lands in
the fertile belt. And so this vast territory, covering
some 2,300,000 square miles became a part of the
Dominion of Canada.

The transfer of the country was marked by the
Riel uprising of 1869, due chiefly to the objection of
the French half-breeds, who were generally hunters, to
the anticipated opening of the country to settlement,
on a system foreign to their practice ; but due in some
measure to intrigue by Fenian agitators and by citizens
of the United States, who were desirous of seeing the
Hudson Bay territory added to the Republic.

The Red River expeditions under Col. (now Lord)
Wolseley, in. 1870, effectively put a period to the upris-
ing, and in 1870 the Red River settlement and ad-
jacent territory was formed into the Province of Mani-
toba, the first legislature being elected the following
January. Shortly afterwards an Executive Council
was named to assist the LieUt.-Governor of Manitoba
in administering the affairs of the territories beyond
the limits of the new province.

The population of the Province of Manitoba in 1870
according to the census was 1,565 whites, 578 Indians,

5,757 French half-breeds and 4,083 English-speaking
half-breeds.

Immediately after taking possession of Fort Garry
in 1870 Colonel Wolseley called upon Mr. Donald A.
Smith, now Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, to act
as the administrator of the provincial government
pending the arrival of the Lieutenant-Governor.
Things were in a very unsettled condition after the
collapse of the inefficient Riel administration, and with
many of the people of the settlement coming into the
Fort, numerous acts of lawlessness were reported.
To restore and maintain law and order, a mounted
poHce force was organized under the command of
Captain Villiers of the Quebec Battalion of Rifles.
The organization of this force is historically interesting
as it was the first police force to be organized in western
Canada.

The two provisional battalions of militia (rifles) which
Wolseley took to Fort Garry in 1870 remained in the
province for the winter, sufficient men being re-inlisted
in the spring to form a small provisional battalion,
which it was deemed wise to keep at Fort Garry as a
Garrison after that. This battalion, in spite of the
short terms of enlistment, was maintained in a very
efficient state for several years, frequent drafts from
Ontario and Quebec, and in 1873 from Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick, being sent to Manitoba to keep
the ranks full. After the first year a battery of field
artillery was incorporated in the battalion. This was
the only military force maintained in the new west
besides some companies of volunteer militia in Mani-
toba. The calls for special duty were quite numerous,
upon one occasion a detachment marching across the
prairie to Lake Qu'Appelle upon the occasion of the
negotiation of an Indian Treaty, upon another to the
Lake of the Woods. This permanent force was in
command of Major Acheson G. Irvine, who had gone
out with Wolseley's expedition as second in command
of the Quebec Rifles, and who subsequently rose to the
command of the North-West Mounted Police.

The necessity of maintaining this small force in the
Red River settlement and the difficulty in forwarding
drafts and supplies, had the result of hastening the
work which the government undertook of improving
the water and waggon route between Lake Superior
and Fort Garry, and which from the name of the en-
gineer placed in charge, is so well known historically
as " The Dawson Route. "

Colonel Wol.seley's force in 1870, in spite of the
greatest efforts of officers and men, took nearly three
months in coveriii<: tti( distance between Thunder Bay
(I*rince Arthur's Landing) and Fort Garry, Thanks
to the improvements effecte<l in the route, the trip in
1872 (ould \)c done in three weeks.

In effecting this improvement, roads had been cut
and graded by the engineers, stream and lake channels
roughly cleared of logs, stumps and boulders; por-
tages improved, steamers placed upon some of the
longer water stretches, stations in the charge of res-
ponsible men established at the portages and other
resting places, and so on. For the first forty-five miles
from Lake Superior the route was entirely by land.
Then succeeded a stretch of three hundred and eighty
miles of lakes and rivers, and then another land stretch
of one hundred and ten miles, or 530 miles in all.

The co^npletion of this route resulted in an.,a;^feci-
able influx of population. ' "

In 1871 and 1872 attention was drawn in the Dom-
inion parliament to evidences of restlessness among
the Northwest Indians, and the advisability of taking
effective means to deal with any possible uprising. The
practice of the United States Indians, particularly the
Sioux, of resorting for refuge to British territory, after
their periodical uprisings and when hard pressed by
the blue-coated armies sent against them, was con-
sidered a most disquieting factor, and anxiety, niore-
over, began to spread as a result of complaints made on
behalf of various bands of Canadian Indians as to bad
treatment by the officials of the government.

In the House of Commons March 31st, 1873, Dr.
John Schultz, M.P., in presenting a motion for copies
of correspondence relating to the dissatisfaction pre-
vailing among the Indians of Manitoba and the North-
West in 1871 drew attention to the fact that the Im-
perial Proclamation of July 15th, 1870, which added
300,000 square miles to the area of the Dominion,
pledged the country to the care and protection of
68,000 Indians. He contrasted the state of peace pre-
vailing in the new region with the state of war and
bloodshed prevailing across the International frontier.
But a spirit of restlessness was abroad among the
Indians, and a more generous policy towards them
on the part of the government was necessary.

Mr. Cunningham, Member for Marquette, who
followed Dr. Schultz, attributed the restlessness and
discontent among the Indians to the then recent tran-
sition in the government of the country. The Indian
could not understand that Great Britain and Canada
were identical. The Americans had a longing eye
upon the North-West, and lost no opportunity of spread-
ing discontent there. In fact, most of the trouble
there was to be attributed to American highwines sold
to the Indians by men calling themselves traders; and
if Canada desired to retain possession of the country
she would have to be prepared to spend money freely,
and garrisons would have to be established and sus-
tained throughout the Saskatchewan district.

The Hon. Joseph Howe took exception to these

9

assertions. Did not the Hudson Bay Company, he
asked, govern the country for years without the
assistance of a single soldier, with the exception
of one regiment for a short time when war with
the United States was anticipated. (3) If Canada
could not hold the North-West without garrisons scat-
tered all over the country, she could not hold it at all.

A Typical Group of North-West Indians in Gala Garb,

(From a photogfraph by Mr. McLaughlin, Chief Photographer of the
Public Works Department).

They had 300 well-drilled men concentrated in the
heart of the country ready to be dispatched to any
part at any moment. It would be madness to divide
them over the country until necessity required their

(3) From 1846 to 1848 a wing of H. M. 6th Regiment of Foot was quar-
tered at Red River; and for a number of years following, the colony was
protected by a corps of enrolled pensioners. Lord Selkirk's detachment of
disbanded Swiss did not remain in the colony, but emigrated to the more
rapidly developing settlements on the Upper Mississippi. From 1857 to
1861 a detachment of the Royal Canadian Rifles occupied Fort Garry during
the excitement caused by the Sioux uprising across the Minnesota frontier.
After the Sioux massacres in 1862 a number of the Sioux came across the
line to Red River, but they were got rid of without serious trouble.

presence at any particular point. There were 500
men employed on the boundary survey, and they were
strong enough to protect themselves and render assist-
ance to persons settled in the neighbourhood.

Sir John A. Macdonald, then Prime Minister of
Canada remarked that it was the duty of the govern-
ment to see that the frontier was protected, to see that
there were no raids nor incursions or outrages by
violent men from another country; and when settle-
ment took place it would be their duty to see that a
militia force was organized and that law was main-
tained. That country had only been Canada's two
years. There were at the moment 300 as fine men as
could be found in any military force in the world up
there, who were sufficient to prevent any Indian war.

It was the intention of the government, however, dur-
ing that very session, to ask the House for a moderate
grant of money to organize a mounted police force,
somewhat similar to the Irish mounted constabulary.

They would have the advantage of military dis-
cipline, would be armed in a simple bvit efficient way,
would use the hardy horse of the country, and, by
being police, would be a civil force, each member of
which would be a police constable, and therefore a
preventive officer. This force would be kept up to
protect the frontier, to look after the customs and put
down smuggling, and particularly the smuggling of
ardent spirits, which tended to the utter demoraliza-
tion of the Indian tribes. This force would also move
in case of any threatened disturbance between Indian
tribes or between Indian and white settlers.

The difficulty of settling the territory was enhanced,
he was afraid, by the insidious advice of single traders
crossing the line. They were under no restraint,
morally or otherwise. They considered they had a
right to cross the line, and defraud the Indian of his
furs in exchange for spirits, arms, ammunition, and
other ware; and they often induced the Indians to
make unreasonable demands on the government; but
by firmness — by letting the Indians understand they
would have fair compensation, and no more, he be-
lieved these difficulties would be overcome.

Numerous reports, some based upon truth, others
without any foundation in fact found their way into
the papers about fierce tribal fights among the western
Indians. For instance April 9, 1871, the following
appeared in the Ottawa "Free Press": —

" Latest Saskatchewan advices bring intelligence of a
fight between Cree and Blackfeet Indians, in which
70 of the former were killed at long range by breech
loading rifles, before they were able to come within
fighting distance. The Crees were not aware that
their hereditary foes had been furnished with so deadly
a weapon. The rifles had been furnished by American

10

traders. A pity this trade cannot be stopped. No
one knows how soon these rifles may be turned against
our own people."

About this time, all sorts of sensational stories began
to gain currency in the United States as to the designs
of American freebooters against the far western country.
There were reports that imposing fortifications were
being erected at strategical points, armed with artillery
and manned with rapidly augmenting forces of western
desperadoes of the worst class. These forts were re-
presented as the centres of a large and prosperous
traffic, particularly in bad whisky, and it was represented
that the garrisons were not only fully determined, but
quite prepared to resist, by force of arms, any attempt
to assert the authority of the Canadian government in
their neighbourhood.

Although the most sensational of these stories which
reached the east were much exaggerated, there is no
doubt that the incursions of illicit traders from across
the lines in the far west country were fraught with
much danger.

Dr. Grant (" Ocean to Ocean ") records the fact that
a few hours before the arrival of Sanford Fleming's
party at Fort Carlton in 1872, Mr. Clark, the Hudson
Bay agent, had received information by the then most
direct; but really very round-about route, namely via
Edmonton, that Yankee "Free Traders" from Belly
River had entered the country (now Southern Alberta) ,
and were selling rum to the Indians in exchange for
their horses. The worst consequences were feared,
as when the Indians have no horses they cannot hunt.
When they cannot hunt they are not ashamed to steal
horses, and horse stealing in these days led to wars.
The Crees and Blackfeet had then been at peace for
two or three years, (an unusually long period) but, if
the peace was once broken, the old thirst for scalps
would revive and the country be rendered insecure.
Dr. Grant wrote that Mr. Clark spoke bitterly of the
helplessness of the authorities, in consequence of having
had no force from the outset to back up the proclama-
tions that had been i.ssued. Both traders and Indians,
he said, were learning the dangerous lesson that the
Queen's orders could be disregarded with impunity.

The members of Fleming's party comforted Mr.
Clark with the assurance that Colonel Robertson-Ross,
Adjutant General of the Canadian Militia was on his
way up to repress all disorders and see what was neces-
sary to be done for the future peace of the country.

Dr. Grant (p. 141 Ocean to Ocean) commented as
follows on the position: — "Making allowances for the
fears of those who see no protection for life or property
within five hundred or a thousand miles from them,
and for the exaggerated size to which rumors swell in a
country of such magnificent distances, where there are

no newspapers and no means of communication except
expresses, it is clear that if the government wishes to
avoid worrying, expensive, murderous difficulties
with the Indians, something must be done. There
must be law and order all over our North-West from the
first. Three or four companies of fifty men each, like
those now in Manitoba, would be sufficient for the
purpose, if judiciously stationed. Ten times the num-
ber may be required if there is long delay. The country
cannot afford repetitions of the Manitoba rebellion. "

The government realizing that something had to be
done in the direction indicated in the foregoing, the
same year as this was written (1872) despatched
Colonel P. Robertson-Ross, then occupying the dual
position of Commanding Officer of the Militia of Canada
and Adjutant General thereof, on what he described
as "A Reconnaissance of the North-West Provinces
and Indian Territories of the Dominion of Canada, " the
object being to obtain an expert report on the country.

As the report of Colonel Robertson-Ross describes
the situation as it existed immediately before the
organization of the North-West Mounted Police, and
as it doubtless had an influence in determining the
question of that organization there is no excuse needed
for publishing the report fully.

The Adjutant General wrote: —

"On the termination of the annual training of the
Militia in the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, I pro-
ceeded in the first instance, via Lake Superior and the
" Dawson Route " to Manitoba, and in accordance with
instructions, subsequently crossed the Continent
through Canadian territory to the Pacific Coast and
Vancouver Island, travelling nearly the whole distance
from Fort Garry on horseback.

" Leaving CoUingwpocJ on \,\\e 16th July, in the steam-
boat for Thunder E|ay, (^^Ifp Superior), the vessel
reached her destination early ^^ the morning of the
22nd, stopping, en route, a|i the settlements of Owen
Sound, Leith q,nd Killarney, on the shores of Lake
Huron, and at Gargantua 3^y, Michipicoten Island
and Neepigon, on Lake Sup.erior.

" From most careful inquiries, it appears that the
number of Indians occupying the country along the
line of the "Dawson Route," and who belong to the
Objibbeway tribe, does not exceed a total population
of four thousand, of whom it is believed about eight
hundred are men capable of bearing arms. Although
among these Indians there may be some restless charac-
ters, they are considered good Indians on the whole,
and if kindly but firmly treated, they are not likely to
cause any interruption along this route, or offer opposi-
tion to the peaceful settlement of the country.

" During the past summer, the Objibbeway tribe were
apprehensive of an attack from the Sioux, their here-

11

ditary enemies, dwelling west of the Red River on the
American side of the International boundary line.
With a view, therefore, of preserving the peace of the
country, and of supporting our Indian commissioner when
engaged in making treaties and for the protection of
settlers, I am of opinion that it would be advisable to
encamp a detachment of about one hundred (100)
soldiers during the summer months at Fort Francis.
This force could be taken from the Militia now on duty
at Fort Garry, returning to that station for the winter
months. To send an Indian commissioner unaccom-
panied by a military force to make a treaty with this
tribe last summer proved a failure.

"I would further suggest that the employees of the
Department of Public Works stationed along the line
of the " Dawson Route, " who will this summer number
about 400 men, should be organized into a Naval Bri-
gade, to be armed and equipped by the Militia Depart-
ment; and that the offer to raise two Volunteer Com-
panies of Militia at Prince Arthur's Landing, Thunder
Bay, be accepted.

"The existence of such a material power along the
line, would, I feel sure, prove of the greatest importance.
There is no doubt that the passage of troops for the
last three years proceeding to and from Fort Garry in
support of the civil power, on mission of peace, has
already been attended with the best results.

"I would further urge, if it be the intention of the
government to retain any military force on duty in
Manitoba, that one hundred men of the Provisional
Battalion be supplied with horses and equipped as
Mounted Riflemen, that an addition of one officer and 25
gunners from the School of Gunnery at Kingston be
made to the Artillery detachment, and the Artillery
supplied with four of the Horse Artillery guns recently
obtained from England.-/ Thus the force would form
a small but effective Field Brigade, and its military
power be greatly increased.

"With regard to the necessity for maintaining any
Military Force at Fort Garry, no doubt whatever exists
in my mind as to the propriety of doing so, in view of
the presence of many bands of Indians, considering
the primitive state of society in the Province, the
strong political party feeling which exists, and the fact
that on both sides of the International Boundary Line
restless and reckless characters among both white men
and Indians abound.

"It is undoubtedly very desirable to maintain a
certain number of Police Constables in the Province
under the civil power, some of whom should be mounted,
but I feel satisfied that the great security for the pre-
servation of good order, and the peace of the North-
West Territories, under the changing state of affairs,
will for some years, be found to lie in the existence and

presence of a disciplined military body, under its own
military rules, in addition to, but distinct from, any
civil force which it may be thought proper to establish.

" Whatever feeling may be entertained toward Police-
men, animosity is rarely, if ever, felt towards disci-
plined soldiers wearing Her Majesty's uniform, in any
portion of the British Empire.

" In the event of serious disturbance, a Police Force,
acting alone, and unsupported by a disciplined military
body, would probably be overpowered, in a Province of
mixed races, where every man is armed, while to main-
tain a military without any Civil Force is not desirable.

" I believe that a small number of Constables will be
sufficient to maintain order in the Province, provided
the Military Force is maintained; but, that, in the
event of serious disturbance, a large Police Force would
be unable to do so, should the military be withdrawn,
and I consider the presence of a Military Force in the
North- West Territories for some years to come, as indis-
pensable in the interests of peace and settlement.

Soldiers and Policemen Too — A Full Dress Parade of the
Royal North-West Mounted Police, 1901.

"During my inspection in the North-West I ascer-
tained that some prejudice existed amongst the In-
dians against the colour of the uniform worn by the
men of the Provisional Battalion — many of them had
said "who are those soldiers at Red River wearing
dark clothes? Our old brothers who formerly lived
there (meaning H.M.S. 6th Regiment) wore red coats,"
adding, " we know that the soldiers of our great mother
wear red coats and are our friends. "

" Having concluded the inspection of the Militia
in Manitoba, accompanied by my son, a youth of 16
years of age, as travelling companion, 1 left Fort Garry
on the 10th of August for the Rocky Mountains and
British Columbia, with one guide only, and an Indian
lad of the Saulteaux tribe, to cross the continent
through Dominion territory to the Pacific coast.

"At the time of departure from Fort Garry, some
doubt was expressed as to the propriety of so small a

12

party travelling without a guard through Indian terri-
tory, and especially through the country of the Black-
feet tribe, if found necessary to do so; and I have to
thank the Government very much for the authority
conveyed by your telegram to Fort Garry, to take with
me, if desired, a personal escort of six soldiers from the
battalion on duty in Manitoba.

"On full consideration, however, and with the ad-
vice of those best able to judge, I did not think it ad-
visable to do so. A military escort of only six men
would be inadequate to afford protection in case of any
real danger from the Prairie Indians, and might possibly
invite attack. Considerable additional expense, more-
over, would have been entailed for their transport and
subsistence.

"Proceeding from Fort Garry through the Swan
River and Saskatchewan districts, via the Hudson's
Bay Company's posts of Fort Ellice, Carlton, Pitt,
Victoria, and Edmonton, I arrived at the Rocky Moun-
tain House — about twelve hundred miles distance from
Fort Garry — in 31 days, of which 25 days only were
occupied in actual travel.

"The Hudson's Bay Company's Forts along the line
of the North Saskatchewan at Carlton, Pitt, Victoria
and Edmonton consist of wooden houses surrounded
by stockades; these stockades are about 20 feet high
with small bastions at the angles to afford flanking
defence. They are not formidable, but would be
probably sufficient to afford protection from In-
dians.

" At Forts Carlton, Pitt and Victoria, accommodation
for companies of soldiers, 50 strong, could be found in
these Hudson's Bay Company's Forts, in addition to
the present occupants, and at Fort Edmonton for about
125 soldiers.

"These Forts are conveniently enough situated for
purposes of trade, but in a military point of view are
badly placed, being in nearly every instance com-
manded from the rear by higher ground.

"On arrival at the "Rocky Mountain House," I
learned that to cross the mountains into British Co-
lumbia by the " Vermilion Pass" with horses was im-
possible owing to the immense quantity of fallen timber
caused by a great storm in the mountains last spring.

"An attempt to cross by this pass had been made by
a party of Assiniboine Indians early in the summer
without success,

" Under these circumstances it became necessary to
undertake a journey of about 300 miles through the
country of the Blackfeet Indians and to cross the
mountains by the North Kootenay Pass.

"Although the Blackfeet may number altogether
about 2,350 men, many of these are old, and some of
them mere boys.

"It is not believed that they would bring into the
field more than 1,000 or 1,100 men, if as many. They
keep together by bands for mutual protection, in what
is termed in military language standing camps; as
many as 100 or 150 tents being pitched together, and
their chiefs have control over the young men. Their
war parties usually consist of only 50 or 60 men, and
when on raiding expeditions against hostile tribes,
they can make, with horses, extraordinary marches.
With the Blackfeet, as with all the Indians in the West-
ern Prairies, when at war, murder and assassination is
considered honourable warfare.

" There are many fine looking men among the Black-
feet, Sioux, Plain Crees, and other tribes, and they
have a bold and military bearing. Their active wiry
figures, and keen glittering eyes, betoken high health
and condition, and they can endure great hardships
and fatigue; but on the whole, the Indians are not
equal, in point of physical strength or appearance, to
white men hardened by active exercise and inured to
labour.

"As a rule, the Prairie Indians are bold and skilful
horsemen, but they are not very skilful with firearms.
The Blackfeet and Plain Crees follow the Buffalo, sub-
sisting entirely by the chase. They therefore require a
great many horses and dogs for transport and hunting
purposes.

"In the present year, peace having existed for the
past two summers between the Crees and Blackfeet,
and accompanied as I was by a guide well known, and
related to the latter tribe, I did not think there was
much danger in travelling through their country.

" There is always, however, great danger, if mistaken
for an American citizen, and on approaching the Inter-
national line, near the Porcupine Hills, of meeting with
hostile bands of the Gros Ventres and Crow Indians,
from the Territories of Dakota and Montana, U. S.,
who frecjuently cross into Dominion Territory on horse
stealing expeditions, and who are not likely, if they
fall in with travellers, to make distinctions.

"Although there may not at present be much risk
in travelling through the Saskatchewan territory along
the well known track followed for so many years by the
Hudson's Bay Company, especially when associated
with an employee of the ('ompany, speaking the Indian
language, it is a matter of doubt if such can long con-
tinue under the changing state of affairs, without the
introduction of some (lovernment, supported by ma-
terial force.

" Beyond the Province of Manitoba westward to the
Rocky Mountains, there is no kind of Government at
present whatever, and no security for life or property
beyond what people can do for themselves.

"The few white men there are in the Saskatchewan

13

country, and at the H.B.C. Forts, frequently expressed
to me their conviction that unless a military force is
established in the country, serious danger is to be ap-
prehended.

"The clergymen of all denominations whom I met
with, expressed similar convictions; those at Forts
Victoria and Edmonton, as representatives of the com-
munity urged me in the most impressive manner to lay
their claims for the protection of themselves, their
wives and families, before His Excellency the Governor-
General of the Dominion, and the Government of their
country.

"It appears that of late years no attempt has been
made to assert the supremacy of the law, and the most
serious crimes have been allowed to pass unpunished.
Hardly a year has passed without several murders and
other crimes of the most serious nature having been
committed with impunity.

"During the present year, about three weeks before
my arrival at Edmonton, a man by name Charles
Gaudin, a French speaking half-breed cruelly murdered
his wife at no great distance from the gate of the H.B.
Company's Post. I was informed that the criminal
might have been arrested, but that there was no power
to act. This same man had previously most wantonly
and cruelly mutilated an old Indian woman by severing
the sinews of her arm so as to incapacitate her for
work.

"At Edmonton there is a notorious murderer, a
Cree Indian, called Ta-ha-kooch, who has committed
several murders, and who should have been appre-
hended long ago. This man is to be seen walking
openly about the Post. Many instances can be ad-
duced of a similar kind, and as a natural result there is
a wide-spread feeling of apprehension. The gentlemen
in charge of the H.B.C. Post at Fort Pitt, as well as
others elsewhere, assured me that of late the Indians
have been overbearing in manner, and threatening at
times. Indeed, the white men dwelling in the Sas-
katchewan are at this moment living by sufferance, as
it were, entirely at the mercy of the Indians. They
dare not venture to introduce cattle or stock into the
country or cultivate the ground to any extent for fear
of Indian spoliation.

"When at Edmonton and the Rocky Mountain
House I was informed that a party of American smug-
glers and traders established a trading post at the
junction of the Bow and the Belly Rivers, about 30
miles due east from the Porcupine Hills, and about 60
miles on the Dominion side of the boundary line.
This trading post they have named Fort Hamilton,
after the mercantile firm of Hamilton, Healy & Com-
pany, of Fort Benton, Montana, U.S., from whom it is
said they obtain supplies. It is believed that they

number about 20 well armed men, under the command
of a man called John Healy, a notorious character.

" Here it appears they have for some time carried on
an extensive trade with the Blackfeet Indians, supply-
ing them with rifles, revolvers, goods of various kinds,
whiskey and other ardent spirits, in direct opposition
to the laws both of the United States and the Dominion
of Canada, and without paying any custom duties for
the goods introduced into the latter country.

"The demoralization of the Indians, danger to the
white inhabitants and injviry resulting to the country
from this illicit traffic is very great.

"It is stated upon good authority that during the
year 1871 eighty-eight of the Blackfeet Indians were
murdered in drunken brawls amongst themselves,
produced by whiskey and other spirits supplied to
them by those traders.

" Year after year these unscrupulous traders continue
to plunder our Indians of their Buffalo robes and

Among- the Tepees.

valuable furs by extortion and fraud, and the shameful
traffic causes certain bloodshed amongst the Indian
tribes.

"At Fort Edmonton during the past summer whis-
ky was openly sold to the Blackfeet and other Indians
trading at the Post by some smugglers from the United
States who derive large profits thereby, and on these
traders being remonstrated with by the gentlemen in
charge of the Hudson's Bay Post, they coolly replied
that they knew very well that what they we're doing
was contrary to the laws of both countries, but as there
was no force there to prevent them, they would do just
as they pleased.

" It is indispensable for the peace of the country and
welfare of the Indians that this smuggling and illicit
trade in spirits and firearms be no longer permitted.

"The establishment of a Custom House on the Belly
River near the Porcupine Hill, with a military guard

14

of about 150 soldiers is all that would be required to
effect the object. Not only would the establishment
of a military post here put a stop to this traffic, but
it would also before long be the means of stopping
the horse stealing expeditions carried on by hostile
Indians from south of the line into Dominion Territory,
which is the real cause of all the danger in that part of
the country, and the source of constant war among the
Indian tribes.

" Indeed it may now be said with truth, that to put a
stop to horse-stealing and the sale of spirits to Indians
is to put a stop altogether to Indian wars in the North-
West. The importance of the Porcupine Hills as a
strategical point of view is very great, commanding as
it does the entrance on both the Kootenay Passes
towards the west, and the route from Benton into the
Saskatchewan territory on the south and east; the
country can be seen from it for immense distances all
round. Although hostile to citizens of the United
States it is believed that the Blackfeet Indians would
gladly welcome any Dominion Military Force sent to
protect them from the incursions of other tribes, and
to stop the horse stealing which has for so long been
carried on. With excellent judgement they have
pointed out the southern end of the Porcupine Hill as
the proper place for a Military Post.

" In order to satisfy myself on this point, I spent the
greater portion of the 29th September in reconnoitring
the ground recommended by them, and if it be the
policy of Government to take steps to stop the illicit
smuggling which is being carried on, at this part of the
Dominion, there is every convenience for establishing
a Custom House and Military Post. Timber of large
size and good quality for building is close at hand, and
the surrounding country is most fertile and favourable
for settlement.

"The distance from Fort Ekimonton to the Porcu-
pine Hills is about six or seven days journey on horse-
back, and from the Kootenay Valley on the western
side of the Rocky Mountains, from whence supplies
could be easily obtained, about fifty or sixty miles.

" Frequent intercourse, and an active trade between
the Kootenay District of British Columbia and the
Saskatchewan country, would result from the settlement
of a Custom House and Military Post at the Porcupine
Hills. Many individuals are prepared to settle there,
if any protection is afforded, and the Indian trade of the
country at present tapped by United States smugglers,
would remain with our own countrymen. There is a
general belief prevalent, moreover, that valuable gold
deposits are to be found near the Porcupine Hills.
The unsettled state of the country hitherto has not
admitted, however, of much prospecting. A party of
four American miners, who crossed through the Koote-

nay Pass two or three years ago, were all killed by the
Blackfeet. near the Porcupine Hills, the moment they
entered the plain on the eastern side; since which time
no attempt at prospecting for gold has been made in
that part of the country.

"With regard to the measures which should be
adopted for the settlement of the country, I feel satis-
fied that the introduction of a civil police force unsup-
ported by any military into the Saskatchewan Terri-
tory would be a mistake, and that no time should be
lost in establishing a chain of militarj- posts from
Manitoba, to the Rocky Mountains. The appointment
of a Stipendiary Magistrate for the Saskatchewan, to
reside at Edmonton and act as the Indian Commissioner
is also a matter of the first importance. The individual
to fill this important post, should be one, if possible,
already known to. and in whom the Indians have con-
fidence. I consider that it is very necessary to invite
the co-operation of the Hudson's Bay Company in the
adoption of any steps towards establishing law and
order in the Saskatchewan for the first few years, and
no Indian Commissioner should proceed unaccom-
panied by a military force.

"A large military force is not required, but the pre-
sence of a certain force, I believe, will be found to be
indispensable for the security of the country, to pre-
vent bloodshed and pressrve peace.

" The number of the Indians dwelling in the extensive
country which lies between the Red River and the
Rocky Mountains on Dominion Territory, has been
much exaggerated. It is very difficult to arrive at any
accurate Indian census, but having made every enquiry
during last summer on this point, whilst travelling
through the country, from those most competent to
judge, I doubt if there are more than four thousand
Prairie Indians capable of bearing arms in the Do-
minion territory between Fort Garry and the Rocky
Mountains, south of the Sub-Artie Forest, and north
of the International Boundary Line, — the total Prairie
Indian population amounting, perhaps, to 14,000 or
15,000.

" These Indians arc scattered over such an immense
extent of country, that anything like a formidable
combination is impossible; most of the tribes, more-
over, have been hostile to one another from time im-
memorial. I£ is believed that the Blackfeet and the
Plain Crees, the two strongest tribes of prairie Indians,
may have respectively about one thousand fighting
men, but it is doubtful if either tribe could ever con-
centrate such a number, or if concentrated that they
could long remain so from the difficulty of obtaining
subsistence. Although many of the Blackfeet have
breech-loa^ling rfles, the Indians generally are poorly
armed and badly mounted.

15

" Under these circumstances, it will be readily under-
stood that comparatively small bodies of well armed
and disciplined men, judiciously posted throughout
the country, could easily maintain military supremacy.
A body of fifty riflemen, armed with breech-loading
rifles, is a formidable power on the Prairies.

"One regiment of mounted riflemen, 550 strong,
including non-commissioned officers divided into com-
panies of fifty would be a sufficient force to support
the Government in establishing law and order in the
Saskatchewan, preserving the peace of the North-West
Territory, and affording protection to the Surveyors,
Contractors, and Railway Laborers about to undertake
the great work of constructing the Dominion Pacific
Railway.

" Although the proposed military strength, and con-
sequent expense, may appear somewhat considerable,
I have been guided by every consideration of economy
in recommending the above number. It is wiser policy
and better economy to have one hundred soldiers too
many, than one man too few; the great extent of the
country, and detached nature of the service, must also
be taken into account, and it should be borne in mind
that the only thing the Indians really respect, and will
bow to, is actual power.

" It should be borne in mind too, that in addition to
the Indian element, there is a half-breed population of
about 2,000 souls in the Saskatchewan, unaccustomed
to the restraint of any government, mainly depending
as yet upon the chase for subsistence, and requiring to
be controlled nearly as much as the Indians.

"If it be in harmony, therefore, with the policy of
the Government to do so, I would recommend the

establishment of Military Posts at the following places,
strength as below: —

"At Portage de la Prairie, 50 Mounted Riflemen;
Fort EUice, 50 Mounted Riflemen; Fort Carlton, 50
Mounted Riflemen; Fort Pitt, 50 Mounted Riflemen;
Fort Victoria, 50 Mounted Riflemen; Fort Edmonton,
100 Mounted Riflemen; Fort Porcupine Hills, 150
Mounted Riflemen. With a proportion of officers and
non-commissioned officers.

" At the places indicated for Military Posts no great
difficulty would be experienced, or expense incurred in
hutting the men, they themselves performing the
work, or an arrangement might be more easily made
with the Hudson's Bay Company to provide barrack
accommodation and rations at the different posts for
the number of men reqviired.

"I would further beg to suggest, if it be decided to
establish any chain of military posts, that for the first
year the soldiers be employed in laying down a tele-
graphic wire from Manitoba towards British Columbia,
if not required to hut themselves.

"From my own knowledge and observation of the
country, I think that if proper energy be used, the very
desirable work of establishing telegraphic communica-
tions might be accomplished, without exacting too
much from the soldiers, in one or two seasons. I would
further observe that no time should be lost in making
the preliminary arrangements. The men and horses
should, if possible, be concentrated at Fort Garry in
the month of May or June, their equipment for-
warded sooner, and the companies despatched without
delay."

N.W.M.P. crossing the Dirt Hills, August 1874.
(From a sketch by H. Julien in the "Canadian Illustrated News.")

16

CHAPTER II

ORGANISATION OF THE N.W.M.P.

How THE Authority of the Dominion was Advanced Eight Hundred Miles Westward, from Manitoba
TO THE Foot Hills of the Rockies, by the Big March of 1874.

AS the late Sir John A. Macdonald had from the
first manifested the greatest possible interest
in the acquisition by Canada of the Hudson
Bay Territory, and later, in the development of the
country, it was only natural that he should have taken
a leading part in the organization of the force designed
to establish law and order in the North- West. In fact.
Sir John has been, not inaptly called the father of the
Royal North-west Mounted Police Force.

The Adjutant General's reconnaissance was under-
taken at the special request of the Prime Minister, and
all of the preliminaries leading to the organization
of the force were not only made in his department,
but under his personal supervision.

This was one of the most strenuous periods in the
history of the Dominion's first great prime minister.
The legislative and administrative machinery of the
new Confederation was being got into perfect running
order by the exercise of great skill and attention.
There were new positions to fill, and new officials to
shake down into the places they had been selected to
occupy. There were provincial diflfercncies to be
reconciled and various systems of colonial government
to be brought into harmonious accord. The Inter-
national frontier was being surveyed and marked, a
new province, Manitoba, being organized, and a plan
being evolved for the carrying out of that gigantic
undertaking, a railway connecting the Atlantic with
the Pacific.

With work and responsibilities accumulating fast,

Sir John never lost sight of the importance of pro-
viding an effective instrument to enforce the law and
provide for the protection of life and property in the
then new North- West, but caution had to be exercised
to prevent mistakes at the very inception of the pro-
posed force, and time was naturally exhausted in
making enquiries and arranging preliminaries. Mean-
time all sorts of exaggerated stories as to trouble with
the Indians and the far-western whisky traders reached
eastern Canada. At one time thousands of refugee
Indians from the United States were reported to be
massacring settlers in Canadian territory. At another,
desperate fights between United States and Canadian
Indian tribes were reported to be in progress on Cana-
dian territory. Still another circumstantial report
would relate that the whisky traders from across the
Line^ were erecting forts to assert the authority of
the United States over the new region.

As a result of the circulation of these sensational
tales some uneasiness was created in the older pro-
vinces, and numerous questions were from time to
time put in parliament.

April 28, 1873 Mr. H. H. Cook, M.P. asked in the
House whether it was the intention of the Govern-
ment to despatch a mounted force to Manitoba, or
whether it was intended to send re-inforcements of
any description to that territory, and if so, at what
date would such expedition be organized and ready
to proceed.

Sir John Macdonald replied that it was the intention

17

of the Government to ask Parliament for an appropria-
tion for the purpose of organizing a boundary police.

April 30, 1873 a similar query was made in the
Senate by the Hon. Mr. Letellier de St. Just.

The Hon. Mr. Campbell said the government had
nothing very definite on the subject. No precise
information seemed to have reached Fort Garry.
The acting Lieutenant Governor telegraphed that
tidings had reached them that Indians from the
United States and from Yellowstone River were
coming into the Dominion territory. There was
nothing beyond that. By way of precaution, certain
steps had been taken, which, should anything occur,
he thought would prove sufficient for the protection
of our people and the country.

April 29, 1873 Mr. Alexander Mackenzie enquired
in the House of Commons whether there was any
truth in the rumors of an Indian outbreak in the
North-West.

Sir John A. Macdonald, the Prime Minister, reported

acres might be made to any constable or sub-constable
who should have conducted himself satisfactorily
during the three years of his service. The outfit
of 300 men would cost about $50,000, but the force
would have to be selected by degrees, and it was
not probable that it would comprise 300 men at first,
or for a long time yet. It was the intention of the
government to reduce the military force in Manitoba by
degrees

The original intention, it will be observed, was to
provide a force of comparatively modest proportions.
It was Sir John Macdonald's idea, moreover, after
thoroughly weighing the respective merits of purely
military and purely police organizations, to have the
new force combine as far as possible the advantages of
both. It was to be a military police, in fact, organ-
ized very much after the system of the famous Royal
Irish Constabulary, but necessarily differing from that
body in uniform and equipment. With regard to
the former Sir John was very specific in his instructions.

Twenty-eight Years After — Full Dress Parade of R.N.W.M.P. in Honour of H.R.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York, 1901.

that the Government had no information on the sub-
ject further than the rumors which had been current,
but these had been so continuous that it was difficult
to believe they could be without foundation. The
Government had received no reports.

May 3, Sir John Macdonald moved for leave to in-
troduce a bill respecting the administration of justice
and for the establishment of a police force in the
North- West Territories. With reference to the proposed
mounted police, the Premier explained, the Act pro-
vided that the Governor might appoint a Police Com-
missioner and one or more Superintendents, a pay-
master, sergeants and veterinary surgeon, and the
Commissioner would have power to appoint such a
number of constables and sub-constables as he might
think proper, not exceeding three hundred men, who
should be mounted, as the Governor might from time
to time direct. The Commissioner and Superintendents
would be ex-officio justices of the peace. A free
grant of land not exceeding one hundred and sixty

He wanted as little gold lace and fuss and feathers as
possible, not a crack cavalry regiment, but an efficient
police force for the rough and ready — particularly
ready — enforcement of law and justice.

The bill introduced by Sir John, (36 Victoria, Chapter
35), was concurred in May 20, 1873.

Section 13 laid down the general standard for the
rank and file as follows: —

"No person shall be appointed to the Police Force
unless he be of sound constitution, able to ride, active
and able-bodied, of good character, and between the
ages of eighteen and forty j'ears; nor unless he be
able to read and write either the English or French
language."

At the time the bill was passed, there was so much
uncertainty as to the new country that it was deemed
best to leave the question of the headquarters in abey-
ance, Section 18 reading as follows: —

"The Governor-in-Council shall appoint the place
at which the headquarters of the force shall from time

18

to time be kept; and the office of the Commissioner
shall be kept there, and the same may be at arty place
in the North-West Territories or the l^rovince of Man-
itoba."

Section 26 fixed the scale of pay as follows: —
"Commissioner not exceeding $2,600 a year and not
less than $2,000; superintendent not exceeding $1,400
and not less than $1,000; paj'master not exceeding
$900; quarter-master not exceeding $500; surgeon not
exceeding $1,400 and not less than $1,000; veterinary
surgeon not exceeding $600 and not less than $400;
constable not exceeding $1.00 per day; sub-constable
not exceeding 75c. per day."

Sir John Macdonald, at this time, besides being
President of the Council, held the portfolio of Minister
of Justice, and section 33 of the Act provided that,
for the time being at any rate, the new force should
K main under the direction of that department. The
.-section in question read as follows: —

the east, most or all of them from the Active Militia.
It was expected that some of the time-expired men
of the force in Manitoba would enlist in the new force,
as quite a number of them did, but most of the men
had to be enlisted in the east and forwarded to Manitoba
over the Dawson route.

Each officer selected in the cast was recjuired to
recruit and take with him to the west, fifteen, twenty
or thirty men as the case may be, and as they were
required to report with their quotas at (^ollingwood
within three or four days after receiving orders, they
had not much time to make as careful a selection as
many of them would have desired.

Pending final arrangements as to the command,
these nuclei of the Royal North- West Mounted Police
were ordered, on arrival at Fort Garry, to report to,
and remain imder the temporary command of Lieut. -
Col. W. Osborne Smith, the Deputy Adjutant General
of Militia. ))ut there seems, it appears, never to have

'As Little Gold Lace and Fuss and Feathers as Possible." — Detachment of the R.N.W.M.P. in Service Uniform,

Calgary, 1905.

"The Department of Justice shall have the control
and management of the Police Force and of all matters
< onnected therewith ; but the Governor-in-Council may,
at any time, order that the same shall be transferred to
any other Department of the Civil Service of Canada,
and the same shall accordingly, by such order, be
transferred to and be under the control and manage-
ment of such other Department."

The year 1873 was a very busy one for the govern-
ment, and it was really September, 1873, before
the plans for the organization of the force took
shape.

It was decided to organize at first three troops or
divisions of fifty men each, the mobilization and
organization to take place at Fort (Jarry or VV'innipeg.
It was decided to take some officers from the militia
force serving in Manitoba, others were selected in

been any intention of continuing permanently the
connection with the militia force.

The permanent militia force on duty in Manitoba
wa.s being kept up with .some difficulty and considerable
expense, owing to the short term of service. Up to
1873 the recruits for this force had been drawn exclu-
sively from Ontario and Quebec, but in May, 1873
two detachments of recruits of fifty men each were
raised in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, respectively,
and despatched to Manitoba to replace time expired
men of the i)ermanent force on duty in that
province.

The permanent force in Manitoba imder the direct
comnmnd of Lieut.-Col. A. G. Irvine in 1873 consisted
of the following:— Battery of Artillery, 3 officers, 80
non-commi.ssionrd officers and men; Provisioiuil Bat-
talion of Infantry, 17 officers, including the regimental

19

staff, acting for both corps, 244 non-commissioned offi-
cers and men.

Lieut. -Colonel W. Osborne Smith, D.A.G. of Military
District No. 10 (Manitoba) in his annual report, Jan. 2,
1873, stated that during the year 1872 a considerable
amount of extra duty had fallen on these corps in con-
sequence of requisitions in aid of the civil power. For
instance, on July 2 a detachment of 50 men had to be
rapidly despatched by night to White Horse Plains to
repress riots and to aid in effecting the capture of rioters,
a duty which was satisfactorily accomplished. A com-
pany of the Provisional Battalion of Infantry was de-
tached to the Northwest Angle of the Lake of the Woods
as an escort and guard for His Honor the Lieutenant
Governor, during the negotiations for a treaty with the
Objibway Indians. This duty, which occupied about
three weeks, was satisfactorily performed; the party
returning to headquarters on October 9.

In October 1873 the officers and recruits destined to
compose the first three divisions of the North- West
Mounted Police, some 150 in all, were assembled in
Manitoba and quartered at the Stone Fort or Lower
Fort Garry. Organization and drill were at once pro-
ceeded with, but under great difficulties owing to the
non-arrival of the necessary equipment. As a matter of
fact a considerable proportion of the uniform and
equipment, including the winter clothing, was frozen
in on the Dawson route, causing much inconvenience
and discomfort to the officers and men of the new force.

Shortly after the mobilization of the three first divis-
ions, which were distinguished by the first three letters
of the alphabet, the Government tendered the command
of the force to liieutenant Colonel George A. French, of
the Royal Artillery, who was just completing three
years service as Inspector of Artillery and Warlike
Stores in the Militia Service and as Commandant of A.
Battery R.C.A. and the School of Gunnery at Kingston,
Ontario. Colonel French promptly accepted the posi-
tion of Commissioner and proceeded to Manitoba to
take up his duties.

After the arrival of the Commissioner, the organiza-
tion of the three divisions made rapid progress, and
they were in a condition to perform considerable ser-
vice during the winter, in spite of the shortages of
equipment.

November 6, 1873, the keen political tension which
had prevailed in parliament and throughout the coun-
try over the so-called Pacific Railway scandal culmin-
ated in the resignation of Sir John A. Macdonald and
his ministry, and the following day the Hon. Alexander
Mackenzie formed his administration. The Hon. A. A.
Dorion (1), as minister of Justice in the new Govern-

(1) Later Sir A. A. Dorion, Montreal, Chief Justice of the Court of
Apjjeal of the Province of Quebec.

ment, became the responsible head of the Mounted
Police.

Meantime, it became very evident to the Com-
missioner, to the Government and to all concerned, that
to open up the new region, to suppress lawlessness
throughout its length and breadth, and to put a stop to
the frequently recurring Indian scares, the force would
have to be increased for the purpose of conducting an
expedition across the country to the base of operations
of the Yankee whisky traders near the Foot Hills of
the Rockies.

Having this end in view, the Commissioner, after his
arrival in Manitoba, endeavoured to make himself as
well acquainted as possible with the affairs of the North-
West at large, as also with regard to the kind of trans-
port usually employed, the best trails westward, the
distances, nature of the country to be traversed, &c.

The International boundary survey, then in progress,
having been carried out to a point 420 miles west of
Red River, he was fortunate enough to be able to ob-
tain much reliable information concerning a portion of
country of which so little was known, and for this
he was indebted to Captain Cameron, R. A., (2) the
Boundary Commissioner, as well as to Captain Ander-
son, R.E., the Chief Astronomer. It being understood
that an expedition westward would be undertaken in
the spring, Colonel French went very thoroughly into
the question of supplies and transport, the general con-
clusions arrived at being: —

1st. That the stores and provisions for the force
should be transported westward by the force's own
horses and oxen.

2nd. The cattle for slaughter should be driven on
foot, accompanying the force, instead of carrying pork
or pemmican in large quantities.

Returning to Ottawa in February, 1874, fuUy pre-
pared to press on the consideration of the Government
the propriety of increasing the strength of the force to
the limit allowed by Act of Parliament (viz., 300) be-
fore attempting to coerce the outlaws and whisky
traders in the Far West, Colonel French was some-
what surprised to find that the members of the Govern-
ment were even more fully imbued with the gravity
of the case than the Commissioner himself.

Arrangements liad to be made for the supply of
arms, ammunition, and stores of every description, a
uniform had to be designed and supplied, men lo be
enrolled, requisitions had to be made on the Imperial
Government for field guns and stores, which could
not be supplied in the country, horses purchased, &c.
An enormous amount of work had to be done in a very
short time.

(2) Later Major General Cameron, who for some years commanded
the Royal Military College, Kingston.

20

In April, 1874, the greater number of the men to be
raised were brought together at the New Fort, Toronto,
and every endeavour used by all ranks to pick up as
much instruction as possible in the very limited time
available for drill, riding, target practice, &c.

A considerable number of the men enlisted had served
either in Her Majesty's Regular Service in the Royal Irish
Constabulary, or in the schools of gunnery at Kingston
and Quebec; (3) and there were very few indeed who
had not some military experience, either in the Regular
Service or the Militia (4). From these circumstances, as
well as from the fact of the intelligence and respecta-
bility of the great bulk of the men enrolled, the pro-
gress in drill was extraordinary, and the scores made
at target practice would indeed have been astonishing
to any one unacquainted with the natural aptitude of
Canadians in this particular.

In the matter of riding, the progress was much less
satisfactor3\ According to the Act, all men should
have been able to ride; but when put to the test, it
was very evident that a good many rated their abilities
in this line too highl)^

It was too much to expect that nmch advance could
be made in riding in such a limited time and with un-
trained horses; however, the Commissioner consoled
himself with the reflection that, whereas little drill and
no target practice could be carried out on the line of
march to the West, there would be ample opportunity
for the practice of equitation.

The force mobilized at Toronto was organized into
three new divisions, designated " D, " " E " and " F, "
and Inspector J. F. McLeod, C.M.G., who was on duty
with the three original Divisions in Manitoba, was
promoted to be Assistant Commissioner. The following
appeared in the Canada Gazette: —

Department of Justice,

Ottawa, June, 1st, 1874.

North-West Mounted Police Force.

His Excellency the Governor-General has been
pleased to make the following promotions and ap-
pointments:—

Inspector James Fartjuharson McLeod, C.M.G. , to
be Assistant Commissioner.

(3) IJeut.-Col. French in his laat report as oommanrlant of A. Battery,
KinffnUin. <lat«<l NoveniWr HO, 1873 mentioned that eixht non-commix-
)iione<l (ifficefH and men had taken their dixohnrKe for the purpoHe of enKUKi"K
in the Mounte<l Police. In the report of the ct)mmandant of the name
battery for the followins year it wax Htated that fifteen non-eomniimiione<i
ofRcera and men ha<l taken their dincharKe for the purpoM of ennacinK in
the Mounted Police. Similarly many non-commitwioned ofiicerH and men
took their diacharicex from H. Battery, Quebec, to join the t>olice.

(4) The number of men in the nix divixiona who, previoux to enrol-
ment in the North-Wext Mounted Police had performed military xervice.
waa an followx: — Regular Hervice (Britixh). 41; Royal Irixh Conxtahtilary
and Civil Police Forcex. 14; Canadian Artillery (A and H Hatteriex). .32;
Cana<iian Militia. 87; total, 174.

Sul>Inspector James Morrow Walsh to be Inspector
vice McLeod promoted.

Edwin Allan Gentleman, to be Sub-Inspector, vice
Walsh promoted.

In view of the difficulty which had been experienced
with transportation over the Dawson route the pre-
vious autumn, and having regard to the importance of
despatching the expedition to the West without the
least possible delay, negotiations were opened with the
United States government with the object of despatch-
ing the force at Toronto to the Manitoba frontier via
Chicago, St. Paul and Fargo. The required permission
was obtained, and on the 6th June the force left To-
ronto, at 2 p.m., by two special trains, the marching-
out state showing 16 officers, 201 men, 244 horses (5).
On arrival at Sarnia, nine cars containing the waggons
and agricultural implements, and, at Detroit, two cars,
containing 34 horses, were attached to the trains.

The force arrived at Chicago at 5 p.m. on the 7th.
The horses, being taken out. were fed in the stockyards,
and appeared little the worse of their trip. On the
evening of the 8th the force left for St. Paul arriving
there at 4 a.m. on the 10th. The horses had another
day's rest here, and left on the 11th, arriving at Fargo
(1300 miles from Toronto) on the morning of the 12th.
The trains being shunted on a siding about noon, and
the horses disembarked and attended to, the men began
getting the waggons out and putting them together.
This was a very tedious business, as the persons who
furnished the waggons had bundled them into cars in
detached parts; and instead of getting so many wag-
gons complete in each car, the men had to hunt right
through the trains to get all the parts re(iuired. Finally
all the cars had to be emptied together, and the parts
placed on the ground, and in this manner more rapid
progress was made. The saddlery, im{)orted from
England, was all in pieces, but each box was complete
in itself, and consequently the saddlers, working under
the saddler-major, got them together pretty quickly.

When the Commissioner looked round, on tiiis even-
ing, and saw acres of ground covered with waggons
and stores of all sorts, it did look as if he could not get
away under several days. Tiic Fargo people quite
enjoyed the sight; they considered that it would at
least be a week before the force could get off; but they
had little idea of what could he done witli properly or-
ganized reliefs of men.

At 4 o'clock a.m. of the 13th the saddlers were at
work at the harness and saddlery, the wheelers putting
the waggons logetluT, and an offi( er and 30 men getting
out stores and loading them. This party was relieved

(ft) The marchinit-out xtate, dated Toronto, June 0. xhowed the fol-
lowinK xtrength: Staff. .'>; inx|)ertorx, 2; xuh-iiiH|)oc'tc>rx, 9; roiixtaliipx, 7;
acting ronxtablew. 20; xuh-cfinxlablcx, 174; total, 217; horxcx, 240.

21

at 8 o'clock a.m., again at noon, and again at 4 o'clock
p.m. At 5 o'clock p.m. D Division drove out with 29
loaded waggons, at 7 p.m. E Division followed; and
by the afternoon of the 14th F Division cleared up
everything (with the exception of heavy stores, going
down by steamer), and came to where the other divi-
sions were camped, about six miles from Fargo. The
14th being on Sunday, the force remained in camp.

On the 15th the force made its regular start, doing
about 27 miles; and as the waggons were lightly loaded
(11 cwt. being the maximum), some being empty, and
having a number of spare horses, it kept up and ex-
ceeded this rate to the 19th, and, without any particu-
lar mishap or accident to speak of, arrived at Dufferin,
(now Emmerson) in Manitoba on the evening of the
19th June; and the Commissioner felt a great load of
responsibility taken off his shoulders at again being on
Canadian soil. The conduct of the men had been most
exemplai^'. their general appearance and conduct in-
variably attracting the favourable notice of the railway
officials and others en route.

At Dufferin the Commissioner's column met the
Assistant Commissioner with " A, " " B " and " C " divi-
sions from Winnipeg, and the whole force, now together
for the first time, was encamped on the north side of
the Boundary Commission ground.

On the night after the arrival of the Commissioner's
column one of the most dreadful thunderstorms ever
witnessed in Manitoba burst over the camp. There
was apparently one incessant sheet of lightning from
10 p.m. to 6 a.m. About midnight 250 of the horses
stampeded from the coral in which they were placed,
breaking halters, picquet ropes, &c., &c., and even
knocking over some of the waggons which encircled
them. It was a fearful sight. Several of the men had
the hardihood to attempt to stop some of the horses,
but it only resulted in their being knocked over and
trampled on, and in this manner six of the pluckiest
men got hurt, one of them being seriously injured about
the head.

The police had the good fortune to recover most of
the horses within a distance of 35 miles, probably in a
great measure due to the freshness having been taken
out of the animals by their 160 mile march from Fargo.
Many days were lost in recovering the horses, and much
injury done, riding in every direction looking for them.
The loss eventually was reduced to one, and this one
was supposed to have been drowned in the Pembina
River.

"A," "B," and "C" Divisions being much below
their proper strength, 50 men were transferred from
" D " and " E " Divisions to make them up. Uniforms,
arms, ammunition and clothing, saddlery, harness and
general stores, were served out, and parties kept busy

loading waggons and ox-carts for the march. Parties
from each division had to be detailed daily for herding
the horses upon the prairie, and the disorganized state
of the Quarter-Master's department added materially
to the ordinary camp duties. Altogether there is no
question but that the men were hard worked at this
time.

The work the little force under the command of
Colonel French had undertaken to do was a most
important one from a national point of view, the open-
ing up of half a continent, almost, to Canadian rule
and enterprise. And there was no doubt it would be
accomplished with great hardship. It was reasonable
to anticipate much danger too, but to men of the
character of those who composed the original divisions
of the North-West Mounted Police, it was the expecta-
tion of danger that supplied the spice to their service.

The special instructions to Colonel French were to
make as direct as possible for the forks of the Belly
and Bow Rivers, in which vicinity the worst of the
much-discussed whisky forts were understood to be
located. This illicit whisky trade with the Indians,
and in fact all illicit trading, was to be suppressed,
and the authority of the Dominion Government assert-
ed. A post, or posts, were to be established, garrisoned
and provisioned in this unknown region, the Indians,
as far as possible were to be visited and impressed
with the power and good intentions of the Government,
notes taken of the main physical characteristics of
the country travelled over, and the headquarters of
the force temporarily established near Fort EUice,
where arrangements were being made for the con-
struction of barracks and other necessary accommo-
dation.

Colonel French had endeavoured before leaving
Toronto to get rid of any of his recruits who were not
willing " to rough it. " On two distinct occasions,
he assembled all ranks on parade, plainly told them
that they would have, and must expect, plenty of
hardship; that they might be wet day after day, and
have to lie in wet clothes; that they might be a day or
two without food, and that he feared they would be
often without water, and he called on any present
who were not prepared to take their chances of these
privations to fall out, and they would have their dis-
charges, as there were plenty of good men ready to
take their places. A few did thus accept their dis-
charges, and one feels they acted properly in the
matter.

The marching out state dated Dufferin, July 8,
1875, showed the following strength: — staff, 4; ins-
pectors, 4; sub-inspectors, 11; surgeon, 1; veterinary
surgeon, 11; constables, 30; acting constables, 20;
sub-constables, 204; total 274. Horses, public, 308;

22

private, 2; guides and half-breeds, 20; field guns, 2;
mortars, 2; working oxen, 142; cattle, 93; waggons,
73; ox-carts, 114.

On command, at Fort Ellice, sub-inspectors, 1 ; cons-
tables, 1; acting constables, 1; sub-constables, 12;
total, 15; horses, 17. At Dufferin, staff, 2; inspectors,
2; constables, 5; sub-constables, 14; total 23.

The revolvers for the force did not arrive from
England until the first week in July, and on the 8th
July the force drew out to a camp about two miles
from Dufferin, more to see that all was right than
with the idea of making a start. Next day Col.
French sent back two waggon loads of articles, such
as syrup, which, being rather luxuries than necessaries,
he thought could be dispensed with. The force
moved on to the river Marais. Next day, the 10th,
having brought up two loads of oats, in lieu of articles
sent back, and the half-breed ox-drivers being mostly
sobered, the force made a march of ten miles, striking
across the country, as the Boundary Commission
road, (used for teaming the surveyors' supplies) in
some parts passed south of the Boundary Line.

The police train was probably the largest ever seen
in these parts; when closed up to a proper interval it
was a mile and a half long. But from advanced to
rear guard, it was more usually from four to five miles,
owing to the uneven rate of travel of horses and oxen,
and the breaking of axles and wheels of that imposi-
tion of the country, the " Red River cart. "

" The column of route," according to the Commis-
sioner's report, " presented a very fine appearance.
First came " A " division with their splendid dark bays
and thirteen waggons. Then " B " with their dark
browns. Next "C" with bright chesnuts drawing
the guns, and gun and small arm ammunition. Next
" I) " with their greys, then " E " with their black
horses, the rear being brought up by "F" with their
light bays. Then a motley string of ox-carts, ox-
waggons, cattle for slaughter, cows, calves, &c.,
mowing machines, &c., &c.

" To a stranger it would have appeared an astonish-
ing cavalcade; armed men and guns looked as if fight-
ing was to be done. What could ploughs, harrows,
mowing machines, cows, calves, etc., be for?

" But that little force had a double duty to perform:
to fight, if necessary, but in any case to establish jwsts
in the far west.

"However we were off at last, the only man in
Winnipeg who knew anything about the portion of
the country to which we were going encouraging me
with the remark: 'Well, if you have luck you may
get back by Christmas, wth forty per cent, of your
horses.' "

After being a few days on the march, every one

and every thing settled down into their proper places.
The cooks, by degrees, got into the way of cooking
and baking in the open air, and loaves of bread no
longer bore the appearance of lumps of dough. Being
on The Boundary Commission Road, and having a
good sketch of the route, the marches could be arranged
with a certainty of finding wood, water and grass, at
definite points. Although by marching early the
column nearly always halted during the heat of the
day, at noon, or thereabouts, yet the excessive heat
of the weather told heavily on both horses and oxen.
Many of the men had little skill as teamsters, and the
bulk of the horses, having been purchased more for
the saddle than draught, ran rapidly down in condi-
tion when placed at such work; other riding horses
being transferred to the waggons in their places, were
frequently put to work in the harness of the horses
they had replaced, and as the harness did not always
fit them well, many sore shoulders were caused thereby,
but these horses were made available for riding.

From Dufferin to Roche Perc^e, a distance of 270
miles, the force had a fair amount of grass and
good water. It had also some oats for the first few
days, but nevertheless many of the horses ran down
rapidly in condition. It is an admitted fact that al-
most all Canadian or American horses fail during the
first season they are fed on prairie grass, and there-
fore it is little to be wondered at that those of the
police should have failed.

Just before he left Dufferin, Colonel French's orders
were changed to the effect that the arrangements for
leaving men on the Bow or Belly Rivers were can-
celled, and it was ordered that part of the Force was
to go to Edmonton. The Commissioner therefore
altered his arrangements accordingly and sent off
from Roche Perc^e to Fort Ellice and Edmonton "A"
Division under Inspector Jarvis, with a number of
cattle, agricultural implements, general stores and a
very large (juantity of provisions, (including over
25,000 lbs. of flour.)

On the 6th August the main force ascended the
Coteau again, crossing the Dirt Hill, the highest part
of the Coteau, estimated to be nearly 3,000 feet above
the sea level. Here the force had to halt a day to
rest the horses after such heavy work, (particularly
on the gun horses) and making a big march next day,
arrived at the easternmost of the Old Wives Lakes;
but finding the feed very poor and the water rather
saline, French felt that he had to push on, and camped
on the Old Wives Creek on the 12th, and finding
tolerably good feed, he determined to give the horses
their well earned rest. While camped here the force
was visited by a number of the Sioux of the Sipeton
Tribe.

23

Hearing there was a probability of obtaining some
oats from the Boundary Commission at Wood Moun-
tain Depot about 40 miles south, Col. French des-
patched the Assistant Commissioner thither with a
party to obtain some. McLeod on his return, brought
out with him some 15,000 lbs., and Col. French ar-
ranged with the Commissary of the Boundary Com-
mission for the delivery of 20,000 more at the Cripple
Camp, or Depot, which he had decided to form at
the site of the camp, and for the delivery from the
Commission's trains coming east of 25,000 more (in
all 60,000 lbs) but eventually the force was only able
to receive 20,000 more from this latter source.

On the 19th, the Commissioner established his De-
pot of Cripple Camp at a point two miles west of
where the force had been camped, as there was good
grass, water and wood there. Here he left 14 waggons,
28 of the poorest horses, 7 men, (five being sick) a

A Typical Group of Indians and their Mounts.

half-breed and some footsore cattle, also 20 days'
provisions for the returning Force, and stores of all
kinds that were not absolutely necessary to take on,
pushing on the same afternoon 12 miles farther. For
the next few days the force made good marches,
sighting the Cypress Hills on the afternoon of the
24th and camping close under them on the 25th to
await the arrival of the Assistant Commissioner with
the oats. During this period there was no particular
incident to record except the stampeding of the horses
of "D" troop on the night of the 20th, carrying away
with them some of " B " troop.

In addition to stampeding from ordinary causes,
throughout this historical prairie march, the officers
of the force had reason to fear stampeding by design,
either on the part of Indians desirous of obtaining
remounts, or on the part of whiskey traders, or their

emissaries. From start to finish every endeavour was
used to prevent stampeding.

From Fargo to Dufferin the horses were after dark
enclosed inside large corrals, formed by waggons and
the picquet ropes. The grass being very good, the
days long, and plenty of oats being available, this
system did fairly. After leaving Dufferin, for many
days the police were able to cut grass with the scythes
and mowing machines taken along with the Force,
tying up the horses at dark, and feeding them with
grass as well as oats. Then the Commissioner had
to risk leaving them out all night, and the freshness
being taken out of them by this time, and their
being, where possible, sent out by divisions (each
division guarding their own) they got on fairly under
ordinary circumstances, nearly all the horses being
hoppled or " knee-haltered. " Hoppling or knee-
haltered will not prevent the horses stampeding, but
it checks the pace, and gives more time to those in
charge to head the runaways. This system had to be
pursued for the greatest portion of the trip, and with
very strong guards and picquets, day and night, the
force managed to keep the horses together. Still the
fear of stampeding haunted all ranks. A clap of
thunder at night was sufficient to banish sleep from
the eyes of those who felt themselves more particularly
interested in the success of the expedition; and if the
storm grew nearer, although desirous of letting the
horses have every mouthful possible from the scanty
pasture, yet the commissioner felt compelled to order
them in before it was perhaps too late. On the 4th
August Col. French was nearly too late in giving the
order as the following extract from his diary will shew,
"Tuesday, 4th. Tremendous thunderstorms between
12 and 1 a.m. Nearly all the tents blown down; in
great anxiety lest the horses should stampede ; for-
tunately had ordered in most of them before the storm
broke over us ; two lots of horses broke away, but
were stopped by the picquets. "

The Force remained from the 24th to the 28th
August at a small lake (where a large party of Plain
Hunters and Indians had been camped) awaiting the
arrival of the Assistant Commissioner with the oats.
On the 29th the force moved about four miles further
to get feed for the horses, and on the morning of the
30th there was another stampede in broad daylight.
This was in a very awkward place for such an event
to occur, hills and hollows rendering it impossible to
see a horse unless quite close to him. The Commissioner
had begun to hope that he was done with stampedes,
in fact that the horses were too poor both in flesh
and spirit to attempt to run, but although the animals
were in a very poor condition, and had marched just
594 miles from Dufferin they were off in the same way
24

as usual, and, although hoppled, many of them ran
several miles. All were however recovered.

While waiting at this camp, the members of the
force w'ere regaled with stories brought by half-
breeds relative to the doings of the whisky traders,
the toughest yarn being that 500 of them were working
at their forts all the summer, that the Mounted Police
guns would be little good, as the "free-traders" had
constructed underground galleries into which to retire,
etc.

. On the 31st the Assistant Commissioner arrived
with the oats, and having sent off letters, pay lists,
etc., by the returning guide, Col. French pushed on
nine miles the same afternoon. On the 2nd of Sep-
tember the column sighted buffalo for the first time.
This created great excitement as may naturally be
supposed. Out of a band of six bulls the police
killed five, one of these, killed by Col. French himself,
making 953 lbs. of ration meat clear of all offal.

The following appeared in the Commissioner's
diary at this date: —

"September, Wednesday, 2nd. — Started about 7 a.m.
When out about two hours rode up to the advance guard ,
and observed some moving objects near the left
flankers, rode out there. Flankers thought they were
ponies. On going a little farther I felt certain they
were buffaloes. Presently they began running, leaving
no doubt in the matter. I took a carbine from one of
the men, and made after them, headed them and
turned them towards the train, fired at one which
dropped back, and was despatched by some one else;
three went across the creek, I went after them, and
was joined by the Scout Morreau and Lavallee, we
each shot one, I fired into the Scout's buffalo as he
stood at bay, and dropped him. This was a very
fine beast about ten years old; he made, when dressed,
953 lbs. ration meat.

"Thursday, 3rd, left at 7 a.m. — I find that although
1720 lbs. of ration meat were issued yesterday, from
the twobuffalos which had been cut up, there is nothing to
show for three others which had been killed, the half-
breeds merely cutting slices of the meat off, and
carrying it along. Julien ran a buffalo, and killed
him. I came in for the finish, had the beast cut up,
and brought it on an ox-cart. The men having plenty
of meat. I had this fellow cut up, placed in one of
the water barrels and well salted. The salt we had
carried so far now comes in useful. There being no
grass had to make a stretch of 17^ miles without
halting. Next stage, 20 miles, no water. "

On the 4th September the force was visited by a
party of Sioux, to whom Col. French gave .some pre-
sents. The country the force had been travelling in
had been very hard on horses and oxen; there being

no trail for the last 150 miles, and the little swamps
that the force used to depend on for feed and water had
been destroyed by the buffalo. French's only reliable
guide knew the country no farther. On the 6th the
column struck the Saskatchewan, it being half a day's
march nearer than had been supposed, and an American
scout accompanying the force insisted that the force
was at the Forks, but as there were no Forks in the
vicinity he had to admit he was wrong, and added that
the Forks were 12 miles more north. To his disgust
Col. French told him he would steer south-west instead.
In fact he had little doubt then as to the situation of
the force, and on the 9th,camp was pitched within three
miles of the Forks of the Bow and Belly Rivers without
knowing it. On the 10th the column moved seven
miles farther, finding water by watching the flight of
some ducks, and camped there. Some sandhills the
column passed denoted that they ought to be in the
vicinity of the Forks, but not having seen a very pro-
minent landmark mentioned by Palliser, French was
very doubtful of the position.

Sending back Inspector Walsh with a small party to
near where the force camped on the 9th to examine the
river there, he reported that another large river
came in from the north, and he found also the land-
mark French had been looking for, thus leaving no
doubt in the matter.

Three deserted log huts without roofs were the only
forts visible.

And so the force were at last at their journey's end,
the Bow and Belly Rivers.

The force had marched westward across the unknown
prairie a distance of 781 miles from Red River, and
after the first eighteen miles had not seen a single
human habitation, except a few Indian tepees.

It was now the middle of September, and the appalling
fact was ever pressing upon the mind of the Com-
missioner that on the 20th of September the previous
year the whole country from the Cypress Hills to the
Old Wives Lakes was covered with a foot of snow,
several men and horses having been frozen to death.

Starting on the return march at once Colonel French
could not possibly reach that portion of the country
till well into October. However the snow storm above
mentioned had been exceptionally early, and he hoped
for the best, while determined to prepare for the worst.

From what the Commissioner had heard of the fer-
tility of the soil on the Bow and Belly Rivers he had
hoped that the horses and oxen would have been able
to have pulled up greatly in condition by a week's
rest in that vicinity, but in reality the force had to
leave there as (juickly as possible to prevent their being
actually starved to death. In fact several of the oxen
did die of starvation, but the mistake is now readily

25

accounted for; those who travelled along the base of found telegrams awaiting his arrival, by one of which

he learned that the Government approved of a strong
force being left on the Belly River, and by another,
that Swan River in the vicinity of Fort Pelly, and not
Fort EUice had been selected as the site for the head-
quarters of the force.

At Fort Benton, Colonel French got at last some
reliable information about the whisky traders and
their doings, and arranged with the Assistant Com-
missioner that he, with a portion of the force, should
move to the vicinity of Fort " Whoop Up " on the Belly
River, this being the whisky traders' headquarters
and main scene of operations.

The officers of the force at Benton also found to their
satisfaction that the cost of getting in supplies via the
United States would not be half as much as if the force
had been stationed at Edmonton. Having purchased
16 horses and ponies and a small quantity of supplies.
Colonel French left Benton on the 26th to rejoin the
force.

The information obtained at Benton as to the whis-
ky forts in the Bow River and Belly River country
proved very reliable.

With regard to the forts supposed to be at the Forks
of the Bow and Belly Rivers which had been particu-
larly mentioned in Col. French's instructions, the forts
were really at the junction of the Saint Mary and Belly
Rivers. Persons travelling along the Porcupine Hills,
and across the head waters of the Bow and Belly Rivers
on being told that Fort " Hamilton " Fort " Whoop
Up" or Fort "Stand Off" was at or near the "Forks"
had readily supposed that the Forks of the Bow and
Belly Rivers were meant, when their Indian or half-
breed guides did not mean those Forks. In this man-
ner, no doubt, the Adjutant General of Militia, Colonel
Robertson- Ross, fell into the error of locating Fort
Hamilton at the Forks of the Bow and Belly Rivers.

The word "Fort" as used in these regions was also
explained. It is no wonder that people should have
felt alarmed at hearing that there were eight or ten
forts between the Belly River and Edmonton; but
when it was explained that any log hut where a trader
makes his headquarters is a Fort, the cause for alarm
disappeared. These forts were usually named after
the trader who built them, as Fort "Kipp", Fort
"Hamilton," &c. Fort "Whoop Up," in its day,
appears to have been a central depot for most of them,
and this was by comparison a fortification.

On October 5, Col. French, with his returning column
arrived at the Hudson Bay post on the Qu'Appelle,
the first human habitations (wigwams and tents ex-
cepted) seen by the force since the 10th July. The
force had marched 363 miles in the past 15J days,
including some time lost at the Cripple Camp, being

the Rocky Mountains, reporting on the fertihty of the
soil on the head waters of the Bow and Belly Rivers,
and somehow these reports got to be applied to the
whole courses of these rivers.

On the 11th the force moved up to the Belly River,
but could not find a ford at first, the water being too
deep and rapid. Pushing up along the river to a point
about 16 or 18 miles above the Forks a ford was found.
After reconnoitering up both rivers, the force
proceeded to the Three Buttes or Sweet Grass Hills,
half way between the Forks and Benton, where there
was reported to be plenty of wood, water and grass.

It was decided that as soon as a satisfactory place
for a camp could be found, to move there, and after
obtaining reliable information regarding the whisky
trading posts, to open up communication with the
Government at Ottawa. This latter could compara-
tively easily be done via Fort Benton, across the In-
ternational boundary line, in Montana.

The choice of a camping ground, was not so easy as
it might seem owing to the poor condition of the grass.

On the 19th September the Force arrived at a Coulee
close to the West Butte and halted, as the grass ap-
peared a little better and the water was good. Colonel
French now found that although the boundary line
crossed the West Butte high up, yet all the best wood
was south of the line. This did not look so very pro-
mising. Notwithstanding, however, the Assistant Com-
missioner was satisfied to build quarters there and re-
main for the winter.

Without any unnecessary delay the arrangements
were completed for the selection and equipment of the
force to remain in the Bow River district under tlie
Assistant Commissioner, and also for the return of the
rest of the force, which it was decided to march to
Swan River via Cripple Camp depot. Fort Qu'Appelle
and Fort Pelly.

It was decided that " B, " " C " and " F " divisions
should remain with the Assistant Commissioner, " D "
and "E" divisions to return to the new headquarters
with the Commissioner. On the 21st the Commissioner
arranged for the departure of "D" and "E" divisions,
selected all the best horses and oxen, left behind all
stores not absolutely necessary, and moved on with
them to the Boundary Commission Road, about 7
miles south.

On the morning of the 22nd Colonel French de-
tached himself from the column and started for Benton
with the Assistant Commissioner and a small party,
(with empty carts) to communicate with the Govern-
ment, receive instructions, and obtain some necessary
supplies of oats, moccasins, socks, &c., &c.

On arriving at Benton on the 24th the Commissioner

26

an average of over 24 miles per diem. At the Qu'Ap-
pelle the police received much civility and kindness
from Mr. Maclean, the officer in charge of the Hudson
Bay Company's post.

Having sent off despatches to Government via Fort
Ellice, announcing the safe arrival of the force thus
far, Col. French moved the main body across the River
Qu'Appelle on the evening of the 16th, camping on
the top of the bank, where the feed appeared pretty
good. At Qu'Appelle, the force became aware of
some extraordinary stories that had been going the
rounds of the Eastern press relative to their safety,
to the effect that not alone were the horses all dead,
except four, but that the men were all starving, and
by no possibility could they return.

Leaving the north bank of the Qu'Appelle on the
morning of the 17th, the force marched through a
fine park-like country, good soil, grass abundant, and
nice clumps of timber dotted over the surface. After
the first few miles, however, the force found the country
completely burned in every direction.

On the 21st Col. French rode ahead of the force,
passing Fort Pelly and then proceeding on ten miles
to Swan River. Here he found the barracks in course
of erection on the south bank of the Swan River;
the fires had run up almost to the buildings, the woods
a few hundred yards to the west were all on fire. No
part of the barracks was finished, and some of the build-
ings had not even been begun; the amount of work
done in such a short time was marvellous nevertheless,
and if the buildings were not ready for occupation,
it was not for want of zeal and energy on the part of
the gentleman superintending their construction, Mr.
Hugh Sutherland.

But there was worse news than this in store for the
Commissioner, half the hay had been burned, and the
Hudson Bay Company, from whom he might have
bought some, lost 300 loads, and had not enough
for their own stock. The total amount of hay the
Company's chief officer supposed he had remaining
was 60 tons, and that having been cut in October did
not appear particularly nutritious. Some cattle that
the Commissioner had sent to Fort Ellice on the west-
ward march had been taken up to Swan River, thus
making over 200 head of cattle to be wintered. It
appeared to Col. French that it would be impossible
to carry out the instructions of Government; but not
wishing to depart therefrom solely on his own judg-
ment of what was advisable, he assembled a Board of
Officers to enquire into and report upon the situation
of affairs.

A few extracts from Colonel French's diary at this
point are interesting: —

"Wednesday, 2l8t Oct. — Rode on ahea<l of force to

Pelly, and then on to Snake Creek, a distance of ten
miles farther. To my horror found barracks in course
of erection on top of a hill covered with large granite
boulders, no trees to protect the buildings, and these
latter strung out in a line a thousand feet long, exposing
a full broadside to the north, the ground burnt up to
within 20 feet of the barracks, where it was stopped by
Mr. Sutherland's men. Shurtliff's news was still
worse — that half the hay cut had been burnt, the
Hudson Bay Company (from whom we might have
purchased) losing 300 loads.

"Thursday, 22nd. — It being evident that the whole
force could not be wintered here, I sent a messenger
last night and ordered the force to halt at any good
grass near Fort Pelly, three of the senior officers and
the doctor and veterinary surgeon to come on and
form a board to enquire into and report on the present
situation. Fire raging in woods close by. Sent some
men to assist Mr. Sutherland's men in keeping the fire
away from the saw mill. The Board report that
there are only seventy-five tons of hay of a very inferior
quality.

"Friday, 23rd. — Arranged matters at Swan River,
and rode up to Pelly where D and E troops were en-
camped. Picked out the best horses and strongest
oxen to take on with us, left all surplus stores, drew
out across the Assiniboine and camped at the "first
patch of grass we came to; delayed considerably by
cattle breaking away through the bush. A horse of
1) troop could not be found. One ox lost in the woods,
but believe it went back to E troop camp. "

Notwithstanding that the Board which reported
against remaining at Swan River, recommended that
not more than 80 head of stock should be left there,
Col. French risked leaving over 100 head, and there
he also left "E" division, with Inspector Carvell in
command, and again picking over the strongest horses
and oxen, on the evening of the 23rd he moved across
the Assiniboine with " I) " division and the staff, en
route to Fort p]llice.

The weather now remained cold and foggy. On
the 27th Col. French's now small column was met by
a drove of 84 head of cattle, en route to Swan River,
and he turned them back. On the 28th the Com-
missioner arrived in the valley of the Assiniboine
opposite Fort Ellice. On the 1st November he met
Paymaster Clark and his small party en route for
Fort Polly and turned them back.

November 7. — I) division reached Winnipeg, and
on orders from Ottawa, proceeded by easy stages to
Dufferin to pass the winter.

In his report, which has been drawn upon largely
in this chapter, Lieut.-Colonel French embodied the
following remarks on the objects of the expedition

27

and the spirit evinced by the officers and men com-
posing it :

"For the credit of the Dominion and of humanity,
it was absolutely necessary that a stop should be put
to the disgraceful scenes that were daily being enacted
on the Bow and Belly Rivers and the Cypress Hills.
The immense distance to this place, and the shortness
of the season for operations, necessitated a mounted
force being despatched.

"The Mounted Police were being organized for the
preservation of law and order in the North- West
Territories, but consisted only of about 120 men and
50 horses at the time this expedition was contemplated.
Nevertheless it was decided, for very good reasons,
that the work of establishing law and order where
all was lawlessness and violence should be entrusted
to the Mounted Police.

" Tied down by no stringent rules or articles of war,
but only by the silken cord of a civil contract, these
men by their conduct gave little cause of complaint.
Though naturally there were several officers and
constables unaccustomed to command, and having
little experience or tact, yet such an event as striking
a superior was unknown, and disobedience of orders
was very rare. Day after day on the march, night
after night on picquet or guard, and working at high
pressure during four months from daylight until dark,
and too frequently after dark, with little rest, not
even on the day sacred to rest, the force ever pushed
onward, delighted when occasionally a pure spring
was met with. There was still no complaint, when
salt water or the refuse of a mud hole was the only
liquid available. And 1 have seen this whole force
obliged to drink liquid which when passed through a
filter was still the color of ink. The fact of horses
and oxen failing and dying for want of food never
disheartened or stopped them, but pushing on, on
foot, with dogged determination, they carried through
the service required of them, under difficulties which
can only be appreciated by those who witnessed
them.

"Where time was so valuable there would be no
halting on account of the weather. The greatest
heat of a July sun or the cold of November in this
northern latitude made no difference; ever onward
had to be the watchword, and an almost uninterrupted
march was maintained from the time the force left
Dufferin with the thermometer 95° to 100° in the
shade, till the balance of the force returned therein
November, the thermometer marking 20° to 30° below
zero, having marched 1959 miles."

The complete list of officers upon the occasion of the
departure of the force from Dufferin in 1874 was as
follows:

Lieut.-Col. George A. French, Commissioner.

Major James F. Macleod, C.M.G., Assistant Com-
missioner.

Staff: J. G. Kittson, M.D., Surgeon; Dr. R. B.
Nevitt, Assistant Surgeon; W. G. Griffiths, Paymaster;
G. D. Clark, Adjutant; John L. Poett, Veterinary Sur-
geon; Charles NicoUe, Quartermaster.

*'A" division — W. D. Jarvis, Inspector; Severe
Gagnon, Sub-Inspector.

"B" division — G. A. Brisebois, Inspector; J. B.
Allan, Sul>Inspector.

"C" division — Wm. Winder, Inspector; T. R. Jack-
son, Sub-Inspector.

"D" division (Staff division) — J. M. Walsh, Inspec-
tor; James Walker and John French, Sub-Inspectors.

"E" division — Jacob Carvell, Inspector; J. H.
Mcllree and H. J. N. Lecaine, Sub-Inspectors.

''F" division — L. N. F. Crozier, Inspector; Vernon
Welsh and C. R. Denny, Sub-Inspectors.

By special invitation of the Commissioner, Mr. Henri
Julien, of Montreal, accompanied the expedition as
artist and correspondent of the " Canadian Illustrated
News." Mr. Julien, who still resides in Montreal, in
the exercise of his art, and is conceded to be the most
talented black and white artist in Canada, as he is one
of the most skilful newspaper artists in America, was
attached to the staff of the force during the expedition.

28

CHAPTER III.

THE FIRST WINTER IN THE FAR WEST.

Hardships of the Pioneers op Fort Macleod — The Illicit Whisky Trade Suppressed and Law
AND Order Established — A Marvellous Change — The First Detachment on the Saskatche-
wan— Trouble with the St. Laurent Half-Breeds — General Sir Selby Smyth's iNsPEcmoN
and Favourable Report.

WHFJN one considers the position of ('olonel
Macleod and his little force of 150 men, left
to face all the dangers of that first winter
in the far west, he cannot fail being struck with its
manifold perils.

There was, first, the complete isolation of the force,
nearly eight hundred miles from the nearest reinforce-
ment, although fortunately within much nearer means
of communication via Henton. Then there was the
inexperience of officers and men and their lack of
knowledge of the country in which they were located.
The region in the immediate vicinity of the locality
chosen as the site of post had only been imperfectly
reconnoitred, owing to the neces.sity of husbanding
the .strength of the already-fatigued horses, and the
im|K>rtance of the Commissioner beginning his return
march without a day's delay. All of the whisky
trudiim iK)sts refMirted to exist in the country had not
been located, and it was announced in Henton that
many of the illicit traders and other dtwfx'radoes who
infested the country before the advent of the police,
and had withdrawn before French's advance, had ex-
pressed their intention to niturn as soon as Colonel
French and the heailcjuarters of the force had started
for the east. So the whisky traders might be still
considered as one element of trouble and <hinger.
Then there were the Indians, whose numl)ers and <lis-
[Mwition were largely an unknown quanttty.

And for a time Colonel Macleod's hands must be
necessarily tied owing to the necessity of providing

Jhith'h I'arquharHon Maflood, C.M.Ci., CommiHNiuncT of the
N.W M.P. from July io, 1876, to Ort. 30, 1880.

29

shelter for his men and Hve stock, and to the fact that
his horses were in very poor condition, the best having
been selected for the Commissioner's column, and only
the weakest, including a large proportion of absolutely
run-down animals, left with the Assistant Commissioner.

The difficulty of obtaining forage, and the ignorance
of the little force as to the peculiar climatic conditions
prevailing in this part of the Dominion proved to be
among the worst dangers which had to be faced and
overcome.

But all the dangers were faced manfully and without
any signs of quailing.

Immediately upon his return from Fort Benton,
the Assistant Commissioner chose as the best site for
his headquarters a level strip of land within one of
the curves or loops of the Old Man's River, this situa-
tion assuring him a supply of water and wood, and
seemingly a good prospect of a natural hay crop.
The high banks of the river afforded shelter from the
north wind, and the position was an admirable one
from a strategical point of view, commanding the
route frequented by the United States traders.

It having been decided to call the position Fort
Macleod, in honour of the Assistant Commissioner,
work was at once begun at preparing timber for the
erection of barracks, including besides living quarters
for the officers and men, stables, hospital, storehouses,
magazine, etc. The post was built of cottonwood
pickets, the spaces between the pickets being filled
with mud, and the roofs covered with sods and sand.
The preparation of the lumber was found to be of so
laborious a character that a portable saw mill was
purchased and forwarded to Fort Macleod during
the season of 1875, but it was not in working order
antil the autumn of 1876. It was then employed
in cutting lumber for flooring and roofing purposes,
the original roofs of turf and sand proving very
unsatisfactory. No time was lost in attempting to
secure a supply of forage for the horses and fresh meat
for the men. The police had to do most of these things
themselves, but some men were attracted to the spot
from across the lines, and a little hired assistance was
secured.

But it was a strenuous autumn and a hard and
trying winter for all ranks.

The Assistant Commissioner, naturally had to bear
in mind the special duty the Force under his imme-
diate command had been assigned to perform, and as
soon as the work on the new post had been fairly
started, he proceeded to locate the various trading
posts in the region, ascertain the nature of the business
conducted by the various traders, and take steps to
put a stop to illegal trading of all kinds. Fort Ha-
milton, the principal trading post remaining in opera-

30

tion was entered by a force under the personal com-
mand of the Assistant Commissioner, October 9, 1874.
This fort was situated on the west side of and 300 feet
from the Belly River, near the mouth of the St. Mary's
River, near the site of the present thriving town of
Lethbridge, the centre of the Alberta mining industry.
The post was of the stockade type, almost square,
and with two bastions, or " flankers " as they were
generally called on the frontier. The walls were loop-
holed, and there were two three-pounder guns in the
position. Within the stockade, and opening on to
the central square, were a blacksmith's shop, stables,
fur store, trading store, store room, post kitchen,
dwellings, etc. Outside the stockade were two de-
tached corrals and a hay shed, and less than 300 yards
away were the charred remains of the old "Fort
Whoop-Up," which had been partly destroyed by
fire. In close proximity to this fort in the autumn
of 1870 occurred the last great fight between the Crees
and Assiniboines and their hereditary enemies of the
Blackfoot Confederacy, including Blackfeet, Bloods
and Piegans. The smallpox had been ravaging the
camps of the Blackfeet nations on the Belly and St.
Mary Rivers around Forts Kipp and Whoop-Up,
and the Crees and Assiniboines deemed it an oppor-
tune time to exact revenge for past reverses, and put
a Force of 700 braves upon the warpath. The attack-
ers foiled in their attempt to take their enemies by
surprise, retired down the bed of the Pelly River,
where a fierce and bloody running fight took place,
the Cree tribes losing some 300 killed and wounded,
the Blackfeet a little less than 100.

There is no better way to give an adequate idea of
the work the force on duty in the far west had to per-
form that first year, or the hardships they had to en-
dure, than to quote, in extenso, some of Colonel Mac-
leod's concise reports to the Commissioner.

The Assistant Commissioner had hoped to be able
to procure forage for all his horses in the immediate
vicinity of Fort Macleod for the winter, but on October
20th he wrote the Commissioner, via Benton, as
follows : —

"I am now forced to the conclusion, that it would
be perfectly impossible to keep the whole of the horses
here for the winter. There is hardly any hay to be
cut at this late season of the year, and what there is
lies in small patches at distances of eight and ten
miles from here. I have engaged men to cut as much
as can be got, and have to pay them $15 for doing so.
From this source I will consider myself lucky if I get
even 25 tons. I have been able to buy about 15 tons
of rather good hay from different parties, and there is
I believe about 20 tons cut out on the prairies, the
owner of which I have at last found out, and expect in

camp every day, as he is coming out with suppHes.
I have had two racks made for our own waggons,
and am now having two large ones made for Baker's
waggons, which will hold 5 tons at a load, so altogether
I shall be well off if I can secure 50 or 60 tons.

" With regard to the supply of meat for the detach-
ment, I was able to procure a plentiful supply of buffalo
meat, shot by our people, which lasted for several days
after we got here. But although we saw splendid
herds, in much larger numbers than you saw near
Benton, just before crossing the St. Marys, not one was
to be seen on this side. I thought it impracticable to
send men off long distances in search of them, so I
bought as much as carried us along at different times,
the price at first being five cents a pound and at last,
two cents. The buffalo having now come nearer,
three of our men with Mr. Lavallee killed enough for
our detachment in one day to last for a week. As soon
as the present press of work is over, I hope to commence
killing enough for our winter suppl}' as well as to secure
enough robes for the whole force. When the storm
came on I issued out of the lot seized by Mr. Crozier,
50 robes to the men, and bought 105 more at $4.25
U.S. currency, which were also issued."

In the continuation of this letter dated October 30th,
Colonel Macleod wrote: —

" I am happy to be enabled to inform you that al-
though we have all been very busy in the construction
of our winter quarters, we have been able to carry on
some police work as well, and have struck a first blow
at the liquor traffic in this country.

"I found out from an Indian named 'Three Bulls'
that a colored man of the name of William Bond, who
has a trading post at a place called 'Pine Coule'
about 50 miles from here, (I was told it was 40), had
traded a couple of gallons of whisky for two horses of
his. I saw that I had to be very careful in not raising
the suspicion of a lot of men, who were continually
riding into camp, so I told Jerry Potts, the interpreter,
to get all the information he could and arrange to meet
'Three Bulls' on the road next night about dark. Mr.
Crozier was next morning to select ten of the best men
and horses, out of the whole detachment, and hold
himself in readiness to move at a moment's notice.
Next afternoon, just l)efore dark, without letting any
of them know where they were to go to, they left this
camp, guided by Potts. I gave Mr, Crozier written
instructions to guide him; amongst others, to seize
all robes and furs of any kind which he suspected had
been traded for li(|Uor, and in addition a sufficient
amount of gcKKls and chattels, to .satisfy the fine which
in each case might be imiM)s<*d. I was very glad to
find by your instructions that you had directed me to
seize the roljcs, &c., traded; and I .see no other way in

this country to secure the fine except by seizing pro-
perty enough at the time the seizure is made, and not
to wait for a distress warrant after the fine is imposed.
" Mr. Crozier executed his mission in a most satisfactory
manner. Two days afterwards he appeared in camp
with the colored man in custody and four others, all
of whom he had captured about 45 miles from here.
He found the five in possession of two waggons, each of
them containing cases of alcohol, and brought the
whole party with their waggons, 16 horses, 5 Henry
rifles. 5 revolvers and 116 buffalo robes, into camp. I
confiscated the robes, and tried each of the prisoners,
for having intoxicating liquors in their possession.

"All the inspectors sat with me to try the cases.
I fined the two principals and Bond, who was their
interpreter and guide, $200 each, and the other two
$50 each. They were acting as hired men for the other
two. Next day Mr. Weatherwax, a gentleman I dare-
say you have heard spoken of in Benton as ' Wavey ',
came to me and paid all the fines, except Bond's, and
his I fancy he would not pay, as I detained him on the
other charge of trading liquor to ' Three Bulls. ' Bond
said he thought he would raise the amount, so he will
undergo his imprisonment as per state enclosed. I
wanted ' Three Bulls ' to get some more evidence about
this matter, but the Indians have no idea of evidence,
and think that if they tell you a witness to a trans-
action is in a camp near by it is all that is required.
He brought me a horse as a present,, and said that he
had several men at the camp who saw the transaction.
I of course refused to take the horse, telling him that
it was not considered right for a judge to take any pre-
sents from a party who had a case before him. He was
in great distress at my refusal, but promised to bring
the witness I wanted. They have moved off 12 miles
from here for a buffalo hunt, but I expect them back
again before long. 1 think it best, although I have a
subpcena all ready for both 'Three Bulls' and his
witness, to avoid using any compulsory process until
they understand things better. "

December 4, Colonel Macleod wrote to the Commis-
sioner:

"Since I last wrote you by Inspector Walsh, I have
had no opportunity of sending this letter to I^enton.
Indeed if 1 had it would have been almost impossible
to write on account of the extreme cold weather we have
had. Nearly the whole of hist month, the thermometer
stood very low. one night going down to minus 30 and
one week averaging only 2. The cold, too, was accom-
panied by very heavy winds, and such a fall of snow as
had not l)een known in the country by any of the
.settlers. Fortunately in the valley of this river it has
not fallen to such a depth, as in other places, even
between this and the Belly River the difference is very

31

great, and I hear that between this and Benton it has
fallen to a depth of 5 or 6 feet. Last Saturday evening
closed in with the thermometer at 20 below, and Sunday
morning dawned with a most delicious warm sunshine
with the atmosphere as calm and pleasant as on a day
in spring, the thermometer standing at 44 above. I
am happy to say that the same kind of weather has
continued ever since, with now and then a very strong
wind from the west. The snow about here has quite
disappeared, and is only to be seen on the hill-tops.
" The bad weather had a very serious effect in re-
tarding operations on our quarters. I was able, how-
ever, to place the men all under shelter of a roof, with
chimneys half built, but sufficiently high to admit of a
fire being put on, before the severest weather overtook
us. The officers, with the exception of Winder, Jack-
son and the Doctor, took possession of the kitchen,
and have made themselves tolerably comfortable. I
have taken advantage of Mr. Conrad's invitation, and
am now staying with him in a house he has built close
to the fort. Winder's tent, doubled, is pitched in the
woods, and with a stove inside they are very com-
fortable. Our quarters are now being pushed, and I
hope to be in, in a week at the most from now.

"The very cold weather had a very decided effect
on the health of the men, the sick list one day having
reached 45, mostly colds. I had eight of the men
removed to a couple of forts near here; they have all
but two now quite recovered, and the doctor reports
that they are progressing very favourably, and will
return in a day or two. The hospital is nearly ready,
for any 'v\^ho may require to be sent there. I have
left nothing undone that I could think of to make
the barracks as comfortable as circumstances permit.
The constables' mess is on one side, and the kitchen
and wash-house at the other, with a latrine, connected
with a covered passage, with the wash-house. The
quarter-master's stores are now complete, and are
now readily filled with the supplies, which have nearly
all arrived. The trains bringing them here lost 33
oxen during the severe weather.

"I find that I cannot get any of the hay I spoke of
in a former letter as being out on the prairies. Be-
tween the snow and the buffalo, it has all disappeared.
I had consequently almost made up my mind to send
some more of the oxen by Baker's men into Benton
for the winter, intending to send them to Fort Ha-
milton for some days and feed them there on hay and
oats before they started on their longer journey, but
the state of the roads precluded the possibility of
doing so, and I was dreadfully perplexed as to what
to do. I have now been able to procure 18 tons of
hay here, at the enormous expense of $50 per ton,
and about the same quantity at Fort Kipp, at $27 per

ton. There are also 10 tons more at Fort Kipp which
no one here has a right to sell which I have taken
possession of, and will pay the owner, when he turns
up, a reasonable sum for. Instead of incurring the
expense of getting this hay from Fort Kipp brought
up here, I have sent Inspector Brisbois with a detach-
ment of 14 men and 14 horses to remain at that place.
Besides having the horses fed there I thought it ad-
visable to have a small body of police at that point,
as there is a large camp of Indians close by, and I am
informed that there is good reason to believe that a
large quantity of whisky is ' cached ' in the neigh-
bourhood. When Inspector Walsh returns I shall
send 8 or 9 horses more down there. Some of our
horses have never recovered from their weak state
consequent upon their long journey and bad feed.
A few have succumbed, notwithstanding their being
treated with the greatest care. I had a sling made,
with a block and tackle, to raise them up and rest
their legs. In some cases they have come round.

A Glimpse of Old Fort iMaclend.

but in one case, particularly, nothing appeared to give
the poor animal strength, he became a mere suspended
skeleton. So I had a Board upon him, and another.
The Board recommended that the first be shot, which
I had done, the latter they thought might be got
round, but he died the same evening. The severe
cold appeared to affect the thin ones very much.

" I am happy to be able to report the complete
stoppage of the whisky trade throughout the whole
of this section of the country, and that the drunken
riots, which in former years were almost of a daily
occurrence, are now entirely at an end; in fact, a more
peaceable community than this, with a very large
number of Indians camped along the river, could not
be found anywhere. Every one unites in saying
how wonderful the change is. People never lock
their doors at night, and have no fear of anything
being stolen which is left lying about outside; whereas,
just before our arrival gates and doors were all fastened

32

at night, and nothing could be left out of sight. So
strong was the Indian's passion for whisky, they
could not be kept out of the traders' houses by locks
and bars. They have been known to climb up on
the roofs, and endeavor to make their way through
the earth with which the houses are covered, and in
some instances they slid down through the chimneys.

" The Rev. Mr. McDougall, (Methodist Missionary at
Morley) has been paying us a visit. He is delighted
at the change that has been effected. He tells me
that he believes there are some traders still on Bow
River. If Walsh brings back the horses I asked the
Government to allow me, I shall pay them a visit
before many weeks pass."

December 15, Colonel Macleod wrote as follows: —

"I received a letter from the Department, by Walsh,
informing me that I had been appointed a Preventive
Officer in H. M. Customs. I have already taken
inventories of the stocks at several posts about here,
and intend to-morrow to proceed to Forts Kipp and
Hamilton to do the same there, and to enter a lot of
goods which are arriving. I am happy to say that
a large number of horses are now being imported.
Immediately before our arrival, large bands of them
were being continually sent the other way — proceeds
of the whisky trade. Now a horse can't be got from
an Indian, and they wish to buy more than the traders
have to sell.

"A number of traders are sedulously spreading
reports amongst the Indians that we are to be here
for the winter, and that we will be off in the spring.
All that have come to see me invariably ask how long
we are going to stay. Their delight is unbounded
when I tell that I expect to remain with them always. "

We will now leave the pioneer force of the Mounted
Police in what is now Southern Alberta and find out
how it fares with the first detachment on the North
Saskatchewan.

It will be recalled that on his march westward
Lieutenant Colonel French detached from his force
at La Roche Percee most of 'A' division under the
command of Inspector W. D. Jarvis with instructions
to proceed first to Fort Ellice, leave a detachment
there and thence proceed via Batoche, Fort Carlton
and Fort Pitt to Edmonton.

From Inspector Jarvis' report dated FMmonton,
November 2, 1874, it appears that he and his force
arrived at Edmonton on October 27th, being on the
way 88 days altogether, 60 of which were travelling
days, averaging fifteen miles per diem.

After leaving Fort Ellice, Jarvis found the pasture
and water so bad that he had great difficulty in pro-
curing enough to keep life in the horses and oxen.

After crossing the South Sa.skatchcwan, near the pre-

sent village of Batoche, the pasture improved, and
Jarvis intended resting the animals for some days, but,
as the little column was overtaken by a severe storm,
he hurried on to Carlton in the hope of saving the
horses. At the Fort he obtained from the H. B. offi-
cials a large store-house in which he stabled them until
the storm abated, or he would have lost the greater
part, if not all of them.

The Inspector also purchased 80 bushels of barley
which was all he could obtain, and with great care and
economy made it last to Victoria, where he got a few
bushels more, also ten bags of barley bran. In spite of
every precaution the detachment lost several horses
through exhaustion and sickness, though all possible
care was taken of them. The greatest loss occurred
within the last 25 miles, the cold having stiffened the
horses so much that they could not travel over the
frozen ground. Several were carried for miles, as the
men had to lift them every few yards. On the first of
November there were some which for nearly a month
had been lifted several times during the day, and had
they been the Inspector's own property, he reported,
he would have killed them, as they were mere skeletons.

From reports Jarvis received from persons he met on
the road between Carlton and Edmonton he understood
that a very small quantity of hay had been cut on ac-
count of the severe rains through the summer covering
the marshes with water, and as it was late for the
pohce to cut any, Jarvis deemed it advisable not to
take the cows, calves or weak oxen beyond Victoria,
but made a temporary agreement to have them win-
tered there; oxen and cows at $15 per head and calves
at $10 for six months, to be fed hay and stabled when
required.

Inspector Jarvis wound up his report as follows: —

" In conclusion, I may state that on looking back over
our journey I wonder how we ever accomplished it
with weak horses, little or no pasture, and for the last
500 miles with no grain, and the latter part over roads
impassible until we made them. That is to say, I kept
a party of men in advance with axes, and when practi-
cable felled trees and made corduroy over mud
holes, sometimes 100 yards long, and also made a num-
ber of bridges, and repaired all the old ones. We must
have laid down several miles of corduroy between Fort
Pitt and here. Streams which last year, when I crossed
them, were mere rivulets, are now rivers difficult to
ford. And had it not been for the perfect conduct of
the men, and real hard work, much of the property
must have been destroyed.

" I wish particularly to bring to your notice the
names of Troop. Sergt. Major Steele and Constable
Labelle. S. M. Steele has been undeviating in his
efforts to assist me, and he has also done the manual

33

labour of at least two men. The attention paid by
Constable Labelle to the horses has saved many of
them.

"On arriving here I received stabling and quarters
for my party,, and can make them comfortable for the
winter.

" I should have stated that, on account of the weak
state of the horses, I left about one waggon load at
Carlton, also two waggons and a quantity of stores at
Victoria, and even after thus lightening the loads I
was obliged to hire 10 oxen and carts to go to Sturgeon
River (25 miles) to assist some of our carts, as the oxen
were quite worked out.

" I also left 4 men in charge of 5 horses (unable at the
time to walk) about 12 miles back. And after resting
for two days, being put into a tent at night, they were
able to bring in four which we are now recovering. "

The Saskatchewan detachment had this advantage
over the force which advanced into and remained in
Southern Alberta. Their route, although rough and
long, was fairly well known, being used by the Hudson
Bay Company. The southern force had to find and
make a trail for itself through a perfectly unknown
country. Then Inspector Jarvis found the Hudson
Bay posts at Forts EUice, Carlton and Victoria valuable
rest and supply stations, and at Edmonton barrack
accommodation for the winter was obtained, ready for
occupation.

It was the Commissioner's intention on reaching the
forks of the Belly and Bow River to forward a rein-
forcement northward to Jarvis under Inspector Walsh.
As a matter of fact, Walsh and his detachment actually
started, but was recalled by Col. French, as the
route was declared to be impracticable.

It will be observed that the disposition of the Force
during the winter of 1874-75 was as follows: —

Headquarters and " D " division, Dufferin, Man.

"B." "C" and "F" divisions under Colonel Mac-
leod at Fort Macleod.

"A" division under Inspector Jarvis at Ellice and
Edmonton.

" E " division under Inspector Carvell, at Fort Pelly
and Swan River.

In the spring, headquarters and " U " division moved
to Swan River and several outposts were established
by detachments from all the winter depots.

During the summer of 1875, Major-General E. Selby
Smyth, then commanding the Canadian Militia, was
commissioned by the Dominion Government to make
a tour of mihtary inspection across the continent to
the Pacific, to inspect and report upon the North-West
Mounted Police and the posts occupied by them, and
to visit the several outposts occupied by the United
States Army in Montana, Washington and Oregon

Territories, with the object of conferring with the
general officers commanding, respecting the repression
of crime, the capture of criminals on both sides of the
International Boundary, and the obtaining of inter-
national co-operation in this important matter. The
General's official tour between the 24th of May and
the 15th of November embraced a distance by the
route travelled, ingoing and returning, of about 11,000
miles, of which over 2,000 miles were performed on
horseback, and 600 with pack animals.

The General's report, particularly in its references
to the North- West Mounted Police, as he found the
force in its first year of service in the far west, is
particularly interesting.

Superintendent W. D. Jarvis.

Specially referring to the Mounted Police, in his
report, which was addressed to the Secretary of State,
Major General Selby Smyth wrote:

" I proceeded from Fort Macleod at the base of the
Rocky Mountains to Fort Shaw in Montana, a distance
of 250 miles, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner
Macleod commanding the detachments of the Mounted
Police in the western division of the North-West
Territory, and from him I learnt the nature of the
measures likely to conduce to a more settled state of
affairs along the frontiers.

34

"In compliance with the instructions contained
in your confidential letter to me, dated June 24th last,
wherein I am directed in the progress of my tour
through the North- West Territories to visit as many
as possible of the Mounted Police Posts and to make
special inquiry into certain points therein detailed,
bearing upon the organization, equipment, distribution,
and general efficiency of the force, I have now the
honour to report to you that after my return in June
from reorganizing the Militia in Prince Edward Island,
and having proceeded westward, to inspect the
various brigades of militia encamped in Ontario, I
embarked at Samia on the 2nd July, and passing up
Lakes Huron and Superior, I reached Fort Garry by
way of Duluth, Moorhead and the Red River on the
15th, and after making the necessary inspection
there, I finally departed for the Prairies on the 19th
of that month, travelling the first 200 miles in vehicles
which had been provided for myself and staff as far
as Shoal Lake, where I met with the first outpost of
the Mounted Police.

"From this point I travelled throughout the North-
West Territories and across the Rocky Mountains,
fully 1,500 miles, escorted by a party of the Mounted
Police, until they were relieved at Joseph's Prairie in
the Kootenay district under arrangements made
by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia for
my further progress to Vancouver's Island.

"The general opinions I have been able to form of
the North- West Mounted Police, have been greatly
influenced by the experience I acquired of them on
my line of march through the countr} % I shall now
therefore shortly allude to it.

" From Shoal Lake post I proceeded direct to Swan
River, about 140 miles, and on the morning of my
arrival there I was overtaken by Lieut, Cotton, an
officer of the Manitoba Artillery bearing despatches
to me from the Lieutenant Governor of that pro-
vince,

"The nature of these despatches was such that
after a conference with the commandant, Lieut. Col.
French, I determined to take a force of 50 Mounted
Police from Swan to Carlton, as a party of observa-
tion. My reason for coming to this decision arose
from the important nature of the information conveyed
in the despatches, and though my impression was
that the report was somewhat overdrawn, I had no
possible means, .so far removed from telegraphic or
postal communication, to test the facts of the case
except by going to see my.self.

"I accordingly marche<l the following afternoon
accompanied by I^ieutenant-Colonel French and 50
of his men. We crossed the south branch of the
Saskatchewan and reached Carlton House on the

eighth day, a distance of 270 miles from Swan
River. (1)."

" Leaving the troop of Mounted Police at Carlton,
I cros.sed the north l)ranch of the Saskatchewan the
following day, and proceeded by way of Forts Pitt
and Victoria towards Edmonton, 400 miles; but being
delayed a day at Sturgeon Creek, a deep and rapid
stream, in order to construct rafts for its passage, I
recrossed the Saskatchewan the same afternoon at
the new post established by Inspector Jarvis. From
thence Edmonton lies about 20 miles south.

"Proceeding south, 120 miles, I crossed the Battle
and Red Deer Rivers, and at the latter found another
troop which had been with judgment moved to that
point on learning the rumours afloat about the Carl-
ton Dumont affair.

" My staff on the expedition was composed of Cap-
tain the Honourable M. Stapleton, Coldstream Guards,
A.D.C., Captain Ward, A.D.C., to his Excellency
the Governor General, and Lieut, the Honourable
T. Fitzwilliam, A.D.C., Royal Horse Guards, and
afterwards joined by the Honourable Evelyn Ellis,
late Royal Navy.

" Now as to the sufficiency of the force in respect
of numbers, discipline, and equipment, including
horses, arms, saddlery, means of transport, etc.

" The force consists of 29 officers and 300 men and
horses; the Commandant is termed Commissioner,
and his second in command, Assistant Commissioner,
the remaining officers are respectively inspectors
and sub-inspectors, and the men designated constables
and sub-constables, the former answering to the
status of non-commissioned officers.

"The force is divided into 6 Divisions of 50 men
each; it may be considered fairly sufficient for the
duties it is at present called upon to perform. The

(1) The trouble, here referred to by General Sir Selliy Smyth was
with the FVench Half-Bree<lK or Metis who had drifte<l weHtwani from
Manitoba and had itettled alonK the banks of the South .Saskatchewan
from Clark's Crossing <lown to the forks of the Saskatchewan. The Half-
Breeds had always l)een more or less of a disturbinK element in the west
from their restiveness and sansitiveness, and particularly since the Hed
Kiver trouble of 18<i9-7() they had be<'n reKarded with more or less suspicion
by the white settlers. ,\s Manitoba l>eKan to l)e opened up to white settle-
ment, the Half-Breeds, not merely by families but by settlements, moved
off towards the west, most of them findinic conxenial homes in the virgin
prairie alonK the banks of the .Saskatchewan. Here they felt themselves
free from Kovernment influences and the land surveyor, and were still able
to pursue with success their favourite occupation of buffalo huntinit. In
187.5 word reached the Dominion authorities that one of the leadiuK men
of the Saskatchewan settlement, a niiKhty Ualf-Hreed hunter name<l CJa-
briel Dumimt, had set up a sort of Provisional (iovernment, somewhat
after the style of that created by Kiel in the lied River settlement in 1869-
70. It was reporteil that Dumont and his Kovernment even set up pre-
tensions to existence completely inde|>endent of the Dominion laws or
Dominion authority. The (ieneral had a conference with Dumont and
wime of the other lea<linK Half-Br«>pi|s near the site of the present villaKe
of Baloche, and it was explainc<t that the only object of the Half-Breeds
was to intrcxluce a rouKli tribal or municipal orKanization such as was
customary in Half-Bree<l settlements and huntinK camps. A <lelicate
warninit as to the futility of attemptinK anythinK further than that was
given before the (jeneral and his escort move<t on.

35

normal effect of its presence has already produced a
wholesome improvement in the condition of the
wandering tribes of the prairies, and the nomadic
inhabitants of the North- West generally, and caused
a feeling of security throughout the settlements of
the Territory.

"For a newly raised force, hastily enrolled and
equipped, it is in very fair order — its organization
is based upon sound ^inciples, but there is room for
improvement in several respects on which I pre-
sent herewith a confidential report. It will be rea-
dily understood that in the detached state of the
force, so much time having been occupied in providing
shelter for men and horses, it has hitherto been next
to impossible to bestow proper attention on discipline,
interior economy, equitation, the care of horses, sad-
dlery, equipment, and the duties of constables — all
of which are quite indispensable.

" I consider that men should be recruited from the
rural districts, a few only, for clerks, etc., to be taken
from towns. The decayed gentleman is a failure.
They should be active young men, sons of farmers,
accustomed to face all kind of weather and rough
work as well as to the use of horses; this element is
badly wanted in the force. The horses are a very
fair average lot and they have been generally pur-
chased in Ontario. I should prefer selecting them
from rural districts than from horse dealers and sale
stables. A better, sounder and cheaper description
of horse could thus be obtained.

"At Carlton, a small party was left there on my
passing through, I do not know whether they still
remain, and I doubt the necessity for them, there
being no inhabitants at Carlton House except the
officials and clerks of the Hudson Bay Company.
The nearest settlement is that of French half-breeds
at St. Laurent, distant 18 miles, on the right bank of
the South Saskatchewan, and the Prince Albert Mis-
sion Station, distant 40 miles, at the forks of its two
branches. From the latter settlement, supplies of
every kind are sent to Carlton, which produces nothing.

" From Carlton to Edmonton, 400 miles, police are
not required. Forts Pitt and Victoria are little fre-
quented Hudson's Bay posts, occupied by clerks and
some retired officials. Along that entire distance of
400 miles I met no living soul except one travelling
half-breed and the monthly postman; but nature
denotes it to be the future abode of a large population.
It must be inhabited, its balmy climate is inviting,
warm and genial in the summer, and though the
winter's cold lasts long, the snow does not lie deep,
and stock can pasture out all through the year. The
land is rich and fertile, and would produce all cereal
crops. It is covered with the most luxuriant herbage,

and wild vetches, plenty of wood, abundance of
water, grow, I believe, all the way north, till the
verge of the great sub- Arctic forest is touched. The
isothermal lines indicate that the climate is mild, and
it is well known that the soil is suitable to maintain
a dense population.

" The Bow River post (now Calgary) was established
on my march south by detaching the troop awaiting
my orders at Red Deer River. Lieutenant - Colonel
Macleod had, with good judgment, fixed on the spot,
and made all arrangements.

"The Hudson Bay Company, had, years ago, tried
to maintain a post there, but their agents were in-
timidated by the Blackfeet Indians and soon driven
away.

"Of the constables and sub-constables I can speak
generally, that they are an able body of men, of excel-
lent material, and conspicuous for willingness, en-
durance, and, as far as I can learn, integrity of character.

"They are fairly disciplined, but there has hardly
been an opportunity yet for maturing discipline to
the extent desirable in bodies of armed men, and,
dispersed as they are, through the immensity of space
without much communication with headquarters, a
great deal must depend upon the individual intelligence,
acquirements and steadiness of the Inspectors in per-
fecting discipline, drill, interior economy, equitation,
and care of horses, saddlery and equipment, together
with police duties on which they might be occasionally
required.

"A searching inquiry is necessary into the nature
of the hoof disease among horses at Edmonton. It
has fallen with fearful effects on the police and other
horses in that neighborhood. It is supposed to be an
insect which eats into the hoof in a short time; it is
very painful and when not attended properly the horse
dies.

"This summer a steamer ascended the North Sas-
katchewan for the first time as far as Edmonton from
Grand Rapids near Lake Winnipeg. Certainly the
navigation of both branches of this mighty river,
abounding with coal and other mineral wealth
for many hundred miles, will open up the country for
settlement, reduce the price of transport and provisions,
and become one of the many causes tending to produce
a new order of things and abolish monopoly.

" While it may be considered that 300 men are
enough to maintain order in the North- West, it is
evident that this force would be insufficient to put
down a serious outbreak, should such a very unlikely
misfortune occur. It would be difficult to collect more
than 100 effective men of the force at a given point in a
reasonable time.

" Militia are not availal:)le in the North- West Terri-

36

tory, nor do I consider a mixture of the military and
civil element at all desirable. There is sufficient of
the military character about the police, and they have
the advantage that every man is a limb of the law,
whereas military cannot act without a magistrate or
constable.

"Therefore it is suggested that volunteer police or
bodies of special constables should be formed at such
settlements as Prince Albert, St. Albert, St. Ann's and
St. Laurent, these men to be subject while on duty to
the same rules as the regular police.

" Too much value cannot be attached to the North-

West Police, too much attention cannot be paid to
their efficiency. We read that not long ago these
wild Indian tribes of the far west were accustomed
to regard murder as honourable war, robbery and
pillage as traits most ennobling to mankind; the
Blackfeet, Crees, Salteaux, Assiniboines, the Peigans,
among the most savage of the wild races of Western
America, free from all restraint and any sort of con-
trol, waged indiscriminate war with each other and
with mankind. Law, order, and security for life and
property were little observed; civil and legal institu-
tions almost entirely unknown."

^:^j;5j

Jf'jtJtJ.

Hunting Buffalo during the Long March of 1874. (From a sketch by A. Julien in the "Canadian Illustrated News.")

37

CHAPTER IV.

COLONEL MACLEOD, COMMISSIONER

The Development of the North-West Territories under Proper Protection — Dealings with the
Indians — The Sun Dance — The Big Treaty with the Blackfeet.

THE year 1876 brought two important changes
for the North-West Mounted Pohce. By Order
in Council of the 20th April, 1876, the control
and management of the force was transferred from the
Department of Justice, then presided over by the
Hon. R. Laflamme, to the Department of the Secretary
of State, the Hon. R. W. Scott.

By Order in Council of 20th July, 1876, Lieut.-Col.
James Farquharson Macleod, C.M.G., was appointed
to succeed Lieut.-Col. French, as Commissioner.

Lieut. -Colonel James Farquharson Macleod, C.M.G.,
was one of the first officers appointed to the Mounted
Police. He had been for some years identified with
the Ontario Militia, and at the time of taking up his
first appointment in the Police, was major of the 45th
Battalion, with the brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He took part in Colonel Wolseley's expedition to the
Red River in 1870 as Assistant Brigade Major of
Militia, and in recognition of his meritorious services,
was awarded the brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel
and the decoration of C.M.G.

Lieutenant Colonel G. A. French, now Major General
Sir George A. French, immediately after giving up the
appointment of Commissioner, returned to service in
the British Army and performed distinguished service
in various parts of the world, being particularly identi-
fied with the organization and development of the
defen.sive forces of Australia. He visited Canada with
Lady French in the summer of 1906, and visited, with

much interest, the head-quarters of the R.N.W.M.P.
at Regina, as well as some other posts.

In July 1876, an escort of eighty-two men was detailed
to accompany the Lieutenant Governor of the North-
West Territories on his mission to Forts Carlton and
Pitt, in connection with the making of a treaty with
the Cree Indians.

In consequence of the Indians in the adjoining Ter-
ritory of Montana being engaged during the summer in
conflict with the United States troops, it was considered
necessary, as a precautionary measure, to increase the
force at Fort Macleod, and also at Fort Walsh, a new
post established in the Cypress Hills. A hundred men
were accordingly ordered there from the northern posts.
Four seven-pounder guns were also purchased from
the Militia Department and forwarded, together with a
supply of ammunition, to Fort Walsh. Two nine-
pounder field guns had previously been supplied to
Fort Macleod.

The massing of the force at these posts near the
frontier no doubt secured tranquility in that section of
the Territory and prevented the United States Indians
from using Canadian soil as a base of operations for
prosecuting the war with the X,^nited States troops.

On the 22nd of August the following report of Sub-
Inspector Denny was received from the Assistant Com-
missioner.

" According to orders received on July 8th to proceed
to the Blackfoot camp for the prisoner ' Nataya ', I

38

left Bow River on the above mentioned date and found
the Blackfeet camped about 30 miles above the mouth
of Red Deer River, that being about 200 miles north-
east of Elbow River.

"After having secured the prisoner I was detained
in camp by a council called by the principal Blackfeet
chiefs, who invited me to their meeting.

"They told me that they were very glad we had
arrived, as at that time they were in a very unsettled
state, o\\ing to communications that had passed be-
tween the Blackfoot nation, including Blood Indians
and Piegans. and the Sioux from across the line.

" About a month ago the Sioux sent a message to the
Blackfoot Camp with a piece of tobacco, which the
Blackfoot chief showed me. The messenger told the
Blackfeet, from the Sioux, that the tobacco was sent
them to smoke if they were willing to come across the
line and join the Sioux in fighting the Crow Indians,

I'ort Walsh in its Palmy P.-in^.

and other tribes with whom they were at war, and also
the Americans whom they were fighting at the same
time.

"They also told the Blackfeet that if they would
come to help them against the Americans, that after
they had killed all the whites they would come over
and join the Blackfeet to exterminate the whites on
t his side.

"They also told him that the soldiers on this side
were weak, and that it would take them but a short
time to take any forts that they had built here, as they
had taken many strong stone forts from the Americans,
at small loan to themselves.

" The Blackfeet had sent an answer to the Sioux a
short time before I arrived, to the effect that they
could not smoke their tobacco on such terms, and that
they were not willing to make peace with the under-

standing of helping them to fight the whites, as they
were their friends and they would not fight against
them.

" They said as they would not come and help them
against the Americans, that they would come over to
this side and show the Blackfeet that white soldiers
were nothing before them, and that after they had
exterminated the soldiers and taken their forts they
would come against the Blackfeet.

" In consequence of this message the Blackfeet nation,
when I reached their camp, were in a state of uncer-
tainty, not knowing how to act, 'Crowfoot,' the
head chief of the Blackfeet was authorized by the
nation, all of whom were present, to ask me whether in
case they were attacked by the Sioux without them-
selves being the aggressors, and called upon ua, the
Mounted Police, to help them, we would do so. I told
them that in case the Sioux crossed the line and attack-
ed the Blackfeet, without the Blackfeet giving them
any cause to do so, that we were bound to help them,
they being subjects of this country, and having the
right of protection as well as any other sul)jects.

" The Chief told me that the Blackfeet had told him
to tell me that as we were willing to help them, in the
event of the Sioux attacking them, that they would, in
case of being attacked, send two thousand warriors
against the Sioux.

" I thanked them for their offer, and told them that I
would inform you of all they had told me, and that as
long as they were quiet and peaceable they would al-
ways find us their friends and willing to do anything for
their good.

"They expressed great satisfaction at all I had told
them, and promised to do nothing without letting us
first know, and asking our advice.

" I distributed some tol)acco among them, and told
them to let us know of any movements of the Sioux to
the north.

"I left them on Friday last, camped together about
80 miles above the mouth of the Red Deer River. I
brought the prisoner with me without any trouble, and
arrived here this day. "

A copy of this report was forwarded by His Honour
the Deputy (lovernor, to the Right Honourable the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, from whom a suit-
able acknowledgment was received by His Excellency
the (lovernor (leneral.

During this same year, 1876, representations
having been made that owing to the destruction o<"
crops by hail-stones, the inhabitants of the j)arish of
St. Albert, near Fximonton, were likely to suffer great
distress during the winter, it became necessary, in
order to avert the threatened famine, to consider
what steps should be taken to afford relief, and also

39

to prevent the breaking up of the settlement and
dispersion of the inhabitants. Instructions were
accordingly given to the officer commanding the
Police at Edmonton to invite the clergy of the several
denominations to assist him as a committee for re-
lieving distress, to such extent as the surplus supplies
of the Mounted Police would permit, payment at
cost price and expense of transport to be obtained
where possible. Where payment not possible, the
best available security was to be taken for ultimate
payment in furs or money.

The strength and distribution of the force at the
end of the year 1876 was as follows: — Fort Macleod,
1 Commissioner, 1 Assistant Commissioner, 1 Surgeon,
1 Quartermaster, 1 Inspector, 5 Sub-Inspectors, 103
Constables and Sub-Constables, and 105 horses; Fort
Walsh (Cypress Hills), 1 Quartermaster, 1 Inspector,
4 sub-inspectors, 95 constables and sub-constables,
90 horses; Fort Calgary, (1) 1 Quartermaster,

I Inspector, 33 Constables and Sub-Constables,
37 horses; Fort Saskatchewan, 1 Inspector, 1
Sub-Inspector, 20 Constables and Sub-Constables,
18 horses; Battleford and Carlton, 1 Inspector,

II Constables and Sub-Constables, 18 horses;
Swan River, 1 Surgeon, 1 Veterinary Surgeon,
1 Inspector, 1 Sub-Inspector, 29 Constables
and Sub-Constables, 10 horses; Shoal Lake, 7 Cons-
tables and Sub-Constables, 4 horses; Qu'Appelle 5
Constables and Sub-Constables, 4 horses; Beautiful
Plains, 4 Constables and Sub-Constables and 3 horses.

The expenditure during the fiscal year ended 30th
June 1876, for Mounted Pofice service was $369,518.39
but that amount included $41,184.47 arrears of the
years 1873-74 and 1874-75, also a charge of $19,762.95
for miscellaneous stores taken over from Her Ma-
jesty's North American Boundary Commission in
1874-75.

If the Mounted Police was costing the country
money, it was rendering good value for the expend-
iture. Prior to the arrival of the Police at Fort

(1) The firm of I. G. Baker and Company of Fort Benton, Mont., a
reputable firm, had a fur trading post at the junction of the Bow and Elbow
Rivers, close to the site of Fort Calgary when the Mounted Police entered
the country, and the year after the establishment of Fort Macleod, a de-
tachment of the Police under Inspector Brisebois, was sent there. A
contract was entered into by I. G. Baker and Company to erect the ne-
cessary buildings or fort, very much after the style of the old Hudson
Bay log huts and stockade. The first police fort was built on the site of
the new barracks, and was the first permanent structure erected on the
present town site. Calgary was at first known by a variety of names such
as "The Mouth", "Elbow River" and "The Junction". When a detach-
ment was first stationed there it was known in the force as Brisebois'; and
when the fort was built Inspector Brisebois dated his reports from "Fort
Brisebois". Finally Colonel Macleod, the Commissioner, was deputed
by Sir John A. Macdonald to confer a name on the fort, and he called it
by the name of his paternal home in Scotland, "Calgarry", which is the
Gaelic for "Clear Running Water". The double "r" does not appear to
have been popular and so we have the name with the single "r." In 1881
the Hudson Bay Company established a post at Calgary.

Macleod, that section of the Territories, as already
stated, was in possession of outlaws and illicit traders.

In his report for 1876, the Comptroller, Mr. Fred-
erick White, was able to report:

" The liquor traffic is now suppressed, and a number
of Americans have crossed the border and engaged
in stock raising and other pursuits in Canadian ter-
ritory. A village has sprung up around Fort Macleod,
and trade is rapidly increasing. The customs duties
collected at this port by the officers of the Pofice
during the two months ended 31st October last,
amounted to $16,324.69, and over 20,000 robes were
shipped from there during the past season.

"At Cypress Hills, the scene of the massacre of 1873,
there is also a settlement. The customs collections
made there by the Mounted Police during the nine
months ended 30th September last, amounted to
$5,584.22."

It will be recalled that in 1872 an Act was passed
at Ottawa providing for the unorganized territory of
the North- W^ est by the Lieutenant Governor of Ma-
nitoba and a council appointed by the federal autho-
rities. The members of this council, gazetted in
January 1873 were the Honourables M. A. Girard,
Donald A. Smith, Henry J. Clarke, Patrice Breland,
Alfred Boyd, John Schultz, Joseph Dubuc, A. G. B.
Bannatyne, William Fraser, Robert Hamilton and
William Christie. There were afterwards added the
Honourables James McKay. Joseph Royal, Pierre
Delorme, W. R. Bown, W. N. Kennedy, John H.
McTarvish and William Tait.

This Act remained in force until 1875 when a bill
providing for the further organization and govern-
ment of the North-West Territories was introduced
in parliament by the Honourable Alexander Mac-
kenzie, being passed and coming into force in October
1876 with the Hon. David Laird as Lieutenant Gov-
ernor. To assist the Governor there was a small
council consisting of Col. Macleod and Messrs Mat-
thew Ryan and Hugh Richardson, Stipendary Ma-
gistrates.

Immediately after the establishment of the Terri-
tories, as a separate Government, the Honourable
Mr. Laird, Lieut.-Governor, proceeded to Winnipeg
en route for Livingstone, or Swan River Barracks,
the headquarters of the Mounted Police, which had
been selected as the Provisional Seat of Government.
His Honour reached Livingstone on the 11th of Nov-
ember, and took the oaths of office and entered upon
his duties as Lieutenant Governor on the 27th of
that month.

Just at this time various problems of the vexed,
and always very delicate, Indian problem pressed upon
the police and territorial authorities for settlement.

40

The Sioux resident in Canada (not including, of
course, "Sitting Bull" and his followers) occupied a
somewhat exceptional and anomalous position in
the country. They were a fragment of the large
tribe of United States Indians of that name who took
refuge in British Territory in 1862, immediately after
the Indian massacre in Minnesota. The bulk of
these refugees settled near Portage La Prairie, in the
Province of Manitoba; but a small number of them
took up their residence at Qu'Appelle, others in the
neighborhood of Fort Ellice, and others near Turtle
Mountain, close to the Boundary line, and about 100
miles from the western limits of that Province. These
refugees and their children in 1872 numbered alto-
gether about 1,500 or 2,000. In 1875 two large
Reserves on the Assiniboine River were assigned to
the Manitoba Sioux, but it was difficult to induce them
to settle there.

Considerable diplomacy and great patience had to be
exercised to induce even some of the better disposed
Canadian tribes to abandon their savage habits, in-
cluding tribal wars, horse and cattle stealing, self-
torture, such as that practiced at the sun dance, etc.

Outskirtfi of an Indian Encampment during- a Pow-Wow.

The sun dance was a sort of religious ceremony in
which the young braves, graduated from youth, as it
were, testing their fortitude and stoicism in resisting
pain and torture. For this ceremony a large lodge,
built in the shape of an amphitheatre and decorated
with bits of coloured stuff, was erected, an outer circle
being divided off by a low barricade for the women,
the medicine men and chiefs being admitted to the
centre space. The sides and roof were covered with
boughs. The performances began with low chants
and weird incantatioas. The neophytes were then
brought in and partially stripped, their mothers usually
taking an active and keenly interested part in the
ceremony. A spectator at one of these revolting cere-
monies penned the following description:

"Then the medicine man began his part by cutting
slits in the flesh of the young men, taking up the mus-
cles with pincers. The older squaws assisted in lascer-
ating the flesh of the boys with sharp knives. The
women would at the same time keep up a howling,

accompanied with a backward and forward movement.
When the muscles were lifted out on the breast by the
pincers, one end of a lariat (a rope or thong of rawhide
used for lasooing and picketing ponies) was tied to the
bleeding flesh, while the other end was fastened to the
top of the pole in the centre of the lodge. The first
young man, when thus prepared, commenced dancing
around the circle in a most frantic manner, pulling
with all his might, so as to stretch out the rope, and by
his jerking movements, loosening himself by tearing
out the flesh. The young man's dance was accom-
panied by a chant by those who were standing and
sitting around, assisted by the thumping of a hideous
drum, to keep time. The young brave who was under-
going this self-torture finally succeeded in tearing him-
self loose, and the lariat, relaxed from its tightness,
fell back towards the centre pole with a piece of
the flesh to which it was tied. The victim, who, up to
this time, did not move a muscle of the face, fell down
on the ground, exhausted from the pain, which human
weakness could no longer conceal. A squaw, probably
his mother, rushed in and bore the young brave away.
He had undergone the terrible ordeal, and amid the
congratulations of the old men, would be complimented
as a warrior of undoubted pluck and acknowledged
prowess.

"Another of the young men was cut in two places
under the shoulder blades; the flesh was raised with
pincers, and thongs tied around the loops of flesh and
muscle thus raised. The thongs reached down below
the knees and were tied to buffalo skulls. With these
heavy weights dangling at the ends of the thongs, the
young man was required to dance around the circle
to the sound of the bystanders' chants and the accom-
panying drum until the thongs became detached by
the tearing away of the flesh. The young brave con-
tinued the performance until one of the thongs antl its
attached skull broke loose, but the other remained.
The mother of the young man, prompted by an impulse
of savage affection or maternal pride, then rushed into
the ring leading a pony with a lariat around his neck.
Rapidly attaching the free end of the lariat on the
pony to the skull, which was still attached to the (juiv-
ering flesh of her son, she led the pony aroimd the ring,
the young brave being dragged around after it, but
still making a brave attempt to sustain the ciiant, and
to break himself free from the skull. Finally, nearly
exhausted, and unable to keep up with the pony, he
fell forward on his face, the pony of course keeping on,
and the thong holding the skull being torn out of the
flesh. Still the suff'erer, his voice ghastly husky,
tried to join in the chant as he grovelled on the ground
in violent contortions for a few moments before being
removed to the outside of the lodge.

41

" A third of the candidates was by the lariat hitched
to the pony by raised loops of flesh and muscle in his
back, and was dragged in this way several times round
the ring; but the steady force not being sufficient to
tear the noose free from the flesh, the pony was backed
up, and a slack being thus taken on the lariat, the pony
was urged swiftly forward, and the sudden jerk tore
the lariat out of the flesh. "

Naturally the Mounted Police were desirous of put-
ting a stop to such debasing and cruel practices, but
the traditions and susceptibilities of the savages had to
be considered, and it has taken years of coaxing and
example by the police, the missionaries and the officials
of the Indian Department to secure the practical
abolition of these scenes.

The negotiating of the more recent Indian treaties
with various tribes imposed considerable duty in the
way of escorts, guards, etc., upon the Police. These
treaties, it should be explained, were entered into for
the purpose of obtaining the formal consent of the
Indians to the settlement of the lands over which
particular tribes were accustomed to roam and hunt,
and which the Canadian Government honourably
hesitated to regard as other than the property of the
Indians until they had relinquished their natural rights
to its possession by formal treaty.

In the year 1871, Treaty No. 1 was negotiated at
the Stone fort or Lower Fort Garry with the Objibbe-
ways and Swampy Crees, the only two tribes in the
original province of Manitoba, by Governor Archibald,
and in the same year a treaty with the Indians farther
north, as far as Lake Winnipegosis and Behren's
River, and to the west as far as Fort Ellice. This
second treaty comprises a tract of country two or
three times the size of Manitoba. About four thou-
sand Indians assembled on these occasions, the In-
dians agreeing to the extinguishment of the Indian
title to the land on conditions satisfactory to the
Indians. These first two treaties in Canada's great
west were negotiated on principles which • experience
in the older provinces of Canada had proved to be
mutually fair and just, and which principles have
been observed in all subsequent treaties made by the
Dominion with the Indians. In brief, the principles
in question were that the Indians should have allot-
ted to them reserves of land that no white men could
invade and that they themselves could not dispose
of. Schools were to be established and maintained
among them, missionary effort encouraged, and re-
gular rations of food> besides other necessaries
supplied by the Government up to certain fixed
values per capita.

In October 1873, Treaty No. 3 was made at the
north-west angle of the Lake of the Woods with the

Salteaux tribe of the Objibb3ways, by which the
country between Ontario and the limits of the old
province of Manitoba was ceded. In September
1874, Treaty No. 4 was made at Qu'Appelle Lakes
with the Crees, Salteaux, and mixed breeds, by which
75,000 square miles were ceded. In September 1875,
Treaty No. 5 was made at Behren's River and at
Norway House with the Salteaux and Swampy Crees,
extinguishing their title to the territory all around.
Lake Winnipeg. In 1876, treaty No. 6 was negotiated
at Forts Carlton and Pitt, by which the Indian titles
to the lands along the Saskatchewan and north
thereof were extinguished.

Lieut. -Governor Laird, in August 1877, received
notification that he and Lieut.-Colonel Macleod had
been appointed Commissioners to negotiate a treaty
with the Blackfeet and other Indians of the unsur-
rendered parts of the North- West Territories adjoining
the International boundary.

Previous to this time Battleford, on the North
Saskatchewan, had been selected as the seat of gov-
ernment for the North-West Territories, and as the
new Government House, then being erected, was
about completed, Governor Laird removed his fur-
niture and other properties to Battleford before
proceeding to Macleod for the negotiation of the
treaty.

Some extracts from the official report of Lieutenant
Governor Laird are interesting, not only at giving an
idea of the procedure at these treaty negotiations,
but as indicating the various, and important duties
in connection therewith devolving upon the Mounted
Police. The Governor wrote, in part:

"On our journey, while within the limits of Treaty
No. 6, we met scarcely any Indians, but after we
crossed Red Deer River we met a few Crees and Half-
breeds, and several hunting parties of Blackfeet.
The former generally use carts in travelling, but the
Blackfeet and their associates are always on horse-
back.

"The Crees appeared friendly, but were not so
demonstrative as the Blackfeet, who always rode up
at once with a smile on their countenance and shook
hands with us. They knew the uniform of the Mounted
Police at a distance, and at once recognized and
approached them as their friends.

"We resumed our journey on Monday, and arrived
at Fort Macleod on the Old Man's River, on Tuesday,
the 4th of September. The distance between the
Blackfoot Crossing of the Bow River and the Fort is
about 79 miles, thus making the length of our journey
from Battleford 365 miles, as measured by Major
Irvine's odometer.

" A few miles from Fort Macleod I was met by the

42

Commissioner of the Mounted Police and a large
party of the force, who escorted me into the fort,
while a salute was fired by the Artillery Company
from one of the hills overlooking the line of march.
The men, whose horses were in excellent condition,
looked exceedingly well, and the officers performed
their duties in a most efficient manner.

" Lieut.-Col. Macleod having attended to forwarding
the supplies to Bow River, which had been previously
delivered at the fort, left for the Blackfoot Crossing
with some eighty officers and men of the Police Force,
on Wednesday, the 12th September. I followed on
Friday and reached Bow River on Sunday morning.
The police having arrived on Saturday, the Com-
missioners were fully prepared for business on Monday,
the 17th, the day which I had from the first appointed
for the opening of the treaty negotiations.

" The Commissioners were visited by ' Crowfoot ',
the principal Chief of the Blackfeet, shortly after their
arrival. He desired to know when he and his people
might meet us. We ascertained that most of the
Indians on the ground were Blackfeet and Assiniboines
or Stonies, from the upper part of Bow River.

During Tuesday several parties of Indians came in,
but the principal Blood chiefs had not yet arrived.
According to appointment, however, the Commission-
ers met the Indians at two o'clock on Wednesday.

"An outline was given of the terms proposed for
their acceptance. We also informed them we did not
expect an answer that day, but we hoped to hear from
them to-morrow. That day we again intimated to the
Indians that rations would be delivered to such as
applied for them. We told them that the provisions
were a present, and their acceptance would not be re-
garded as committing the chiefs to the terms projwsed
by the Commissioners.

" We then invited the chiefs to express their opinions.
One of the minor Blood chiefs made a long speech.
He told us that the Mounted Police had been in the
country for four years, and had been destroying a
quantity of wood. For this wood he asked that the
Commissioners should make the Indians a present pay-
ment of $50 a head to each chief, and $30 a head to all
others. He said the Blackfeet, lihxMls. Sarcees and
Piegans were all one. The police made it safe for
Indians to sleep at night, and he hoped the (Ireat
Mother would not soon take these men away.

" 'Crowfoot ' said he would not sfx'ak until tcnmorrow,
'Old Sun,' another influential IMackfoot chief, said
the same. ' Kagle Tail, ' the head chief of the Piegans,
remarked that he had always followed the advice the
officers of the .Mounted Police gave him. He hojx'd
the promise which the Commissioners made would be
securwl to them as long a« the sun shone and water ran.

"The Stony chiefs unreservedly expressed their
willingness to accept the terms offered.

" Fearing that some of the Indians might regard the
demands of the Blood Chief who had spoken, if not
promptly refused, as agreed to, I told them that he had
asked too much. He had admitted the great benefit
the Police had been to the Indians, and yet he was so
unreasonable as to ask that the Government should
pay a large gratuity to each Indian for the little wood
their benefactors had used. On the contrary, I said,
if there should be any pay in the matter it ought to
come from the Indians to the Queen for sending them
the Police.

"Hereupon, 'Crowfoot' and the other chiefs laughed
heartily at the Blood orator of the day.

" When the Commissioners (the following day) in-
timated that they were ready to hear what the chiefs
had to say, 'Crowfoot' was the first to speak. His
remarks were few, but he expressed his gratitude for
the Mounted Police being sent to them and signified
his intention to accept the treaty.

" The Blood chief who made the large demands on
the previous day said he would agree with the other
chiefs. ' Old Sun ' head chief of the North Blackfeet,
said 'Crowfoot' spoke well. 'We are not going to
disappoint the Commissioners. ' He was glad they
were all agreed to the same terms. They wanted
cattle, guns, ammunition, tobacco, axes and money.

" 'Bull's Head,' the principal chief of the Sarcees.said
' We are all going to take your advice. '

'"Kagle Head.' the Piegan head chief, remarked '1
give you my hand. We all agree to what Crowfoot says. '

"'Rainy Chief,' head of the North Bloods, said he
never went against the white man's advice. Some of
the minor chiefs s{)oke to the .same effect.

" The officers of the Police Force who conducted the
payments, discharged this duty in a most efficient
manner. Not in regard to the payments alone were the
services of the officers most valuable.

" With res|>ect to the whole arrangements, Lieut.-
Col. Mcl^eod, my a.s.sociate Conunissioner, both in that
capacity and as Commander of the Police, wjis inde-
fatigal)le in his exertions to bring the negotiations to a
successful termination. The same laudable efforts
were put forth by .Major Irvine, (the A.ssistant Com-
missioner) and the other officers of the force, and their
kindness to me, fx^rsonally. I shall never fail to re-
member.

"The volunteer band of the force at Fort Machunl
deserve more than a passing notice, an they did much
to enliven the whole proceedings. "

In concluding his refxirt, the Lieut4»nant Governor
made the following highly flattering recommendation
with regard to the Mounted Police:

43

" I would urge that the officers of the Mounted Police
be entrusted to make the annual payments to the In-
dians under this treaty. The Chiefs themselves re-
el uested this, and I said I believed the Government
would gladly consent to the arrangement. The In-

dians have confidence in the Police, and it might be
some time before they would acquire the same respect
for strangers. "

And it was only four years since the force had
marched into this then unknown country.

A Lancer of the N.W.M.P.
A sketch by H. JuHen during- French's March in 1874.

44

CHAPTER V.

THE SITTING BULL INCIDENT

Unwelcome Visitors from the United States Impose Several Years Hard Work and Grave
Responsibilities — The Great Sioux Leader and the Custer Massacre.

FEW more critical positions were ever faced
by a force entrusted with the preservation of
law and order in a country than that which
confronted the North-West Mounted Police when
Sitting Hull, the Sioux leader, with his warlike and
powerful nation, after the so-called Custer massacre
in the United States, crossed the boundary line to seek
shelter in Canadian territory.

Sitting Bull and his warriors were flushed with a
notable military success and liable to act rashly.
They were warlike, powerful and hard to control, and
their presence in Canada was a .source of anxiety both
to the Government of Canada and that of the United
States. These Indians harboured feelings of fierce
hostility towards, and thorough distrust of the United
States people and Government. These feelings could
be traced to two principal causes, the dishonesty of
Indian agents and the failure of the U.S. Federal
authorities to protect the Indian reservations from
being taken possession of by an adventurous and
somewhat lawless white population. The officers
of the North- West Mountetl Police force were promptly
instructefl to urge upon Sitting Bull and his war-
riors the necessity of keeping the peace towards the
people of the United States, but it was felt to be not
desirable to encourage them to remain on Canadian
territory. Colonel Macleod was accordingly instnicted
to impress them with their probable future hardships,
after the failure of the buffalo, should they elect to

remain in Canada; that the President of the United
States and his Cabinet were upright men, willing and
anxious to do justice to the Indians; and should they
return peacefully, they would be properly cared for, and
any treaty made with them would be honestly fulfilled.
It was evidently desirable that as wards of the United
States they should return to that country upon the
Government of which morally devolved the burden
and the responsibility of their civilization, but how-
could that end be attained?

Sitting Bull is commonly thought of jis a warrior.
In point of fact he was not such. He was a medicine
man, which means that he included within him.self
the three professions of the priesthood, medicine
and law. He inherited from his father the chieftain-
ship of a part of the Sioux tribe; but his remarkable
ascendancy over the whole tribe or nation was due
to his miracle-working and to his talents as a poli-
tician. He played upon the credulity of the Sioux
with his "medicine", or pretended miracles, until
they believed him to possess supernatural powers,
and were ready to follow his lead in everything. Some
other Sioux chiefs inherited wider authority, and
some minor chiefs were inclined now and then to dis-
pute his sway, but when Sitting Bull made an appeal
to the religious fanaticism of the people there was
no withstanding him. As a medicine man he had the
.sfjuaws of the nation abjectly sul)servi(uit,and through
them was assisted in maintaining control of the bucks.

45

It might, perhaps, be explained here that every
Indian tribe in the old days had many medicine men,
some of them chiefs and important personages. Some
were young, others old, but they were all leaders in
religious and social functions. No one could visit
an Indian tribe at any festival time, or period of general
excitement, without seeing the medicine men figuring
very conspicuously in whatever was going on. Some-
times they were merely beating drums or perhaps
only crooning while a dance or feast was in progress.
At other times they appeared in the most grotesque

Sioux Leader "Sitting- Bull." (Ta-Ton-Ka-I-A-Ton-Ka. )

costumes, painted all over, hung with feathers and
tails and claws, and carrying some wand or staff,
gorgeous with colour and smothered with Indian
finery. The medicine man was a conjurer, a magician,
a dealer in magic, and an intermediary between the
men of this world and the spirits of the other. He
usually knew something, often a great deal, of the
rude pharmacopoeia of his fellows, and occasionally,
prescribed certain leaves or roots to allay a fever, to
arrest a cold or to heal a wound. That was not his
business, however, and such prescriptions were more
apt to be offered by the squaws. The term " medicine

man" is simply a white man's expression which the
Indians have adopted. It was originally used by
the w^hite explorers and missionaries because they
found these tribal priests or magicians engaged in
their incantations at the sides of the sick, the wounded,
or dying. But instead of being engaged in the prac-
tice of medicine the so-called "medicine men" were
in reality exorcising the evil spirits of disease or death.
• Sitting Bull was born about 1830 and was the son
of Jumping Bull, a Sioux chief. His father was, for
an Indian, a wealthy man. Sitting Bull, although
not intended for a warrior, as a boy was a wonderfully
successful hunter, and at fourteen years of age he
fought and killed another Indian considerably older
than himself, receiving a wound, which made him
lame for life. He first became widely known to the white
people of America in 1866, in that year leading a terrible
raid against the settlers and U.S. military post at
Fort Buford. His path was marked with blood and
made memorable by ruthless savagery. As the
marauders approached the fort, the commandant of
the post shot and killed his own wife at her earnest
request, to save her from the more cruel fate of falling
into the hands of the Sioux.

In the early '70's Sitting Bull set up a claim to all
the land for forty rods on both sides of the Yellow-
stone and all its tributaries. In the latter part of

1875 a party of fifty white men from Montana invaded
Sitting Bull's territory and built a fort. The Indians
were determined that the party should evacuate,
and during the months of December 1875 and January

1876 there were daily attacks upon the fort. A
strong force of United States regulars and Montana
militia was sent to the relief of the place, the occu-
pants of the forts were taken away, and Sitting Bull
promptly fired the place. Sitting Bull reached the
zenith of his fame and power the succeeding summer.

Gold and silver had been discovered in the Black
Hills, in the district which was not only regarded by the
Indians as peculiarly their own, but in a certain sense
as a "medicine" or sacred region. There was a great
rush of miners and prospectors to the country imme-
diately, and it was one of these parties that established
the fort which Sitting Bull had caused the evacuation
of. Several great Indian chiefs visited Washington to
protest against the invasion of the prospectors, which
they pointed out was a clear violation of existing
treaties between the Indians and the United States
Government. The Washington officials agreed to
keep the prospectors out but failed to do so, and by the
autumn of 1875 there were a thousand niiners at work
in the Black Hills. Then the Indians demanded pay-
ment for the land of which they were being deprived,
and a Government commission was sent to the

46

spot to arrange matters. But the commission returned
and reported that there was no use trying to arrange
matters without force to enforce the terms. This con-
vinced many of the Indians that the best thing they
could do was to fight for their rights, and singly and by
villages, they gradually deserted from Red Cloud,
Spotted Tail and the other more peacefully disposed
chiefs, and began flocking to Sitting Bull, who had all
along been truculent and had opposed all suggestions
to abandon the title of the Indians to the territory in
question. At the time, he was roaming about in the
northern part of Dakota, near the Canadian frontier.
Anticipating serious trouble, the United States authori-
ties during the autumn of 1875 sent word to Sitting
Bull and the chiefs with him that they must report at
the reservations allotted to them by the 1st of January
1876, the alternative being war. The threat having
no effect, and a winter campaign having been attempted
and found unsatisfactory, a vigorous campaign was
organized in the spring. Three columns under
the command of Generals Gibbon, Terry and Crook
were equipped and placed under marching orders, the
objective point being Sitting Bull's camp in the Big
Horn country. With General Terry's column, destined
to march westward from Fort Lincoln, was the 7th
United States Cavalry, under the dashing young
General Custer, who had been such a picturesque figure
in the final stages of the Civil war, and who had per-
formed many daring things in Indian warfare during
the years which succeeded the triumph of the Northern
cause.

June 22, Custer at the head of his fine regiment of
twelve companies, left the divisional camp at the mouth
of the Rosebud to follow a heavy trail leading up the
river and westward in the direction of the Big Horn,
the expectation being that the hostile force would be
struck near the eastern branch of the last named river,
and known as the Little Big Horn. General Terry
with the rest of his force started to ascend the Yellow-
stone by steamer, thence marching up the bank of the
Big Horn. It was estimated that both cohimns would
be within striking distance of the hostiles and able to
co-operate by the 26th. But on the 25th Custer's
force was involved in an awful disaster.

Comparatively unexpectedly Custer struck Sitting
Bull's camp in the valley of the Little Big Horn while
three of his companies were detached two miles on his
left flank, and one to his rear. Without taking any
care to properly reconnoitre the hostile position, to
ascertain its exact location and strength, he decided to
attack at once, and with characteristic Anglo-Saxon
disregard of Indians, recklessly divided his force, de-
tailing Major Reno with three companies to attack the
position from the direction of the original advance,

while he himself, with five companies, made a detour of
some three miles to take the hostiles in flank or rear.
Reno's command found themselves so outnumbered
that, after some heavy fighting and losing many men,
they were forced to withdraw to a high bluff, where
after entrenching themselves, they were able to hold
their own until joined by the four companies wiiich iuid
been detached. Custer and his immediate command
literally plunged headlong and recklessly into the very
strongest part of the Indian position and were literally
annihilated, not one officer, non-commissioned officer
or man of those five gallant companies surviving the
massacre to tell the tale, although all sold their lives
dearly, fighting to the very last. Reno and his force
succeeded in holding their own in their entrenched
position against the repeated and desperate attacks of
the Indians until relieved on the 27th by General
Terry.

For some weeks the United States troops supposed
that Sitting Bull had been killed in the figiit with
Custer's force, but in course of time reports from the
wild country in the north of the state near the Cana-
dian frontier showed that he was alive, and military
operations were resumed. In May, 1877, reports from
Canada, through the North-West Mounted Police,
announced that the old leader, with many of his
warriors, had taken refuge across the International
frontier.

As early as May, 1876, the Mounted Police had been
keeping a sharp lookout for bands of fugitive Indians
from across the lines. The Assistant Commissioner,
Lieut.-Col. Irvine, in temporary command of the
Force during the Commissioner's absence in the cast,
in the summer, instructed Inspector Crozier. in com-
mand at Cypress Hills, to even gather all the infor-
mation he could regarding the movements of the
Sioux Indians on the United States side of the line.

During December, 1876, United States Indians,
under Black Moon, an Unapapa Sioux chief, number-
ing about 500 men, 1,0(K) women, and 1,400 children,
with about 3,500 horses and 30 United States govern-
ment mules, cros.sed the line, and encamped at Wood
Mountain, east of the Cypress Hills. Sub-Inspector
Frechette having located this camp, Inspector Walsh
proceeded thither, arriving at Wood Mountain on the
21st December, making the trip from the end of the
Cypress Mountain in three and one-half days. The
hostiles had arrived only two days before the Inspect-
or's arrival. Their camp was adjoining the Santee
camp of about 150 lodges, of which White Eagle was
the Chief, and was situated in the timber, four miles
east of the Boundary Survey Buildings. White
Eagle had occupied that section for many years past,
and was ver>' observant of the Canatlian laws. He

47

expressed himself to be glad to see Inspector Walsh,
as he was unable to tell the new arrivals the laws
which they would have to observe if they remained
in this country. The matter had given him much
uneasiness as he did not wish other Indians coming
in and joining his camp to be without a knowledge
of the law which would govern them. About six
o'clock on the evening of Walsh's arrival, White
Eagle assembled all the hostile Chiefs; the principal
ones amongst whom were " The Little Knife, " " Long
Dog," "Black Moon," and "The Man who Crawls, "
and explained to them who the Inspector was.

Walsh opened the Council by telling them he would
not say much to them aside from giving them the
laws which governed the people in Canada, which
they must obey as long as they remained, and to ask
them a few questions to which answers would be
required, which, he would transmit to the Queen's
Great Chief in the country.

He asked them the following questions: "Do you
know that you are in the Queen's country"? They
replied, that they had been driven from their homes
by the Americans, and had come to look for peace.
They had been told by their grandfathers that they
would find peace in the land of the British. Their
brothers, the Santees, had found it years ago and
they had followed them. They had not slept sound
for years, and were anxious to find a place where
they could lie down and feel safe; they were tired of
living in such a disturbed state.

Walsh next asked them, "Do you intend to re-
main here during the cold months of winter, have
peace, and when spring opens, return to your country
across the line and make war?" They answered, no,
they wished to remain, and prayed that he would ask
the Great Mother to have pity on them.

Walsh then explained the laws of the country to
them as had been the police custom in explaining
them to other Indians, and further told them they
would have to obey them as the Santees and other
Indians did.

The several chiefs then made speeches in which
they implored the Queen to have pity on them, and
they would obey her laws. Walsh replied that he
would send what they had said to the Queen's Great
Chief. In conclusion he told them there was one
thing they must bear in mind, the Queen would never
allow them to go from her country to make war on
the Americans, and return for her protection, and
that if such were their intentions they had better
go back and remain.

The following day the Chiefs waited upon Walsh,
with White Eagle for spokesman, and prayed that
he would allow them a small quantity of ammunition

for hunting purposes as their women and children
were starving. They were using knifes made into
lances for hunting buffalo, and others were lassoing
and killing them with their knives. Some were using
bows and arrows, and killing this way was so severe
on their horses that they were nearly used up, and
if they did not have any ammunition they must
starve.

Walsh replied that the Great Mother did not wish
any people in her country to starve, and if she was
satisfied that they would make no other use of am-
munition other than for hunting, she would not object
to them having a small quantity, and that the Santees
who had always obeyed the laws could be allowed a
small quantity; but they, the Uncapapa's Agallallas
and others were strangers, and might want ammuni-
tion to send to the people whom they claimed as
brothers on the other side of the line. This, they
declared they did not wish to do.

Walsh then told them he would meet Mr. Le Garre,
a Wood Mountain trader, who was on his way with
some powder and ball and 2,000 rounds of improved
ammunition to trade to the Santees, and would allow
him to trade to them a small quantity for hunting
purposes only, and this appeared to relieve them
greatly.

Not the least cause of anxiety in connection with
the incursion of these United States Indians was
the fear of collision with the Canadian tribes. In
his report at the end of the year 1876, the Comptroller,
Mr. White, wrote : — " The country between the Cypress
Hills and the Rocky Mountains, which has hitherto
been claimed by the Blackfeet as their hunting ground,
has this year been encroached upon by other Indians
and Half-breeds, causing much irritation among the
Blackfeet, who have called upon the Police to protect
them in maintaining their rights to their territory,
saying that if they were not restrained by the presence
of the Police, they would make war upon the intruders."

According to the Commissioner's report, for 1877,
the state of affairs existing during the early part of
that year in the southwesterly districts of the North-
West Territories, was entirely different from any
experienced since the arrival of the Force in the country.
The winter was extremely mild, week following week
with the same genial sunshine, the mild weather being
interrupted only by an occasional cold day. There
was little or no snow, so that the grass of the prairie
from one end to the other, being dried up easily, took
fire, and only required a spark to set it ablaze for
miles in every direction. Unfortunately, nearly all
the country out from the mountains, the favorite
haunt of buffalo during the winter season, was burnt
over, so that from this cause, and also on account of

48

the mild weather, the herds did not go into their
usual winter feeding ground; but remained out in
the plains to the north and south of the Saskatchewan.
The Blackfeet Indians who had as usual moved up
towards the mountains in the fall, and formed their
camp along the river bottoms, which had for years
back afforded them fuel and shelter, and easy access
to a supply of meat, were forced to take long journeys
of seventy and one hundred miles, to secure the neces-
sary supply of food for themselves and families, and
eventually moved their camps out to where buffalo
were to be got, with the exception of few small camps,
who were in an almost starving condition several times
during the winter.

The result of this condition of things was a large
band of Blackfeet were gradually getting closer and
closer to the Sioux, who were, by degrees, making their
way up from the south-east in pursuit of buffalo,
while other bands of Indians and half-breeds were
pressing in both from the north and south. The most
extravagant rumors were brought in from all directions.
A grand confederation of all the Indians was to be
formed hostile to the whites, every one of whom was
to be massacred as the first act of confederation.
" Big Bear," a non-treaty Cree Indian chief, was said
to be fomenting trouble amongst the Indians on the
Canadian side. An officer. Inspector Crozier, whom
the Commissioner sent to inquire into the matter,
was told that he would not get out of Big Bear's camp
alive.

The police officers felt quite confident the reported
confederation was without foundation. And so far as
the Blackfeet were concerned, their loyalty had been
made firmer than ever by the treaty which had been
very opportunely made the autumn before. The
Commissioner, in fact, had often received assurances
of their support in case the Force got into trouble with
the Sioux, and he could never trace the reports of dis-
affection amongst the Canadian Indians to any re-
liable source. Even " Big Bear," who had a bad
reputation, when visited by Inspector Crozier, re-
pudiated any intention of behaving as had been
reported.

On account of the large gathering of Indians of
different tribes, the Commissioner deemed it advisal)le
to recommend the concentration of as large a Force
as possible at Fort Walsh, the post nearest to where
the Indians would be congregated. The Canadian
Indians had frequently exprcsse<l a desire that some
of the police .should be near them during the summer,
when they were out on the plains. The Oimmissioner
thought that the presence of a strong force at Fort
Walsh might strengthen the hands of the Canadian
Indians, who were very jealous of the intrusion of

the Sioux, and might be the means of checking any
disturbance which might occur.

Happily the year passed over without any
signs of the rumored alliance of the Indians against the
whites, and there were no signs of any dis-affection on
the part of the Canadian Indians. They had visited
and mixed with the Sioux, and the Sioux with them,
and there was no reason to think that those visits had
meant anything more than a desire to make peace
with one another, as they had been enemies for years
before. "Crow Foot," the leading chief of the Black-
feet, told the Commissioner that he had been visited
by Sitting Bull who told him he wished for peace.
Crowfoot had replied that he wanted peace; that he
was glad to meet the Sioux leader on a friendly visit,
but that he did not wish to camp near him, or that
their people should mix much together in the hunt,
and it was better for them to keep apart.

Immediately after the first party of Sioux crossed
the lines in December, 1876, communication between
Fort Walsh and the Indian Camps was established
by the erection of outposts convenient distances
apart. The police took possession of all firearms
and ammunition held by parties for the purpose of
trade, and sales were only allowed in that region
on permits granted by the officers of the Force.

Early in March, Medicine Bear and his tribe of
Yanktons (300 lodges) crossed into Canadian terri-
tory, and also Four Horns, the head-chief of the
Tetons, with 57 lodges direct from Powder River.
Inspector Walsh held a council with the new arrivals
on March 3rd, at their camp on the White Mud River,
120 miles east of Fort Walsh.

These chiefs set up the claim that all the Sioux
tribes were British Indians. From child-hood they
had been instructed by their fathers that properly
they were children of the British, and in their tribes
were many of the medals of their "White Father",
(George III), given to their fathers for fighting the
Americans. Sixty-five years previously, was the first
their fathers knew of being under the Americans,
but why the "White Father" gave them and their
country to the Americans they could not tell. Their
fathers were told at the time by a chief of their
"White Father" that if they did not wish to live
with the Americans they could move northward
and they would again find British land there.

Towards the end of May, Sitting Bull, with his
immediate tribe, crossed the boundary and joined
the other Unite<l States Indians in Canadian Terri-
tory.

Inspector Walsh promptly had an interview with
Sitting Bull. Bear's Head and several other C'hiefs.
They asked for ammunition, and Inspector Walsh

49

informed them that they would be permitted to have
sufficient to kill meat for their families, but cautioned
them against sending any across the line. They
also made the claim that their grandfathers were
British, and that they had been raised on the fruit
of English soil. Inspector Walsh explained the law
to them, and asked Sitting Bull if he would obey it.
He replied that he had buried his arms on the Ameri-
can side of the line before crossing to the country
of the White Mother. When he wanted to do wrong,
he would not commit it in the country of the White
Mother, and if in future he did anything wrong
on the United States side, he would not return to
this country any more. He also said he had been
fighting on the defensive; that he came to show us
that he had not thrown this country away, and that
his heart was always good, with the exception of such
times as he saw an American. Inspector Walsh,
from the interview, gathered that Sitting Bull was of
a revengeful disposition, and that if he could get the
necessary support he would recross the line and make
war on the Americans.

May 29, Lieut. -Colonel Irvine, the Assistant Com-
missioner arrived at Fort Walsh, and shortly after
his arrival, six young warriors arrived from Sitting
Bull's camp to report that three Americans had
arrived there. On the morning of the 31st, the Assistant
Commissioner started for the camp, (140 miles due
east) accompanied by Inspector Walsh and Sub-Ins-
pectors Clark and Allen. Irvine was much impressed
with Sitting Bull. He found the Indians very bitter
towards the three men in their camp for following
them, regarding them as spies. The three were
Reverend Abbott Martin, a Roman Catholic mis-
sionary, General Miles' head scout and an army
interpreter. But for Sitting Bull's promise to Walsh,
the two latter, who were known to the Indians, would
have been shot. The object of the priest was simply
to try and induce the Indians to return to their agen-
cies. The army men claimed that they had accompanied
the priest for protection, but that their object was to
ascertain from the Mounted Police, if the Indians
intended to return.

The council between Irvine and Sitting Bull was
conducted with impressive ceremony. The peace pipe
was smoked, the ashes taken out and solemnly buried,
and the pipe was then taken to pieces and placed over
the spot.

Sitting Bull had around him Pretty Bear, Bear's Cap,
The Eagle Sitting Down, Spotted Eagle, Sweet Bird,
Miracongae, &c., &c.; and in the Council Lodge there
must have been some hundred men, women and
children.

Inspector Walsh informed Sitting Bull and the

chiefs that Lieut.-Col. Irvine was the highest chief
of the Great Mother at present in the country, and
that he had now come to their camp to hear what they
had to say to him, and to learn for what purpose the
three Americans who at present were in the camp
had come from United States to Canadian territory to
their camp.

Lieut.-Col. Irvine, addressing the Indians through
an interpreter remarked: — "You are in the Queen's,
the Great Mother's country. Major Walsh has ex-
plained the law of the land which belongs to the Great
White Mother. As long as you remain in the land of
the Great White Mother, you must obey her laws.
As long as you behave yourselves, you have nothing
to fear. The Great White Mother, the Queen, takes
care of everyone in her land in every part of the world.

" Now that you are in the Queen's land you must
not cross the line to fight the Americans and return
to this country. We will allow you enough ammunition
to hunt buffalo for food, but not one round of that
ammunition is to be used against white men or Indians.

"In the Queen's land we all live like one family.
If a white man or Indian does wrong he is punished.
The Queen's army is very strong, and if any of her
children do wrong she will get them and punish them.
If anyone comes into your camp like those Americans
did, come to the Fort and tell Major Walsh. You are
quite right, and I am glad you did send your young
men to tell Major Walsh about these men. As soon
as your young men arrived at the Fort, we started,
and I came here to see you and shake hands. I will
go to see those Americans and find out what they are
doing here, and will take them out of the camp with
me. I am glad you are looking for peace and behaving
yourselves here. We will protect you against all harm,
and you must not hurt anyone this side of the line.
You were quite right not to hurt the Americans who
came here and to send to Major Walsh. You need
not be alarmed. The Americans cannot cross the line
after you. You and your families can sleep sound and
need not be afraid."

Lieut.-Col. Irvine was somewhat surprised at re-
ceiving a visit in his tent from Sitting Bull after eleven
that night. He sat on the Assistant Commissioner's
bed until an early hour in the morning, telling him in
a subdued tone his many grievances against the
" Long Knives."

At first Sitting Bull's party in Canadian territory
numbered 135 lodges, but it rapidly augmented.

It was astounding with what rapidity the news of
Sitting Bull's safe arrival in Canada was transmitted
to other branches of Sioux who had, up to that time,
remained in the United States. This news quickly
had the effect of rendering the North-West Territories

50

attractive to the remainder of the hostile Indians who
had taken part in the Custer fight, their numbers being
augmented by large bands of Indians of the same tribes
who previousl}' had been located in United States re-
servations— in other words, a general stampede took
place, and in an extremely short time Canada became
the home of every Sioux Indian who considered him-
self antagonistic to the United States Government. In
all, they numbered some 700 lodges; these lodges being
crowded, it may safely be estimated that they con-
tained eight souls to a lodge; thus suddenly the North-
West had its Indian population increased in a very un-
desirable manner by some five thousand souls. In
addition to Sitting Bull, the Mounted Police had such
celebrated chiefs as "Spotted Eagle," "Broad Trail,"
"Bear's Head," "The Flying Bird," " The Iron Dog,"
" Little Knife, " and many others to deal with.

Not only were the fears of actual and intending
settlers aroused, but our own Indians and Half-
breeds looked with marked, and not unnatural, dis-
favour upon the presence of so powerful and savage
a nation (for such it really was) in their midst. Cana-
dians were assured on all sides that nothing short
of an Indian war would be on our hands; to add to
this, serious international complications at times
seemed inclined to present themselves. Both the
United States and Canadian press kept pointing out
the possibility of such a state of affairs coming about.

The press of Manitoba urged that a regiment of
mounted troops, in addition to the police, should
be sent to the North- West to avoid international com-
plications and the interruption of trade.

The matter was even referred to by Major General
Selby Smith in his annual report on the Canadian
Militia for the year 1877, he, writing:

"The recent addition to the Indian population of
the prairies, by the arrival of a large body of Sioux
under the notorious Chief 'Sitting Bull', at Cypress
Hills, calls for increased precautions and strength;
and especially for the greatest possible efficiency of
the North-West Mounted Police. From my per-
sonal experience of this valuable body of men I can
speak in high terms of approval. In my report
8ub.sec|uent to my journey through the North-West
Territories two years ago, I ventured to recommend
a depot and training establishment in Ontario for
officers, men and horses of the North-West Mounted
Police, to be an obvious neces.sity; to spend six
months for instructions before joining their troops
so widely detached over the spacious r^ion of those
pathless prairies. "

As early as May 30, 1877, Lieut.-Col. Macleod, the
Commi-ssioncr, then in Ottawa, in a report to the
Prime Minister, the Hon. Alex, Mackenzie, and the

Secretary of State, the Hon. R. W. Scott, expUiined
that both Blackfeet and Crees were anxious about
the invasion of their territory by the Sioux. The
Blackfeet had remembered that before the police
took possession of the country for Canada they had
been always able to keep them out. The Commis-
sioner strongly advised that an attempt be made to
induce the Sioux to recross to the United States side.
He recommended that the United States Government
be corresponded with and their terms submitted to
the Sioux, who would be told that they could not be
recognized as British Indians, that no reserves could
be set apart for them in Canada, and no provision
made for their support by the Government; and
moreover, that by remaining on the Canadian side
they would forfeit any claim they had on the United
States.

August 15, 1877, the Hon. R. W. Scott, Secretary
of State, telegraphed Lieut-Col. Macleod, then at Fort
Benton, Mont., as follows: —

"Important that Sitting Bull and other United
States Indians should be induced to return to reser-
vations. United States Government have sent Com-
missioners to treat with them. Co-operate with Com-
missioners, but do not unduly press Indians.

"Our action should be persuasive, not compulsory.

"Commissioners will probably reach Benton about
25th inst. Arrange to meet them there."

The commission referred to in the preceding, ai>-
pointed by the President of the United States, consist-
ing of Generals Terry and Lawrence, was sent to Fort
Walsh, in which vicinity the Siou.x were, to endeavour
to induce the refugees to return to the United States.
The commissioners and their party arrived at the
Canadian frontier on October 15th and we:o there
met by an escort of the Mounted Police, who accom-
panied them until their return to United States ter-
ritory. The next day after cro.ssing the boundary
the commission arrived at Fort Walsh, where Major
Walsh of the I*olice, under instructions from head
quarters, issued at the instance of the Commissioners,
had induced Sitting Bull to come. The following day
a conference was held between the connnissioners
and Sitting Bull, who was accompanied by Spotted
Tail and a number of his other chiefs.

General Terry told Sitting Bull through his inter-
preters that his was the only Indian band which
had not sjirrendered to the United States. He pro-
posed that the band should return and .settle at the
agency, giving up their horses and arms, which would
be sold and the tnoncy invested in cattle for them.

Sitting Bull rcplii'd:

" For sixty-four years you have kept me and my
people and treated us bad. What have we done

51

that you should want us to stop? We have done
nothing. It is all the people on your side that have
started us to do all these depredations. We could
not go anywhere else, and so we took refuge in this
country. It was on this side of the country we learned
to shoot, and that is the reason why I came back to it
again. I would like to know why you came here.
In the first place, I did not give you the country,
but you followed me from one place to another, so
I had to leave and come over to this country. I was
born and raised in this country with the Red River
half-breeds, and I intend to stop with them. I was
laised hand-in-hand with the Red River half-breeds.

Superintendent J

Walsh.

and we are going over to that part of the country,
and that is the reason why I have come over here.
(Shaking hands with Col. Macleod and Major Walsh.)
That is the way I was raised, in the hands of these people
here, and that is the way I intend to be with them.
You have got ears, and you have got eyes to see with
them, and you see how I live with these people. You
see me? Here I am! If you think I am a fool, you
are a bigger fool than I am. This house is a medicine
house. You come here to tell us lies, but we
don't want to hear them! I don't wish any such
language used to me; that is, to tell me such lies, in my
Great Mother's (the Queen's) house. Don't you say

two more words. Go back home, where you came
from. This country is mine, and I intend to stay
here, and to raise this country full of grown people.
See these people here? We were raised with them.
(Again shaking hands with the police officers.) That
is enough; so no more. You see me shaking hands
with these people. The part of the country you gave
me you ran me out of. I have now come here to stay
with these people, and I intend to stay here. I wish
to go back, and to 'take it easy' going back. [Taking
a Santee Indian by the hand.] These Santees — I
was born and raised with them. He is going to tell
you something about them. "

" The-one-that-runs-the-roe, " a Santee Indian,
said: "Look at me! I was born and raised in this
country. These people, awa}^ north here, I was raised
with — my hands in their own. I have lived in peace
with them. For the last sixty-four years we were
over in your country, and you treated us badly.
We have come over here now, and you want to try
and get us back again. You didn't treat us well,
and I don't like you at all." ^

A squaw with the peculiar appelation " The-one-that-
speaks-once" then spoke, remarking: — "I was over in
your country ; I wanted to raise my children over there,
but you did not give me any time. I came over to this
country to raise my children and have a little peace.
(Shaking hands with the police officers.) That is all I
have to say to you. I want you to go back where you
came from. These are the people I am going to stay
with, and raise my children with. "

''The Flying Bird" then made a speech and said:

" These people here, God Almighty raised us together.
We have a little sense and we ought to love one another.
Sitting Bull here says that whenever you found us out,
wherever his country was, why, you wanted to have it.
It is Sitting Bull's country, this is. These people sitting
all around me: what they committed I had nothing to
do with. I was not in it. The soldiers find out where
we live, and they never think of anything good; it is
always something bad. " (Again shaking hands with
the police officers.)

The Indians having risen, being apparently about to
leave the room, the interpreter was then directed to
ask the following questions :

"Shall I say to the President that you refuse the
offers that he has made to you? Are we to understand
from what you have said that you refuse those offers?"

Sitting Bull. — " I could tell you more, but that is all
I have to tell you. If we told you more — why you
would not pay any attention to it. That is all I have
to say. This part of the country does not belong to
your people. You belong to the other side; this side
belongs to us. "

52

And so the commission returned to the United States
without having accomphshed anything.

After the interview of the United States Commis-
sioners with the Indians, Col. Macleod had a "talk"
with the latter. He endeavoured to impress upon them
the importance of the answer they had just made;
that although some of the speakers to the Commis-
sioners had claimed to be British Indians, the British
denied the claim, and that the Queen's Government
looked upon them all as United States Indians who had
taken refuge in Canada from their enemies. As long
as they behaved themselves the Queen's Government
would not drive them out, and they would be pro-
tected from their enemies, but that was all they could
expect.

It is hard to realize the awkward position in which
the PoHce Force was placed. From 1877 up to 1881 the
force maintained a supervision and control of the refugee
Siou.x. It would take chapters to give even a short sum-
mary of the perpetual state of watchfulness and anxiety
the force was kept in during these years, to say nothing
of the hard service all ranks were constantly being
called upon to perform. Ever)^ movement of the
Sioux was carefully noted and reported upon. The
severity of the North-West winter was never allowed to
interfere in the slightest degree with the police duty
it -was considered necessary to perform.

.Many reports, official and semi-official, were for-
warded through various channels on what was con-
sidered the vexed " Sioux question. "

At one time many people were of the opinion that
Sitting Bull and his band of immediate followers
would never be induced to surrender to the United
States, the impression being that these undesirable
settlers were permanently located in our territories.

Through the officers of the force, however, negotiations
were carefully carried on with the Sioux. Besides the
basicdifficulties tobe overcome, the intricate and delicate
manner with which the officers had to deal with even
the smallest details relating to the ultimate surrender
necessitating the exercise of great caution. Many
complications arose, all of which delayed materially
the surrender so much desired and eventually effected.
Among other things a questionable and discreditable
influence was brought to bear by small traders and
others in anticipation of inducing the Sioux to remain
in Cana<ia.

While the (jualities of patience and diplomacy pos-
8e»He<l by the Mounted Police were l)eing tried to the
utmoHt with the refugee Indians from across the lines,
they were encourage<l by several evidences of the
confidence in and respect for them shown by the
Canadian Indians.

During the year 1877, one of the band of .Mecasto,

head chief of the Bloods, confined in the I'olice Guanl
Room at Macleod on a charge of theft, escaped across
the lines. Some time afterwards he returned to
Mecasto's camp, and the chief at once apprehended
him, and with a large number of his warriors, de-
livered him up at the fort gate to the officer in com-
mand.

An incident of trouble between Canadian Indians
at this time is interesting as indicating the pluck
shown by the police in dealing with the Indians.

May 25, 1877, Little Child, a Sauteaux Treaty
Chief, arrived at Fort Walsh and reported that the
Sauteaux, numbering 15 lodges, and 250 lodges of

A

^^k

M

TTl^^^^M

sr*^ A

1^ V

Superintendent L. .\. 1'. Crozier.

Assiniboines, were cam{>ed together at the north-
ea.st end of Wood Mountain. On the 24th, the Sau-
teaux camp concluded to move away from the A.ssi-
niboines, con.se<iuently they informed the Assiniboines
of their intention. .An A.ssiniboine named Crow's
Dance had formed a war lodge, and gathered about
200 young men as soldiers under him. It appears
Crow's Dance gave orders that no person was to move
away from the camp without the permission of his
soldiers.

Little Chihl was informed that the Sauteaux could

53

not leave; that if they persisted in doing so the soldiers
would kill their horses and dogs, and cut their lodges,
etc. Little Child replied if they did him any harm
or occasioned any damage to his people, he would
report the matter to the Police. Crow's Dance re-
plied, "We care as little for the Police as we do for
you. "

Little Child then had a Council with his head men,
and addressed them as follows: "We made up our
minds to move but are forbidden. When the children
of the White Mother came to the country we thought
they would protect us to move wherever we pleased,
as long as we obeyed her law, and if any one did us
any harm we were to report to them. This is the
first time that any such an occurrence has happened
since the arrival of the Police in the country; let us
move; let the Assiniboines attack us, and we will
report to the ' White Mother's Chief, ' and see if he
will protect us."

To this they all assented and the camp was ordered to
move. The lodges were pulled down, and as they
attempted to move off, between two and three hundred
warriors came down on the camp and commenced
firing with guns and bows in every direction, upsetting
travois cutting lodges, etc., besides killing nineteen
dogs (a train dog supplied the place of a horse to an
Indian) knocking men down and threatening them
with other punishment.' The women and children
ran from the camp, screaming and crying. It seems
only by a miracle that no serious damage was done
with the fire-arms, as the warriors fired through the
camp recklessly. When warned by Little Child that
he would report the matter to the Police, Crow's
Dance struck him and said: "We will do the same
to the Police when they come".

After the attack was over Little Child and camp
moved northwards, and the Assiniboines toward
the .east. At 11 a.m.. Inspector Walsh started
with Inspector Kittson, fifteen men and a guide, to
arrest Crow's Dance and his head men. At 10 p.m.
the party arrived at the place where the disturbance
occurred and camped. At 2 a.m., they were again
on the road, a march of about 8 miles brought them
in sight of the camp. The camp was formed in the
shape of a war camp with a war lodge in the centre.
In the " war lodge " Walsh expected to find the head
soldier. Crow's Dance, with his leaders.

Fearing they might offer resistance, as Little Child
said they certainly would, Walsh halted and had the
arms of his men inspected, and pistols loaded. Striking
the camp so early, he thought he might take them
by surprise. So he moved west, along a ravine, about
half a mile; this bringing him within three-fourths of
a mile of the camp. At a sharp trot the detachment

soon entered camp and surrounded the war lodge,
and found Crow's Dance and nineteen warriors in
it. Walsh had them immediately moved out of
camp to a small butte half a mile distant; found the
lodges of the Blackfoot and Bear's Down; arrested
and took them to the butte. It was now 5 a.m.,
and Walsh ordered breakfast and sent the interpreter
to inform the chiefs of the camp that he would meet
them in council in about an hour. The camp was
taken by surprise, the arrests made and prisoners
taken to the butte before a Chief in the camp knew
anything about it.

Inspector E. Dalrymple Clark, First Adjutant of the
North-West Mounted Police.

At the appointed time the following Chiefs assem-
bled, viz., "Long Lodge," "Shell King" and "Little
Chief". Walsh told them what he had done, and
that he intended to take the prisoners to the fort
and try them by the law of the White Mother for
the crime they had committed; that they, as chiefs,
should not have allowed such a crime to be committed.
They replied, they tried to stop it but could not.
Walsh then said he was informed there were parties
in the camp at that moment who wished to leave,
but were afraid to go; that these parties must not be

54

stopped; and for them (the chiefs) to warn their
soldiers never in future to attempt to prevent any
person leaving camp; that according to the law of
the White Mother every person had the privilege of
leaving camp when they chose. At 10 a.m., Walsh
left the Council, and arrived at Fort Walsh at 8 p.m.,
a distance of 50 miles.

Before entering the camp, Walsh explained to his
men that there were two hundred warriors in the
camp who had put the Police at defiance; that he
intended to arrest the leaders; but to do so perhaps
would put them in a dangerous position, but that
they would have to pay strict attention to all orders
iriven no matter how severe they might appear.
Walsh afterwards reported that from the replies
and the way his men acted during the whole time,
he was of opinion that every man of this detachment
would have boldly stood their ground if the Indians
had made any resistance.

Sitting Bull vainly strove to bring forward some pre-
text by which he and his followers might remain on
Canadian soil. Finally, recognizing that nothing be-
yond right of asylum would be afforded him, this once
mighty chief left the Wood Mountain Post for the pur-

pose of surrendering to the United States authorities
at Fort Bulford, U.S. The final surrender was made
at Fort Bulford, U.S., on the 21st of July, 1881, in the
presence of Inspector Macdonell, who had been sent on
in advance of the Indians by the Commissioner to
inform the United States authorities.

In his annual report for 1881, Lieut.-Colonel Irvine,
Commissioner of the Mounted Police wrote:

" I cannot refrain from placing on record my appre-
ciation of the services rendered by Superintendent
Crozier, who was in command at Wood Mountain
during the past winter. I also wish to bring to the
favourable notice of the Dominion Government the
loyal and good service rendered by Mr. Legarrie,
trader, who at all times used his personal influence with
the Sioux in a manner calculated to further the policy
of the Government, his disinterested and honourable
course being decidedly marked, more particularly
when compared with that of other traders and indi-
viduals. At the final surrender of the Sioux, Mr.
Legarrie must have been put to considerable personal
expen.se, judging from the amount of food and other
aid supplied by him."

5.3

CHAPTER VI.

UNDER SIR JOHN AGAIN

The Mounted Police Placed under the Department of the Interior — Experimental Farming
BY THE Force — Lieut.-Col. A. G. Irvine Succeeds Lieut.-Col. Macleod as Commissioner —
Difficulties with the Indians in the Southern part of the Territories — Tribes Induced to
Leave the Dancer Zone near the International Frontier — The Establishment of the Force
Increased by Two Hundred Men.

OCTOBER 16, 1878, the Mackenzie Government
having sustained defeat at the general elections,
- resigned, and the following day Sir John A.
Macdonald formed a new cabinet, taking himself the
portfolio of the Department of the Interior. That
the great statesman still retained a keen personal in-
terest in the North-West Mounted Police was soon
shown, for no later than the month of November,
the charge of the North- West Mounted Police was
transferred to the Department of the Interior, from
the Department of the Secretary of State. After this
change the several branches through which the opera-
tions of the Department of the Interior were conducted
stood as follows: — North- West Territories, District of
Keewatin, Indians and Indian Lands, Dominion Lands,
Geological Survey and North-West Mounted Police.

In his annual report for 1879, Lieut.-Col. Macleod,
the Commissioner stated :

"It will be learned with satisfaction that the con-
siderable influx of population into the North-West
Territories, to which I had the honour to direct attention
in my last report, has very greatly increased during
the past twelve months, and the coming season pro-
mises results far beyond anything which has so far
been experienced. The Pembina Mountain, Rock Lake,
Little Saskatchewan and Prince Albert Districts, to
which the greater proportion of the immigration of

1878 was directed, are so rapidly becoming occupied
that the stream of settlement is finding for itself new
courses, notably in the Bird's Tail Creek district, and
south-easterly of Fort EUice, westerly of the Little
Saskatchewan, and in the country south of the Assini-
boine, in and near the valley of the Souris River; also
in the neighborhood of the Turtle Mountains, which
extend along the International Boundary from 40 to
60 miles beyond the Province of Manitoba. Attention
is also being directed to the subject of stockraising,
for which that section of the Territories lying along
the easterly base and slopes of the Rocky Mountains is
said to offer unusual facilities, in the way both of shelter
and pasturage, cattle being able to subsist in the open
air during the whole winter, and being found in good
condition in the spring. A number of people are al-
ready engaged in the pursuit of this industry, and with
so much success that there is every probability of its
further development by gentlemen of experience in
stock-farming and possessed of large capital, both from
Great Britain and the older Provinces."

The officers in charge of posts at the end of the
year 1879, were Superintendent W. D. Jarvis, Sas-
katchewan; Supt. J. Walker, Battleford; Supt. W. H.
Herchmer, Shoal Lake; Supt. J. M. Walsh, Wood
Mountain; Supt. L. N. F. Crozier, Fort Walsh; and
Supt. Wm. Winder, Fort Macleod.

56

Surgeons Kittson and Kennedy were in medical
charge at Forts Walsh and Macleod respectively.

The Commissioner recommended that as soon as
practicable in the spring, there be a redistribution of
the force as follows: — Fort Macleod, 2 divisions; Fort
Walsh, 2 divisions; Fort Qu'Appelle, 1 division; Fort
Saskatchewan and Battleford, 1 division, with such
outposts as may be thought necessary. The Commis-
sioner considered it advisable on account of the large
number of Indians who would undoubtedly flock back
in the spring to both the Cypress Hills and the Bow
River country, that the force mentioned shoukl be
kept at these posts. It was felt that it would be some

Lieut. -Colonel A. Ci, Irvine, Commissioner of the Nt>rlh-VVest
Mounted Police— 1880— 1886.

time before these people could be settled down on their
reserves, and there would be a great deal of trouble
making them do so.

At all the Indian payments in the North-West, in
1879, the officers and men of the Police took over
and attended to the distribution of the supplies, and
at all places in Treaties Nos. 6 and 7, with the exception
of Sounding Lake. Battleford and Port Pitt, they
performed the duties of paymasters. In accordance
with instructions received from the Department, an
escort from Fort Walsh of two officers and 30 men
proceede<i to and attende<l the payments at l^u'Ap-

pelle under Superintendent Crozier, and another from
the same post, consisting of one officer and fifteen
men, under Inspector Dickens, attended the payments
at Sounding Lake, supplementing another escort from
Battleford under Inspector French ; and another escort,
consisting of one officer and fifteen men, under the
command of Inspector Cotton, accompanied the
Right Reverend Abbott Martin to Wood Mountain
on an unsuccessful mission to Sitting Bull and his
Sioux on behalf of the United States Government.

In addition to their other multitudinous duties,
the Mounted Police in 1879 undertook farming opera-
tions of an experimental and extended character in
Southern Alberta. The Commissioner reported : —

"Farming operations on the Police Farm about 30
miles from Fort Macleod have l)een carried on with
great success for a first year's trial. I am satisfied
that next year they will yield as good returns as Ins-
pector Shurtliff expects. The farm is beautifully
situated, the soil is excellent, and it only requires the
earnest attention of those who have to do with it to
make it a success in every way. "

Lieut.-Col. Macleod during the year held several
civil courts, both at Fort Walsh and Macleod, claims
for over eight thousand dollars having been entered
and adjudicated upon. In order to visit the different
posts, and carry out the duties he was instructed to
perform, the Commissioner travelled in waggons and
on horseback over two thousand three hundred miles.

Owing to the complete failure of the buffalo hunt
in 1879 there was a famine among the Southern Al-
berta Indians, and the police at Fort Macleod and
other posts were taxed to their utmost resources in
affording relief. Messengers and deputations from
Crowfoot were constantly arriving, asking assistance
and reporting the dying condition, and even deaths,
of many of the Blackfeet and allied tribes from starva-
tion. Superintendent Winder, in command at Fort
Macleod despatched Inspectors Mcllree and Frechette,
at different intervals to the camp at the Blackfoot
Crossing, with such provisions as he was able to get,
to the relief of the Indians, and to the extent he was
able to spare from his limited (juantity of stores; at
one time the police stores at Macleod were reduce<l
down to six bags of flour on hand. At this time
(June) from 1.200 to 1,500 Indians (Bloods, Peigans
and Surcees). encami)ed around the Fort, were being
fed, and later on as many as 7,000 men, women and
children, all in a destitute condition, applied for re-
lief. Beef and flour were distributed every other
day in small (juantifies to each family. The Super-
intendent, himself always attended at this distribu-
tion, in order that if any Indian complained of not
receiving his portion he could settle the difficulty.

57

In this he was assisted by the officers, non-commis-
sioned officers and men. This continued until after
the payments were made, in October, when the ma-
jority of the Indians left for the Milk River country,
south of the boundary line, in quest of buffalo.

At this time the officers of the various posts found
the actual duties so exacting that they were unable
to spare the time for the training of the men that
they would have liked. For instance in his report
dated Fort Walsh, December 29, 1879, Superinten-
dent Crozier wrote:

" I have the honor to inform you that the force at
this fort, considering the great amount of detach-
ment, escort and other duty during the summer, and
continually being done, is, as regards their drill and
knowledge of general duties, efficient. It will be
understood that it is quite impossible to take raw
recruits and in a few months, while, at the same time,
doing all the various duties they may be called
upon to do, bring them to a state of perfection. The
recruits have not had the instruction in equitation
that I should have wished, had their other duties not
been so heavy. In my opinion, it would tend greatly
to the efficiency of the force if a depot for the training
and instruction of recruits was established where
they would remain for a stated time, solely for that
purpose, before being allowed to do general duty.
Such an establishment would, I consider, now that
the term of service is five years, be much more fea-
sible than when three years was the term. "

The distribution of the force this year (1879) was as
follows : —

"A" Division, Fort Saskatchewan; "B" Division, Fort
Walsh and Outposts; "C" Division, Fort Macleod; "D"
Division, Shoal Lake and Outpost; "E" Division,
Forts Macleod and Calgary; "F" Division, Battleford.
Several, now important outposts, were established
this year and the preceding one. The Prince Albert
post was established as an outpost of Battleford early
in the winter of 1878, principally to look after the
wandering bands of Minnesota Treaty Sioux Indians,
who were said to be causing annoyance to the settlers
by petty pilfering, etc., but after the arrival of the police
not a single case of pilfering was charged against them.

In February, 1879, Supt. Walker, in command at
Battleford, received intelligence that Chief Beardy
of Duck Lake and his band of Indians, had threatened
several times to break into Stobart, Eden Co's store
and help themselves to the Indian stores there. Com-
plaints from the settlers of that neighbourhood were
also sent to Lieutenant-Governor Laird. After con-
sulting with His Honour, the police authorities decided
that it would be expedient to station a few policemen
at Duck Lake for a time.

The barrack accommodation was generally bad.
For instance Superintendent Walker reported as
follows as to the Battleford barracks on December 19:
— "The Battleford barracks are just as you saw them
last summer, except that they were all mudded over
when the cold weather set in. They are still very
uncomfortable; we are now burning from four to five
cords of wood per day, and it is only by keeping on
fires night and day that the buildings are made habit-
able. This morning, with the thermometer 37° below
zero, water was frozen on the top of the stove in my
bedroom, notwithstanding there was sufficient fire
in the stove to start the morning fire."

Superintendent James Walker, now a leading resident ot
Calg'ary.

Lieut.-Col. J. F. Macleod, C.M.G., Commissioner
of the force, having been re-appointed a Stipendiary
Magistrate for the North- West, on the 1st of November,
1880, resumed the duties connected with that position,
the district assigned to him being the southern and
south-western section of the Territories, with residence
at Fort Macleod. Lieut.-Col. A. G. Irvine, an officer
of ability and experience, who had, since 1877, been
Assistant Commissioner, was promoted to the com-
command of the force.

Lieutenant-Colonel Acheson Gosford Irvine was the
youngest son of the late Lieut.-Col. Irvine of Quebec,
Principal A.D.C. to the Governor-General of Canada,

58

and grandson of the Honourable James Irvine, for many
years a member of the Executive and Legislative
Councils of Lower Canada. He was an active member
of the Militia of the Province of Quebec, and oljtained
high certificates of qualification at the old Military
School held in Montreal. He took part in Wolseley's
expedition to the Red River in 1870 as Major of the
2nd (or Quebec) Battalion of Rifles, with such dis-
tinction, that he was selected for the command of the
permanent force of a battalion of infantry and a
battery of artillery selected for service in Manitoba,
retaining that command with universal acceptance
until the reduction of the force after the organization
of the North-West Mounted Police, and being trans-
ferred to that body as Assistant Commissioner. While
in command of the permanent force in Manitoba.
Lieut.-Colonel Irvine commanded the force of per-
manent troops and Manitoba volunteers which pro-
ceeded to the United States frontier on active service
at the time of the Fenian incursion in 1871.

The most amicable relations continue to exist be-
tween the police and the Indians, and manifestations
increased of growing confidence and good feeling on
the part of the latter. Although at this period par-
tially relieved of the responsibility of making treaty
payments owing to the appointment of officials in the
direct service of the Indian Department, service in
the way of furnishing escorts to persons charged with
the conveyance of the treaty money, and in assisting
the agents during its disbursement, was frequent.

Shortly after his appointment, the new Commissioner
recommended that the pay of non-commi.ssioned
officers and men be increased by length of service, in
cases where such .service had been in all respects satis-
factory. This, he felt, would take the place of good
conduct pay in the British service, and would, he
thought, prove a strong incentive towards inducing
men to conduct themselves properly during their
term of service, which under existing regulations was
of considerable length, five years; more particularly as
free grants of land had ceased to be any longer given
in recognition of good service.

The distribution of the force at the end of the
year 1881 was as follows: —

"A" Division — Fort Wal.sh — 1 Superintendent. 1
Inspector, 3 Sergeants, 1 Corporal, 22 Constables.

"B" Division — Fort Walsh — 1 Superintendent, 13
Constables. Qu'Appelle — 1 Superintendent. 1 Ins-
pector, 3 Staff Sergeants, 4 Sergeants, 1 Corporal. 37
Constables. Shoal Lake — 3 Constables, 1 Sergeant.
Swan River — 1 Inspector. 2 Constables.

"C" Division — Fort Macieod— 1 Suiwrintendent, 2
InspeHofB, 3 Sergeants, 2 (k)rporal8, 25 Constables.
Blackfoot Crossing — 1 Inspector, 1 Sergeant, 1 Cor-

poral. 12 Constables. Calgary — 1 Sergeant, 1 Cor-
poral. 6 Constables. Macleod (Farm) — 1 Inspector,

4 Constables. Blood Indian Reserve — 1 Corporal,
1 Constable.

"D" Division— Battleford—1 Staff Officer, 1 Super-
intendent, 1 Inspector, 1 Staff Sergeant, 2 Sergeants,

5 Corporals, 32 Constables. Saskatchewan — 1 Ins-
pector, 2 Sergeants, 9 Constables. Prince Albert —

1 Sergeant, 1 Constable. Fort Walsh — 1 Inspector,

2 Sergeants, 2 Corporals, 29 Constables.

" E " Division — Fort Walsh — 1 Inspector, 2 Sergeants,
2 Corporals, 29 Constables.

"F" Division— Fort Walsh— 2 Staff Officers, 5 Staff
Sergeants, 1 Corporal, 12 Constables. Wood Moun-
tain— 1 In.spector, 2 Staff Sergeants, 1 Sergeant, 1
Corporal, 15 Constables. Total 293.

In the reports of the officers commanding posts
for 1880. several important facts were noted. Super-
intendent W. D. Jarvis at Fort Macleod, reported that
until the end of October he had not enough men to
carry on the ordinary barrack duties. Nevertheless,
the few he had worked most creditably, and did
severe duty without complaint. He found the horses
of "C" Division nearly worked out, and, with the
customary ration of oats, it was impossible to get
them into or keep them in condition. The stables
were destro^'^ed by fire on the 5th December. A few
horses were after that event billeted in the village,
the remainder being herded on Willow Creek, about
three miles from the post, and were doing as well as
could'be expected for horses in low condition. Super-
intendent Jarvis particularly called attention to the
soldier-like behaviour of a detachment of thirty men
under Inspector Denny, who were obliged to ride to
Fort Calgary and back, a distance of 200 miles, in
the depth of winter, without tents or any of the usual
comforts of a soldier on the line of march. The total
amount of customs duty collected at Macleod by
the police for the year 1880 amounted to $15,433.38.
There had been fifteen cases tried by police officers,
besides those brought before the resident Stipendiary
Magistrate. Sixty gallons of smuggled whiskey had
been seized and destroyed.

Superintendent W. H. Herchmer, who had taken
over the Battleford command had made some changes
in the disposition of his force.

At Prince Albert, he found that the quarters occu-
pied by the men were totally un.suited to recpiirements,
several families occupying the .same l)uil(ling. which
was horribly cold, and the stabling miserable. The
Superintendent succeeded in renting desirable pre-
mi.ses. thoroughly convenient as to situation and
accommodation for men, horses and stores, and easily
heated, and moved the detachment in. He also re-

59

moved the detachment from Duck Lake to Prince
Albert for the reason that the quarters occupied were
required by the owners, and no other building was
attainable; also because the reason for which the de-
tachment was sent there no longer existed, as the
Indians of that neighbourhood were showing a desire
to be peaceable, — this change being a result of the
lesson taught them the previous summer.

In the execution of duty during the year. Super-
intendent Herchmer had travelled over 4,000 miles,
and Inspector Antrobus, 2,000.

In 1881, the police had considerable trouble, and
only by the exercise of diplomac}^ firmness and great
courage, avoided much more serious trouble, on ac-
count of Canadian Indians stealing horses in the
United States and bringing them across the lines.
Superintendent Crozier at Wood Mountain was in-
formed that a party of the Canadian Bloods had just
returned to the reserve from a successful horse raid
in Montana.

Immediately he sent a party to the Blood Reserve,
recovered sixteen head of horses and two colts, and
arrested eight Indians who had been implicated in
stealing the property in Montana and bringing it into
Canadian territory. On the return of this party from
the Blood Reserve, Crozier sent another one to the
mouth of the Little Bow River; that succeeded in
capturing another Indian and recovering two more
head of horses.

Another horse was also procured, making 19 in all,
that had been feloniously stolen in the United States.
The Court, taking into consideration that no Indians
had heretofore been punished for this offence,
and that what they had done was not considered by
them a crime, deferred sentence, and, after a caution,
allowed the prisoners their liberty.

Major Crozier pointed out — "If the Legislature of
Montana could be induced to pass a law similar to the
one we have, not onl}^ would the bringing to justice
of horse-thieves on both sides of the line be greatly
facilitated, but the existence of such a law in both
countries would doubtless have the effect of putting
an end to horse-stealing to a very great extent. I
would suggest that immediate steps be taken by our
Government to bring to the notice of the proper
authorities in Montana the existence of this law in
Canada, and the advisability of the Legislature of that
territory enacting a reciprocal measure."

In order to afford further proof of the trouble taken
by the police in the recovery of property, stolen by
Canadian Indians south of the line, it might be men-
tioned that, in June the same year the officer command-
ing at Fort Macleod reported that several Montana

ranchmen arrived at that place in search of horses,
alleged to have been stolen in the United States by
Blood Indians. In order to recover, as far as possible,
the stolen property, an officer and party were sent to
the Blood reservations. The account of the dut}^
performed is shown in the following extract of a letter
from Inspector Dickens, who commanded the party.
From this it will be observed, that a portion of the
stolen property was recovered, but not without trouble
and personal risk.

" I have the honour to report that in obedience to orders
I proceeded on the first instant to the Blood Reserva-
tion to search for horses stolen from American citizens
on the other side of the line. I was accompanied by
Sergeant Spicer, Constable Callaghan and the American
citizens. On arriving at the reservation, I had an in-
terview with ' Red Crow, ' the chief, and explained to
him that it would be better for his young men to give
up the horses, so as to avoid further trouble, and he
said he would do his best to have the horses returned;
but he did not appear to have much control over the
Indians, who were very loth to give up the stolen
horses. Eventually, I recovered fourteen horses,
which were identified by the Americans, and placed
them in a corral. While we were waiting near the
agency for another horse which an Indian had promised
to bring in, a minor chief, ' Many Spotted Horses ' ap-:
peared and commenced a violent speech, calling upon
the Indians not to give up the horses, and abused the
party generally. I refused to talk with him and he
eventually retired. I went over to Rev. Mr. Trivett's
house for a few minutes, and on returning was told that
an Indian who goes by the name of 'Joe Healy' had
said that one of the Americans had stolen all ' Bull
Back Fats ' horses last winter and had set the camp on
foot. This the American denied, but the Indians be-
came violent and began to use threatening language.
The American went up to the corral, and ' White Cap '
who had just come in, collected a body of Indians who
commenced howling and yelling and started off to seize
the Americans. It was impossible at the time to get a
word in, so I started in front of the Indians towards the
corral, and shouted to the party to mount their horses
and to be ready to start in order to avoid disturbance.
I mounted my horse and placed myself in the road be-
tween the party and the Indians, who began to hesitate.
Sergeant Spicer, who was behind the crowd, called out
that he wished to speak to them for a few minutes, and
seeing the party all mounted, I rode back and met the
Sergeant coming out of the crowd of Indians, who be-
came quieter but who were still very sulky. No more
horses being forthcoming, we collected the band and
rode out of the camp. I thought it best to get both
men and horses as far away from the reservation as

60

ix)ssible that night ; and after supping at Fred Watch-
er's ranch, we started for Fort Macleod, and although
I heard a report that a war party had gone down the
Kootenay River to intercept our passage, we forded
the river safely and reached Fort Macleod without being
molested.

" I took care when I first went into the camp to ex-
plain to the Indians from whom I took horses, that if
they had any claim on the horses or any cause of com-
plaint, they could come into the fort and lay their case
before you.

"I was well satisfied with Sergeant Spicer, who
showed both coolness and tact. "

In January. 1882, serious trouble occurred with the
Blackfoot Indians on their reserve at the Blackfoot
Crossing. This was in connection with the arrest of
a prisoner, named "Bull Elk", a Blackfoot Indian,
on the charge of shooting with intent to kill; the
Indians endeavouring to offer resistance to the detach-
ment first sent out to make the arrest. Prompt steps
were, however, taken by the officer commanding at
Macleod, Superintendent Crozier, who himself pro-
ceeded with every available man at his command to
reinforce the detachment at the Blackfoot Crossing.
"Bull Elk" was arrested and committed for trial, and
every precaution taken to meet any resistance that
might have been offered by the Indians. It was
pointed out to them in the plainest possible manner
that law and order were to be carried out, that the
police were in the country to do this and that any
attempt at resistance on their part would be punished
as it deserved. Seeing the determination on the
part of the police to carry out the letter of the law,
and finding that a determined force was at hand with
which to enforce strict obedience and respect, even
should it be found necessary to resort to the most
extreme measures, the Indians submitted to the ar-
rest of "Bull Elk", being forcibly reminded in so
doing that resistance on their part would not be toler-
at(Kl for a moment, or in any way allowed to interfere
with the impartial administration of justice, in the
case of Indians and white men alike.

At this time the Commissioner deemed it advi.sable
to reinforce the strength of Fort Macleod by thirty
non-commi.ssioned officers and men. He therefore
ordered a detachment of that number to proceed
from Fort Walsh to Fort Macleod with all possible
despatch.

In his repf)rt of the original trouble, Inspector
Dickens, in command of the detachment at the Black-
ff)ot Crossing, stated that, when on January 2nd, at
alK)Ut 3 i).m., Charles Daly of the ln<lian Department
reported that "Bull Elk" had fired at him, he (Ins-
pector Dickens) went over and arreited the man.

and took him over to the post. A crowd of Indians
followed, all very excited. While the Inspector
was enquiring into the case, a large body of Indians
gathered from various quarter and gradually hemmed
in the men who were placed outside to keep them
back, and others surrounded the stables, and were
posted along the roads. The police were at once cut
off from water and from the store-house, the number
of Indians increasing as they began to arrive from
the camps. Dickens sent for Crowfoot. He arrived
with the other chiefs. He said that he knew " Bull
Elk" was innocent, that some of the white men had
treated the Indians like dogs. He begged that " Bull
Elk" might not be sent into Macleod. After a long
talk it was evident that the Indians were determined
to prevent the prisoner being taken out. It was im-
possible to get a horse saddled to make a road through
the throng. Crowfoot said that he would hold him-
self responsible for the appearance of the prisoner, if
the Stipendiary Magistrate or some magistrate came
to try the case. As it was utterly impossible to get
the prisoner to Macleod owing to the roads being
completely blockaded, Dickens told Crowfoot that
he would let him take charge of the prisoner if he pro-
mised to produce him when recjuired. This he said
he would do, and the Inspector let him take the pri-
soner. The agent said he never saw the Indians in
such a .state before.

Superintendent Crozier's official report shows how
critical the situation at this time was. He arrived at
the Blackfoot Crossing on the evening of January the
6th, having travelled day and night.

On the following morning he proceeded with the
interpreter to that part of the camp in which the
prisoner " Bull Fvlk " was, and l)r()ught him from the
camp to the quarters occupied by the police, where
the Superintendent, at once, as a magistrate, com-
menced the preliminary examination of witnesses as
to the matter of the shooting by the prisoner. The
Superintendent found sufficient evidence to warrant
him in committing the pri.soner for trial, and upon
the evening of the second day, left the Blackfoot
Crossing with the pri.soner and escort for Macleod,
and arrived there on the evening of the 9th.
The Indians had boen greatly excited. I'pon Cro-
zier's arrival at the Blackfoot Cro.ssing, Insiwctor
Dickens reporte<l to him that the Indians were then
<|uiet; "but" said he, "they are only waiting for an
attempt to be made to take the prisoner from them
and they will certainly resist. " Crozier, therefore
concluded to place the building in a state of defence,
jis he had determined to arrest the ofTendcr, and,
having done so, to hold him, even if it were necessary
to re-sort to extreme measures. Bv eleven o'clock

(il

on the morning after his arrival, the place was so de-
fended that it would scarcely have been possible for
any number of Indians to take it, and, besides, the
Superintendent had, in the same buildings, protected
the horses and the supplies of the police and Indian
Department, and had arranged to procure a supply
of water for both men and horses within the same
building.

Before leaving Fort Macleod he left orders for all
available horses to be sent from the farm, to have
the guns in readiness, and upon the receipt of word
to that effect from him, to proceed forthwith to the
Crossing. Dickens, it should be stated, had diploma-
tically allowed the prisoner his liberty temporarily,
upon Crowfoot saying he would be responsible that
he would be forthcoming when required.

On the adjournment at the conclusion of the first
(.lay of the preliminary examination. Crowfoot again
asked that the prisoner be allowed to accompany him
to his lodge. This request Crozier positively refused
to accede to. After some considerable time, seeing
the police officer was determined not to give in, Crow-
foot and his people dispersed. Superintendent
Crozier held the prisoner in custody at the Crossing
for one night and a day, and upon the evening of the
8th, left with him under escort for Fort Macleod.
The prisoner was tried before the Stipendiary Ma-
gistrate and underwent imprisonment for his offence
in the guard room at Macleod. He was a minor chief
of the Blackfeet.

The immediate cause of the difficulty seems to have
been an altercation between the prisoner and a white
man employed on the reserve by the beef contractors.

The Indians were evidently greatly impressed
with the preparations Crozier had made. Crowfoot
asked him if he intended to fight, and the Superin-
tendent replied "Certainly not, unless you commence".
He also explained to the chief, as had often been done
before, that the police had gone into the country to
maintain law and order, that if a man broke the law
he must be arrested and punished. Crozier asked
him then if he, as a chief of the Blackfoot nation,
intended to assist him in doing his duty, or if he in-
tended to encourage the people to resist. The Super-
intendent further said: "If I find sufficient evidence
against the prisoner to warrant me in so doing, I intend
to take the prisoner to Fort Macleod, and when I an-
nounce my intention of so doing I expect you to make
a speech to your people, saying I have done right. "

Crowfoot did not answer, beyond making excuses
for the manner in which his people had acted a few
days before. However, at the conclusion of the exa-
mination of witnesses, Crozier told them all that the
prisoner was going to be taken to Fort Macleod.

Crowfoot did then speak to them in his usual vigorous
manner, endorsing perfectly what the police had done,
and had decided upon doing. He and the other
Indians by this time saw that Crozier was determined
to carry out any line of action that he saw fit to com-
mence.

The reinforcements that had arrived from Fort
Macleod in so short a time had astonished and awed the
Indians. For these reasons, the chiefs and people
were willing to listen to reason, and did so.

On the first of May, 1881, before the arrival of
the recruits, Big Bear (then a non-treaty chief) reached
Fort Walsh. He came in ahead of his followers, all
of whom, numbering some 130 lodges, were, he in-
formed Col. Irvine, en route. The Commissioner at
once told this chief, that he did not wish his people
to come in the vicinity of the fort, and also that he
would receive no aid from the Government. The
Commissioner directed him to a place known as the
"Lake", where they could subsist by fishing.

This Big Bear did, and for some time Col. Irvine
heard nothing further from him. Later on, however,
he received information that councils were being
held daily in the Indian camp, and further that the
result of these councils was that Big Bear and his
followers had decided to visit Fort Walsh, make ex-
orbitant demands for provisions, and in case of their
being refused, to help themselves. Colonel Irvine
considered it advisable, thereupon, to move all the
Indian supplies inside the fort. These supplies had
previously been stored inside a building in the village
rented by the Indian Department. He also took over
the ammunition of T. C. Power & Bros., the only
traders at Fort Walsh, and placed it in the police
magazine. The Commissioner confined all the men
to barracks, had the 7 pounder mountain guns placed
in position in the bastions, and made all arrangements
to have the force at his command ready for any emer-
gency. On the 14th, Big Bear with 150 bucks, all
armed, arrived at the fort. By runners going to
his camp. Big Bear was kept informed of the action
that had been taken; the effect no doubt was salutary.
Demands made for ammunition during the council
with Col. Irvine were refused, and there is no doubt
that Col. Irvine's treatment of Big Bear at this time
had a most satisfactory effect, showing him, that he
as a non-treaty Indian would not obtain assistance
from the Government, and that any attempt of his to
obtain such by force must prove entirely futile.

On the 4th May, 1882, Inspector Macdonell, the
oflficer commanding at Wood Mountain, received a
report from Mr. Legarrie, trader, who had just re-
turned from Fort Buford, U.S., in which Inspector
Macdonell was informed that on the evening of the

62

28th April, while Legarrie was encamped en route to
Wood Mountain, a war party of thirty-two Crees
appeared and made demands for provisions.

Mr. Legarrie had with him a half-breed and a Sioux
Indian. He and these men gave the war party food.
Shortly afterwards they took articles from the carts by
force, and threatened the lives of his party. During
the night Mr. Legarrie heard the Indians in council
arranging to kill him and the Teton Sioux. Towards
morning another council was held, when it was ascer-
tained that the Indians were composed of two parties,
one from Cypress Hills, the other from Wood Mountain.
The Cypress Hills party wished that what had l)een

Superintendent .\. R. .Macdonell.

arranged .should I)e carrie<l into effect at once. But the
arrangements were changed, and it was decided to
allow Legarrie and his party, who had previously been
disarmed, to "eat once more" before killing them.
When daylight came, Legarrie commenced prepara-
tions for a start. The scene following he describes as
being a terrible one, the Indians having taken possession
of the carts. Ix^garrie expected every moment to be
killed, the noise was fearful, some crying for the scalps
of the whole party, others only wishing to kill the Teton
Indian.

Two attempts at firing were made, but fortunately
the guns mis.se<l fire in bf)th cases. All became so con-

fused that the Indians were afraid of killing their own
friends. Finally Legarrie succeeded in buying off the
lives of his men, the war party being allowed to take
what they liked and I^egarrie's party to go, after having
had his carts pillaged, by the taking of blankets, rifles,
ammunition, etc.

Immediately on the receipt of the information, In-
spector Macdonell despatched mes.se ngers to all the
half-breeds and friendly Indians' camps within a radius
of 20 miles of his post, instructing them to keep a watch
for this war party, and to immediately inform him if
any trace was seen, promising that unless they were
captured, permanent quiet would not be establishetl
in his district as the same party had given continual
annoyance during the spring. He therefore deter-
mined to make an arrest at any cost. Shortly after, a
half-breed, who resided 15 miles east of the post, re-
ported to Inspector Macdonell that on the previous
evening he had, while herding horses, come suddenly
upon a war party of eight Indians on foot, all having
lariats (a sure sign that they were on a horse stealing
expedition). This war party admitted they were going
to steal horses, but promised to touch none belonging
to the half-breed. From the description given of the
Indians who had attacked Legarrie, the half-breed
assumed that they belonged to the same war party.

Inspector Macdonell immediately mounted every
man of his command available, and in company with
Legarrie, whom he had sent for to identify the Indians,
he started to make the arrest. He travelled in the
direction of a half-breed camp, 15 miles from the post
in which direction the Indians had gone. On arriving
within a quarter of a mile of the camp, a scout was sent
in to gather information. The scout told the camp that
he was in search of four horses stolen from Wood
Mountain, but he was told that they were not there as
eight Crees had just come in on foot. Inspector Mac-
donell immediately pushed on to the camp, which was
composed of about 45 lodges. On reaching the camp
he found a large crowd collected, and all the doors of
the lodges closed, and on asking for the Cree Indians,
their presence in the camp was denied.

The crowded camp appeared very sulky and averse
to his searching the lodges, one half-breed in particular
who spoke a little English, showed much opposition.
This man Inspector .Macdonell covered with his re-
volver. This had the effect of cowing the crowd, and
lodges were pointed out where seven Crees were found.
The.se were arrested and di.sarmed, and a denumd made
for the renuiining Indian, who was at last given up.
The prisoners were then conveyed to Wood Mountain
Post. On the next day an examination was held by
Inspector Macdonell who committe<l them for trial,
and afterwards conveyed them to Qu'Appelle where

63

they were tried and found guilty by the Stipendiary
Magistrate.

All possible aid has been invariably given by the
police towards the recovery and return to their legiti-
mate owners of horses and mules stolen and brought into
Canadian territory from the United States. The efforts
in this respect in 1882 were accompanied by marked
success.

During the month of May, of that year, a United
States citizen from the Maria's River, Montana, arrived
at Fort Walsh. He gave a description of 11 horses
which he believed had been stolen from him by our
Indians. A party of police was sent out to the various

Superintendent A. H. Griesbacli.

camps and succeeded in recovering and handing over
all the horses stolen, taking care that no expense was
incurred by the man who had suffered the loss.

At Qu'Appelle, 9 horses and 6 mules, which had been
stolen from Fort Buford, U.S.A., were recovered by
Inspector Griesbach- of " B " Division, and returned to
Messrs. Leighton, Jordon & Co., their owners, 1st Jan.,
1883.

The United States military authorities in all such
cases aided the police as far as lay in their power,
which was more limited than that of the police.

General Sheridan, of the United States Army, in

his annual report for 1882, mentioned the amicable
relations which existed between the United States
troops and the Mounted Police Force, which, he
said, "goes far in ensuring quiet along the boundary
line. "

On the 29th of May, 1882, a party of some 200 Blood
Indians arrived at Fort Walsh from their reservation
near Fort Macleod. These 200 men were well mounted
and fully equipped as a war party, all armed with
Winchester repeating rifles and a large supply of
ammunition. On arrival they went at once to the
officer in command and reported that the Crees had
stolen some forty head of horses from them, and had
been stealing all winter. The object of their visit
was to recover their stolen horses from the Crees,
their intention being to go on to the Cree camp at
"The Lake" east of Fort Walsh. Feeling assured
that, if this was done, serious trouble would ensue,
Supt. Crozier told the Bloods he would not allow this,
promising that he would send an officer and party,
with a small number of their representative men,
to the Cree camp, and that if their horses were
there they would be returned to them. To this the
Indians agreed. Superintendent Crozier detailed
Inspector Frechette for the duty; six Blood Indians
accompanied him to the Cree camp.

This officer returned on the following day with
three horses belonging to the Bloods. Crozier was
satisfied that, with the exception of two other horses,
which were afterwards returned by the Crees, the
horses the Bloods had lost were stolen by United
States Indians.

This same year efforts were made to induce several
tribes to move from the dangerous vicinity of the
I'. S. boundary to reserves selected for them in the
north, where, the buffalo having disappeared from
the plains, the hunting was better.

Soon after Col. Irvine's arrival at Fort Walsh in
April, 1882, he commenced holding daily councils
with the Indians (Crees and Assiniboines) .with a view
of persuading them to move northward to settle upon
the new reservations.

On the 23rd of June "Pie-a-pot", with some five
hundred followers, left Fort Walsh for Qu'Appelle.
A delay that arose from the time of " Pie-a-pot's "
promise to go on his new reservation until the time
of his departure from Fort Walsh, did not reflect dis-
credit upon this chief, as regards any inclination on
his part to act otherwise than in perfect good faith,
but was purely owing to the lack of ability of the
police to aid him in transport. Such aid was im-
perative, as the Indians were wretchedly poor and
without horses. Considerable influence from differ-
ent surreptitious (]uarters was brought to l)ear with

64

the view of inducing the Indians to remain in the
southern district, the object of course, being that
they should receive their annuities at Fort Walsh,
and thus secure the expenditure of the treaty money
on that section of the countr}'. Even United States
traders from Montana clandestinely visited the Indian
camps with the same project in view.

As far as practicable Col. Irvine transported them
with police horses and waggons. In " Pie-a-pot's "
case he sent four waggons, with a strong escort of
police. A portion of the escort, with one waggon,
went through to Qu'Appelle; the remainder of the
escort and waggons returned from " Old Wives' Lake",
where they were met by transport sent from Qu'Ap-
pelle by the Indian Department.

At the time of " Pie-a-pot's " departure from Fort
Walsh, the Cree chief, "Big Bear" (non-treaty Indian),
"Lucky Man", -and "Little Pine", with about 200
lodges, finding that Col. Irvine would not assist them
in any way unless the}' went north, started from Fort
Walsh to the plains in a southerly direction. These
chiefs informed Col. Irvine that their intention was
to take "a turn" on the plains in quest of buffalo,
and after their hunt to go north. They added that
they did not intend crossing the international boundary
line, — a statement which he considered questionable
at the time. Colonel Irvine, therefore, at the request
of the officer commanding the United States troops
at Fort Assiniboine, informed the United States au-
thorities of the departure of these chiefs. The Ameri-
cans in expressing their thanks were much gratified
with the information imparted. If but few did cross
the line, they were deterred only by fear of punish-
ment by United States troops, who had formed a
large summer camp at the big bend of the Milk River.

At the time of the departure of these chiefs from
Fort Walsh, Col. Irvine told them that the United
States Government was opposed to their crossing
the line, and stated in a clear and positive manner
that any punishment which might be inflicted upon
them by the United States troops could only be regarded
as the result of their own stubborn folly, in not acting
upon the advice of the Canadian Government, given
purely in the interest of the Indians themselves.

On December 8th, "Big Bear" and his followers,
who had not yet entered into a treaty, accompanied
by several treaty chiefs and Indians, went formally
to Colonel Irvine's (juarters, and after having spent
the afternoon and evening in going over the details
of previous interviews, he signed the treaty No. 6,
which it will be recalled was made at Forts ('arlton
and Pitt, which was the section of country to which
Big Bear really belonged. His announced intention
at the tinte of signing was to go to Fort Pitt with his

entire followers in the spring and settle upon the
reservation allotted him.

Big Bear was the only remaining chief in the North-
West Territory who had not made a friendly treaty
with the Canadian Government, in the surrendering
of his and his people's rights as Indians, by the accept-
ance of annuities and reserves, the occurrence con-
sequently being considered an opportune one, coiu'lud-
ing as it did, the final treaty with the last of the many
Indian tribes in the Territories. Several years were
to elapse, however, before Big liear's band reiieemed
the pledge and settled on the allotted reserve.

By the departure of these chiefs, Fort Walsh was
entirely rid of Indians.

On account of the increased responsibilities devol-
ving upon the force, owing to the construction of the
Canadian Pacific Railway and the influx of settlers,
authority was given in the early part of the year 1882
for an increase of the force by two himdred men.

In consequence of this increase of the force, re-
cruiting was commenced in Toronto, by the late
Superintendent McKenzie, at the New Fort. It was
originally intended that these recruits should be sent up
via Winnipeg, then out to the terminus of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, and across country to the various
posts where they were recjuired. However, owing to
the severe floods in Manitoba, which temporarily sus-
pended the railway traffic, as well as the un.settled
state of Indian afi'airs at Fort Walsh, the original
intention was changed and the recruits were taken up
via Lake Superior and the Northern Pacific Railway to
Bismarck, Dakota, where they embarked on the
steamer " Red Cloud," and proceeded up the River
Missouri to Coal lianks, where they were met by
Superintendent Mcllree with transport, and taken by
him to Fort Walsh, distant al)out 120 niiles. They
arrived on the 11th Juno. SuperiiUendont .McKenzie,
who left Toronto in command of the recruits, was
shortly after taken ill and left at Prince Arthur's
Landing, where he tlied in a few days. The conunand
was taken over by Inspector Dowling. In all, 187
recruits arrived, as well as Surgeon Jukes and Inspector
Prevost.

A small number of recruits were also this year en-
gaged at Winnipeg, 37 in all. These recruits were
taken on to (iuWppelle and attached to "li" Division.
Later on, 12 more were taken up by Inspector Steele.
In all, 63 recruits arrived at Ciu'Appelle.

The total number of recruits posted to the force
in 1882 was 2o(). of whom 200 were the increa.se of the
force, and the remainder to fill vacancies, discharged
men, &c.

The recniits who arrived at Fort Walsh were posted
to "A." "C" and "10" Divisions. The larger pro-

05

portion of these recruits were excellent men, but some,
according to the Commissioner's report, were mere
lads, physically unfit to perform the services required.
Colonel Irvine recommended most strongly that the
minimum age at which a recruit be accepted for
service be fixed at 21 years of age.

In speaking on this same subject, Surgeon Jukes gave
his experience in his annual report in the following words :
— " The examination papers given me when I was exam-

ining recruits for admission to the force in May last,
left me no power to reject men otherwise eligible be-
tween the ages of 18 and 40 years. This rule applies
well to the regular army, where men enlist for a longer
period, where the duties ordinarily required are far less
severe; but for short periods of service, say 5 years,
attended with much exposure, and demanding consider-
able powers of endurance, the age of 18 is too young. "

The Start from DufFerin, July 8, 1874.
'From a sketch by H. Julien in the "Canadian lUustrated News.")

60

CHAPTER VII.

THE MARQUIS OF LORNE'S TOUR

A Vice-Regal Escort which Travelled over Two Thousand Miles — Some Notes of A Highly

Significant Prairie Pilgrimage,

THE year 1881 will always be memorable through-
out the North- West by reason of the visit
made to the region in that year by His
Excellency the Marquis of Lome, Governor General
of Canada.

In 1877 the Earl of Dufferin, then Governor
General, visited Manitoba, accompanied by the
Countess of Dufferin, but their tour through the
prairie region of the Dominion was confined to the
limits of the Province of Manitoba. So that the
Manjuis of Lome, in 1881, was the first Governor
General to visit the North-West Territories. The
visit was fraught with great practical benefit to the
North-West and the whole Dominion, the newspaper
reports of the Vice-Regal progress bringing the new
r(^ion immediately, and in a favourable manner, to
the attention of the people of the older Provinces in a
way no other event could have done.

This tour of Lord Lome not only brought the
Mounted Police into wide notice at the time, but is
still considered as one of the best proofs of the early
efficiency and usefulness of the force, for the entire
duties in connection with the long prairie journey,
were taken over, and with complete success, by the
force.

By a letter from Mr. F. White, the Comptroller.
Col. Irvine was informed a few weeks before the event,
that His Excellency theGovernor-CJeneral had decidtnl
to visit the North- West. He also learned that an es-

cort of the North- West Mounted Police Force would
be required to accompany His Excellency, together
with a certain number of additional men to act as
teamsters, etc. The Commissioner at once communicated
with the Comptroller on the subject, pointing out the
various details that required consideration and action.
Similar letters were written to Superintendents Herch-
mer and Crozier. The officers commanding at Battle-
ford and Fort Macleod were informed as regards the
supply of forage, etc., recjuired and the points at
which such supplies should be delivered along the
road.

It was decided that the escort and additional men
required should be furnislicd from head(|uarters, and
that their equipment should be made as complete as
possible. The necessary stores required were care-
fully selected, and Superintendent William Herch-
mer was appointed to command the escort.

On the 8th of August, Superintendent Herchmer,
who had pail of his escort with him, reported to His
Excellency, for duty at the railhead of the (<anadian
Pacific Ilailway, west of Portage la Prairie, and as-
sumed charge of .some additional transport brought
up by train for the \ ice-regal party. It having been
arranged that His Excellency should proceed to Fort
Ellice !)> river, the main escort was assemljled there,
and the transport under Superintendent Herchmer
was advanced there without delay. August 13, His
Excellencv landed at Fort Ellice, was met by a mount-

67

ed escort of twenty men under Superintendent Herch-
mer and escorted to the Hudson Bay Post. The ap-
pearance of the escort and the general bearing of the
men called forth universal admiration.

About 3 p.m., on the 14th August, His Excellency
and his escort started for Qu'Appelle, which was
reached on the evening of the 17th, His Excellency
being received by a smart guard of honour under Ins-
pector Steele.

On the 19th, the party started for Carlton with 46
men and 84 horses. Of these 84, 36 were remounts
and 46 horses belonging to the various divisions.

The route was via Humbolt, Gabriel Dumont's

Supt. William H. Herchmer, later Assistant Commissioner.

Crossing, Fort Carlton, Battleford, l^lackfoot Cross-
ing, Calgary, Macleod, to Fort Shaw, Montana, from
which point His Excellency returned east through
United States territory.

A more exact idea of the route, and a correct state-
ment of the distanccj? travelled by the Mounted Police
escort is given in the following abstract diary: —

Aug. 8, end of C. P. R. to camp, one-half day, 5
miles; Aug. 9th, to Big Mud Creek, 32 miles; Aug. 10th,
to Rapid City, 25 miles; Aug. Uth, to Shoal Lake, 38
miles; Aug. 12th, to Birtle, 25 miles; Aug. 13th, to
Ellice, one-half day, 4 miles; Aug. 14th, camp, one-
half day, 6 miles; Aug. 15th, camp, 35 miles; Aug. 16th,

to Qu'Appelle River, 40 miles; Aug. 17th, Qu'Appelle,
34 miles; Aug. 18th, halt; Aug. 19 to camp, 38 miles;
Aug. 20th, Edge of Salt Plain, 33 miles; Aug. 21st,
halt; Aug. 22, to camp, 38 miles; Aug. 23, to camp,

34 miles; Aug. 24, to Gabriel's Crossing, 36 miles; Aug.
25th. to Carlton, one-half day, 20 miles; Aug. 26, 27,
28, 29, to Battleford, 92 miles; Aug. 30th to Battleford;
Aug. 31, to Battleford; Sept. 1, to camp, 33 miles;
Sept. 2, to camp, 36 miles, Sept. 3, to Sounding Lake.
37 miles; Sept. 4, to camp, 23 miles; Sept. 5, to camp,

35 miles; Sept. 6, to camp, 30 miles; Sept. 7, to camp,
23 miles; Sept. 8, to camp, one-half day, 10 miles;
Sept. 9th, Blackfoot Crossing, 34 miles; Sept.
10th, camp, one-half day, 14 miles; Sept. 11th,
camp, one-half day, 18 miles; Sept. 18, Calgary, 28
miles; Sept. 13, halt; Sept. 14, to halt; Sept. 15,
to High River. 37 miles; Sept. 16th, to Willow Creek,
40 miles; Sept. 17th, to Macleod, 25 miles; Sept. 18,
Macleod; Sept. 19th, to Macleod; Sept. 20th, Colonel
Macleod's house, 40 miles; Sept. 21, to halt; Sept.
22nd. to camp, 28 miles; Sept. 23, to camp, 28 miles;
Sept. 24, to Cutface Bank, 38 miles; Sept., Birch
Creek, 31 miles; Sept. 26th, to Teton River, 68 miles;
Sept. 27, to Fort Shaw, 28 miles. — Total number of
miles: 1,229.

In addition to this, the escort, or most of it, for
Supt. Herchmer took some men with him from Battle-
ford, travelled in the first place from Fort Walsh to
Fort Ellice, a distance of 443 miles; then again from
Fort Shaw to Fort Macleod, and from Fort Macleod
to Fort Walsh, a distance of 400 miles, making an
aggregate total of 2,072 miles.

His Excellency held councils with Indians at Fort
Ellice, Fort Qu'Appelle, Fort Carlton, Battleford,
Blackfoot Crossing, and Fort Macleod.

Owing to the hurried nature of the trip, it proved
very trying on the horses. Between Ellice and
Qu'Appelle, Superintendent Herchmer was obliged
to leave three horses on the trail, while between
Qu'Appelle and South Branch, he left four horses,
two dropping dead. Of these two, one was the pro-
perty of the Indian Department. Between Carlton
and Battleford, three horses were left, between Battle-
ford and Blackfoot Crossing, five were dropped along
the trail. At Carlton, one horse was left, and at Cal-
gary, seven. None of these horses were incapacitated
from lack of care, for day and night the horses received
the greatest attention, and throughout this long and
trying march, not a horse was incapacitated for work
by sore back or shoulders, truly a remarkable and
probably an unprecedented record.

The force crossed the South Saskatchewan at
Gabriel Dumont's Crossing, on August 25th, the
crossing being effected most successfully, 80 horses

68

and 19 waggons being crossed in five hours with one
scow. The men of the lorce worked admirably,
their handiness and cheerfulness under most trying
circumstances, the wind being very high, being most
favourably commented upon. At Carlton, it was
determined that His Excellency and party shoukl
visit Prince Albert, travelling by the steamer " North-
cote". Superintendent Herchmer with the escort
and transport, proceeded overland to Battleford,
reaching there on the 29th. The following day, His
Excellency arrived from Prince Albert by steamer
"Lily".

On the 31st, His P^xcellency visited the barracks
and quarters at Battleford, expressing himself very
nmch pleased.

While the party was en route from Battleford to
Calgary, on the morning of the 7th, they came upon a
small herd of buffalo near Red Deer River. Three
buffalo were killed by the party; the meat thus sup-
plied being most acceptable, as they had been some-
what longer on the road than was calculated on, the
distance travelled being greater than expected. There
being no road, the party did not steer as direct a
course as if they had gone over a well-marked and
direct trail. The guide originally intended to have
taken the party to a crossing of the Red Deer River,
immediately south of the Hand hills, but when about
20 miles from the Hand hills, the guide assured Super-
intendent Herchmer that the party would encounter
serious difficulty in getting the waggons down to the
river, and also stated that he could take him to a
crossing still farther south, which had a better ap-
proach. This being the case, Herchmer decided to
accept the latter course and found a good crossing.

At Red Deer River, the guide, John Longmore,
informed the Superintendent that he could take the
party no farther, as he was unacquainted with the
country beyond. Herchmer, therefore, utilized the
services of "Pound Maker", a Cree Indian chief from
Battleford, who had accompanied the Indian Com-
missioner (a).

Between Battleford and Red Deer River, there
was plenty of water; but the only wood was at Sound-
ing Lake, about half way, so w^ood for cooking had to
be carried.

Soon after leaving Red Deer River, on the 8th, a
cold and very severe rain storm set in, and after tra-
velling some 8 miles, the party camped at the first
water. Had Superintendent Herchmer not camped
at this point, he would have had to make too long a

(a) The Mme " Pound Maker" (genenUly written one word) who fimired
rnn'piruouKly in HieVn rehpllion. who gave himiwlf up at Battleford. and
khortly aftrrwardfi ilied in r«infinenM*nt. it in «up|M>«eil liy many, of a Wroken
hrart, Mr wao a linndwinic. Iirnvf . tnlcnted iind irciwriilly n nnlili- Itidian.

drive without watering the horses. The rain con-
tinued for twelve hours, the weather remaining cold.

At the Indian Council at Blackfoot Crossing the
escort furnished a guard of honour under Superin-
tendent Herchmer. In his report that officer stated:
— "Notwithstanding the necessarily extremely short
notice I received as to this guard being required, the
men turned out in a manner that would have done
credit to any troops stationed in permanent stations.
His Excellency and party were loud in their expres-
sion of admiration at the men's appearance. I men-
tion this incident as I consider it goes far to prove the
efficiency of a force which, notwithstanding the fact
that it had travelled over 850 miles of prairie, was
thus enabled to supply a guard of honour at a few
minutes notice, fit to appear on a general inspection."

On the 11th, about 3 p.m., some 25 miles from
Calgary, Lt.-Col. Irvine, the Commissioner, accom-
panied by Superintendent Cotton, Adjutant of the
force, arrived at the Vice-Regal camp and were
heartily welcomed. They brought a relay of horses
and a good supply of oats. At 1.30 p.m. on the follow-
ing day the party reached Calgary, making a successful
ford at the Bow River at a point immediately in rear
of Police Post, which ford Col. Irvine had previously
formed and marked out.

The 13th and 14th, the party remained in camp at
Calgary, their rest being a particularly pleasant one.
His Excellency and party had excellent fishing, and
some shooting.

On the 14th, the Commissioner, accompanied by
Supt. Cotton, started for Fort Macleod to make ar-
rangements for the reception of His Excellency.

On the 15th, His Excellency and escort started for
Fort Macleod w'th ninety-nine horses. On the morn-
ing of the 17th, about seven or eight miles from that
place, the Vice- Regal party were met by the Commis-
sioner and Supt. Cotton.

On reaching Willow Creek, about three miles from
Fort Macleod, His Excellency was received by a salute
fired from the two 9-pounder muzzle-loading rifle guns
in possession of the force. These guns were placed
in an approfjriate position on a high ridge conunanding
Willow Creek. From the crossing of the Old Man's
River to the fort the road was lined at inttTvals by
a party of mounted men under command of Supt.
('rozier. At the main gate of the fort His lOxcellency
was received by a guard of honour under Inspector
Dickens. The general appearance of this guard of
honour was everything that could be desired.

On the morning of the 19th. Superintendent Herch-
mer handed over the command of the escort to Supt.
Cro/ier, in accordance with the Commissioner's in-
structions. Supt. Herchmer had previously applied

69

to be relieved from escort duty, in order that he might
return to Battleford and reach that post before the
winter set in.

Before leaving Fort Macleod the following letter
was received by Superintendent Herchmer:

"Fort Macleod, 18th Sept., 1881.
"Sir,— I am commanded by His Excellency the
Governor General to desire you to express to Super-
intendent Herchmer, his entire satisfaction with the ad-
mirable manner in which that officer has performed his
duty while in command of the force of Mounted Police
which has escorted His Excellency from Winnipeg to
Fort Macleod. I am further to request you to convey
to the non-commissioned officers and men who formed
the escort. His Excellency's thanks for the services
rendered by them while on the march, and the
pleasure it has afforded him to witness the discipline
and efficiency of the corps.

F. DeWinton, Lt.-Col.,

Milty-Secy."

After leaving Fort Macleod, His Excellency's party
was joined at the Blackfoot Agency in Montana by
a detachment of United States troops, who accom-
panied the party as far as Birch Creek. It had been
the intention of the officer commanding the United
States troops at this point. Colonel Kent, to escort
His Excellency thence to Fort Shaw with a mounted
detachment of ten men, in addition to the escort of
Mounted Police under Superintendent Crozier, but

owing to the United States troops having lost their
horses from the encampment at Birch Creek, this
design could not be carried out. Colonel Kent,
himself, accompanied the party from the Blackfoot
Agency, Montana, to Fort Shaw. His Excellency
was escorted about two miles on the road towards
Helena by the Mounted Police under Crozier, the
duty then being transferred to a detachment of the
3rd U.S. Infantry.

Prior to His Excellency taking his departure from
Fort Shaw, he commanded to be ordered a parade of
the escort of North-West Mounted Police, whom he
addressed in the most flattering terms.

To quote some of his words, he said: "You have
been subjected to the most severe criticism during the
long march on which you have accompanied me, for I
have on my personal staff experienced officers of the
three branches of the service — cavalry, artillery, and
infantry — and they one and all have expressed them-
selves astonished and delighted at the manner in
which you have performed your arduous duties, and
at your great efficiency."

From His Excellency's remarks, he fully appreciated
the many different kinds of services performed by the
Police of the North-West.

"Your work," said he, "is not only that of military
men, but you are called upon to perform the im-
portant and responsible duties which devolve upon
you in your civil capacities. Your officers in their
capacity of magistrates, and other duties are called
upon to perform even that of diplomacy."

A Typical Four-Horse Mounted Felice Team.
(From photograph loaned by the Comptroller, Lieut.-Col. F. White).

70

CHAPTER VIII.

HEADQUARTERS REMOVED TO REGINA

The Usefulness of Fort Walsh Disappears, and the Post is Abandoned — Several New Posts
Established — Fort Macleod Moved — The Construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway — A
Record in Track-laying and an Equally Creditable Record in the Maintenance of Order —
Extra Duties Imposed Upon the North-West Mounted Police.

EVER since the establishment of the Mounted
Police there had been uncertainty as to the
best place for the establishment of permanent
headquarters. It has been related how, in 1874,
Swan River near Fort Ellice was chosen as the site
for headquarters and the erection of barrack and
other accommodation begun. It has also been ex-
plained that Lieut.-Colonel French, the first Com-
missioner, on the return march from the Belly River,
arrived at Swan River, but on account of the unpre-
pared ness of the buildings, and the lack of winter
forage, due to prairie fires, left only one division at
and near Swan River, and proceeded with head-

Wood and Anderson's Ranch, On site of Old Fort Wal.sh.

photograph loaned h>' LSrtit.-Col.
:!«»mptrollcr of the K.N.W.M.P.)

(Prom a photograph loaned h>' LSrtit.-Col. White,
Coi

quarters and the remainder of his force to Winnipeg,
and later to DufTerin, Man.

The next spring the headquarters of the force were,
under orders from the Government, and in spite of
Lieut. -Col. French's opinion that the site was unsuit-
able, established at Swan River, but in a few years,
owing to the vital importance of preserving order
among the numerous tribes of Indians in the vicinity
of the International frontier, and the necessity of
putting a stop to illicit trading across the lines, head-
quarters were first removed to Fort Macleod, and in
1879, to Fort Walsh.

The Mounted Police Buildings in the North-West

Territories in 1876 were as follows: —

Swan River, accommodation for 150 men and horses

Hattleford, " 50

Fort Maclood " 100

Kort Walsh " 100

Fort CalRary " 25

Fort Sasixatchewan " 25 "

Shoal Lake " 7

The buildings at Swan River and Battleford were
erected by the Department of Public Works; tlio.se
at the other posts by the Mounted Police.

To the outside ol)sorver it began to look !is though
the head(|uarters of the Mounted Police were destined
to be a perambulatory institution, but as a
matter of fact, within the force, and particularly
on the part of tho.se responsible for its efliciency, the
idea of establishing a satisfactory permanent head-
quarters for the force was never lost sight of.

71

Ill his annual report for the year 1880, dated Jan-
uary 1st, 1881, the Commissioner, referred to this
subject as follows:

"I am perfectly well aware of the many important
considerations that require to be most carefully
weighed before a point for the headquarters of the
force can be finally settled upon. It is a matter that
cannot be looked at merely from a military point of
view. The future construction of public works
throughout the North-West Territories, the rapid
immigration that may safely be anticipated, and the
settlement that will necessarily accompany it, must,
I presume, also prove important factors as regards
the permanent establishment of police headquarters.
It would then be a most grievous mistake to arrive
at any hastily formed conclusion which might, and
the chances are would, be a source of never ending
regret.

" I propose that in future the headquarters of the
force be a depot of instruction, to which place all
officers and men joining the force will be sent, where
they will remain until thoroughly drilled and in-
structed in the various police duties. To carry out
this plan successfully, it is indispensable that a com-
petent staff of instructors be at my disposal. A
portion of such a staff I can obtain by selection from
officers and non-commissioned officers now serving
in the force. In addition to this, however, I recom-
mend that the services of three perfectly well qualified
non-commissioned officers and men be obtained from
an Imperial Cavalry Regiment. I am satisfied that
the inducements we could hold out would be
the means of obtaining the best class of non-
commissioned officers to be had in England. I
would not recommend that non-commissioned officers
of more than five years service be applied for. Old
men, who have already spent the best days of their
life in the British service, would be quite vmfit for the
work that in this country they would be called upon
to perform, nor would they be likely to show that
energy and pride in their corps which is desirable that,
by example, they should inculcate into others. In-
structors of the class I have described, in addition to
the knowledge they would impart to others, would
serve as models for recruits, as regards soldierlike
conduct and general bearing. The importance of
the benefits the force would thus derive cannot, in
my opinion, be overrated. "

In the same report the following reference was
made to the unsatisfactory condition of the barracks
at headquarters and elsewhere: — "Complaints con-
tinue to be made regarding the condition of the police
buildings, and the character of the accommodation
they afford in their present state of repair. It is

most desirable that the barracks should be as com-
fortable as possible, but it is not deemed expedient
to incur any considerable expenditure upon them at
present, not until the line of the Pacific Railway haf
been finally determined, as upon that determination
will depend the situation of the permanent head-
quarters; and it may then be found convenient to
abandon a number of the existing posts and construct
others elsewhere. There were obvious disadvantages
attaching to the custom of permitting detachments
to remain throughout the entire length of service at
one post, and during spring the system was inaugurated
of moving them to new stations at least once in two
years. It is, of course, understood that the head-
quarters staff do not come under the operation of this
rule. "

During 1881, the contract for the completion of
the Canadian Pacific Railway was made by the Domi-
nion Government with the Montreal syndicate at the head
of which were Messrs. George Stephen and Donald A.
Smith (now Lord Mount Stephen and Lord Strath cona).
The work of pushing the gigantic work to completion was
at once taken up energetically, and with the laying
of the rails across the prairies a new era dawned for
the North-West and the Mounted Police. It was
realized that the exact location of the line would have
much to do with the future distribution of the force
and the location of the permanent headquarters.
In his report at the end of the year 1881, the Com-
missioner wrote:

"The distribution of the force cannot well be
satisfactoril}^ laid down imtil the exact location of the
Canada Pacific Railway is known. In any case
there is an immediate necessity for having a strong
force in the Macleod district, which includes Fort
Calgary. In the meantime the following will give
a fairly approximate idea as to what I consider a
judicious distribution, viz: — Qu'Appelle, 50 non-
commissioned officers and men; Battleford, 50 non-
commissioned officers and men; Edmonton, 25 non-
commissioned officers and men; Blackfoot Country,
200 non-commissioned officers and men; Headquarters,
175 non-commissioned officers and men. Total 500.
It will be observed that this distribution is based
upon the assumption that my recommendation, as
regards the increase of the force, will be acted on.
I make no mention of Wood Mountain; for this section
of the country I propose utilizing the fifty men shown
as being stationed at Qu'Appelle. I understand
the Canada Pacific Railway will run south of our
present post known as 'Qu'Appelle.' The chances
are therefore, I will hereafter have to recommend
that the location of this post be moved south. Were
this done we would then have control of the section

72

of country in which Wood Mountain post now stands.
The location of the present post at Battleford may
not require to be changed for some time at all events.
Edmonton would be an outpost from Calgary. Our
present post in the Edmonton district is Fort Sas-
katchewan, which is situated some eighteen miles
east of Edmonton proper. It is, I think, actually
necessary that our post be moved to Edmonton.

"There is, to my mind, no possible doubt but that
the present headquarters. Fort Walsh, is altogether
unsuitable, and I would respectfully urge upon the
Government the necessity of abandoning this post
with as little delay as possible. In making this re-
commendation I am in a great measure prompted by
the knowledge of the fact that the Indian Department
do not consider that the farming operations at Maple
Creek have been successful in the past, and that
they are still less likely to prove so in the future."

At the time this report was penned, Col. Irvine
believed that the main line of the C.P.R. would pass
considerably north of the Cypress Hills and of its
actual location; as was first proposed, in fact. During
1882, the Commissioner was notified by Mr. C. E.
Perry, the engineer in charge of the work, that the
southern route had been adopted, and that consi-
derable supplies would have to pass through, or in
the immediate vicinity of the Cypress Hills. In view
of the change, the Commissioner received a letter
from Mr. Perry, on the subject of the syndicate parties
receiving protection from the police. He was at
the same time informed that large quantities of sup-
plies were to be shipped through Fort Walsh, and
a considerable number of men were to be employed
at once in and about Cypress Hills. This being the
case, the situation of affairs was essentially changed,
and Col. Irvine was compelled to somewhat modify
his previous recommendations, in so far as they re-
lated to the immediate abandonment of Fort Walsh,
as he saw that it was actually necessary to maintain a
force of police in that vicinity for the protection of the
working parties from United States Indians as well as
Canadian ones, and also to prevent smuggling and
illicit whisky dealing being carried on from the United
States territory. He therefore recommended that
Fort Walsh be not abandoned until the authorities
were positively informed as to the location of the
Canadian Pacific Railway line, by which time a suit-
able site for a new post could be selecte<l. possibly,
he thought, near the crossing of the South Saskatch-
ewan River, about 35 miles north-west of the head
of the Cypress Hills. On a.scertaining the final location
of the Canadian Pacific Railway line, the Commissioner
communicated with the Minister of the Interior re-
commending that the site for future headcjuarters be

decided upon at once, and a suitable post be erected
without delay. He based this recommendation upon
the assumption that the site would be selected at or
near the crossing of the South Saskatchewan River.
He stated, however, that should the Government con-
sider that point too far west for headquarters, it would
nevertheless be necessary to erect a post in the vicinity
of the Cypress Hills.

By a telegram of the 20th July, 1882, Col. Irvine
was informed of Sir John A. Macdonald's decision of
the Pile of Bones Creek (now Regina) being the head-
quarters of the force, also of the number and dimen-
sions of the section buildings to be made in the Eastern
Provinces and forwarded to Regina, for stables and
quarters. This telegram reached Colonel Irvine at
Fort Macleod.

Soon after his return from that post to Fort Walsh,
he proceeded to Qu'Appelle; and after having inspected
" B " division, accompanied His Honour the Lieutenant
Governor, the Hon. Edgar Dewdney, to the Pile of
Bones Creek. The Commissioner, after looking over
the ground, instructed Inspector Steele, who had
accompanied him, where the buildings were to be
situated, and immediately moved the headquarters
of "B" division from Qu'Appelle to Regina. At the
end of October the sectional buildings commenced to
arrive, and building was proceeded with.

The headquarters of the force was transferred from
Fort Walsh to Regina on the 6th of December.

A recruiting depot, with an establishment of one
officer and ten men was, under authority of the
Minister established in Winnipeg in the spring of
1882.

Building was carried on extensively during the year
1883, not only at the new headcjuarters but at other
posts. During the year in question the buildings at
Pile of Bones Creek (or Regina) were completed. New
l)arrack8 at Fort Macleod to replace those previously
in use, were in course of erection. New posts were
pushed forward towards completion at Medicine Hat
and Mai)le Creek.

There had been very special and particular rea.sons
for l)uilding a new post at Fort Macleod, in fact a new
site had to l)e .selected. January 18, 1881, the (Com-
missioner reported that the coiirse of the "Old .Man's"
River at Fort Macleod had changed. This river,
at high water, at this date, deviated from its original
course in two places, the stream, after this unexpected
freak of nature, pa.ssing immediately in front and
rear of the fort, the post thus being made an island.
In rear the water flowed within a few feet of the west
side of the fort. The deviations made from the original
course of the river continued, becoming more and more
formidable, and it was probable that in the coming

73

spring many of the post buildings would be carried
away if left in their actual positions.

Taking all these things into consideration it was
felt to be absolutely necessary that Fort Macleod be
removed from its original site. The Commissioner
recommended that a new site be selected at the police
farm, which was situated some 30 miles south-west
from where the fort originally stood.

It appears that the Old Man's River changed its
course by breaking through a narrow neck of land
that divided the main stream from a slough. In
1880, the river reverted to its old bed, breaking through
lower down, cutting off another large portion of the
island on which the fort was built, and causing the
demolition of several houses. The soil of the island
was a loose mixture of sand and gravel, and to show
the strength and velocity of the current, it might
be mentioned that in one night one hundred and
twenty yards of the bank was washed away. To
save the saw-mill from being swept away it was ne-
cessary to move it from its old site. The whole lower
portion of the island, including a part of the farm,
was inundated, and the water rose so high as to ap-
proach within twenty yards of the fort itself. The
level of the flood was not five feet from the floors in
the fort.

Nothing was done about the selection of a new site
until March, 1883, when the Commissioner was informed
that the latest site which had been selected for the
erection of the new post at Fort Macleod had been
approved, and that the erection of a new post was
to be commenced during the following summer. The
site chosen was about two and a half miles west of
the old post, on the bench land overlooking the "Old
Man's" River, and on the south side of it. Every
care was taken in the selection of the site. The soil
was dry and gravelly, good drainage was obtainable,
plenty of fresh water was near at hand, there was
good grazing ground in the immediate vicinity, and
an uninterrupted view was afforded.

Work on the post was at once begun and pushed
to completion. The principal buildings were laid
out in a rectangle, 484 ft. long by 254 ft. wide, with
officers' quarters on west side, barrack rooms facing
them on the opposite side, offices, guard room, re-
creation room, sergeants' mess and quarters, on the
north side, with stables, store rooms, harness room,
opposite; the remaining buildings were outside the
"square".

The buildings were of the same general construction.
All buildings rested on foundation blocks about 12
inches square, and placed at intervals of 6 feet. These
blocks had a firm bearing on the hard, gravelly soil,
a thin layer of soil and mould being removed. All

sills were 8 in. square, floor beams, 2 in. by 8 in., and
were 2 ft. apart; framing 2 in. by 6 in. and were 18
in. apart, with 6 in. square corner posts. Plates of
two 2 in. by 6 in. scantling, firmly spiked joists,
which were 2 in. by 8 in. by 6 in. strongly braced
and firmly attached to ceiling joists, which were 2 in.
by 8 in.

Every precaution was taken to strongly brace the
framing and roofs, to prevent any damage resulting
from the high winds which prevail at Fort Macleod.

All outside walls were of common 1 in. boarding
covered with tar paper, and then sided up with 5-8
in. siding, 6 in. wide and lap of 7-8 in.

The floors throughout were of two thicknesses,
with tarred paper between. Roofs were shingled,
with felt paper between shingles and sheeting. The
window casings and door frames were of neat appear-
ance. The officers' quarters, barrack rooms, mess
room, hospital, offices and recreation room, were all
lathed and plastered in the interior; the guard room
and store houses were lined with dressed lumber.
All doors leading to the exterior were 3 ft. by 7 ft.
and Ij in. thick inside doors, 2 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft. 8 in
and 1 in. thick; with the exception of the barrack
rooms all the doors were 3 ft. 7 in. The windows in
all the buildings had twelve lights, 12 in. by 16 in.
except in the kitchens of the officers' quarters and
store and harness rooms, which were each of twelve
lights, 10 in. by 12 in.

All buildings were painted a light grey, and trimmed
with a darker shade of the same colour. The wood
work and casings in the interior were painted the
same colour. Roofs were painted with fireproof
paint.

Chimneys were of zinc, 14 in. square with a circular
flue, 7 in. in diameter, thus giving a large air space,
which was utilized as a ventilator. They projected
4 in. above the peak of the roof, and passed through
the ceiling.

Owing to the distance from the railway, 138 miles,
it was impossible to construct the chimneys of brick.
Where stovepipes were carried through partitions,
they were surrounded by three inches of concrete.

This new post was considered a masterpiece at
the time it was built.

On the 19th of May last, 1884, the new barracks
were taken over from the North- West Coal and Navi-
gation Company, and occupied shortly after by "C"
division, a small party only being left as caretakers in
the old buildings.

Fort Calgary having been created a district post,
and " E " division removed there, under the command
of Superintendent Mcllree, the buildings were en-
tirely inadequate to accommodate the Division, and

74

were so entirely useless and out of repair that Col.
Irvine gave instructions to that officer to commence
building at once on his arrival, and to retain for use
during the winter such buildings as, with little, or no
expense, could be made habitable for the winter.
The buildings to be erected were to be laid out in a
general plan for a new post.

^ , ", ' ■'

' r J.I

^1 MiLn

jj

ih

- .' ^ -^

Calvary Barracks, erected in 1888-89.

Superintendent Mcllree immediately on his arrival
commenced work. Several of the old buildings were
pulled dawn to make way for the new ones, all the
same logs being utilized. A contract was at once
let for the erection of a new barrack room, 110 ft.
long by 30 ft. wide, with dining room, 30 ft. square,
and kitchen, 15 ft. square; attached, 1 guard room,
30 ft. by 50 It., with 12 cells; 1 hospital, and 1 officers'
quarters. These buildings were all completed during
1882. The walls of the buildings throughout were
9 ft. high and constructed of logs, with the exception
of the officers' quarters, which were frame. The
chinks were filled with mortar. The floors consisted
of li inch planed lumber, tongued and grooved,
while the roof was of shingle laid in mortar. The
buildings erected were good and substantial ones,
neat in appearance, well ventilated, and suited for
the requirements to which they were to be put. Much
more commodious barracks were erected at Calgary in
1888 and 1889.

For some considerable time it had been the inten-
tion to abandon the old Fort Walsh post, which had
figured 80 prominently in the early history of the
force, and abandonment was desirable for -many
reasons. In the first place, the site was, from a
military point of view, a most objectionable one.
The rude buildings, always considered but a tem-
porary refuge, had become utterly dilapidated. The
post, too, being some 30 miles south from the located
line of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, rendered a change
of site imperative, in addition to the fact of its being
a temptation to straggling bands of lazy Indians
whose desire was to loiter about the post, and when in
a destitute condition, make demands for assistance
from the Government.

The Commi-ssioner, therefore, acting under usual
authority, had the post demolished; the work being

performed by the police, commencing on the 23rd
of May, and concluding on the 11th of June. The
serviceable portion of the lumber of which the old
buildings were composed, was freighted to the camp
established at Maple Creek, a point on the main line
of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, where the division
previously stationed at Fort Walsh was encamped
during the summer.

Acting under the direction of his Honour the Lieut.-
Governor. a detachment, consisting of one officer (Ins-
pector Dickens) and twenty-five men, was, during the
month of September, 1883, stationed at Fort Pitt,
and a police post established there. This was done on
account of reports which had reached His Honour, to the
effect that the Indians on reserves in that vicinity
were likely to give serious trouble.

At the end of 1882, the Commissioner was able to
report that the increase of the force, referred to in
an earlier chapter, had proved most judicious. The
effect on the Indians throughout the Territory had
been to show them that the Government intended
that law and order should be kept, by both white
men and Indians alike, and that sufficient force was
provided to accomplish this. The cases of " Big
Bear" and of the trouble at the Blackfoot Crossing,
early in the preceding January, were sufficient to
show that a strong force was still necessary to enforce
the law among the Indians. The Commissioner was,
owing to the increase of force, enabled to move a
sufficient force to Forts Macleod and Calgary, which
was urgently required. At Fort Macleod there were
the Blood and Piegan reservations, numbering about
four thousand people. The Sarcee reservation of
about five hundred was only ten miles from Calgary,
and the Blackfoot reserve, 56 miles down the Bow
River from that post. The fast growing settlements
about these posts, together with the large cattle
ranches, rendered it imperative that they should
receive good police protection from such a large body
of Indians, in all about 7,000, as well as that order
should be kept among the Indians themselves.

Great vigilance was recjuired to j)revent smuggling
from Montana, U.S.

The following is a return showing the amount of
Customs duties collected by the North-West Mounted
Police, during the year 1882:— Port of Fort Walsh, up
to 8th December, $15,135.46; Port of Fort Mac-
leod, up to 30th December, $35,525.76; Port of Wood
Mountain up to 31.st December, $2,784.64; Port of
(iu'Appelle up to Slst Deceml)cr, $1,076.50— Total
$52,522.36.

It can be readily understood how largely the police
work of the force was added to during the construc-
tion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. As the work

neared the eastern boundary of the Territories, the
troubles then feared may be classified as follows: —

1st. Annoyance and possible attack on working
parties by Indians.

2nd. Difficulty of maintaining law and order among
:he thousands of rough navvies employed; and the
prevention of whisky being traded in their midst
md at all points of importance along the line.

Fortunately, the Indians were so kept in subjection
hat no opposition of any moment was encountered
rom them.

rhe Old Order and the New — An Indian at a Celebration of
Whites near a North-West Town.

As originally expected, numerous and continued
(Torts were made to smuggle in whisky, at almost
11 points along the construction line. This taxed
le resources and vigilance of the force to the utmost ;
ut these labours were successful.

In the construction of the railway during 1882, up-
wards of 4,000 men were employed during the whole
immer, some of them exceptionally bad characters.
>wing, however, to there being no liquor obtainable,
ery little trouble was given the police, the con-

tractors, the settlers, or anybody else, by them. Where
large amounts of money are being expended among
such men as railway navvies it is to be expected that
many attempts will be made to supply them with
liquor, and such attempts were made in the west in
1882. Had this not been effectually stopped, the
historian of the period would have had to report a
large number of depredations as having been com-
mitted. It is probably unparalleled in the history
of railway building in an unsettled, unorganized
western country that not a single serious crime had
been committed along the line of work during the
first year of operations, and this fact certainly reflected
great credit on those responsible for the enactment
and carrying out of the laws.

The following is a copy of a letter the Commissioner
received from W. C. VanHorne, Esq., General Manager
of the Canadian Pacific Railway, just as he was pre-
paring his annual report: —

" Canadian Pacific Railway,

Office of the General Mai ager,

Winnipeg, 1st Jany., 1883.

"Dear Sir, — Our work of construction for the year
of 1882 has just closed, and I cannot permit the
occasion to pass without acknowledging the obliga-
tions of the Company to the North-West Mounted
Police, whose zeal and industry in preventing traffic
in liquor, and preserving order along the line under
construction have contributed so much to the success-
ful prosecution of the work. Indeed, without the
assistance of the officers and men of the splendid
force under your command, it would have been im-
possible to have accomplished as much as we did. On
no great work within my knowledge, where so many
men have been employed, has such perfect order pre-
vailed.

"On behalf of the Company, and of all their officers,
I wish to return thanks, and to acknowledge par-
ticularly our obligations to yourself and Major Walsh.

(Signed) W. C. VanHorne.

Lieut. -Col. A. G. Irvine,

Commissioner of North-West Mounted Police,
Regina."

The next year, 1883, the work of railroad construc-
tion was accompanied by increased duties and troubles
for the Mounted Police.

Track-laying on the Canadian Pacific Railroad
ceased in the month of January, at a point some
twelve or thirteen miles eastward of the station now
known as Maple Creek. Several parties of workmen
employed by the railway company wintered in the

76

Cypress Hills, cutting and getting out timber. These
men, ignorant of Indian habits, were on different
occasions needlessly alarmed by nmioUrs that reached
them of the hostile intentions of the Indians in the
vicinity. On one occasion, a timid attempt was made
by a few Indians to stop their work, such attempt
at intimidation being prompted on the part of the
Indians by a desire to procure presents of food from
the contractors. On representation being made to
the officer commanding at Fort Walsh, prompt and
effectual steps were taken to secure quietude, and
prevent any similar occurrence. On this subject
Superintendent ShurtlifTe reported to Col. Irvine as
follows:

"On the 7th inst., Mr. LaFrance, a railway con-
tractor, who was cutting ties in the neighbourhood of
Maple Creek, came to me and complained that a body
of Indians, under 'Front Man,' had visited his camp
and forbidden them to cut any more timber, saying
that it was the property of the Indians, and that they
had also demanded provisions from them. Mr. La
France and his men being thoroughly frightened,
at once left the bush and repaired to the police out-
post at Maple Creek and claimed protection. On
hearing Mr. LaFrance's complaint, I sent for 'Front
.Man,' and explained that it was a very serious matter
to interfere with any men working in connection
with the railway, and convinced him that it would
not be well for him or any other Indian to do anything
having a tendency to obstruct the progress of the
road. On being assured that he would have no
further trouble, Mr. LaFrance resumed work."

The Pie-a-pot incident, is one of the traditions of the
force, for have not gifted pens embalmed it.

The work of construction was being rushed across
the prairies west of Swift Current, and right in the line
of the engineers, directly where the construction camps
would soon be located with their thousands of passion-
ate, unprincipled navvies — the flotsam and jetsam of
humanity — Pie-a-pot and his numerous tribe had pitched
their tents, and brusquely announced that they in-
tended to remain there.

Now Pie-a-pot and his band had not just then that
wholesome respect for the law of "The Big White
Woman" and the red-coated guardians thereof which
a few months additional acquaintance were to confer.
Moreover it is as true with the aborigines as with other
people that "Evil communications corrupt good man-
ners," and in spite of the eflforts of the police, Pie-a-pot's
band, or individual meml)ers thereof, had l)een just
enough in communication with the railway construction
camps to be decidedly corrupted. The craze for the
whiteman's money and whisky raged within the
numerous teijees of Pie-a-|>ot 's camp. I n fact , just t hen

Pie-a-pot's band fairly deserved the appellation of "Bad
Indians," and even the possibility of the massacre of
some of the advanced parties engaged in the railway
work was darkly suggested. As the army of navvies
advanced towards the Indian camp, and the latter re-
mained sullen and defiant, the railway officials appealed
to the Lieutenant-Governor for protection. His Honour
promptly turned the appeal over to the Mounted Police,
and, with just as much promptitude, means were taken
to remove the difficulty. Pie-a-pot had hundreds of
well-armed braves spoiling for a fight, with him, but
it is not the custom in the North- West Mounted Police
to count numbers when law and duty are on their side.
Soon after the order from headquarters ticked over
the wires, two smart, red-coated members of the force,
their pill-box forage caps hanging jauntily on the tradi-
tional three hairs, rode smartly into Pie-a-pot's camp,
and did not draw rein until in front of the chief's tent.

Two men entrusted with the task of bringing a camp
of several hundred savages to reason ! It appeared
like tempting Providence — the very height of rashness.

Even the stolid Indians appeared impressed with
the absurdity of the thing, and gathering near the
representatives of the Dominion's authority, began
jeering at them. One of the two wore on his arm the
triple chevron of a sergeant, and without any prelimi-
nary parley he produced a written order and proceeded
to read and explain it to Pie-a-pot and those about him.
The Indians were without delay to break camp and
take the trail for the north, well out of the sphere of
railway operations. Pie-a-pot simply denuirred and
turned away.

The young bucks laughed outright at first, and soon
ventured upon threats. But it did not disconcert tlie
two redcoats. They knew their duty, and that the
written order in the sergeant's possession represented
an authority which could not be defied by all the
Indians in the North- West. The sergeant quietly gave
Pie-a-pot warning that he would give him exactly a
(juarter of an hour to comply with the order to move
camp, and to show the Indian that he meant to be
(piite exact with his count, he took out his watch.

Again Pie-a-pot sullenly expressed his intention to
defy the order, and again the young braves jeered. They
entered their tepees, and when they returned they had
rifles in their hands. The reports of discharged fire-
arms .sounded through the camp, a sj)ecies of Indian
bravado. Some turbulent characters of the tribe
mounted their ponies and tried to jostle the mounts
of the two redcoats as they calmly held their ix)sitions
in front of Pie-a-pot's tepee, some young bucks firing off
their rifles right under the noses of the police horses.
Men, women, and even children, gathered about jeering
and threatening the representatives of law and order.

77

They knew that the two men could not retaliate.
Pie-a-pot even indulged in some coarse abuse at the ex-
pense of his unwelcome visitors, but they sat their
horses with apparent indifference, the sergeant taking
an occasional glance at his watch.

When the fifteen minutes was up he coolly dis-
mounted, and throwing the reins to the constable,
walked over to Pie-a-pot's tepee. The coverings of these
Indian tents are spread over a number of poles tied
together near the top, and these poles are so arranged
that the removal of a particular one. called the " key-
pole." brings the whole structure down. The sergeant
did not say anything, but with impressive deliberation
kicked out the foot of the key-pole of Pie-a-pot's tepee,
bringing the grimy structure down without further
ceremony. A howl of rage at once rose from the camp,
and even the older and quieter Indians made a general
rush for their arms.

The least sign of weakness or even anxiety on the
part of the two policemen, or a motion by Pie-a-pot.
would have resulted in the speedy death of both men,
but the latter were, apparently, as calm as ever, and
Pie-a-pot was doing some deep thinking.

The sergeant had his plan of operations mapped
out, and with characteristic sang-froid proceeded to
execute it. From the collapsed canvas of Pie-a-pot's
tepee he proceeded to the nearest tent, kicked out the
key-pole as before, and proceeded to methodically kick
out the key-poles all through the camp.

As W. A. Fraser, the brilliant Canadian novehst,
writing of this remarkable incident, put it, Pie-a-pot
■• had either got to kill the sergeant — stick his knife
into the heart of the whole British nation by the
murder of this unruffled soldier — or give in and move
away. He chose the latter course, for Pie-a-pot had
brains." /

During the month of Deceinber, 1883, a very serious
strike occurred on the Canadian Pacific Railway line,
the engineers and firemen refusing to sign such articles
of agreement as were proposed and submitted to them
by the railway authorities; these workmen making
demands for increased rate of pay, which, being re-
fused by the Company, led to the cessation of work
by engineers and firemen all along the line. It at once
became apparent that the feeling between the Com-
pany and their employees was a bitter one. This
being the case, and the Company further finding that
in addition to its being deprived of skilled mechanical
labour, and also that secret and criminal attempts were
being made to destroy most valuable property, the
services of the N.W.M.P. were called into demand.

A detachment of police, consisting of two officers
and thirty-five men, was placed under orders to pro-
ceed to Moose Jaw. On the evening of the 15th

December, Mr. Murray of the C.P.R. reached Regina
with an engine and car, and the detachment pro-
ceeded forthwith to Moose Jaw, which was the end of a
division, and 40 miles west of headquarters. On
arrival at Moose Jaw, Superintendent Herchmer,
commanding the detachment, placed a guard on the
railway round house at that place. From the assist-
ance rendered by the police the railway company was
enabled to make up a train, which left for the east on
the following morning with passengers and mails. By
this train Supt. Herchmer, with nineteen men, pro-
ceeded to Broadview, the eastern end of the same rail
wav division.

Colonel S. B. Steele, C.B., etc., formerly Inspector and later
Superintendent in the North-West Mounted Police.

During the year 1884, the progress of the Canadian
Pacific Railway construction, then approaching the
mountain section from across the prairie, was made
as uninterruptedly as heretofore. The large influx
of miners and others into the vicinity of the mines in
the mountains on the resumption of the train service
in the spring (the service was suspended during the
winter), necessitated a material increase in the
strength of the Calgary division, the headquarters
strength of which it was advisable to diminish as little
as possible.

In March, Inspector Steele, who was commanding
at Calgary, in the absence of Superintendent Mcllree,

78

on leave, reported that preparations were on foot for
the illicit distillation of liquor in the mountains, and
in June called attention to the difficulty of checking
illegal importations into British Columbia under the
narrow latitude imposed by the Peace Preservation
Act applying to the vicinity of public works. This
latitude was subsequently extended to twenty miles
on each side of the railway track. On the 10th of
May, in consequence of a message from the manager
of construction, anticipating trouble at Holt City and
its neighbourhood, Sergt. Fury and ten men were posted
there for duty, two being retained at the 27th siding,
and a corporal and four men at Silver City, and these
men, for the time, maintained order amidst the rowdy
element in a highly creditable manner. On the 5th
June, Superintendent Herchmer assumed command of
the Calgary district, being accompanied from head-
quarters by a reinforcement for "E" division, of two
non-commissioned officers and 22 men. On the 21st
June, a detachment of mounted men was dispatched
to the Columbia River, to protect the railway com-
pany's property and interests at that point.

A detachment of the force under Inspector Steele,
was employed in the maintenance of law and order
on that part of the Canadian Pacific Railway under
construction in the mountains, during the early
part of 1885. The distribution of this detach-
ment was as follows: — Laggan, 3 men; 3rd Siding,
2 men; Golden City, 8 men, 7 horses; 1st Crossing,
4 men, 2 horses; Beaver Creek, 2 men, 1 horse; Sum-
mit of Selkirks, 2 men, 1 horse; 2nd Crossing, 4 men,
2 horses. A little later, as construction proceeded.
Golden City was left with three men and one horse,
the balance being moved on to Beaver Creek. In
the absence of gaol accommodation for the district
of Kootenay, cells were constructed at the 3rd Siding,
Golden City, 1st Crossing, Beaver Creek, Summit
or Selkirks and 2nd Crossing. A mounted escort of
four constables was detailed to escort the Canadian
Pacific Railway paymaster whenever he required it.

Inspector Steele reported:

"About the first day of April, owing to their wages
being in arrears, 1,200 of the workmen employed on
the line struck where the end of the track then was,
and informed the manager of construction that unless
paid up in full at once, and more regularly in future,
they would do no more work. They also openly
stated their intention of committing acts of violence
upon the staff of the road, and to destroy property.
I received a deputation of the ringleaders, and assured
them that if they committed any act of violence,
and were not orderly, in the strictest sense of the
word, I would inflict upon the offenders the severest
punishment the law would allow me. They saw the

manager of construction, who promised to accede to
their demands, as far as lay in his power, if they would
return to their camps, their board not to cost them
anything in the meantime. Some were satisfied
with this, and several hundred returned to their
camps. The remainder stayed at the Beaver (where
there was a population of 700 loose characters), os-
tensibly waiting for their money. They were appa-
rently very quiet, but one morning word was brought
to me that some of them were ordering the bricklayers
to quit work, teamsters freighting supplies to leave
their teams, and bridgemen to leave their work. I
sent detachments of police to the points threatened,
leaving only two men to take charge of the prisoners
at my post. I instructed the men in charge of the
detachments to use the very severest measures to
prevent a cessation of the work of construction.

" On the same afternoon, Constable Kerr, having
occasion to go to the town, saw a contractor named
Behan, a well known desperado (supposed to be in
sympathy with the strike), drunk and disorderly,
and attempted to arrest him. The constable was
immediately attacked by a large crowd, of strikers
and roughs, thrown down and ultimately driven off.
He returned to barracks, and on the return of Ser-
geant Fury, with a party of three men from the end
of the track, that non-commissioned officer went
with two men to arrest the offending contractor,
whom they found in a saloon in the midst of a gang
of drunken companions. The two constables took
hold of him and brought him out, but a crowd of
men, about 200 strong, and all armed, rescued him,
in spite of the most resolute conduct on the part of
the police. The congregated strikers aided in the
rescue, and threatened the constables if they per-
sisted in their efforts.

"As the sergeant did not desire to use his pistol,
except in the most dire necessity, he came to me,
(I was on a sick-bed at the time) and asked for orders.
I directed him to go and soi/o the offender, and shoot
any of the crowd who would interfere. He returned,
arrested the man, but had to shoot one of the rioters
through the shoulders before the crowd would stand
back. 1 then recjuested Mr. Johnston, J. P.. to ex-
plain the Riot Act to the mob, and inform them
that I would use the strongest measures to prevent
any recurretice of the trouble. 1 IukI all the men
who resisted the police, or aided Behan, arrested next
morning, and fined them, together with him. $100
each, or six months hard labour.

"The strike collapsed next day. The roughs
having had a severe lesson, were quiet. The con-
duct of the police during this trying occasion was all
that could be desired. There were only five at the

79

Beuvcr at the time, and they faced the powerful mob
of armed men with as much resolution as if backed
by hundreds.

"While the strike was in progress I received a
telegram from His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor
of the North- West Territories, directing me to proceed
to Calgary at once with all the men, but in the interests
of the public service I was obliged to reply, stating
that to obey was impossible until the strike was
settled.

" On the 10th day of April the labourers had been
all paid, and I forthwith proceeded to Calgary, leaving
the men in charge of Sergeant Fury until everything
was perfectly satisfactory. "

On the 7th of April, this year, a constable found
in the Moose Jaw Creek the dead body of a man named
Malaski, with a heavy chain attached. The same
night Sergeant Fyffe arrested one John Connor on
suspicion of being the murderer. An examination
of Connor's house showed traces of blood on the
walls and floor, an attempt having been made to
chip the stains off the latter with an axe, and further
examination revealed the track of the body, which
had been dragged from the house to the creek.

The murder had evidently been committed with
an axe, while the murdered man was lying on the
bed, probably asleep, there being three deep wounds
on the side of the head. Connor was convicted of
the murder before Colonel Richardson, Stipendiary
Magistrate, and a jury, on the 2nd May, and was
executed at Regina on the 17th July. The prisoner
made no statement of any kind with respect to his
guilt.

During the construction of the prairie sections of
the C.P.R. the duties of railway mail clerks in the
North- West were performed by members of the force.
During 1884, from Moose Jaw westward, all the mail
via the Canadian Pacific Railway was conveyed to and
fro in charge of members of the force, their number
varying with the alteration in the train service. Three
constables from headquarters performed this duty
between Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat, two of the
Maple Creek division from Medicine Hat to Calgary,
and two of the Calgary division from that place to
Laggan.

These men were sworn as officials of the Postal
Department, and in the absence of aught to the con-
trary, carried out their duties to the satisfaction, no
less of the Postal Department, than of their own
officers.

In his annual report for 1884 the Commissioner
pointed out the need of a further increase in the
number of non-commissioned officers and men in the
force, to enable him to comply with the daily increa-

sing requirements of advancing settlement and civil-
ization. Colonel Irvine suggested that 300 addi-
tional men should be obtained as soon as possible,
these to be recruited in Eastern Canada, and to be
men of undeniable physique and character, accustomed
to horses, and able to ride. With such men, the
Commissioner explained, the necessary training, in-
cluding a course of instruction in police duties, could
be more rapidly completed than if equitation, in
addition to the rudiments of foot and arm drill, had
to be taught.

We obtain a good idea of the class of men composing
the North- West Mounted Police at this time from a
very readable and well written book published by
Sampson Low & Co., London, 1889, entitled "Trooper
and Redskin in the Far North- West; Recollections
of Life in the North- West Mounted Police, Canada,
from 1884 to 1888," by John G. Donkin, late Cor-
poral N. W. M. P. The author, in a chapter directly
concerning the personnel of the Mounted Police wrote:

"After having been about two months in the corps,
I was able to form some idea of the class of comrades
among whom my lot was cast. I discovered that
there were truly " all sorts and conditions of men. "
Many I found, in various troops, were related to
English families in good position. There were three
men at Regina who held commissions in the British
service. There was also an ex-officer of militia, and
one of volunteers. There was an ex-midshipman,
son of the Governor of one of our small Colonial de-
pendencies. A son of a major-general, an ex-cadet
of the Canadian Royal Military College at Kingston,
a medical student from Dublin, two ex-troopers of
the Scots Greys, a son of a captain in the line, an
Oxford B. A., and several of the ubiquitous natives
of Scotland, comprised the mixture. In addition,
there were many Canadians belonging to families of
influence, as well as several from the backwoods,
who had never seen the light till their fathers had
hewed a way through the bush to a concession road.
They were none the worse fellows on that account,
though. Several of our men sported medals won
in South Africa, Egypt, and Afghanistan. There
was one, brother of a Yorkshire baronet, formerly
an officer of a certain regiment of foot, who as a con-
tortionist and lion-comique was the best amateur I
ever knew. There was only an ex-circus clown from
Dublin who could beat him. These two would give
gratuitous performances nightly, using the barrack-
room furniture as acrobatic 'properties.'"

This aggregation of "all sorts and conditions of
men," already proved to be efficient in many a tight
corner, was about to undergo the supreme test of
service in actual warfare.

80

CHAPTER IX.

THE REBELLION OF 1885

The Uprising Predicted By Officers of the Force Well in Advance of the Actual Appeal To
Arms — Irvine's Splendid March From Regina to Prince Albert — The Fight at Duck Lake
and Abandonment of Fort Carlton — Services of the Detachments at Prince Albert, Battle-
ford and Fort Pitt and of Those which Accompanied the Militia Columns Throughout the
Campaign — Preventing a General Uprising Throughout the North-West.

ON account of the North-West Rebellion, the
year 1885 is one which will alwa3's be considered
historical in Canada. The campaign which
resulted in the suppression of the rising was the first
conducted by Canadian troops alone, without any
assistance from the British regular army. The re-
bellion marked in a dramatic manner the complete
unification of patriotic sentiment throughout all the
provinces of the Dominion; Canadians from the
various provinces fighting in the ranks, side l)v side,
and shedding their V)lood, to assert the authority of
the Federal Government, and thus demonstrating
the .successful accomplishment of the fundamental
project of the framers of Confederation, the creation
of a Canadian nation.

The rebellion, too, marks an era in the history of the
Royal North-West Mounted Police, for the force
naturally Iwre the brunt of the campaign, and ac-
<|uitted itself well. Officers and men wherever em-
ployed, whether on the march, scouting, on courier
-crvice, in garri.son. or on the battlefield, acted in a
manner creditable to the force and to the country.
The services of the Mounted Police in connection
with the uprising cover a considerable period pre-
ceding its actual outbreak, for one of the best proofs
of the efficiency of the force dtiring this stirring time,
was aflforded by the prompt transmission to the author-

ities at the seat of Government of reports describing
the various stages of the development of the rebellion.
July 8, 1884, the following telegram was received
by the Comptroller in Ottawa and referred to the
authorities concerned : —

" Battleford, 8th July, 1884.
"Fred. White, Ottawa.

" Louis Riel arrived at Duck Lake, with family,
brought in by half-brocds. They brought him, it
is said, as their leader, agitating their rights.

L. N. F. Crozier."

In an official report on this subject, to the Com-
missioner, l)earing date 13th July, 1884, rendered by
Superintendent Crozier, who was in command at
Battleford, that officer stated that the half-breeds
claimed to have grievances of various kinds and that
the Indians were becoming excite<l on account of
the action of the half-breeds.

August 2nd. the Commissioner forwarded to Ot-
tawa from Regiiui the following report received by
him from Superintendent Crozier: —

" Battleford, 27th July, 1884.
"Sir; —

"I have the honour to inform you that Riel has held
meetings at both Prince Albert and Duck Lake. I

81

am informed that his meeting at the first named
place was an open one. Some httle difficulty took
place, but was promptly put down.

At Duck Lake, his audience was composed of French
half-breeds and Indians. He is said, though I have
no official information to that effect, to have told
the Indians that they had 'rights' as well as the
half-breeds, and that he wished to be the means of
having them redressed.

" I am also informed that he expressed a wish to
confer with the Indian chiefs. I have already re-
ported that I believe the Indians sympathize with
the half-breeds, nor could anything else be expected,
being close blood relations and speaking the same
language.

effect upon the country, and, among those effects,
not the least, a sense of insecurity among settlers.

"I believe now, that Big Bear and his followers would
have been upon their reserve but for the emissaries of
Riel, who, it is said, invited him to meet that person at
Duck Lake.

"Certain it is he has gone there, and that after having
promised and received provisions to go to Fort Pitt.
He had proceeded with the camp some distance on the
road, but turned back after hearing from Riel.

" There are very many rumours about as to what Riel
has said to the Indians, that, if true, are intended to
cause discontent among them as to their present con-
dition.

L. N. F. Crozier."

Captain "Jack" French, formerly an Inspector of the N.W.M. P.,

who orjfanized and commanded " French's Scouts," and

who gallantly fell at the head of his men in the

advanced line at the capture of Batoche.

" What may be the result of this half-breed agitation
or what effect it inay have upon the Indians, of course
I cannot foretell. I before said, and still think, pre-
cautionary measures should be taken; such measures
as will not only prevent turbulent spirits carrying
their schemes to an extreme, but prevent both Indians
and half-breeds even making an attempt to resist
authority or organize for illegal purposes, for these
constant 'excitements' must have a most injurious

August 9th, Superintendent Crozier forwarded the
following report received in cypher from Sergeant
Brooks at Prince Albert, dated the 8th:

"Returned from Duck Lake last night; Big Bear in
council with ten other chiefs. Riel has held several
private meetings at the South Branch, attended by
leading half-breeds; he has not seen Big Bear. Big
Bear's camp, with twelve lodges, is forty miles S.S.E.
of Fort Pitt. His son is with the camp. It is re-
ported to me that Big Bear will go to Prince Albert
after he leaves Duck Lake."

In forwarding this report, Superintendent Crozier
wrote the Commissioner :

" For several weeks I have had a man stationed at
Duck Lake to report what transpires there, par-
ticularly as to the half-breeds and Indians. The same
point is visited frequently by the non-commissioned
officers and men from Prince Albert also. I also
receive from the non-commissioned officer at Prince
Albert, despatches by letter or cypher telegram, of
anything that he may become aware of that he deems
of importance. I have this day sent a non-commis-
sioned officer and three men to patrol in and about
Duck Lake and the settlements thereabouts, with a
view to detecting, if possible, the presence of horse
thieves, as it is supposed there may be some in that
vicinity."

On the 5th of August a non-commission,ed officer,
who had been instructed to ascertain the state of
feeling at Prince Albert, reported: — "There is very
little talk about Riel. The principal part of the
people who seem to agree with him are people who
are hard up and think they must do something to
cause a little excitement. I have heard very few
who are in any way well-to-do speak favourably of
him. There is no doubt but that all the breeds swear
by him, and whatever he says is law with them."

On the 10th of August, Sergeant Brooks, at Prince

82

Albert, reported that Riel had held a meeting that day
as the people were coming from church at Batoche. at
which he said 'the Indian's rights should be protected
as well as your own.' He reported also that Jackson.
brother of the druggist, at Prince Albert, seemed to be
*' a right-hand man of Kiel's. He has a great deal to
say. and I believe he does more harm than any breed
among them."

On the 18th August, Superintendent Crozier re-
ceived orders from the Commissioner to increase the
Prince Albert detachment to an Inspector and twenty
men, and did so accordingly.

On the 17th of September. Sergeant H. Keenan, at
Duck Lake, reported that a meeting of Kiel's sup-
porters had been held at St. Laurent on the 1st, at
which a number of half-breeds and white men from
Prince Albert were present, "including Jackson, Scott
and Isbister, three of Kiel's strongest supporters in
that district. Speeches were made condemning the
Government, and Mr. Jackson stated that the country
belonged to the Indians and not to the Dominion of
Canada." Sergeant Keenan concludes: "I met Kiel
a few days ago, and during our conversation he told
me that the Government, through Bishop Grandin,
had offered him a seat in the Council or in the Do-
minion Senate."

In view of the increasing unrest on the North
Saskatchewan, the Comptroller forwarded the fol-
lowing :

"Ottawa, 3rd Sept., 1884.

"The undersigned has the honour to submit for the
Minister's consideration, that in view of the possibility
of additional Mounted Police being required in the
North Saskatchewan District, it is desirable that steps
l)e taken to secure accommodation for men and horses,
l)eyond the capacity of the Mounted Police post at
Battleford, and it is suggested that arrangement might
be made with the Hudson Bay Company for the use,
for police purposes, during the coming winter, of their
buildings, or a portion thereof, at Fort Carlton, which
is about fifteen miles northwest of Duck Lake, about
fifty-five miles west of Prince Albert, and one hundred
and twenty miles east of Battleford.

Frkd Whitk, Comptroller."

Under date, " Batoche, 25th Sept., 1884," Sergeant
Keenan reported as follows:

" I have the honour to state that since my last re-
port all has been quiet here. There have, however,
been frequent meetings of Kiel's committee held in
different parts of the settlement. It is almost impos-
sible for me to obtain any information as to what
transpires at these meetings, as they are conducted

with secrecy, and no person, except the members
of the committee, is allowed to take part in them.
At all the public meetings, Kiel and his supporters
have been very moderate, or rather cautious, in their
utterances; but I learn that they appear in disguise
at these open gatherings, and advocate very different
measures in their councils. The last meeting was
held a week ago at the house of Batiste Boyer, one
of the chief supporters of the movement. Charles
Nolin, another member, and one of the most unrea-
sonable, proposed that the half-breeds make certain
demands on the Government, and if not complied
with, they take up arms at once, and commence

Superintendent S. Gaffnon.

killing every white man they can find, and incite
the Indians to do the same. I obtained this informa-
tion from an Old Country Frenchman who belonged
to the connnittee, and left it on account of the ex-
treme and unre.'tsonable measures it advocated.
This man Nolin is the most dangerous of the half-
breeds for the rea.son that he is strongly in favour
of tam|)ering with the Indians."

The suggestion contained in the Comptroller's
memorandum of the third of September having been
acted u|x)n, and |K'rmission obtained from the Hudson
Bay (V»mpany to ([uarter a detachment at their his-
torical post at Fort Carlton, in October a police pt)st

83

was established there under command of Superin-
tendent S. Gagnon. and the strength of the northern
division increased to 200 of all ranks, this number
being distributed between Battleford, Carlton, Prince
Albert and Fort Pitt.

The Indians about Fort Pitt appeared to be peace-
ably enough disposed in November, for on the 9th,
Inspector Dickens, commanding there, reported:

"From the 1st to the 11th, I was absent on a tour
around the reserves on the occasion of the annual
treaty payments of the Indians. The payments
passed off quietly, as I have already reported. On
my return I found that Little Poplar had arrived
at Pitt, to be present at the payment of Big Bear's
band. Big Bear now talks of taking a reserve in
the sj .ing. As long as they receive rations I do not
think they will give trouble during the winter — that
is, I do not think that they have at present any in-
tention of so doing."

From Fort Carlton, on December 23rd, Superin-
tendent Gagnon reported as follows:

" I have the honour to report that during the last
month the half-breeds of St. Laurent and Batoche
settlements held a public meeting, to adopt a petition
drawn up by a committee, and that this petition,
signed by the settlers of both settlements, had been
forwarded to Ottawa. This meeting, from all re-
ports, seems to have been very orderly. Several
other smaller re-unions have taken place during the
same period, but all had reference to school matters.
The half-breeds are pressing Kiel to settle amongst
them, and have given him, as a token of their grati-
tude for services rendered, a house well furnished,
and will further, on 2nd January next, present him
with a purse. These testimonials are for the good
will of the majority, and would go towards denying
certain rumours, which say that several are lacking
confidence in their leader, that his way of acting
and speaking denote a very hot head, and that he
does not agree Vvith their priests. There is no doubt
that a great number are still led by him, and would
act on his dictates. Some time ago I sent several
men to the South Branch to have horses shod. The
river being full of floating ice, they could not cross.
Some way or other, the report was brought to the
east side of the river that these men were sent to arrest
Riel, who was then at the crossing. Within half an
hour, over one hundred men had collected to protect
him. There is a certain amount of suffering amongst
the half-breeds, but not to the extent it was expected
to reach. Large quantities of supplies are required
for this part of the country, and all who have horses
can make a living by freighting with them. As far
as I can see, the chief grievance of the half-breeds

is that they are afraid the Government will not sanc-
tion the way they, amongst themselves, have agreed
to take their homesteads — ten chains frontage on the
river by two miles back. The Indians are quiet.
The sub-agent here reports that one of the southern
Indians, who makes it a business to run from band
to band, trying to create mischief, is now in Beardy's
band. The agent has a criminal charge to prefer
against him, and as soon as the guard room is fitted
up I will have him arrested."

On the 14th January, 1885, Superintendent Crozier
reported that invitations to a large gathering, in the
spring, at Duck Lake, were being circulated amongst
the Indians, and he was informed that an effort would
be made to get the Qu'Appelle Valley Indians to
attend. It appeared, too, that " Little Pine" had tried
to induce a number of the Blackfeet to move north-
wards in the spring, and "Poundmaker" said that
"Little Pine" had told his young men not to dispose
of their guns. Superintendent Crozier expected to
hear later from " Poundmaker " the particulars of
"Little Pine's" negotiations with the Blackfeet, as
soon as he should have obtained them from " Little
Pine." Superintendent Crozier expressed great faith
in " Poundmakers' " reliability and fidelity.

On the 12th of January, Inspector Dickens reported
from Fort Pitt that " Big Bear's " band were at work
drawing logs, cutting wood, &c., "all quiet."

On the 26th of January, Superintendent Gagnon,
commanding at Carlton, reported that nothing of im-
portance had occurred during the month among the
half-breeds in that district. "They had, after New
Year a social meeting, at which they presented their
chief, Riel, with $60 as a token of their good will. The
meeting was very orderly and loyal, and no allusion
was made to the actual troubles."

Riel appears to have been in financial troubles
just then, and to h^,ve obtained assistance from the
Roman Catholic missionary at St. Laurent. Superin-
tendent Gagnon was now informed that the pre-
viously mentioned petition had not been sent to
Ottawa, as stated, but was then in process of being
signed, with a view to its being forwarded the following
month. It appeared that a letter only, as a sort of
avant courrier to the petition, had been sent on the
before-mentioned occasion.

There was now a period of about three weeks during
which the former excitement appeared to have died
a natural death, the next feature being a rumour,
reported by telegram from Battleford on the 21st
February, that Riel was talking of leaving the country
soon, as he was not recognized by the Government as
a British subject. Apparently, something of this sort
was necessary to fan the dying embers into flame again.

84

It succeeded so far that on the 24th February a meet-
ing got up by himself was held, to beg Riel to stay
in the country, to which request he was pleased to
consent.

On the 10th of March, Superintendent Gagnon
telegraphed that the half-breeds were excited, and
were moving about more thaii usual. Further, that
they pro|x)sed to prevent supplies going in after the
16th .

On the 11th, Superintendent Crozier, who had
reached Fort Carlton from Battleford, reported by
telegraph as follows:

" Half-breeds greatly excited ; reported they threaten
attack on Carlton before 16th. Half-breeds refuse to
take freight or employment for Government; will stop
all freight coming into country after 16th of this
month; getting arms ready; leader will not allow
people to leave home, as they may be required.
Origin of trouble I think because letter received
stating, Riel not recognized British subject; they
expect arms from States. Have ordered 25 men from
Battleford and one gun to come here at once."

On the 14th, Crozier telegraphed from Carlton to
Lieutenant Governor Dewdney, at Regina: — "Half-
breed rebellion liable to break out any moment.
Troops must be largely reinforced. If half-breeds
rise Indians will join them."

The same day Lieut.-Colonel Irvine, from Regina,
wired the Comptroller at Ottawa as follows: — "Lieut.-
Governor received telegram dated Carlton, to-day,
from Crozier, saying half-breed rebellion may break
out any moment and joined by Indians, and asking
that his division be largely increased. Would re-
commend that at least one hundred men be sent at
once, l)efore roads break up. Please instruct."

On the 15th, Col. Irvine telegraphed to Ottawa: —
" Lieutenant-Governor thinks I had better go north
with men at once; roads and rivers will soon break
up."

The same night the following telegraphic order was
despatched by the Comptroller to the Commissiotier: —
"Start for the north quickly as possible, with all
available men up to one hundred. Telegraph march-
ing out state and report when passing telegraph
station,"

On the 17th, a telegram was received at Regina from
Superintendent Crozier to the effect that: "Present
movements and preparations have quieted matters.
No cause for alarm now."

There was no guarantee, however, that this ap-
parent security would continue, and existing arrange-
ments were carried out, fortunately, as it appeared,
for on the 18th two urgent appeals for more men came
over the wires from Superintendent Crozier, followed,

on the 19th, by a report that the half-breeds had
seized the stores at the South Branch, and made Mr,
Lash, Indian agent, prisoner, besides committing
other depredations.

In anticipation of the order to proceed to the north,
the Commissioner had withdrawn from Calgary to
Regina twenty-five non-commissioned officers and
men, and twenty horses, and at 6 a.m. on the 18th of
March, Lieut.-Col. Irvine left the Regina barracks
en route for Prince Albert, the marching out state
showing four officers, 86 non-commissioned officers
and men, and 66 horses. The little column pro-
ceeded as far as Pie-a-Pot's reserve, 28 miles, and
halted for dinner. It afterwards proceeded along the
Qu'Appelle Valley, and camped for the night at
Misquopetong's place. All the rivers were at this
time frozen solid, and no water could be obtained for
the horses. The distance travelled during the day
was 43 miles.

On the 19th, reveille sounded at 3.30 a.m. Broke
camp and left Misquopetong's place at 5 a.m., and
drove into Fort Qu'Appelle, which was reached at
9.45 a.m. The Commissioner was here busily em-
ployed for some time purchasing additional teams
and sleighs required for transport. At 4 p.m. the
detachment left Fort Qu'Appelle, and travelled on
towards O'Brien's, which was situated eight miles north
of Qu'Appelle. The Commissioner here camped for
the night. The distance travelled during the day
was twenty-seven miles.

On the 21st reveille sounded at 3.30 a.m.; broke
camp and started at 5 a.m., travelling through the
Touchwood Hills, and camped for the night about a
mile from the Hudson Bay Company's post. Distance
travelled during the day was 40 miles.

It was at this point that Col. Irvine received the
following communication from Superintendent Crozier,
dated Carlton, 19th March, 1885:

" I have the honour to inform you that the half-
breeds seized the stores at South Branch to-day,
Mr. Lash, Indian agent, Walters, merchant, two tele-
graph operators, and .Mr. Mitchell, of Duck Lake, are
prisoners. Beardy's Indians joined the rebels this
afternoon. The wire is cut. The rebels are assembled
on south side of river. Prisoners are held in Roman
Catholic church, about a (luarter of a mile up stream
from crossing. All One Arrow's band of Crees joined
them this afternoon. Many of Beardy's also joined
them. The remainder of Beardy's will probably
follow to-morrow. The number of rebels assembled
this afternoon is estimated at from 200 to 4(M) men.
They will rapidly increa.se in luimbers. My im-
pression is that many of the Indian bands will rise.
The plan at present is to seize any troops coming into

85

the country at the South Branch, then march on
Carlton, then on Prince Albert. The instructor led
One Arrow's band. He is a half-breed."

The distance travelled during the day was 40 miles.

On the 22nd, broke camp at 5 a.m., and proceeded
across Salt Plain. The weather was bitterly cold.
One man had his feet badly frozen. Halted for dinner
after having crossed Salt Plain. In the afternoon
reached Humboldt, and camped here. Mr. Hayter
Reed, Assistant Indian Commissioner, joined Col.
Irvine there, and remained with him throughout.
Distance travelled 43 miles.

It was at this point ihat Col. Irvine ascertained
that some 400 half-breeds had congregated at Batoche,
for the express purpose of preventing his command
joining Superintendent Crozier. The Commissioner
here sent the following telegram to the Comptroller:

"Arrived here 4.30 this afternoon. Camp to-night
at Stage Station, six miles farther on. About 400
half-breeds and Indians at South Branch, "Batoche's,"
prepared to stop me crossing river. Have decided to
go to Carlton by direct trail, east of Batoche via
Prince Albert. Expect to reach Carlton 25th."

On the 23rd, broke camp at 5.30 a.m. Weather
continued bitterly cold. Soon after starting Col.
Irvine received intelligence of the mail station at
Hoodoo having been sacked by a party of rebels.
On reaching Hoodoo he found that the intelligence
received was perfectly true. All provisions and grain
stored there had been carried off by the rebels, who
had also taken the stage driver prisoner, and carried
off the f tage horses. The Commissioner subse-
quently overtook a freighter loaded with oats. The
oats the rebels had ordered the freighter to carry
on to Batoche. The train containing these oats Col.
Irvine ordered to move on with his column, which
was done at as rapid rate as the freighter was able
to travel. The Commissioner afterwards used these
oats in feeding his horses. Distance travelled, 33
miles.

On the 24th, broke camp at 6 a.m., and travelled
along the trail leading to Batoche, a distance of six or
seven miles. The detachment then left the trail and
proceeded in a north-easterly direction towards
Agnew's Crossing on the South Saskatchewan, which
point was reached about 2 p.m. Having crossed the
river. Col. Irvine halted for dinner.

Before making the start for Prince Albert, news was
received by Col. Irvine to the effect that the half-
breeds were bitterly disappointed and furiously en-
raged at his having succeeded in crossing the river,
and in so doing completely outflanking and out-
manceuvering them. The force reached Prince
Albert at about 8 p.m., after a very rapid and successful

march. The distance travelled was 291 miles, and
this in seven days, the average daily travel thus being
42 miles. The hardships experienced on such a march
can only be understood and the nature of such service
thoroughly appreciated by those who have resided
in the northern portion of the Territories, and so
become familiar with the severity of the North-West
winter. It must be remembered that Col. Irvine's
little command had, in reaching Prince Albert, gone
right through a section of the country then in pos-
session of the rebels.

On finding himself in Prince Albert, Col. Irvine
felt that the most difficult and arduous portion of the
object then in view, viz.: — affecting a junction with
Superintendent Crozier — had been effected, and this
in a markedly successful manner, the avowed plans of
the rebels being to prevent any augmentation of the
force at Carlton, by offering a continued resistance
at the crossing of the South Branch of the Saskat-
chewan.

Col. Irvine's original intention was to have reached
Carlton on the 25th March. This might have been
done had it appeared imperative, but upon the morning
after his arrival, Col. Irvine had the assurance of Mr.
Thomas McKay, who had just returned from Fort
Carlton, that all was quiet there. To add to this,
the travelling over ice and frozen roads had, as was to
be expected, made it necessary to have the horses'
shoeing carefully looked to. Taking into considera-
tion that upon its arrival at Prince Albert (at 8 p.m.
on the 24th) the force had completed a winter march
of 291 miles, a thorough inspection of men, arms and
horses was, of course advisable. Besides all this, the
organization of a company of Prince Albert volunteers,
deemed advisable to take on to Carlton, took up time,
as did also the procuring of transport for these ad-
ditional men.

The Commissioner was naturally anxious to have
both men and horses reach Carlton, the acknowledged
scene of operations, in a thoroughly efficient and
serviceable condition.

Upon the following morning (26th) at 2.30 a.m.,
Irvine and his command were en route, so it will be
seen with what exceptional promptitude the necessary
preparations were carried out. Irvine took with him
besides 83 of his own non-commissioned officers and
men from Regina, 25 volunteers from Prince Albert.

The services of these brave volunteers were offered
with a perfect knowledge of the dangers they might
be called upon to face. Like the loyal and gallant
citizens they proved themselves to be, they were
ready for any service — in fact, all were anxious to
be employed. Col. Irvine accepted the services of
these men with what he considered a most important

86

object in view, his desire being, on arrival at Carlton.
to be in a position to increase to a maximum the
number of police available for service outside the
post. He hoped in this way, by a prompt and decided
move, to quash the rebellion ere it had assumed more
formidable proportions. But he never intended these
volunteers to remain away from Prince Albert for
any extended period. The importance attaching
to the position of that place he was thoroughly alive
to from the outset This he made publicly known
before he started for Carlton. During the afternoon
march, (on the 26th), and when within nine miles of
Fort Carlton, the Commissioner received the following
despatch from Superintendent Gagnon: —

"Carlton, 26th March,
"To the Commissioner

North- West Mounted Police.

"Superintendent Crozier, with 100 men, started
out on Duck Lake road to help one of our sergeants
and small party in difficulty at Mitchell's store. I
have 70 men, and can hold the fort against odds.
Do not expect Crozier to push on farther than Duck
Lake. Everything quiet here.

S. Gagnon,

Superintendent. "

Subsequently, when a short distance from the top
of the hill which immediately overlooks Carlton,
the Commissioner received a second despatch from
Superintendent Gagnon. It read as follows: —

Carlton, 26th March, 2.30
To the Commissioner

North-West Mounted Police.

"Crozier exchanged shots with rebels at Duck
Lake; six men reported shot. Crozier retreating on
Carlton; everything quiet here, but ready for emer-
gency.

S. Gagnon,

" Superintendent. "

Col. Irvine reached Fort Carlton about 3 o'clock
in the afternoon of the 26th. and found that Super-
intendent Crozier had then just returned from Duck
I^ke with a party of North-West Mounted Police
and Prince Albert Vohmteers.

The Commissioner learnt from Su{X'rintendent
Crozier that he had, early that morning, sent a
party consisting of Sergeant Stewart, N.W.M.P.,
and 17 constables, with eight sleighs, and accompanied
by and under the direction of .Mr. Thos. McKay. .I.P.,
of Prince Albert, to secure a quantity of provisions

and ammunition which was in the store of a trader
named Mitchell, of Duck Lake. When within three
miles of Duck Lake. Mr. McKay, who was riding in
front, saw four of the North-West Mounted Police
scouts who had been sent out in advance, riding
towards him, closely followed by a large number of
half-breeds and Indians. On perceiving this Mr.
McKay turned and rode back to the sleighs, halted
them, and told the men to load their rifles and get
ready. He then went forward and met the rebels,
who were all armed and mounted, in large numbers,
which "were being rapidly increased from the rear.

The rebels behaved in a very overbearing and
excited manner, and demanded a surrender of the
party or they would fire. There is no doubt that
the rebels would have immediately fired upon Mr.
McKay and party but for the fact that they (the
rebels) were themselves on the open plain, where
they could make no use of cover to protect them-
selves from the fire which McKay would most cer-
tainly have ordered. The rebels' demand of surrender
was refused, and a reply given by Mr. McKay in their
own language (Cree), that if firing was commenced
by the rebels they would find that two could play
that game.

Gabriel Dumont. the erst-while buffalo hunter
referred to in a previous chapter, and others, kept
prodding loaded and cocked rifles into Mr. McKay's
ribs, and declaring they would blow out his brains.
Two of the rebels jumped into a sleigh belonging to
Mr. McKay's party, and endeavoured to take pos-
session of the team; but Mr. McKay told th^ driver
not to give it up, but to hold on to it. which he did.
The Indians kept jeering at Mr. McKay's small party,
and calling out: "If you are men. now come on."
The party then returned in the direction of Carlton,
Mr. McKay cautioning the rebels not to follow, as
he would not be responsible for what his men might
do. During the parleying Dumont fired a rifle bet-
tween Mr. McKay and the teamster before referred
to, which it was feared was intended as a signal for
the large number of Indians a.s.sembled in the rear.

During the withdrawal towards (Wlton. a scout
was ordered in advance to report the circumstance
to Superintendent Crozier. and on Mr. McKay's
arrival at the fort, another party, under command of
Suix'rintendent Crozier. started for Duck Lake, for
the purpose of securing the stores Mr. McKay's men
failed in getting.

Tiie command was of the following strength, viz:—
Su|)erinten(lent Crozier. Ins|x>ctor Howe (with 7-pr.
mountain gun). Surgeon Miller, and fifty-three non-
conunissioned oHicers and men of the North-West
Mounted Police, (all of 'D" division), and Captains

87

Moore and Morton, and forty-one men of the Prince
Albert volunteers, making a total of 99.

Crozier was met by the rebels at nearly the same
point from which Mr. McKay's party was forced to
retire. In this latter case, however, the rebels were
able to make use of strong natural cover, being hidden
in extended order behind a ridge, which flanked
on either side by small brush, crossed the road much
in the form of a distended horse-shoe.

Before leaving Carlton, Crozier had been informed
that there were only about 100 marauding rebels
at Duck Lake, the head-quarters and main force,
according to the latest information received from

Superintendent Joseph Howe.

scouts, being at Batoche's Crossing, on the south side
of the Saskatchewan. He consequently considered
that he had enough men with him to overcome any
resistance he was likely to meet with, and from the
numbers of meii' Superintendent Crozier saw on
reaching the rebel position, he was justified in believing
that the information he had received as to the nume-
rical strength of the rebel force in front of him was
correct. He was deceived however, for according
to the sworn testimony of prisoners in the rebels'
hands the strength of the half-breeds and Indians
was 350 men.

On being confronted by the rebels, Crozier im-
mediately ordered his sleighs to extend at right angles
across and to the left of the road, unhitched his horses
and sent them to the rear. The rebels appeared to
desire a parley, several of them advancing to the
front with a white flag, which Crozier took to be one
of truce. As the rebels appeared to be moving with
a view of surrounding his force, Crozier threw a line
of skirmishers to the right of the road under cover
of a wood, the remainder of the force, excepting the
men in charge of the horses, taking cover behind
the sleighs. Crozier himself advanced towards the
white flag, calling back for the interpreter Joseph
McKay. Meantime a large party of rebels was
noticed moving in the direction of Crozier's right
flank, and he said several times to the man with the
white flag: — "Call those people back", but the man
paid not the slightest attention, the sending out of
the flag apparently being merely a piece of treachery,
to gain time while the operation of out-flanking the
right of the police position was being conducted.
Had that been accomplished, and it was only pre-
vented by the line of skirmishers Crozier had extended
towards his right, the force would doubtless have
been annihilated.

While Crozier and McKay were parleying with the
man with the flag, fire was opened from the rebel
position and returned, and in a few moments fighting
became general, the seven-pounder being got into
action and, although worked at great disadvantage,
with good effect. The murderovis character of the
rebel fire, particularly from the extreme left of their
position, convinced Crozier that he was opposed by
a much larger force than he had ever dreamt of meet-
ing at Duck Lake. The ground was covered with
a deep crusted snow, making it very difficult for a
satisfactory disposition and movement of the force
to be made, and giving the rebels in their chosen
ambush a great advantage. Concealed from view,
to the right of the trail along which the police had
advanced, were two houses in which were posted a
large number of rebels, who poured in a deadly fire
and who were gradually working round towards the
right rear of Crozier's position, although the left of
the rebel line was being gradually driven back. Ac-
cording to the Superintendent's report the police
and volunteers composing his little force behaved
superbly, their bravery and coolness under the mur-
derous fire being simply astonishing. Not a man
shirked or even faltered.

When Crozier found that the enemy were far
more numerous than his own force, that they were
ambushed almost all around him, that they had
every advantage of ground and cover on their side.

88

while he and his men had every disadvantage of posi-
tion to contend against, he deemed it prudent to
abandon his attempt to proceed further, and to withdraw
his force from action, which was done in perfect order.

As five of the horses had been killed or disabled
by gun shot wounds, Crozier was obliged to abandon
two of his sleighs and one jumper, in which there
were a few rounds of ammunition for the 7-pounder
gun, which fell into the hands of the rebels.

The bodies of most of the killed were off to the
extreme right, in situations most exposed to the am-
bushed rebels, and could only have been collected
by incurring the gravest risk of putting the entire
command into the greatest possible jeopardy and
Crozier decided not to assume the risk. The rest
of the command, horses, sleighs and all the wounded
were safely brought off the field.

The casualties in "D" Division wese as follows: —
Inspector Howe, flesh wound; corporal Gilchrist,
broken thigh; constable G. P. Arnold, shot through
the lungs and neck, died at 1.45 a.m., on the 27th;
constable G. M. Garrett, shot in the lungs, died, 3
p.m., on the 27th; constable S. F. Gordon, flesh
wound; constable W. A. Manners-Smith, shot through
lungs; constable A. Miller, slight scalp wound; cons-
table W. Gibson, shot through the heart, died on the
field; constable J. J. Wood, flesh wound of the arm.

The casualty list of the Prince Albert volunteers (en-
rolled as special officers and constables of the N. W.
M. P.) was as follows: —

Killed, Captain John Morton, Corporal William
Napier, Constables Joseph Anderson, James Babie,
Sheffington Connor Elliott, Alexander Fisher, Robert
Middleton, Daniel McKenzie, Daniel McPhail.

Wounded, Captain Henry Stewart Moore, Sergeant
Alexander McNabb, Constables A. Markley, Scout,
Alexander Stewart, C. Newett.

Though Crozier's little force had been unsuccessful
in getting the stores they had hoped to take in and in
compelling the rebels to retire from Duck Lake, one
consequence of the action was to force the rebels to
give up for a time a contemplated attack on Fort
Carlton, which was to have been made on the night of
the 26th March, and which might easily have resulted
disastrously, for the site of the Hudson Bay post at
Carlton, being selected for trade purposes and not for
defence, was in a most indefensible situation.

It might, perhaps, be added that a few days before
the fight near Duck Lake, a demand had been made
for the unconditional surrender of Fort Carlton.

The total strength «)f the force, police and volunteers,
at Carlton after Crozier's retreat and Irvine's arrival,
was 225 non-commi.ssioned officers and men. Of
these eleven were wounded. At this stage of affairs

it became incumbent on the Commissioner to decide
whether Fort Carlton or Prince Albert was to be
made the base of operations. He was perfectly well
aware of the vital importance attaching to the result
of his decision, embracing as it did the lives and pro-
perty of the settlers, in addition to what, from a
strategic point of view, he assumed would place him
in the strongest possible position he might hope to
occupy. Although his own opinion on this point was
strongly in favour of evacuation, he nevertheless
decided to hold a council, for the purpose of ascertain-
ing the views of the many leading men from Prince
Albert, temporarily performing military duty at
Carlton. The result of this council was the unani-
mous opinion that the safety of the country lay in
ensuring Prince Albert being placed in a tenable
position. It was agreed that Prince Albert and the
country immediately adjoining it represented what
might be termed the whole white settlement, where
the lives and interests of the loyal people lay. The
section of the country to the southward, already ii\
the possession of the rebels, was composed of their
own (half-breed) settlements and farms.

Prior to the holding of the council, before it was
known what the movements of the police force were
to be, it was represented to Irvine by the Prince Albert
volunteers, that they must at once return to Prince
Albert to guard their houses, property and families.
This they considered their sacred duty, in order to
prevent an attack by the rebels, the success of wiiich
could have had no other meaning than a pillage of
the town and settlement, and doubtless a massacre
ot some of the people.

When it was determined to abandon Carlton it was
decided to load up as much of the provisiojis in the
post as possible and take them to Prince Albert, and
to destroy the rest. In the afternoon of the 27th a
solemn duty was performed, the bodies of Constables
Gibson, Arnold and Garrett, being buried with military
honours in one grave about 200 yards to the northwest
of the gate of the fort. After this the work of pre-
j)aring for the evacuation of the fort was proceeded
with, mattresses being filled with hay to be laid in
the sleighs for the accommodation of the wounded.

About 2 a.m. while those detailed for the work
of preparation for departure were still busy, the
alarm of fire was given. Some of the loose hay being
used to prepare litters for the wounded, had become
ignited by a heated stove pipe. A strange ruddy
light flamed from the sergeant major's (juarters, and
a thick smoke arose that obscured the twinkling stars.
This was al)ove the archway of the main gateway,
and next the hospital. The buildings had taken
fire, and a frightful scene ensued. Bugle-calls were

80

sounding, officers hurrying around with hoarse words
of (ommand. and the men, half-asleep, were bewild-
ered. ^'olunteers and red-coats were mixed up
indiscriminately. The wounded were removed at
once, down the narrow stairs, out of danger into the
cold outside, suffering the most excruciating agony.
Several of their comrades nearly suffered suffocation
in effecting their rescue. The teams were hurriedly
hitched up, and as the main doorway was blocked
by the fire and smoke, other places of exit had to be
made in the temporary stockade of cord-wood.

No time was lost in taking the trail for Prince
Albert, but it was two and a half hours before the
last team got off. Prince Albert was reached about
4 p.m.

According to the author of "Trooper and Redskin":
"As soon as the news of the Duck Lake catastrophe
reached Prince Albert, measures of defence were
immediately taken. There was no knowing how
soon the exultant bands of the 'Dictator' might
sweep down upon the unprotected town. The des-
patch ordered our officer to warn all the surrounding
settlers and summon them to a place of rendezvous.
Steps were to be taken to fortify a central place of
retreat. The Presbyterian church and manse were
pitched upon as the most commodious and convenient for
the purpose, and a stockade of cordwood, nine feet
high, was erected around them. This was finished
between 1 a.m. and daylight. The civilians worked
splendidly. Many a house was in mourning, and many
a tearful eye was seen upon the streets. It was a
day of unparalleled brilliancy. The warm sun beat
down from a cloudless sky ; the snow was giving way in
places to frothy pools, and here and there a brown patch
of earth showed through the ragged robe of winter.

" We were engaged in taking cartridges, and rice,
and necessary stores of all descriptions, into the
improvised citadel in the centre of the town; and
sleighs kept plying backward and forward between
the church and barracks. Sleigh-loads of women
and children came hurrying in from the Carrot River
district; and from many a lonely homestead, hidden
away among the bluffs. Every house in the town
itself was very soon vacant, the inhabitants all taking
sanctuary in the church precincts. We abandoned
the barracks at noon; the sergeant and I being the
last to leave. I carried the Union Jack under my
regimental fur coat. We left everything else behind
us as they were; locking all the doors. The scene
inside the stockade was one of the most uncomfortable
that can be imagined. The entrance was narrow,
and blocked with curious members of the fair sex,
straining their necks as though they expected to see
the enemy walk calmly up and ring the bell."

Immediately upon his arrival at Prince Albert,
the Commissioner applied himself to completing as
far as possible the defences of the place, and caused
all the able-bodied men who offered their services
to be enrolled as special constables. Some 309 were
enrolled, but to arm them there were only 116
Snider rifles available. All the shot-guns throughout
the country were gathered in, and these were issued
to the balance of the men, and handed from one to
the other as occasion required. The volunteers
were formed into four companies under Captains
Young, Hoey, Craig and Brewster, the whole under
the command of Lieut. -Col. Sproat. A company
of scouts, forty-seven in all, was organized under
the command of Mr. Thomas McKay.

As reliable information was received that the rebels
contemplated an attack upon Prince Albert, the
Commissioner had a strong chain of patrols and pic-
quets nightly surrounding the main part of the town.
On April 19, Col. Irvine made a reconnaissance in
force in the direction of the rebel headquarters at
Batoche and ascertained that there was a strong
force on the west side of the river and that there
were also detached parties at commanding points
and scattered through the woods on the trails be-
tween Batoche and Prince Albert.

During the first few weeks of Colonel Irvine's occu-
pation of Prince Albert, his position was a very cri-
tical one. The normal population of the town of
Prince Albert was 700 people, but as the settlers
flocked into the place for protection, the population
was augmented to 1,800 exclusive of the police. Not
only was there imposed upon Colonel Irvine the
responsibility to protect this large number of people,
but the necessity of feeding them for Prince Albert
was absolutely cut off from its natural source of sup-
ply, the trails to the railway running through the
district in revolt. Several trains of supplies for the
place were war-bound, thus reducing the normal
stocks of the store keepers. And the adjacent settle-
ments, many of them deserted by the panic-stricken
inhabitants, had to be afforded protection, as far as
possible, against marauders, necessitating unending
patrol and scouting duty. Scouts were kept out
well towards the rebel position, thus keeping the
rebels on the alert and under the necessity of maintain-
ing and watching two fronts, one facing the advancing
militia column under General Middleton the other,
in the direction of Irvine's alert police force at Prince
Albert. (1).

(1) The day after ths capture of Batoche, the writer, with the late
Lieiit.-Col. Montizambert, R.C.A., conversing with some intelliKent half-
breeds and the Roman Catholic priests in the St. Laurent Church, en-
quired why the half-breeds had been so inactive during the lons! advance
of Middleton's column from Qu'Appelle Station to Fish Creek, particularly

90

In his report, Lieut. -Colonel Irvine stated that per-
haps the most important work done by his scouts was
the driving back of the men employed on similar
duty by Riel, who on various occasions tried to scout
right into Princa Albert. Another important duty
done by Irvine's scouts was the maintenance, after
the battle of Fish Creek, of communication with
General Middleton.

It should have been already stated that on March
24th, the Comptroller, Mr. F. White, sent the Com-
missioner the following telegram: — "Major-General
Commanding Militia proceeds forthwith to Red River.
On his arrival, in military operations when acting with
militia, take orders from him." At a somewhat later
date Colonel Irvine received a message from \Major-
General Middleton saying that the Commissioner was
under his orders, and should report to him. At this
time Colonel Irvine understood that Middleton had
only 350 troops with him, being in ignorance of the
despatch of a large force of militia from the eastern
provinces, because all communication was cut off.
Meantime he had suggested in a message to the General
that their forces should combine, either by the police
moving out from Prince Albert to join the militia, or
the militia proceeding first to Prince Albert and thence
moving with the police upon Batoche.

From that time all in Prince Albert were kept
in utter darkness as to the military operations which
were transpiring on the other side of the revolted
territory until April 16th, when messages arrived from
General Middleton to state that he hoped to attack
at Batoche on the 18th or 19th, and that the police
were not to join in the attack, but watch for
fleeing rebels. It was in consequence of this in-
formation that the reconnaissance in force on the
19th was undertaken.

After several days delay, Irvine opened up com-
munication with Middleton. then encamped at Fish
Creek, and through a message dated April 26th, learned
from the General of the action of Fish Creek, and that
it was the expectation to reach the Hudson Hay
crossing on the South Saskatchewan the following
Thursday. On his own responsibility Colonel Irvine
had already made scows and posted a guard at this

ms the prairie supply deitots were so ex[K)tie<l, and the capture of one of
them would have been a most xerioun matter for the troops. It wiin dii»-
tinctly (■tate<l in reply that the half-breeds were afraid to move f.ir from
Batoche, in cane the Police from Prince Albert should attack the rpl>el
poMtion in their abnence, from the north-west side. The niicht l»efore Fish
Creek (April 23nl-24th) some of the more imi)ctuoiis half-breeds an<l Indians
wanted to attack Middleton's camp at Mcintosh's, but the more cautious
men a4lvi8e<i axainst attackinx any further in advance of their main position
than Fish Creek, or Tourond's (kjulec. as they called it, that lieinu within
an easy march of Batoche, in ca«e Irvine's force shouhl apt>ear there in
their absence. In an inter\-iew with Gabriel Dumont in Montreal, some
years after the reliellion. Dumont confirmed this explanation. .S<i there
is no question the presence and activity of Irvine's force nt Prince
Albert had a marke<l and useful effect ut>on the campaign.

crossing, and on receipt of this message the guard
was increased to two officers and thirty men. Friday,
May 1st, one of the three steamers which had wintered
at Prince .\lbert was .sent round to the crossing. Xhis
steamer, the " Marquis," with an escort of the Mounted
Police, under Inspector White Fraser, reached Batoche
just as the last shots of the action of that name were
being fired, and the steamer and her escort rendered
such assistance to the Northwest Field Force in the
subsequent operations, particularly at the crossing of
the South Saskatchewan, that General Middleton
specially mentioned Inspector White Fraser in his
report.

Inspector White Fraser.

Batoche was captured by the force under General
Middleton on May 11th, and May 19th, the militia
column reached Prince An)ert. the police, volunteer
companies, and the whole population turning out to
receive them. All with Middleton were much struck
with the smart and soldierlike api)earance of the
police, who paraded in their best for the occasion.

There is no d<)ul)t that the presence of the police
force saved Prince Albert from falling into the hands
of the rel)els. Had such a catastrophe come about,
the rebellion would have a.ssinned proportions of much
greater magnitude. Prince Albert was the key of the
whole iK)sition, and the falling of it into the hands of

91

the rebels would have been disastrous to the Dominion,
and involved great loss, in lives and property.

A large number of the nomadic bands of Sioux
Indians, who for years had been living about the
Sasketchewan district, did move, with the intention of
making a raid on Prince Albert, and these hostile
Indians only abandoned their raid when, in close
proximity to Prince Albert, they saw Irvine's trail
leading to that place.

For some time it was generally believed that all the
people, white, half-breed and Indian, about Prince
Albert and surrounding country, were in all cases
loyal, and were utterly without sympathy for the
rebels. According to Col. Irvine, there was no ground
for this belief. The loyalty of a large number was of
a questionable nature, they had, therefore, to be care-
h\\\y watched, and of course, every effort was made
towards keeping doubtful Indians and half-breeds
loyal.

Upon the news being received of the delay which
occurred after the action at Fish Creek, its effect was
felt in and out of Prince Albert by the bearing of the
rebel sympathizers, or, more correctly speaking, they
should be described as rebels, who had so far not had
the courage to espouse the cause they favoured. Out-
side of Prince Albert a number of half-breeds and
Indians, who had previously expressed loyalty, took
part in the subsequent battle at Batoche. Among
these were rebel Indians, and they commenced by
plundering the other reserves. This was before
taking part against the troops at Batoche.

After the arrival of the General at Piirice Albert,
Lieut. -Col. Irvine expected to be at once employed
with his force in the contemplated operations against
Poundmaker and Big Bear. Immediately upon the
General's arrival the Commissioner reported to him
that he could take the field at once with an efficient
force of 175 mounted men, fully equipped, with their
own transport in perfect working order, and carrying,
travelling fast, seven day's rations and forage. Every
member of the force was likewise anxious to secure
active employment in the field, but the General de-
cided to leave Irvine and his force at Prince Albert,
proceeding to Battleford with the militia. The
General, with most of his force proceeded direct from
Prince Albert by steamer, the remainder under Lieut. -
Col. B. Straubenzie, proceeding via Carlton. May
24, the Commissioner, with thirty men proceeded to
Carlton to guard the ferry at that place, at Colonel
Straubenzie's request. While in camp at Carlton,
Colonel Irvine took a small number of men with
him and rode to the south side of Duck Lake, for
the purpose of disarming a band of Indians encamp:d
there, which task was quickly and successfully ac-

complished. On the 27th, the Commissioner returned
to Prince Albert, leaving Inspector Drayner in com-
mand of the detachment. This officer afterwards
patrolled the Duck Lake country, recovered a con-
siderable amount of property stolen by the rebels,
and arrested six Indians concerned in the uprising.
About noon, June 8th, the Commissioner received
telegraphic orders from General Middleton to send
as many men as possible to Carlton, cross the river,
and patrol towards Green Lake, as Big Bear and his
band were reported to be making in that direction.
At 6 a.m., the following day, Col. Irvine left Prince
Albert with a party of the following strength: —

Inspector F. Drayner.

Assistant Commissioner Crozier, Inspector Howe,
Assistant-Surgeon Millar, and 136 non-commissioned
officers and men. At Fort Carlton a detachment
of ten men in charge of Sergeant Smart was left,
and the south end of Green Lake was reached June
14. In this march, the party travelled over a rough
country, repairing the bridges and corduroy roads
as they went along. At the south end of the Lake
the Commissioner was forced to leave his waggons.
In doing this he established a small camp near the
Hudson Bay Company's depot, which had been
pillaged by Indians in a most wholesale manner.

92

The party then proceeded to the north end of the
lake, a distance of sixteen miles, along a bridle path,
constantly leading their horses over fallen timber
and bad swamps, crossing a creek near the north
end by swimming the horses, and crossing the men,
saddles, etc., on a raft built for the purpose. From
the north end of Green Lake, Col. Irvine sent out
scouts to Loon Lake rnd on the 17th returned to the
south end of the lake, where the waggons were. I'Yom
this point the Commissioner went back southward
on the Carlton trail to the forks of the road leading
to Pelican Lake. From here he sent out scouts in
all directions, moving about himself to watch the
trails and pick up food for the horses, a at this
time the party was without oats. Owing to the
numerous muskegs the moving of waggons and
even saddle horses, was very difficult.

June 23, a "Wood" Cree who had been in Big Bear's
camp came in and offered to take a scout to the point
where he had left Big Bear in the direction of Loon
Lake, whence the trail could be followed. Colonel
Irvine at once sent Scout Leveille with the Indian,
the point indicated was found, and the trail followed
southward. The Commissioner then moved back
towards Carlton, on the way coming across some
of Big Bear's band, who explained that the chief was
making for the Saskatchewan River. July 2nd, the
Commissioner was met by Inspector Drayner, who
had been sent back to Carlton with provisions, and
who reported that Big Bear had been captured near
Carlton by Sergeant Smart and his party. (2). July
4, the commissioner reached Carlton, and finding
some of Big Bear's band encamped there arrested
them and took them in to Prince Albert, where he
arrived on the night of July 5. July 11th, Colonel

(2) The actual capture of Big Bear was eflfected in a most tame and
unroniantic manner compared with the extensive operations his flight had
occaiuone<i. Early on Thursday morning. July 2, the attention of the man on
picquet at the Police camp on the north side of the Saskatchewan at Carlton
was attracted to a man shouting over to him from the south side. The picquet
ahoutmi back anri asketl what he wante<l, when the man replied that there
were some of Big Bear's Indians hiding in the vicinity. The i)icquet im-
me<liately re|>orte<I the matter to Sergeant .Smart, who crossed the river
accom|>anied by Omstables Sullivan, Nicholls and Kerr. Arrived on the
Kouth side, they had only proceeded a short distance along the Battleford
trail when they came u|K>n a camp fire around which were lying thret;
Indians. One of these, much to their astonishment and satisfaction,
they ea»ily identified as Chief Big Bear, he lieing known i>ersonally to two
of the party The other two of the party were one of the Chief's councillors
and his youngest son. The Sergeant unceremoniously told Big Bear and
his companions that they were under arrest, directed one of his men to
collect the arms of the party, and told the Indians to carry their other
■canty belontpngs and " cume along." Smart and his men lost no time in
retracing their steps to the tioat at the crossing ami back Ui camp. .No
later than eight o'clock the same morning Sergeant .Smart, accompanie^l
by Constables Colin C. CVilebrofik, Sullivan and iNicholls, left with the
prisoners for Prince AU>ert, reaching that i>lace at 11 the same night, and
much to their relief safely hxlging their captives in the guard hnusi* nl
the (ioschen |M>lice barracks. — (Statement of CVmi'lnblc (%ilfbr<Hik).

In "Troo|ier and Redskin," we find the following reference to the
■rrivai of Big Bear at Prince Albert: —"Big Bear after he ha<l been uburi-
done«l by the Wood Creea, wandere<l off with a handful of his councillors

Irvine left Prince Albert for Regina, reaching head-
quarters on the 17th.

Inspector W. S. Morris, formerly a major in the
New Brunswick militia, and at one time Assistant
Engineer of the City of Winnipeg, commanded at
Battleford after the departure of Superintendent
Crozier for Carlton, until the arrival of Superintendent
Herchmer, who ordered Inspector Dickens, as the
senior inspector in the post, to assume the command.
In accordance with instructions from the Com-
missioner, on March 26th Inspector Morris organized
a volunteer company among the permanent residents,
and another composed of settlers from the adjacent
country. They were served out with the arms which
had belonged to a disbanded militia company. The
stockade being in a more or less dilapidated condition
Inspector Morris' first care was to make it as strong
as possible. A loop-holed embankment was con-
structed on the inside, and at the southeast and north-
west corners flanking bastions were built for the
accommodation of the one seven-pounder at the post.
The place was surrounded by a vigilant and numerous
enemy, and in the fort, where nearly 400 women and
children had sought protection, were those of whose
loyalty Inspector Morris had the gravest suspicion.
In order to prevent surprise by night a guard of
sixty men and six mounted patrols were kept on duty.
The only means of communication was via couriers,
and in one case Constable Shores, who pluckily volun-
teered to carry a message to Swift Current, was chased
nearly sixty miles by the enemy.

Inspector Francis J. Dickens (who was a son of the
famous English novelist), commanded at Fort Pitt,
another important centre of disturbance. Inspector
Dickens was, in 1885, 36 or 38 years of age, and had

and his youngest son. He crept, by Indian paths, between the forces of
Colonels Otter and Irvine, an<l was Knully captured, near Fort Carlton,
by .Sergeant Smart an<l three men of the Mounted Police, who had been
detailed to watch the crossing at this jxiint. His <ion, a copper-hued boy
with small, black, bea<l-like eyes, and one councillor, who rejoiced in the
modest title of "All-and-a-half." accompanied him. They were brought
to Prince All)ert an<l entered the town in the early morning of ,luly ,3rd.
A non-commissioned officer reported the fact to (.'aptaiti (lagnon, who
was in beil, aii<l very much surprised at this unexpected inlelligenco. Big
Bear was in a pitublc condilion of tilth and luinKcr. lie w:is given a goo<l
mTubbing in a tub nt the burrncks, though this was anything but pleasing
to him. A new blanket and a pair of trousers were procured him from
the Hudson Bny store. His arms consisted of a Winchester, and he stated
that his only fisid, for eleven days, ha<l been what he was enabled to secure
in the wood'i. A roll was placed at the disposal of himself ami staff in the
guard-room, and his skinny ankles were adorned with shackles. A little
hlirivelled up lisiking pii^ce of humanity he was, his cunning face seamed
and wrinkled like crumpled p.jrchinent. Kver since the a<lvent of the
.Mounte<l Police he had l>eeii in trouble, and when he finally agreed to take
treaty he wished to have the extraordinary proviso inserted that none
of his banil were ever to lie hanged. The Indians of his trilx- were all
<lisafTecteil. I.itlle Poplar, one of his sons, eM'ape<l to Mniitariu with some
of the worst of the gang., leaving a trail marked witli blood, and was
finally shot by a hulf-breecl at l'"iirt Helknai) in the summer of I>iK(l. ('aptain
(lagnon could imw send a despatch to the (leneral, announcing thiy wel-
come news, and the campaign of the reltellioii was ended,"

93

had an active career. When a mere lad he left Eng-
land, and afterwards joined the Indian police, and
was on duty on the Punjaub. A sunstroke there
made it necessary for him to try some other climate,
and on returning to England in 1876 he secured a
position in the North-West Mounted Police.

March 30, Dickens learned through Mr. Rae, the
Indian agent at Battleford, that the country was in
a state of rebellion. In the immediate vicinity of
Fort Pitt all was quiet, but the Inspector was anxious
about the whites at Frog Lake, which was the centre
of a large Indian population, and where there was a
detachment of police under Corporal Sleigh. Dickens

Inspector W. S, Morris.

communicated with the sub-Indian agent, Mr. Quinn,
and offered to either reinforce him or escort him in to
Pitt. Mr. Quinn was however confident that he could
keep the Indians quiet if the police detachment was
withdrawn, as he feared their presence exasperated the
Indians. At Mr. Rae's special request Corporal
Sleigh and his detachment returned to Fort Pitt, and
April 2nd, the Frog Lake massacre occurred. Immedi-
ately steps were taken to put the little fort, which
was situated in an absolutely indefensible position, in
some sort of a defensive state. The windows and doors
of the dwelling houses and storehouses were barricaded
with flour bags, and loop-holes were cut in the walls.

All the men worked hard and most cheerfully. By
the capture of the Hudson Bay waggons at Frog Lake
there was no means of transport available, and con-
sequently a withdrawal was out of the question, al-
though it seemed the most sensible thing to do, if the
women and children of the Hudson Bay Company's
officials' households could be got safely away. In anti-
cipation of the breaking up of the ice, the Hudson Bay
Company's carpenters began to construct a scow to take
the women and children down to Battleford. Little Pine,
one of the chiefs in revolt, and his band arrived on
the other side of the river on the 7th, and was ordered
not to cross or he would be fired upon. After a few
days. Big Bear and a large number of Indians appeared
behind the post with several white prisoners. A flag
of truce was sent down to the fort by BigBear demanding
the surrender of the arms and ammunition. Mr.
Maclean, the Hudson Bay agent, held several parleys
with Big Bear, and was eventually taken prisoner.

Shortly afterwards Constables Cowan and Loasby
and Special Constable H. Quinn, who had been out
scouting, came back and rode right on to the scouts
thrown out round the Indian camp, who fired. Con-
stable Loasby 's horse was shot under him; constable
Cowan was killed. Loasby ran down the hill pursued
by a party of Indians, who fired at and wounded him.
He ran some 500 yards, badly wounded in the back.
The men at the windows nearest to the Indians opened
fire. Four Indians dropped as if killed, and two or
three others were evidently hit. The Indians retired
into the brush, and Loasby was helped into the fort.

At Mr. Maclean's own advice and special instruc-
tions, his family and all the Hudson Bay Company's
servants and other civilians in the fort, joined him in
Big Bear's Camp, where they remained as prisoners
until the breaking up of the band.

Dickens found himself after this in an awkward
position. He and his detachment had been des-
patched to Fort Pitt to afford protection to those
who had voluntarily surrendered themselves as prison-
ers in the hostiles' camp. There was consequently
no object to remain in a very indefensible position,
to be made the object of attack by an overwhelming
force of hostiles. The force in hand was too small
to do anything of itself, but joined to that at Battle-
ford, might help to make that post secure. The
ice in the river was breaking up, the scow constructed
by the Hudson Bay men for a different service was
nearly complete, and could carry the detachment,
if sound, and Dickens decided to avail himself of the
road of retreat which appeared to lay open to him.

Some arms which could not be taken away were
destroyed, ammunition and some supplies were col-
lected, and the scow was put in the water. She at

94

once filled, and appeared to be useless. Constable R.
Rutledge, however, said he was sure she would carry
the detachment across the river, and volunteered
to pilot her across among the cakes of floating ice.
The position was so critical that it was deemed wise
at all risks to place the river between the detach-
ment and the main band of Indians, and at night,
during a heavy snow storm, the attempt was made
and with success, thanks to skilful management and
hard baling. Owing to the unsafe condition of the
scow it was decided to encamp about a mile down
the river on the opposite bank. The river was so
fiill of ice that the Indians could not have followed
had they wanted to. The night was bitterly cold,
the blankets were wet through, and some had been
lost in crossing. At dawn the detachment once more
took their places in the scow and the voyage was
resumed, Battleford being safely reached on the
21st.

Fort Saskatchewan during the rebellion was com-
manded by Inspector A. H. Griesbach, and there is
no doubt that his good and useful work, and the
bold front shown by him and his detachment of
nineteen, all told, prevented a general rising of the
Indians and half-breeds in the immediate neighbour-
hood.

Immediately, news of the uprising was received,
Griesbach took steps to put Fort Saskatchewan in
a state of defence, having four bastions built and a
well dug. He collected all the available men to work
on the defences and assist in defending the post if
necessary. He also made arrangements to obtain
provisions to sustain a large number of people, pur-
chased ammunition, and had cartridges prepared
for the various kinds of arms in possession of the
settlers. As the news brought in by scouts and
others became more alarming, the settlers and
their families, from long distances, fled to the fort
and received protection and food. April 12, there
were gathered in the fort, seventy-nine women and
children, and alx)ut 30 men armed with guns of various
descriptions.

After making the preliminary arrangements at Fort
Saskatchewan, Griesbach proceeded to Kdmonton,
where he found the citizens, naturally, much ex-
cited. He accepted the services of a company of
volunteers, and on his own responsibility armed
them with 35 F^nfield rifles loaned by the oflicor in
charge of the Hud.son Hay post, and (juartercd them
in the Hudson Hay fort. The officer placed in com-
niaml of the volunteer company wa.s ordered to re-
pair and rebuild part of the stockade of the fort, to
collect all of the ammunition of all description in
the stores, giving receipts for it, and to place the

same under guard in the magazine. There were in
the fort two brass 4-pr. guns. Griesbach had these
remounted on strong trucks, and cartridges made;
also case-shot, which he improvised by having tin
cases made to fit the bore, and then filled them with
about ninety trade balls. These, on trying, he found
to work very well. Having despatched a courrier to
Calgary asking for troops and arms to be sent forward
as soon as possible, Griesbach returned to Fort Sas-
katchewan.

Having done all in his power for the defence of
Fort Saskatchewan and Edmonton, the Inspector
scoured the country for many miles around with
scouts and patrols, succeeding in keeping everything
quiet until the arrival of the militia under General
Strange.

Three detachments of the Mounted Polico, namely,
those commanded by Superintendents W. H. Herch-
mer and Neale, Inspector S. B. Steele and Inspector
A. Bowen Perry, actively participated with the militia
columns in the operations of the campaign, and in
every case acquitted themselves with distinction.

Superintendent Herchmer, was, before the out-
break, in command of "E" Division at Calgary —
March 24, in response to a telegraphic order he left
for Regina with 30 non-commissioned officers and
men, twenty-four horses, and four waggons, on his
way down his command being joined by four
constables and one horse of "A" Division, and
two constables of "D" division. On arrival
at Regina he received orders to proceed with
Superintendent Neale, seven men of "B" Division and
one 7-pr. gun, to Fort Qu'Appelle. Arriving at
Qu'Appelle Station he was directed l)y His Honour
Lieut. -Governor Dewdney to return to Regina, pond-
ing the arrival of Major General Middleton. March
27th. Supt. Herchmer returned to Qu'Appelle with
the Lieut. -Governor, to meet the General, who ordered
him to join him with all available men and
two 7-pr. guns at Fort Qu'ApiX'lle. March 29,
Supt. Herchmer received new orders to proceed at
once to Battleford via Swift Current, and arrived
by rail at the last-mentioned place at 10 p.m. on the
30th. The River Saskatchewan, just north of Swift
Current was. however, impa.ssible. the ice having gone
from the sides, but a high ridge remaining in the
middle. At this time the steamer "Northcotte"
was being prepared at Medicine Hat to convey troops
to the north, and a party of Crees in the vicinity
threatening the safety of the vessel, Supt. Herchmer's
conunand was onlere*! to Mediciiie Hat. where it arrived
on .March 31st, ramping near the steamer. Tlie
Indians speedily decamjjed. The police detachment
proved very useful in getting the steamer into the

95

water, all the teams, and 35 men being employed.
A lot of armed Indians having arrived at Swift Current,
Supt. Herchmer and his force were ordered back
there, arriving at 5.40 a.m. on April 5th. The trail
between the station and the river was kept patrolled
and a party established at the river to protect the
ferry.

May 12, Lieut.-Col. W. D. Otter, at the time D.O.C.
at Toronto, and just appointed to the command of
a light column detailed for the relief of Battleford,
arrived at Swift Current and informed Superintendent
Herchmer that he and his command were to join the
column, and that as it was General Middleton's wish

Superintendent P. R. Neale.

that he should be consulted on all points, he would
be appointed Chief of Staff. This was done, the
command of the police detachment being handed
over to Superintendent Neale, who at 1 p.m. the same
day received orders to move to the South Saskat-
chewan and remain there, patrolling both sides ot
the river until the arrival of the troops. The column
arrived at the river on the 14th, crossed on the 16th,
and took up the trail for Battleford on the 18th, a
point three miles south of that place being reached
by the main force on the 23rd. Some scouts under
Constable Charles Ro.ss advanced as far as the houses
on the south side of the Battle River, exchanging

shots with some hostiles. Superintendent Herchmer
obtained permission to go on with Superintendent
Neale and thirty of the police. On the 24th, the
force encamped in front of the old Government
House, remaining there until the 29th, the police
and scouts attached thereto patrolling the country
in every direction. April 27, Supt. Herchmer re-
inforced his command by thirty-one non-com-
missioned officers and men and twenty horses from
"D" division in garrison at Battleford, the object
being to obtain a troop of fifty mounted men. Thirteen
horses were purchased in Battleford.

Upon the occasion of the movement to Pound-
maker's Reserve and action at Cut Knife Hill (May
2), the flying column included 75 of the Mounted
Police, as follows: — "E" division, Superintendent
P. R. Neale, Sergeant-Ma j or Wattman, 28 non-com-
missioned officers and men; "A" division, 5 non-
commissioned officers and men; "B"' division, 7 con-
stables; "D" division, 31 non-commissioned officers
and men. Superintendent Herchmer, as Chief of
Staff was second in command of the whole column.
Under orders from Lieut.-Col. Otter, "B" Battery
took two of the police 7-pounders in preference to
their own nine-pounders. As throughout the march
to Battleford, the police acted as the advance guard,
and worked so admirably that they were universally
praised. As the advanced guard, the police were
the first to draw the fire of the Indians, and for a
time they had to sustain it unsupported, for their
supports had to advance across a rough creek and
scramble up a steep hill to reach them. The first
force from the rear to reach the advanced firing line
was the dismounted party of police, who went forward
at the double. It is unnecessary here to enter into
a description of this much-described fight. Super-
intendent Herchmer in his report wrote: — " Throughout
the action, which lasted seven hours, our men behaved
admirably. The sense of duty shown by them in
always keeping themselves so well to the front, and
occupying the most forward positions, explains our
loss." He specially mentioned as deserving of recog-
nition for their bravery and dash, Sergeant-Ma j or
T. Wattam, Sergeant J. H. Ward, who was wounded
early in the engagement, Sergeant G. Macleod, Sergeant
I. Richards, Corporal S. M. Blake, Constable W. H.
Routledge, Constable Taylor, Constable T. McLeod
of "E" division; Constable I. C. Harstone of "A"
division; Constable E. Rally, Constable W. Gilpin
of "B" division; Constables C. Ross, W. C. Swinton,
H. Storer, R. Rutledge, C. Phillips, M. I. Spencer
and G. Harper of "D" division.

Early in the engagement Corporal R. B. Sleigh of
" D " Division was shot through the mouth and killed,

96

being the first man to fall. Shortly afterwards Cor-
poral W. H. P. Lowry of "E" division was mortally
wounded, and also Trumpeter P. Burke of " D " division.
The two latter died the day after the action. Sergeant
J. H. Ward of " E " division, was also seriously wound-
ed, but recovered.

From the date of the action until the arrival of Gener-
al Middleton's force at Battleford, twenty to thirty
of the police were constantly patrolling the country.
May 14th, a patrol commanded by Sergeant Gordon
was suddenly attacked by a party of Half-Breeds and
Indians when about seven miles from Battleford and
constable F. O. Elliot of "A" division was killed and
constable W. J. Spencer of "D" division wounded.

May 26th, the Comptroller having requested that
Superintendent Neale be returned to Regina as soon
as possible, that officer, who had rendered conspicuous
service all through the campaign, left Battleford for
headquarters, carrying despatches. On the 30th, Supt.
Herchmer w^ith 50 mounted men of the Police left
Battleford for Fort Pitt. He also had under his com-
mand Boulton's Horse and the Intelligence Corps,
a squadron of scouts recruited from among the Domin-
ion Land Surveyors and their assistants commanded
by Captain Jack Dennis, formerly a member of the
Mounted Police. From Fort Pitt this force served
with General Middleton throughout the hunt after
Big Bear including the advances to Loon Lake and
the Beaver River. These marches were particularly
trying to men and horses, as there were no changes of
clothing, no tents and no provisions but such as could
be carried on the saddles. But there were no com-
plaints. June 28, Superintendent Herchmer received
orders to return to Battleford and reached there on
the 1st. On the 4th he started for Swift Current, having
a number of prisoners from Battleford in charge, who
were safely delivered at Regina on the 10th.

The following extracts from Lieut.-Colonel Otter's
report of his column's services are apropos: —

"In Lieut.-Col. Herchmer, N.W.M. Police, I had a
most valuable assistant, and not only in the action
of Saturday (Cut Knife) but throughout our march
from Swift Current to Battleford, he displayed the
most sterling qualities of a soldier; while the men of
his command have time and again proved themselves
as invaluable to my force."

"Sergeant-Major Wuttam, N.W.M. Police, was an-
other whose brilliant example and dogged courage
(at Cut Knife) gave confidence and steadiness to those
within the sound of his voice. Constable Ross, N.W.
M, Police, our chief scout, was always ready to lead a
dash or take his place in the .skirmish line, in fact,
he seemed everj'wherc and at the proper time."

" I also wish to bring to your notice the efficient

services rendered by the mounted detachment of the
N.W.M. Police under Captain Neale."

The commands of Inspector Steele and Inspector
Perry did their service in connection with the Alberta
Field Force under the command of Major-General
T. Bland Strange of the Royal Artillery, who com-
manded " B " Battery, R.C.A., at the time " A " Battery
was commanded by Lieut.-Col. French, first Commis-
sioner of the Mounted Police. Major-General Strange,
at the time of the uprising was ranching south of
Calgary and was entrusted first with the organization
of a local force for the protection of that district, after
it was denuded of police for service in the north, and
later with the organization and command of an inde-
pendent column to operate against the insurgent
tribes of Indians in the western sections of the North
Saskatchewan district. Calgary was selected as his
base, and there his force was organized.

Inspector Steele was on duty with his command
in connection with the railway construction in the
Rocky Mountains,wh(Mi on April 10, he left for Calgary
under orders from the Lieutenant-Governor. On the
13th, Strange obtained permission for Inspector Steele
with his command of 25 police who had been on duty
in the mountains to accompany him and placed all of his
original mounted force, consisting of a troop of scouts,
raised by Steele himself, and 60 of the Alberta Mounted
Rifles under Major George Hatton, besides the police,
under his command. The organization of the provisional
mounted corps was a difficult matter. Strange was
surprised to find that not only were the settlers
in the District absolutely without arms, but that the
cow-boys and ranchmen, a class usually well armed,
had, though surrounded by reserves of well-armed
Indians, relied on the protection of the police and
were without arms, certainly an eloquent testimonial
to the efficiency of the force.

The supply of arms, ammunition and saddlery
was a great difficulty and cause of delay. The de-
mands on the Militia Department from many quarters
simultaneously were, no doubt, difficult to meet ;
Winchesters re(|uired for cavalry were not in stock,
and could not at first be secured. On the 10th April,
Strange received a telegram from the C.P.R. Agent
at Gleichen that the employees were leaving their
posts, and refused to remain unless protected by
troops. The men on the C.P.R. construction in the
mountains had also struck work, and Major Steele
and his detachment were detained to protect C.P.R.
stores. The same day a detachment of as many
of the Allx;rta Mounted Rifles as could be armed and
oquipi)e(l were sent to guard the railway and watch
the Blackfoot Reserve at (ileichen.

Steele and his men were actively employed with

97

Strange's column throughout the long campaign,
participating in the battle of Frenchman's Butte,
and alone, in the northern wilderness, fought at Loon
Lake the last and most dashing action of the whole
campaign. About Fort Pitt, Steele and his men had
several skirmishes with Big Bear's band, and at
Frenchman's Butte led the attack and attempted a
wide turning movement. Constable McRae was
seriously wounded at Frenchman's Butte and Sergeant
Fury at Loon Lake. In his report at the end of the
campaign, Inspector Steele specially mentioned Ser-
geant Fury, Constable McDonnell, Constable McRae,
Constable Davidson, Constable Bell, Constable McMinn,
and Constable P. Kerr. All but the last-mentioned
constables performed the duties of non-commissioned
officers to the scouts. Steele added: — "I have no
hesitation in saying they are collectively the best
body of men I have ever had anything to do with."

Shortly after receiving the telegraphic order from
Major-General Middleton to assume command of the
Alberta District, General Strange communicated with
Superintendent Cotton, N.W.M.P., commanding at
Fort Macleod, and Captain Stewart (w^ho acted ener-
getically in raising ranch cavalry) to patrol to
Medicine Hat and the frontier.

Captain Cotton placed Fort Macleod in a state of
defence as a refuge for families from the neighbourhood,
stationed couriers between Macleod and Calgary,
and assisted General Strange by every means in his
power, sending at his request, a nine-pounder field gun
with a picked detachment of N.W.M.P. under In-
spector Perry to join the column. Just at this time
Strange was preparing, by Major-General Middleton's
orders, to march on Edmonton, where the settlers
had flocked, abandoning farms in the neighbourhood
as far as Victoria and Beaver Lake. From these
districts Strange Avas receiving messages imploring
assistance, the Indians having risen, destroying farms,
and plundering all food supplies from the Red Deer,
Battle River, Peace Hills, Beaver Lake, Saddle Lake
and Fog Lake, where they had committed atrocious
murders.

It was urgent that the adA^ance should not be de-
layed, and Strange was on his way from Calgary to
E«imonton when Inspector Perry arrived at the formei-
place.

Inspector A. Bowen Perry (now Commissioner of
the force) had been on duty with "C" Division at
Fort Macleod, and received his orders on the morning
of April 19. His detachment consisted of 20 non-
commissioned oflficers and constables, 3 civil teamsters,
a 9-pounder M.L.R. gun, and 43 horses. Baggage
and camp ecjuipment were limited to 75 pounds per
jnan. The detachment marched, April IS, and reached

Calgary on the 21st, the distance of 105 miles being
covered in three and a half days. Written orders
awaiting Inspector Perry, directed him to assume
command of an independent column under orders to
follow the General in a few days. This column was
to include besides the detachment of "C" Division,
one wing of the 65th Mount Royal Rifles of Montreal,
150 officers and men, and a transport train of 68 men
and 175 horses. By general orders of the Alberta Field
Force issued by General Strange, Inspector Perry
had been created a Major in the Active Militia (3). The
column left Calgary on the 23rd, the Red Deer River,

Superintendent F. Norman.

103 miles distant, being reached on the 28th. Severe
storms of snow and rain had delayed the march. The
Red Deer River, which General Strange's column had
forded twenty-four hours before with ease, was im-
passable, the heavy rains having caused it to rise
rapidly. It was, when Perry's column reached it, a
surging stream 250 yards wide, with a current of five
and a half miles an hour. The only means of crossing
was a small skiff carrying about six persons. A ferry
scow which was in use the previous year had been
carried away and broken up by the ice. Perry de-
termined to effect the crossing by a swinging raft,

(.3) By what appears to have been an inexcusable omission, no record
of this promotion appeared in the "Official Gazette."

98

first throwing across by means of the skiff a strong
advance guard and a working party. While fatigue
parties were set to work to construct a raft out of
some heavy square timbers which were to hand,
teams were despatched to a point some eight miles
away to draw timber to be used to build a new scow,
Perry knowing the uncertainty of raft navigation.
In two hours the raft was completed and a rope some
1,200 feet in length, formed of the horses' picketing
ropes, carried across. The gun, gun-carriage, am-
munition and harness were placed on board, and the
raft was rapidly approaching the distant shore when
the rope broke by binding round the tree from which
it was being paid off. Inspector Perry subsequently
wrote in his report: — "We rapidly drifted down the
stream, running away from the shore to the south
bank. Aided by Constable Diamond, N.W.M.P., I
succeeded in landing a rope and attaching it to a
tree. But the raft was going too quickly to be checked,
and the rope broke. About three miles down it was
driven into the bank by the current, and striking an
eddy, opportunity was afforded for landing a strong
2-inch rope, which firmly secured it. The landing
was under a 'cut bank" 30 feet high. Up this, gun,
carriage and ammunition were hauled, with great
labour, by the men of the detachment on board. To
bring them back to the 'crossing,' a detour of about
six miles had to -be made, around a large swamp, and
a new road over a mile in length was cut through a
heavy wood. Waggons and carts were taken to pieces
and ferried over in parts to carry ammunition back.
The hoi*ses were crossed by swimming."

In his report, it will be noticed, Inspector Perry
modestly abstained from explaining that he and
Constable Diamond succeeded in landing the rope
which finally checked the headlong course of the run-
away raft at the risk of their lives. Yet such is the case.

The construction of the ferry-boat was proceeded
with as soon as the timljer could be procured, work
was prosecuted night and day, and twenty-four
hours after it was begun, a trial trip was made. In
the meantime, the regular ferry cable, which had been
lying along the north shore, was stretched acro.ss the
stream and anchored. The construction of this
ferry was of the utmost importance, as it completed
the line of communication between Calgary and
Edmonton, and obviated any delay to the column
following. After crossing the Red Deer, Inspector
Perry '.s column made a rapid march to Edmonton,
covering the distance of 105 miles in three days and
a half. The police with this column had all the scout-
ing and courier duties to perform as well as the pro-
vision of night guards to the herd of transport horses.
When Inspector Perry handed over his colunm at

Edmonton he was highly complimented on the con-
duct of his march.

At Edmonton, Strange reorganized his force for
the advance down the North Saskatchewan. Major
Perry's detachment of North-West Mounted Police
was posted to take up the duties of horse artillery
with their nine-pounder, the mounted men forming
the cavalry escort. Six men from the Winnipeg Light
Infantry, a provisional battalion raised in Winnipeg
by Lieutenant-Colonel W. Osborne Smith, were
attached as part of the gun detachment, and their
trair-ing was proceeded with during the halt at Ed-
monton. At the same time the gun ammunition.

lnspi'c-toi- W. 1). .Aiitrobus.

which was some of that brought up with the expedi-
tion of 1874, was tested and found to be in excellent
condition. On leaving Edmonton, part of Straiige's
force advanced on a flotilla of scows and barges,
steered, and to .some extent propelled, by sweeps,
and part marched o\erlan(l. Inspector Perry's com-
mand was broken up — Sergeant Irwin and eleven
men in charge of the troop and headcjuarters' staff
horses, jjroceeded by trail, the remainder of the de-
tachment, with the gun, being placed on a scow. At
Fort Saskatchewan an old ferry scow was obtained,
on which the six gun horses were f>laced. When
twenty miles from Victoria this scow sank owing to

99

leaks, and the horses, which were saved, were ridden
in to Victoria. From this point the whole detach-
ment proceeded by land to Fort Pitt, part of the
infantry, and some stores, only, proceeding by river.
Between this point and Fort Pitt there was consider-
able forced marching, the distance from Frog Lake
to Fort Pitt, thirty-five miles, being made in one
day.

Tuesday, May 26th, General Strange, whose ad-
vanced column had reached Fort Pitt, determined
to discover the whereabouts of Big Bear by recon-
naissance in force. Inspector Steele and his mounted
men were despatched to search the north side of the
river, Inspector Perry being detailed for similar duty
on the south side. His instructions were to travel
directly south as far as Battle River, then to circle
round to the east and return to Fort Pitt. If he
found it possible, he was also to establish communica-
tion with Battleford; but it was considered as very
unlikely that he would be able to do this, as it was
supposed that Poundmaker and Big Bear were then
actually effecting or had already formed a junction
of their forces in the district between Fort Pitt and
Battleford. It must be remembered, that Strange's
force had penetrated so far into the wilderness that
they had for days been without information from
either the Battleford or General Middleton's columns.
Perry, with seventeen of his own men, five scouts,
and the Rev. W. P. McKenzie, acting chaplain,
crossed the river at dark on barges. ■ Nothing was
carried on the horses except four day's light rations,
100 rounds of Winchester ammunition, and great-
coats. A heavy rain fell the whole night, but no
halt was made until near daylight. Battle River
was reached about noon without any trace of the
enemy being seen, and after that an eastward course
was struck. Only short halts were made that day
and the following night, and the little force advanced
with great caution as Perry expected at any moment
to fall in with the enemy. After a trying and severe
night's ride, a point twenty miles from Battleford
was reached Thursday at daybreak, and here a halt
was made to rest the horses. Shortly afterwards
an Indian appeared who proved to be the bearer of
a message from General Middleton to Big Bear, in-
forming him that both Riel and Poundmaker had
surrendered. Inspector Perry at once proceeded to
Battleford and reported his arrival and the result of
his reconnaissance to General Middleton. The ride
from Fort Pitt to Battleford, a distance of 130 miles,
was accomplished in thirty-six hours, and without
a single horse giving out.

On Inspector Perry's representations, supplies for
General Strange's column were forwarded the next

day by steamer "Northwest," the Inspector and his
command embarking on the vessel to return to Fort
Pitt. When about fifty miles from the last named
place, a couple of scouts were met, in a canoe, with
information of Strange's action at Frenchman's Butte,
May 28th. It being determined that the steamer
should return to Battleford for re-inforcements and
ammunition, (the latter specially required by Strange)
Perry at once landed his force on the south bank to
proceed to Fort Pitt by land. This was at 4.30
in the afternoon, and at 5 the next morning Fort Pitt
was reached. This ride was a trying one, the men and
horses being thoroughly fatigued from the heavy
ride from Fort Pitt to Battleford. A heavy cold rain
fell all the night, and the little force had to pass a
swampy lake, over 200 yards wide, through which the
men had to wade waist deep, leading their horses.

After a halt of several hours at Fort Pitt, Inspector
Perry marched on and joined General Strange at his
camp six miles down the river. The Inspector was
thanked by the General for the success of his re-
connaissance, and was delighted to hear that the 9-
pounder had been of the greatest service at the en-
gagement of the 28th, the gun detachment under Ser-
geant O'Connor having behaved splendidly.

Monday, June 3rd, Strange's force moved forward to
Frenchman's Butte, and thence advanced northward
to the Beaver River. Steele and his men having gone
north via the Loon Lake trail, the duties of advance
guard and scouting fell upon Inspector Perry's com-
mand. The march from Frenchman's Butte to Beaver
River, 80 miles, took three days and a half, quick
travelling considering the difficult nature of the trail,
which led over miles of morass, in which the gun
frequently sank to the axles and was only extricated
by the united exertions of horses and men. In one
case the gun had to be unlimbered and dismounted,
and the gun, waggon and ammunition hauled over in
parts, in waggons. The return march from Beaver
River to Fort Pitt via Saskatchewan Landing, a
distance of ninety-two miles, occupied only three
days.

June 29, the detachment received orders to return
to Fort Macleod, and was struck off the strength of the
Alberta Field Force, which was about to be broken
up. The divisional orders, dated Fort Pitt, June 28,
1885, contained the following flattering reference to
Major Perry and his command: —

"The detachment of North- West Mounted Police,
under the command of Major Perry, with the 9-
pounder gun, will join Colonel Herchmer's force to-
morrow morning and proceed by route march to
Battleford.

" Major-General Strange, in relinquishing the com-

100

mand of the detachment of 'C Division, North-West
Mounted Police, under command of Major Perry, has
to thank them for their vahiable services and in-
variably excellent conduct. He has never com-
manded better soldiers. Their double duties as horse
artillery, and when required, scout cavalry, have been
performed to his entire satisfaction. In bringing a
9-pounder gun from Fort Macleod to Beaver River,
through most difficult country, including the passage
of the Red Deer River, the march of some 800 miles,
with every horse and man in his place, reflects great
credit, not only on Major Perry, but on every non-
commissioned officer and man. That gun was mainly
instrumental in demoralizing the band of Big Bear
on 28th May, at Frenchman's Butte. The opening of
communication from Fort Pitt to Battleford by this
small detachment entailed hardships cheerfully endured.

"Major-General Strange especially recognized the
ably conducted march of the left wing of the 65th
Regiment under Major Perry's command, which he
has brought to the notice of the Comptroller of Police;
as also the names of Sergeant-Ma j or Irwin, Staff-
Sergeant Horner, and Sergeant O'Connor.

" Major-General Strange wishes his thanks to be
conveyed to Major Cotton, N.W.M.P., for the selection
he made of an officer and nien of whom he may feel
proud. In parting with this detachment of North-
West Mounted Police, he wishes them every success
and happiness."

The total distance marched from Fort Macleod to
Edmonton, Fort Pitt to Battleford, from landing
place on the Saskatchewan back to Fort Pitt, to
Beaver River and back to Fort Macleod was 1,308
miles. The distance marched, until dismissed from
the Alberta Field Force, June 28, was 928 miles in
38 marching days, an average per day of 24 miles.
And this does not take into consideration the con-
stant duties of guards, picquets, patrols, etc.

Distinguished and important as were the services
rendered to the country by the various bodies of the
.Mounted Police which came into actual contact with
the hostile Indians and half-breeds during the rebel-
lion, they were probably really less useful than the
.services of the divisions which remained at their ordin-
ary headquarters and which, by their brave front and
constant alertness, saved the country from the ap-
palling tragedy of a general Indian uprising. From
one end of the country to the other, the Indians were
restless during the rebellion, and runners from the
hostiles were constantly striving to induce the more
loyal trilxis to take the warpath. At all the |X)sts
utuisual precautions were taken.

At Fort Macleod, for instance, early in the rel)el-
lion, finding that all sorts of exciting stories were

constantly in circulation, Superintendent CottoU
established a line of couriers with Calgary, for there
was no telegraphic communication at the time, ana
only a weekly mail. This line of couriers kept the
population aware of the actual course of events and
of the untruthfulness of exaggerated reports put
into circulation. Superintendent Cotton held numerous
interviews with the Blood and Piegan Indians, and
kept the country in the vicinity well patrolled. One
company of militia, and later two (of the 9th Bat-
talion) were sent to Macleod as an auxiliary garrison,
and placed under Superintendent Cotton's orders,

Sui>eriiitendent R. B. Deane

as wa.s also a mounted corps raised at Macleod by
Major John Stewart. Special provision was made
to furnish protection to working parties of tele-
graph and railway construction lines. U{)on one
occasion, shots were exchanged between Stewart's
scouts and some Indians, supposed to be Assini-
boine or Gros Ventres war parties from United
States territory, at a point thirty miles west of
Medicine Hat. As a result, Superintendent Cotton
jnade a prompt reconnaissance in force, but although
there was a great deal of night signalling by the Indians,
no Indian raids were made. The management of
the railways thanked Superintendent Cotton for the

101

protection afiforded their parties during these critical
months, and at the annual meeting of the South
Western Stock Association, held at Fort Macleod,
April 29, 1885, the following resolution was unani-
mously passed: — "That this association desires to
express their high appreciation of the efficient manner
in which Major Cotton and his command have per-
formed their duty in helping the cattle ranches, and
the prompt steps taken during the present troubles
to keep the Indians quiet, meet our fullest confidence
and approval."

The departure of Lieut.-Col. Irvine from Regina
for Prince Albert with his detachment left the post
at headquarters denuded of all but a small staff of
non-commissioned officers and a few necessarily
employed and sick men. Superintendent R. Burton
Deane, Adjutant, who previous to joining the force had
served in the Royal Marines, was left in command. In
consequence of information from the north that arms
and ammunition were expected by the half-breeds
from the railway, that officer issued orders to seize
and hold all such articles consigned to traders in the
south, 1,435 pounds of arms and ammunition being
thus seized. The demand for men became so great
that Superintendent Deane sought and obtained
leave from Ottawa to engage special constables, but
practically none could be got. Early in April, he
secured the services of five Sioux Indians to act as
scouts and who proved useful in giving information
as to the movements of the half-breed runners, who
were constantly on the move between the different
Indian camps, inciting their occupants to join the
rebels. About the middle of the month, with the
assistance of Mr. Legarrie of Wood Mountain, an ir-
regular corps of half-breeds was formed at Wood
Mountain to patrol the international frontier, Ins-
pector Macdonell, with four men, being sent from
Medicine Hat to command and organize the corps.
April 21st, nineteen recruits, and eighty-two horses
arrived at Regina from the East. On May 3rd, 130

more recruits arrived and were accommodated in tents,
and on May 18, 31 more recruits arrived. It may
be supposed that the energies of the small staff of
non-commissioned officers at Superintendent Deane's
disposal were taxed to the utmost, but they were
equal to the occasion, and particularly Sergeant
Major Belcher, and Quartermaster Sergeant Simpson,
performed valuable service at this time. The recruits
themselves subsequently furnished a number of
valuable non-commissioned officers. May 13, Super-
intendent Deane was able to detach 15 men to Maple
Creek, and on the 16th, 20 mounted men to Inspector
Macdonell at Wood Mountain. July 8th, a non-
commissioned officer and 15 additional men with 16
horses were sent to Inspector Macdonell. May 9th,
at Pie-a-pot's request. Superintendent Deane held
a powwow with that chief, who reported he was
having trouble with some of his young braves as a
result of exaggerated stories from the scene of re-
bellion in' the north. Inspector Macdonell assured
him that he and his tribe would be safe from molesta-
tion so long as they remained on their reserve. (4).
May 23rd, Louis Riel arrived a prisoner at Regina,
and so many other half-breed and Indian prisoners
followed, that several additions had to be made to
the prison accommodation at headquarters. Until
the conclusion of the numerous trials and executions
for high treason and murder which were among the
sad results of the rebellion, the duties at Regina
were very heavy.

(4) Chief Pie-a-Pot was in the old warring days one of the most re-
nowned warriors of the Southern Crees. As a matter of fact he was a
member of the Sioux tribe, the hereditary enemies of the Southern Crees.
As an infant he became very expert with the bow and arrow, so the story
goes, being able to sever the prairie flowers from their stems with his
arrows, with unerring accuracy. Owing to his abnormal skill and pre-
cocity, his proud mother was enabled to induce the Sioux chiefs to allow
the lad, at the tender age of twelve, to accompany one of their big war
parties on a foray into British territory. Meeting disaster at the hands
of the Crees, the Sioux retreated, and the lad was taken prisoner and
adopted, his prowess securing for him in time the chieftainship of the
tribe.

102

CHAPTER X.

INCREASE OF STRENGTH AND DUTIES.

The Establishment Raised to 1000 Men. — L. W. Herchmer, Commissioner. — More Vice-Regal
Visits. — Extension of the Sphere op Operations Northward to the Athabaska and Peace
River Districts and into the Yukon. — The Fight to Suppress the Illicit Liquor Trade.
— The Force Loses a Good Friend in Sir John Macdonald but Gains Anothi:r in Sir Wilfrid
Laurier. — The "Almighty Voice" Tragedy. — Rapid Extension of the Yukon Duties.

THE end of the rebellion left the Mounted Police
with greatly increased responsibilities. First,
there was the pacification of the half-breed
settlements and the Indian tribes which had been in
revolt. Secondly, the sense of security hitherto
enjoyed throughout the white settlements had to be
restored and its uninterrupted continuance provided
for, and in accomplishing this, a decided spirit of
disaffection and defiance manifested by some of the
most powerful tribes, which had not participated in
the Rebellion had to be coped with. Thirdly, pro-
vision had to be made for the rigid enforcement of
the law in new settlements and mushroom frontier
villages, which sprang into existence as if by magic
as a result of the completion of the Canadian Pacific
Railway.

It was realized that a very considerable increase
of the strength of the Mounted Police was necessary,
and without delay steps were taken to recruit addi-
tional men and to rearrange the distribution of the
force. Officers and men were in the very midst of
much strenuous work when the North-West was
visited by the then Governor General, Lord Lansdowne,
the visit doing much to allay excitement and to em-
phasize the fact that law and order hml been re-
established throughout the Territories.

On the arrival of His Excellency at Indian Head,
on the 2l8t September, he was received by a strong

escort of 100 men. A small mounted escort, by His
Excellency's desire, accompanied him from Indian
Head via Katepwa to Fort Qu'Appelle. thence to
Qu'Appelle station, where he embarked for Regina,
a train escort of one officer and twenty-four men
accompanying him thither. The usual guard of
honour received him at the Territorial Capital. On
the evening of the 23rd September, with the same
escort. His Excellency left Regina for Dunmore,
thence proceeding to Lethbridge, where he arrived
on the afternoon of the 24th. and was received by a
guard of honour from Fort Madeod. On the 25th,
a mounted escort accompanied His Excellency from
Lethbridge via Fort Kipp to the Hlood Reserve, about
eight miles from which place he was met l)y the Indian
agent, and a party of Indians on horseback. His
Excellency had a long interview with the Bloods,
and camped for the night on the opposite side of the
Belly River. On the 26th, his Excellency visited
the Cochrane ranche, and Fort Macleod on the follow-
ing day, remaining for the night in the police barracks.
On the 28th, His lOxcellency started for Calgary,
camping for the night at Mos<|uito Creek, 50 miles
north of Fort Macleod, and reaching Calgary about
6 p.m. next day. A guard of honour at the railway
station was there furnished from "E" Division, and
the 29th was spent in visiting the Indians at the
Blackfoot crossing, the Vice-Regal party and escort

103

taking train from Calgary to Cluny, where His Honor
the Lieutenant Governor was in waiting. Arrived at
the agency at the Blackfoot crossing, His Excellency
had a long interview with the Blackfeet, and subse-
quently returned to Calgary, whence a small train
escort accompanied him to Donald, B.C.

His Excellency was pleased to express his approba-
tion of the smartness of the men and horses composing
the various escorts, and of the state of their barracks.

In October and November, in consequence of the
accession of strength to 1,000 rank and file, five new
divisions were created, making ten in all, each having
an establishment of 100 non-commissioned officers

Lieut. -Col. Lawrence W. Herchmer, Fourth Commissioner.

and men, the former numbering fifteen. These
divisions were numbered A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K,
and the Depot Division. This last was designed to
be permanently stationed at headquarters, and to it
all recruits on joining were to be attached, being
drafted therefrom as vacancies occurred in the other
divisions. The headquarters staff were deducted
from the Depot Division.

Between the 1st January, and 31st December, 1885,
608 recruits joined the force, and underwent such
training as circumstances permitted from time to time.
The physicjue of the new men, enrolled at the time
of this big increase of the establishment, as a rule.

was much above the average. Too large a proportion,
however, were unable to ride, and unaccustomed to
horses.

The distribution state at the end of the year gave
the strength and stations of the various divisions
as follows : —

Depot Division, Regina, total strength, 121.

" A '' — Maple Creek, with detachments at Medicine
Hat, and Swift Current, 102.

"B" — Regina, with detachments at Fort Qu'Appelle,
Broadview, Moose Jaw, Moosomin, Moose Moimtain,
Shoal Lake, Whitewood, and on the mail service, 103.

"C" — Fort Macleod, with detachments at Stand Off,
St. Mary's, Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, the Piegan
Reserve, 112.

"D"— Battleford, 94.

"E"— Calgary, 101.

"F"— Prince Albert, 96.

''G" — Edmonton, with a detachment at Fort Sas-
katchewan, 99.

"H" — Fort Macleod, with detachments at Chief
Mountain, Lethbridge, Old Fort Macleod, 104.

"K"— Battleford, 107.

Total, 1 Commissioner, 1 Assistant Commissioner,
10 Superintendents, 24 Inspectors, 1 Surgeon, 4
Assistant Surgeons, 32 Staff-Sergeants, 48 Sergeants,
51 Corporals, 867 Constables. Grand total, 1,039.

Notwithstanding the accession of 500 additional
men to the strength of the force, up to the end of the
year, no provision had been made for their accom-
modation, with the exception of one large room built
at Regina for prison purposes, which, after the delivery
of sentenced prisoners, was subsequently converted into
a barrack room.

At Regina the barrack rooms were over-crowded
so much so as to effect the men's health, and it had
been necessary to send recruits away to outposts
before they were properly trained. Half of the
Quartermaster's store was at the end of the year full
of men, to the great inconvenience and prejudice of
the Quartermaster's department.

Great care was shown by the officers and men of
the force at this time in their dealings with the half-
breeds and Indians, and with marked success, the
rapid healing of the scars of the rebellion speaking
volumes for the successful diplomacy of the police.
Writing at the end of 1885 from Prince Albert, which
had been the centre of the disaffected district, and
where, since his promotion, he commanded. Super-
intendent A. Bo wen Perry reported: —

" The half-breed population is quiet, and the feeling
amongst them, to a great extent, appears to be one
of regret for the past troubles. Very few will ac-
knowledge that they took up arms of their own free

104

will, claiming that they were persuaded and forced
into the trouble.

"They are now entirely dependent on freighting
and government assistance.

" I have seen the priests of the different half-lireed
missions, and they all tell a piteous tale of starvation
and want among their people.

"Inspector Cuthbert. who recently visited the half-
breed settlements, reports that the half-breeds are in
want, and will require a great deal of assistance.
Xo trouble need be feared from them.

" The Indians are very quiet and peaceable. Some
danger has been apprehended from the Indians at
Duck Lake, who were engaged in the recent outbreak.
These Indians were not paid their treaty money and,
I believe, are not receiving much assistance, as will
be seen in Inspector Cuthbert's report. This officer
says, under date the 18th November: — 'From the
Indians of Beardy's reserve, who were rebels, and
whom I saw, I learned that they were having very
hard times. I could learn nothing from the Indians
themselves or from settlers in the vicinity in confirma-
tion of current reports of brewing trouble. No alarm
is felt as to their raiding on freighters or settlers, and
no communication is held by them with Indians in
the Battleford district.'"

While this encouraging improvement was being
reported in the district which had been the scene of
the revolt, keen anxiety was developing as to the
attitude of the Indian tribes in the south.

In a report of the 26th of October, Superintendent
Cotton drew attention to the objectionable changes
that had come about in the general bearing and feeling
of the Indians in the southern section of the Territo-
ries. "I now express it as my positive opinion", he
wrote, "that the feeling of the Blood Indians towards
the Government and white men generally is at this
present moment very far from one of a friendly cha-
racter. In this respect the past year has brought a
marked change, particularly among the young men,
who plainly show that a spirit of unrest and disquiet
is not dormant within them".

Alluding to the Rebellion and its suppression, Supt.
Cotton wrote: — "It must be remembered that the
accounts of the various scenes enacted in the north
are received by the Indians more from an Indian
point of view than from fact«. The loss of the troops
was magnified and that of the Indians minimized.
This is what they still believe antl 1 think it shows
that an Indian can be influence<l and his sympathy
aroused by another Indian much more thoroughly
ami forcibly than by any white man. The chiefs
and old men, having greater and more varied exixrience,
are much more prone to form correct and logical con-

clusions; and they, though certainly not without
their aboriginal prejudices, are, for the most part,
aware of and ready to admit the universally honor-
able, humane, and even markedly generous treatment
they have at all times had at the hands of the Govern-
ment. Still, their influence does not appear strong
enough to successfully inoculate the younger men
with such a train of thought, and it must not be forgot-
ten that the younger men played the most important
part in this rebellion.

" It should, I think, be borne in mind that our
experience during the past summer has furnished us
with what I may term data, from which we may with
safety assume that had any serious reverse happened
to the troops serving in the north, an almost simul-
taneous outbreak would have occurred in the south.
Even as I write, I cannot but call to mind the far
from peaceaWe effect produced here when the news
of the fight at Fish Creek became known. "

After adverting to the hereditary enmity between
the Blackfect and Crees, and expressing his belief
that these tribes would, notwithstanding this, make
common cause against the white men. Superintendent
Cotton continued with reference to the despatch of
some war parties on horse stealing expeditions: —
"This horse stealing on the part of the younger men
is doing an incalculable amovmt of harm throughout
the camps. Setting aside the complications it may
at any time give rise to with the United States Gov-
ernment, it unsettles them greatly. If one man
succeeds in evading arrest, the others are thus prompted
to copy him and their so doing is considered a signal of
personal bravery that invariably meets with universal
approbation. Thus, a large number of our Blood
Indians are becoming professional horse-thieves, and
though their operations are carried on, f(»r the greater
part, south of the international boundary line, it
cannot be said to be luiiversally the case, and war
parties often visit distant portions of our Territories,
solely for the purpose of horse stealing. That our
Indians can, with the utmost ease, procure strong
alcoholic drink in the United States, is unquestionably
the fact. This proves a powerful incentive towards
the continuance of these southern migrations, as
does also the fact that they receive aid, most willingly
proffered, in their criminal practises from their blood
relations, the South Piegans (also of the Blackfoot
Nation). The lost mentioned Indians dare not them-
selves steal American horses, but they gladly accept
horses from our Indians in payment for help and
information afforded."

While the Indians in the Southern part of the Ter-
ritories were thus caiising anxiety, the Mounted
Police were called upon to extend their sphere of

105

operations eastward into Manitoba. On the 28th of
July, 1885. Inspector Sanders, one non-commissioned
officer and twenty-four constables, with twenty-six
horses, proceeded to Southern Manitoba for the pre-
vention of horse stealing in a district stretching along
the frontier from the eastern boundary of the muni-
cipality of Louise to the western boundary of the
Province. A request for this protection had been
made, on behalf of the settlers, by the Attorney-
General, at Winnipeg, and the Right Honorable the
President of the Privy Council, in sanctioning "for
the present and until a local force is formed" the
employment of a small detachment of police, reminded

Superintendent G. E. Sanders, D.S.O.

the Attorney-General "that it is not the duty of the
Mounted Police to enforce the laws in Manitoba."
April 1st, 1886, a change took place in the command
of the force, the Commissioner, Lieut-Colonel A. G.
Irvine retiring with a gratuity and being succeeded
by Lawrence W. Herchmer, Esq., at the time holding
a responsible position in the North- West under the
Indian Department. The new Commissioner, who
was a brother of Superintendent Wm. Herchmer,
had served as a subaltern in the British Army and
had acquired considerable experience of field service
in the North- West as a Commissariat Officer on the
staff of the International Boundarv Commission.

As a matter of record, it is interesting to know that
at this period the government entered into negotiations
with Major Hutton, whose name was at the time
identified with the mounted infantry movement in
the regular service, with the object of securing his
services as commissioner of the Mounted Police.
Major Hutton agreed to accept the proffered appoint-
ment on certain conditions, and his advice was even
asked on matters affecting the arming, equipment and
training of the force, but it was later decided to select
an officer of Canadian experience. Some years later,
as Major General, Major Hutton commanded the
Canadian Militia, and, still later, as a brigade com-
mander in South Africa, he had a battalion composed
largely of officers and men of the N.W.M.P. under his
command.

Superintendent L. W. F. Crozier, Assistant Com-
missioner, retired with gratuity June 30, 1886, Super-
intendent W. M. Herchmer, with the title of " Ins-
pecting Superintendent," taking over most of his
duties. Supt. Antrobus took over the command of " E"
Division at Calgary from Supt. Herchmer on April 7.

During the summer, "E" Division and the head-
quarters of "G" Division, consisting of one officer
and 50 men, were camped on the Bow River, at Cal-
gary, and remained there for about six weeks. This
had an excellent effect, and gave a good opportunity
of perfecting the men and horses in drill and camp
work. Supt. Herchmer suggested that the following
summer a larger camp be formed there, it being a
very central place for the western divisions to meet,
and he thought 200 men could easily be massed from
"E", "G", "H", and "D" Divisions.

From the new Commissioner's report for the year
1886 it appears that target practice had been carried
on in all the Divisions, but while many of the men
had made excellent shooting, a considerable number
did poorly. This, it was hoped to remedy the fol-
lowing season by careful overhauling of the car-
bines, and by more instruction in preliminary drill.

Revised Standing Orders for the force were prepared
during the year, and in December, were ready for
the printer, and a short and concise drill book was
being prepared, to which instructions in Police duties
and simple rules of Veterinary practice were to be
attached, which it was thought would place in each
Constable's possession a complete explanation of all
his various duties.

The physique of the force was very fine, and im-
proving all the time, the trouble being to get clothing
large enough; but as it had been arranged, in future
to have the clothing generally made in Canada (1), with

(1) For S3veral years, as was the practice also in the Active Militia, the
uniforms had been imported from England.

106

proper size rolls, it was hoped there would be no
difficulty in guarding against this mistake.

Up to this year the police had erected most of their
barracks and other buildings themselves, and even in the
case of some of the larger barracks built by contract,
the work had been supervised by the officers of the
force. In 1886 the work in connection with the
erection and repairs of barracks was handed over to
the Department of Public Works.

The most serious crimes of the year were the rob-
beries of the Royal Mail stages between Qu'Appelle
and Prince Albert, and between Calgary and Ed-
monton. The former of these, in July, near Humboldt,
was the first attempt at highway robbery in the
territories since the advent of the police, although
such events, with various ghastly settings, were of
almost weekly occurrence in the adjoining territories
of the United States. The news of the Humboldt
robbery caused great excitement, it being assumed
that desperadoes from Missouri and other western
states were seeking fresh fields in Canada. If they
succeeded in getting away free it was felt that this
would .be the fore-runner of a series of stage and
train robberies such £is had made the western States
notorious. Throughout all ranks of the Mounted
Police it was felt to be imperative that the perpetra-
tors of the robberies be discovered. The capture of
the robbers (there were first supposed to be six masked
men engaged in the robbery, although investigations
on the spot showed it to have been the work of a single
highwayman) was entrusted to"F" Division, then at
Regina, commanded by Supt. A. Bowen Perry. A
detachment of eight proceeded east by rail to Broad-
view, a similar one under Inspector Begin, westward
to Moosejaw. The remainder of the division under
Supt. Perry, proceeded north, direct from Regina,
the detachments at Broadview and Moosejaw moving
in the same direction at the same time. In this way
the whole country through which the robbers were
considered likely to attempt to escape was carefully
covered. Had the robbery been the work of a gang
of United States highwaymen, they would doubt-
less have been headed off, but it transpired that the
robber was a resident of the north, and he was arrested
by the Mounte<l Police in Prince Albert in August,
tried in Regina in October, and sentenced to fourteen
years imprisonment in the penitentiary.

The robbers of the Exlmonton stage were not caught,
although the country was scoured by the police in
all directions. The mails on the route between Cal-
gary and Edmonton, Swift Current and Battleford,
and Qu'Appelle and Prince Albert were constantly
escorted by Police after the first robbery until the
cold weather removed the necessity, and after that,

outposts were established at points along the roads
for the winter, but patrolling was resumed as soon as
it was considered advisable in the spring.

During the years immediately succeeding the re-
bellion, there was a marked development of the patrol
system of the Mounted Police. During 1S87, log
buildings with stables and corrals were built at con-
venient places along the frontier, particularly along
the base of the Cypress Hills; to afford shelter to the
men in bad weather, and enable the patrols to go out
earlier and stay later in the season than they other-
wise could. The following season other shelters
were built at convenient situations all along the
frontier, the labor being done by the Police, and by
putting up hay at these posts, a great saving of horse-
flesh resulted.

A new element in the police patrols in 1887 was
introduced in the engagement of some fuU-blooded
Indians as scouts, who were attached to the patrols,
and did very good service, being invaluable as
trailers, and able and willing to travel excessive
distances in an almost incredible space of time. On
several occasions during the summer of 1887, these
scouts arrested members of their own tribes. Their
tendency at first was to serve a short time and then
return home, which was not always convenient.
Their pay was $25 per month and rations, and they
horsed themselves, the Police furnishing arms and
saddles.

All the main trails in the Territories were at this
period watched by police patrols, and at convenient
places along them, parties were stationed. The out-
posts along the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway
were increased during 1889, and it was found necessary
as soon as the Manitoba and North- Western Railway
entered the Territories, to establish a post at Lan-
genburg on that road. This party patrolled the
Fort Pelly and the York Colony districts, which were
remote from the head(juarters of police Divisions.

Early in the spring of 1887, the Bloods caused a
good deal of trouble. A number of their young men,
tired of the reserve, and anxious to di.stinguish them-
selves, made a dash on Medicine Hat and vicinity and
on U. S. Territory, stealing a number of horses.
During the summer too, the [Kjlice had occasional
trouble with them. Occasionally, cattle were killed
in the neighborhood of their reserves, but the arrest,
speedy trial and punishment of "Good Rider", a
Blood, stopped this practice.

November 27, having been informed that several
Blood Indians, camped at the Lower Agency, had
whisky in their po.'w^o.ssion, and that one of their
minor chiefs. "Calf Shirt", had brought it in from
Montana, and had stated to his band that if the

107

ar -^*» «?K^ 'i««** -w!3i^ ja&wm^ ^har .>.,. .^^^^ai.

Mrf If «l^r

MMf «dbir neMor

.^lSll|lt^HA edbyni 10461

flMfai^ bf iiartcir^ ^jk,, «.iMi m^sr:- uv^iand. 3jG20; cm
Un4.f tmtmihoiM, 200 maei^ Total, 15,181 miks.

tfrnfimii iSke mmtt rear the Comaaammar, in Iw
mmmhI fiefwit ndiesmd to a eorioas aereanon to tiie
ptjfuiaiitm of tiie Nortli-West Tenitories, nmaj dt-
nettem fwma ihe Umted States Army cmnh^ orer ifyt
1mm intli their hones and arms. The latto- woe
inken irfftn them by the Mounted Pdice and returned
to the U- H- Authorities, who declined to prosecute
the thfeire«^ thtnkmg they were well rid of than.

In May, IWJ7, Superintendent Steele with "D" Divi-
i^rtt, iifeti stationed at Lethbridge. was. on accoimt erf
i*ervjvm trouble among the local Indians, ordered to the
K/x/tenay distriet of British Columbia where they
remained until the summer of 1888 performing much
goorl work.

t. - tlWttir

Sapt. Slede, in Us vtpon. mikli paotvi
pointed out tliat tbe nndbns «ff '^D^
regards phy»q^ irese a vht Iuk bud; .
great many being coi^ifenJb)r ovh* 6 f««t lo^. axi^i
measurii^ as omkIi as 44 inrlkes arovodl ^ke <Ak^^
Taking the dixisiQn aD through^ the avcnc^liHsbt
was 5 feet ^ inches, and dhest nmsiNreafeHil 3S^
inches.

During the year 1S88, the Mwmted IVIice ptttnt^.

108

in accordance with applications from the Customs
and Interior Departments, were extended into Msuii-
toba, and the detachment under Inspector McGibboiu
the first year, was able to render valuable ser\ ice in
the suppression of smugglers and timber thieves in
the Pembina Mountain country.

In all quarters of the Territories, except in the
south- west, the Indians. acconiing to the Conunissit>nerV
report, were making rapid strides towanls self-supiKMt.
All they required were more cattle, and a cash market
for their produce, to encourage them.

During the year 18SS, 55 men, whose terms of
service had expired, immediately n^engagiHi. 10
who took their dischai^e, afterwards ii-oimajitHl.
among them a sergeant who re-engaged as lonsiablo;
two who purchased their discharge enlisted in the
ranks again, and several othei"^ offered to re-join.
In his report for the year, the Commissioner remarked :-
'* With your j^ermission, I hope to make this force
very hard 1 o enter and very easy to get out of, both
by purchase and dismissal". That has continued to
be the principle governing enlistment and discharge.

A drill book for the force was printed on the police
press at Regina, during the year ISSK. The drill was
of the simplest kind, and conflicted in no way with
the Mounted Infantry Regulations, but contained much
information respecting details and movements ab-
solutely required in the force which were not laid
down in the Mounted Infantry Manual.

During the year 1889, there were several events of
special interest to the Mounted Police. Lord Stanley
of Preston (now the Earl of Derby) then Governor
General, visited the North- West, making an extended
tour. In addition to the usual duty patrols, escorts
accompanied His Excellency in his visits to the various
parts of the Territories, and all the transport required
was necessarily thrown on the regular patrols who
were required to do more mileage, owing to the tem-
porary absence of their comrades.

His Excellency was pleased to express his gratifica-
tion at the appearance and efficiency of the different
detachments that came under his immediate observa-
tion.

During September, the Honourable t^Mackenzie
Bowell, the Minister of Customs, was driven, in Police
transport, along the line of patrols on the frontier.
These patrols extended from Gretna, 28 miles east of
the Red River, to the Rocky Mountains, a distance of
about 800 miles, and most of the Customs Depart-
ment work on this immense line was done by the
Mounted Police.

The force sent into Manitoba in 1888 for frontier
duty, in connection with the Department of Customs
and the Interior, was considerably augmented in 1889

and remaimnl under the command of liis^XH^tor Me-
tiibbon. The i.^^ue of wihhI jH^nnits was alnu>st
entiivly in the hands of the |H>litH\ autl betwe<M\ their
various vocations they certainly had plenty to do.

With the exception of the service during the re-
bellion, and a few exwptioj\al casc^. the servict^s of
the Mounttnl Police had up to this time Iwhmi pivtty
well coidined \o the tH>rtion of the territt>ries south of
the line of the North Saskatchewan, But the ex-
tension of railway systems and the expansion of settle-
ment began to attract attention to the north. .\»ul,
as was the case with the iinn\igration westward, so with
the movement northwan;!, the Mounted l\>lice have

Inspoi'lor Hojfin.

been the pioneers. The Canadian policy has been to
provide protection for life ami property and the means
of enforcing the law, ahead of settlement, and
therein, not forgetting the traditional respeetof British
peoples for eijuitable laws, lies (he s««eret of tlu> peace-
ful settlement of the Canadian West.

Dm-ing 18S9. for the first time, police were sent into
Keewatin at the nniuest of th(> bi«>ut(>nanl Governors
of Manitoba, and the North-West Territories. A
party under Inspector Begin, proceeded to Grand
Rapids on the first boat, and remained in the vicinity
part of the sununer with the view of preventing (he
importation of licpior into the northern portions of

109

the North- West Territories, via the Saskatchewan,
without permits. The low state of the water in the
river, however, prevented the steamers from running,
and the party was withdrawn. While in the north,
Inspector Begin collected a great deal of information
which the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba acknow-
ledged.

During the summer of 1889, 40 men of "F" Division
from Prince Albert and the same number of "C" Divi-
sion from Battleford patrolled to Regina and back,
remaining during the greater part of the month of
September under canvas at Regina. The two parties,
on the way south, effected a junction at Saskatoon.

An extraordinary drought all over the country was
excessively hard on the horses, and the "C" and "F"
patrols, under Supt. Perry, had to travel on one
day, 40 miles, and on the next, 42 miles, without water.
This was bad enough for picked horses and a flying
patrol, but when it is considered that there were
eighty men mounted, without spare horses, and twelve
heavily loaded teams, the distances are enormous.
Great credit was considered by the Commissioner to be
due Superintendent Perry and all ranks, for the
splendid condition of the horses on arrival at Regina,
every horse in work had an entire absence of sore
backs and shoulders. The patrol proceeded south,
via Saskatoon and Moose jaw, a distance of 300 miles
in twelve days, and returned via the route of the Long
Lake Railway and Saskatoon, 350 miles, in ten days.

During 1889, great interest was taken in rifle shooting,
and the Commissioner suggested the sending a team
to Ottawa for the Dominion matches the following
year. He also recommended that the best shot in
each division, and the best in the force, should receive
extra pay.

In June, a rifle competition took place at Saskatoon,
between teams of 16 non-commissioned officers and
men of "C" and "F" Divisions for "The Hudson Bay
Cup", "F" Division proving the winners. The cup
was presented by the officials of the Hudson Bay
Company, and was to be won two years in succession.

During the year 1890, in addition to the regular
patrols, small patrols, under the command of an officer,
frequently travelled through the various districts and
proved in a most conclusive manner that the regular
patrols had done their duty entirely to the satisfaction
of the law-abiding settlers.

The police outposts were becoming more numerous
every year, and the detachments were rapidly im-
proving the buildings, thereby better ensuring the
comfort of the men, who had to undergo very severe
hardships at times on patrol..

During the summer of 1890, the energetic Minister
of Customs, the Hon. Mackenzie Bowell, with a party

of police under Sergeant Waite, went through the
Crow's Nest Pass with pack-horses, on a tour of ins-
pection, and visited the Kootenay country.

The patrol party was again, on the opening of
navigation, sent north to the Lake Winnipeg district,
and was considerably increased in size; a great deal
of efficient work being done by Inspector Begin and
his command. This officer, in 1890, went as far north
as York Factory.

During the early summer, H.R.H. the Duke of
Connaught passed through the country, on his way
home to England on completion of a command in
India, and wherever he stopped in the North-West,
escorts were provided, and transport was ready, if
required.

Assistant Commissioner Herchmer reported to His
Royal Highness at Banff, and accompanied him
beyond the eastern limits of the Territories. His
Royal Highness expressed himself as much pleased
with the Mounted Police and the services performed
for him by them.

The Assistant Commissioner also accompanied
Colonel Fane of the British Army in a tour of the
ranching country to ascertain its capabilities in the
way of supplying remounts for the army.

The same year (1890) the officers of the force gave
even more than the usual attention to the suppression
of prairie fires, and parties were specially sent out in
some of the districts which had suffered in former
years, with instructions to look sharp after all parties
starting fires, and in all districts the outposts were
particularly instructed in this direction. The result
was most satisfactory.

Perhaps the most important event in the history
of the Mounted Police, as in that of the Dominion,
during the year 1891, was the death of Sir John A.
Macdonald on June 6th. Sir John had always mani-
fested the keenest personal interest in the force, and
never allowed anything to interfere with his ambition
to have it maintained as a sensible, practical police
force and at the same time to have it kept up to a
high state of smartness and military efficiency as a
veritable corps d'elite. Whatever portfolios the
veteran premier held, he retained the administra-
tion of the Mounted Police in his own hands
up to the very last. In the new government formed
after Sir John's death, the premier, Hon. Sir J. J. C.
Abbott, as President of the Council, retained control
of the Mounted Police.

As to the personal of the force in 1891 the Com-
missioner reported the average height as about 5 feet,
9^ inches and chest measurement about 38} inches.
There was some difficulty in securing enough suitable
horses, as not a single eastern horse had been bought

110

for several years. The western horses were reported
to be improving every year, and with the progeny of
imported horses coming into the market the following
spring, a further marked improvement was expected.

The Commissioner in his annual report for 1891
appeared gratified to state: — "Canteens are now
working at Regina, Macleod, Lethbridge and Calgary,
and are found to be a great convenience and saving to
the men. The profits reduce the cost of messing, and
afford the men recreation which they could not other-
wise enjoy. 1 find that there has been a sensible
decrease of crime and in the number of breaches of
discipline at those posts where canteens have been
established; and that these posts compare favourably
in this respect with those where no canteens exist".

The construction of the Calgary and Edmonton
and the Calgary and Macleod railways was closely
watched during 1891 by the police, and every assist-
ance was given the contractors in enforcing the ab-
sence of liquor from the camps. Several arrests were
made for illegally leaving employment, but, on the
whole, the best of order was maintained all through.
One officer was in charge of constables on railway
construction all the time.

During this year a strict liquor license law was
introduced, which has tended to greatly reduce the
very objectionable duties the Mounted Police had
hitherto been called upon to discharge in enforcing
the laws respecting liquor. Up to this date a pro-
hibitory law was in force, it being an offence to have
even lager beer in possession except covered by a
permit obtained personally, and only on payment of
a heavy fee, from the Lieutenant Governor. When
one remembers the large Indian population and the
crude state of society in the pioneer days, the object
is easily understood. But, as the country opened up,
and towns, villages and settlements multiplied, it be-
came impossible to enforce the law, for public opinion
was against it. If people could not get licjuor honestly,
why, they would simply get it dishonestly. Where
wholesome liquors could not be obtained, the poison-
ous product of the illicit still found its way in. The
Mounted Police seized liquor by the waggon load
and destroyed it only to have to go through the same
operation the following day. The smugglers and
holders of illicit liquor were arrested and re-arrested,
only to bring down upon the police the enmity of the
prisoners and their friends. All kinds of subterfuges
were resorted to to smuggle beer and li<|Uor into the
territories. Piano ca.ses were line<l with tin and filled
with liquor. Metal receptacles containing spirits were
concealed within the covers of bogus Bibles and
hymn-bw)k8. Brandy and whisky were imjxirted in
medicine bottles labelled as containing acid, per-

fumery, etc. — Barrels of coal oil would have a keg of
whisky floating in the oil. Some genius invented a
celluloid egg shell which was filled with whisky, and
for a time it proved a safe receptacle. But, eventually,
the Mounted Police discovered the hoax, as they did
the others. The preventive service in connection
with this liquor trade was simply detested by the
Mounted Police for it was continually embroiling
them in trouble, and without any thanks, for the mis-
called prohibitory liquor law soon became very un-
popular v.ith everybody, including the clergy.

Commissioner after Commissioner of the force
complained of the difficulty of enforcing the act. For
instance, in his report for 1885, Lieut.-Col. Irvine
wrote : —

"The traffic in illicit liquor cannot, I regret to say,
be said to be on the decline. The ingenuity which
is devoted to encompass the transgression of the pro-
hibitory law is worthy of a better cause. Books
(that is, zinc cases made up in the shape of books),
sardine tins, oyster cans, coal oil cans and barrels,
and many other receptacles, including trunks, are
used to import liquor. The last mentioned, checked
through as passenger's baggage, were much in vogue
during the early part of the year, and in connection
therewith a very plausible complaint was made to
Ottawa of the high handed action of the police, which,
however, the complainants, did not substantiate by
avowing themselves the owners of the checks in
question. Details of the several seizures made have
been already reported periodically. I may safely
say that the majority of the people living in the North-
West do not respect and do not hesitate to break the
prohibitory liquor law. It is the unceasing and
faithful endeavour to enforce the provisions of this
law, in the face of a rapidly increasing population,
and much greater facilities for evading it, to which
the police owe most of the adverse criticism to which
they have been subjected. Men who were law-
abiding citizens in the old provinces think it no crime
to evade the liquor law, and do so on every opportunity.
If such men are not caught, then the police come in
for abuse from temperance quarters. If on the other
hand, arrests are made, conviction becomes a con-
ception, which eventually gives birth to most uns-
paring abuse, not of the law, but of those whoso duty
it is to enforce it."

In his report at the end of 1.SS7, Commissioner
Herchnier wrote: — "The enforcement of the North-
West prohibitory law is more difficult than ever, the
sympathy of many of the settlers being generally
against us in this matter. Large <iuantities of licpior
have been seized and spilt, but a great deal more
illicit liquor has undoubtedly beyn used under the

111

cloak of the permit system. Liquor is run into the
country in every conceivable manner, in -barrels of
sugar, salt, and as ginger ale, and even in neatly cons-
tructed imitation eggs, and respectable people, who
otherwise are honest, will resort to every device to
evade the liquor laws, and when caught they have
generally the quantity covered by their permits. It
is really curious the extraordinary length of time
some holders of permits can keep their liquor. The
permit system should be done away with in the first
place if the law is to be enforced, and the law itself
should be cleared of the technicalities that have

end of that year, the Commissioner wrote: — "The
liquor question is still in a very unsatisfactory con-
dition, and while the importation of beer has, I think,
lowered the demand for stronger liquor, the ruling
of the court that liquor once admitted under permit
can be held by anyone, and the fact that counterfoils
of permits belonging to other people can protect
liquor, almost completely kills the enforcement of
the North-West Act, in spite of the efforts of the
Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories
to prevent the transfer of permits, and places the
police in a most unfortunate position. In fact, as at

" No COMPL.\lNTS." A Settler sigriing- a Policeman's Patrol Sheet.
(From one oi a series of Pictures painted for the Dominion Department of Agriculture by Paul Wickson),

enabled so many to escape punishment this last year.
The importation and manufacture of a good article
of lager beer, under stringent Inland Revenue regula-
tions would, in my opinion greatly assist the satis-
factory settlement of this vexed question. Nearly
all the opprobrium that has been cast upon the Police
generally, and my management in particular, can be
directly traced to public sentiment on the attempt to
enforce this law. "

In 1889, the law was amended to permit of the
importation of beer, and this relieved the situation^
somewhat, but not altogether. In his report at the

present interpreted, it is impossible to enforce the Act. "
It is not to be wondered at that the introduction of
a license system was hailed with satisfaction in the
Mounted Police, but there was a direct disadvantage
therefrom too, for in his annual report at the end of 1892
the Commissioner ascribed an increase of drunkenness
in the force to the introduction of the License Act (2).

(2) The crusade against illicit liquor in theold mis-called prohibition days
was productive of drinking in some cases, the men occasionally obtaining
possession of seized liquor. In one or more cases, bibilous policem ni
made a practice of burying under the turf where the seized liquor was
accustomed to be spilled, convenient recepticles, which were unearthed as
soon as the officers' backs were turned after each spilling.

112

December 5, 1892, the Mounted Police again lost
it« administrative head, Sir John J.J.C. Abbott re-
signing and being succeeded as Premier by the Hon.
Sir John Thompson. In the Thompson Cabinet,
December 5, 1892 to December 12, 1894, the Hon.
W. B. Ives, as President of the Council, had the
Mounted Police department under his charge.

During the year 1892 a great increase in the settle-
ment of the North-West was reported, particularly in
the Edmonton district, which was filling up very
rapidly, and as the crops had been good, a very large
influx was expected the following year. Large
numbers of settlers came in from the United States,
particularly from Washington and Dakota, and all
appeared quite satisfied with their prospects.

The Mormons, who had established a settlement
in Alberta, were increasing in numbers and importing
a number of sheep. They were also preparing to
irrigate their land in the near future. They, in 1892,
supplied most of the butter and eggs used at Macleod
and Lethbridge, and were, so far as the police could
judge, good, law-abiding settlers.

Every possible assistance was at this period rendered
incoming settlers by the force, even as far as driving
them over the most desirable districts for settlement,
and they repeatedly expressed their appreciation of
the services so freely rendered. All the new settle-
ments were regularly visited by patrols, and each
settler specifically asked to report in writing if he had
any complaints or not.

The steady extension of the active sphere of opera-
tions of the Mounted Police northward took a marked
-top forward in 1892.

Early in the .season the advisability of establishing
a permanent outpost at Cumberland House (wliich
is situated about 220 miles below Prince Albert, on
the Saskatchewan River") was considered. Supt.
Cotton, commanding at Prince Albert, furnished the
CommLs,sioner with a detailed rep>rt on the subject,
the result being that a small detachment con.sisting
of one non-commissioned officer and one constable,
was stationed there in July. The establishment of
this detachment embraced an imjx)rr.ant section of
country not previously under police surveillance.
One of the nio.st important duties devolving upon
this detachment was the prevention of illicit licjuor
being supplied to Indians. In Aiigust, the Com-
missioner received a communication from R. Macfar-
lane, Esq., chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company,

Cumberland district, in which he wrote: "During

the past month, the party ({Kilice detachment) has
been travelling witli .Mr. Agent Rearler on liis yearly
annuity payment tour to the diflFerent Indian reserves
of the Pas, Agency, Treaty No. 5. It is very satis-

factory to be able to state that their presence had a
most tranquilizing effect on the Indians, some of whom
had on previous occasions made themselves anything
but agreeable to their agent, and they certainly in-
tended giving trouble this season, while it should be
borne in mind that if the police had been absent,
petty traders would probably have introduced liquor
among the natives."

A limited number of settlers moved into the Prince
Albert district in 1892 and many delegates from the
United States and the eastern provinces visited Prince
Albert and the surrounding country with a view of
making reports as to the quality of the land and the
general prospects of intending settlers. In many
cases the Dominion Immigration Department and
the local Boards of Trade requested police assistance in
driving such delegates from point to point. Whenever
practicable, assistance was rendered.

During the year 1893 the force lost by death
three officers and four men, the heaviest death rate for
many years.

Assistant Surgeon Dodd, an officer of great medical
experience, died very suddenly on the 1st of January,
while in medical charge of Maple Creek. He was
buried in the police cemetery at Regina. Inspector
Piercy, an officer who served in the force for many
years, both in the ranks, and afterwards as a com-
missioned officer, died at Edmonton on the 13th of
March, and was buried there. Inspector Huot, who
had been in command at Duck Lake for several years,
and who had been suffering for some time, died at
Duck Lake on the 23rd of March. He was a great
favourite with his comrades and very popular in his
district, having always displayed great tact in dealing
with the natives. He was buried at Prince Albert.

On numerous occasions transport was placed at
the disposal of agricultural delegates, who visited
various sections of the territories this year. Upon one
of these occasions the visitors were a party of Germans,
■who arrived in Macleod in April, and who represented
several hundred families, who had commissioned
them to examine and report upon the North-West,
with a view to settlement therein. These gentlemen
visited Kootenay, Big Bend, Pincher Creek, and Stand
Off.

During 1894, the system of patrols carried out
during the preceding few years was continued; the
new settlements, particularly in the F'dmonton dis-
trict, Ix'ing well looked after. The total withdrawal
of all the detachments in Manitoba, early in the spring,
place*! sufficient men and horses at the (\)mmission(>r's
dis|M)sal to meet new responsibilities. The vigilance
of these patrols continued to have a good effect, as
very little serious crime had occurred in the Terri-

113

tories without detection. As usual, there was a total
absence of train and highway robberies, so very pre-
valent during this particular year on the other side
of the boundary line. The deterrent effect of the
Force in this direction was repeatedly noticed in the
public press of Canada and the United States during
the year.

The most important capture made by the Mounted
Police patrols in 1894 was that of three half-breeds,
near Writing-on-Stone detachment, in the Lethbridge

police into Canada under arrest, and consequently
were not fugitives from justice under the Act.

A reduction of the force having been determined
upon, no recruits were engaged after the early part of
the year, and only the very best of the time-expired
men were re-engaged. Every opportunity was taken
to keep the men up to the mark and the whole force
was well drilled.

His Excellency the Governor General, the Earl of
Aberdeen, visited the Territories during the summer.

Ins. Scarth Ins. G. Brown Supt. Belcher

Ins. J. Constantine Supt. A. B. Perry

Vet. -Surg. Burnett
Ins. Strickland

Officers of the N. W. M. P. on Duty at Regina

Ins. Baker

Commissioner Herchmer

Ins. Irwin

Asst.-Com. Mcllree

Ins. C. Starnes

Surgeon Bell

district. These breeds were more or less implicated
in the 1885 rebellion, and fled to the United States,
taking up their residence, with some 40 others, in the
Sweet Grass Hills, where they lived without work,
killing, it is believed, a great many cattle. They
were surprised in the act by Corporal Dickson, ar-
rested and tried, but got off, as it was found by survey
that the actual killing took place just over the line,
in United States territory, and it was held that they
could not be extradited, as they were brought by

entailing the usual amount of additional escort and
guard duties upon the force. His Excellency was
pleased to express his satisfaction at the smartness
and high state of discipline evinced by all ranks.

In his annual report, this year, Supt. Steele, com-
manding the Macleod district, commenting on the
success of the Mounted Police in enforcing respect
for the law, compared with the very generally ex-
tended epidemic of lawlessness in some of the
western States, wrote : — "To properly appreciate

114

this, one should take into consideration all the
influences that usually bear against law and order
and which are found in their most developed state in
the western frontier settlements. In spite ot these
drawbacks, it is a fact that there is no place in the
Dominion where life and property are more respected
than in the North-West Territories. The policy of
establishing the means of obtaining law and order,
l^efore settlement, has been most beneficial to the
country at large, and makes 'vigilant committees,'
'white cai)s' and 'lynching gangs' impossible. By
such committees, gross injustices have, and always
will l>e perpetrated, and many innocent i)ersons
shot and hanged."

During the summer, a detachment of the Mounted
Police was sent north to the Athabasca River Country.

December 12, 1894, the Thompson Ministry was
dissolved by the sudden death of the Premier, the
Hon. Sir John S.D. Thompson, at Windsor Castle.
December 21, the Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell, formed
his cabinet, and as Premier and President of the
Council, was the administrative head of the Mounted
Police Department until April 27, 1896, when he re-
signed. During the short time he was at the head of
the Department Sir Mackenzie showed a markedly
intelligent and useful interest in the corps.

The continued reduction of the force in the spring
of 1895 necessitated the amalgamation of "D" antl
"H" Divisions at Macleod, and "B" and the Deix)t
Divisions at Regina, and the superannuation of two
suf»erintendents and two inspectors. While this
entailed considerable extra work on the officers re-
maining, the work was performed satisfactorily.

But very few men were recruited during the year.
and a new system, of trying all recruits for two months
Ijefore permanent enlistment, was instituted.

Notwithstanding the very consirlerably reduced
strength of the force, the patrols during 1895 were
increased, and all the territory rec|uiring it was visited
by them. Patrols this year called on all settlers on
their route, taking particulars of any complaints they
may have had, and making inquiries concerning sus-
picious characters seen in the vicinity, whether any stray
animals had been seen, and whether any animals
were diseased. All along their route they rode through
any herds of cattle, or bands of horses, and looked
them over. They made inquiries re any breach of
the fishery and game regulations, and any iWNsible
evasions of the customs. All cami# of Indians were
vi.«iteti, and inquiries made, and the Indian pas.ses
examined, and, in the season, a sharp lookout was
kept for prairie fires. This routine continues to Im«
followed.

The taking of the census in April, 1895, wa.-* en-

trusted to the Mounted Police, and occasioned a house-
to-house visit, which was very advantageous, as it
brought all the settlers under the innnediate observa-
tion of the police. The following was the result of
the census as taken by the police, exclusive of Indians:-

Assiniboia, 33,925 white, 867 half-breed. 34,843
horses, 99.575 cattle, 76,864 sheep; Alln^rta, 26,185
white people. 2,598 half-breed. 42.257 hoi-ses, 168,598
cattle, 45,816 sheep; Sa.skatchewan, 5,763 white
people, 4,168 half-breeds, 6,541 horses, 20,614 cattle,
6.422 sheep.

The Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell, Prime Minister,
and responsible head of the Mounted Police Depart-
ment, made an extended tour of the North-West
during the summer, inspecting many of the chief
jx)sts and detachments, and announceil himself well
pleased with the efficiency and zeal of the force.

Typical I'olii-f lamp on ihf Trail.
(Sir Mackenzie Bowells parly cmampfU «l Onion I-«kc, 1895.)

A detachment was jigain sent this summer, (1895)
for duty on the Athabasca River to prevent li(Hior
going in, withoiit fx'rmit, but an officer d'u\ not accom-
pany it, the detachment InMug place<l under commnnd
of StafT-Sergeant iletheringon who hati h«<l two years
experience in the district.

The advance rush of miners and prospcct<ir» to the
Yukon gold mines attainjMl stich pro|.ortions thi«
year that the government felt it whs time to provide
for the :i.Hsertion of the Dominion authority there,
and ihv establishment <»f law and order. In the
North-West Moimtnl P«.lice then' was an instnunent
ready to hand for the piir|K.se. and within a few wwks
of the is.Huing of flie necesj«ary instruct ioiw, the o<lvance
of the "Riilers of the Plains" mirthwnnl had U-en
pushed well u|» towards the extreme n«.rth-w«-sf corner
of the Domini«»nV great. ufiexplorc<l western reserve.

115

The Commissioner's instructions from the Comp-
troller were to the effect that a party of twenty, in-
cluding officers, was to be despatched to the Upper
Yukon for duty there. Inspector Constantine, an
officer of great determination and ability, who had
been in the far north country the previous year, was
selected to command, the other officers being Ins-
pector Strickland and Assistant Surgeon Wills. All
ranks were carefully selected for physique and fitness
for the work. They left Seattle, Wash, by steamer, on
the 5th of June, and arrived at their destination, Fort
Cudahy, on the 24th July, some 4,800 miles, where,
they lost no time in completing barracks. They got
out all the timber some 60 miles up the river, ran it
down, and conveyed it to the local saw mill, where they
squared the timber to a convenient size; the slabs and
boards thus obtained saving the necessity of purchasing
very expensive lumber. The ground selected as the
site had to be striped of moss before building on it,
which involved a great deal of hard work as this
accumulation of northern vegetation was about two
feet thick and had to be thrown into the river. The
buildings were of logs, squared, each log being
dropped on a layer of moss, which being thus
compressed as the building went up, became quite
air-tight, the roofs being slabs, moss and earth.

Great progress was reported as being made by the
Indians during the year 1895. Although in some
districts their crops were a failure, the means of earning
money placed the industrious ones above want, even
when there had been little hunting. With the ex-
ception of the Bloods, Peigans, Sarcees and Blackfeet
(and even these were then acquiring cattle) all re-
serves in the territories had large bands of excellent
cattle, the quality of which would compare more than
favourably with those of their white neighbours. All
the beef required in these bands for the sick and
destitute, etc., had been purchased direct from the
Indians themselves, and particularly in the north, a
considerable number of steers had been sold to drovers,
many of them for English markets.

During the year, on two occasions, Indians fired
at the police when attempting their arrest. In one
case, "Night Gun," a Blood, who had been followed
for several days by Corporal Carter, fired once, and
attempted to fire a second time, rather than be arrested
for horse stealing, and later in the year, " Almighty
Voice, " a Cree, deliberately shot dead Sergeant Cole-
brook near Kinistino, while attempting his arrest for
cattle killing and breaking jail. These were the only
two occasions on which Indians fired at the police at
close quarters, but while attempting to arrest " Scraping
High," a Blackfoot, for the murder of Mr. Skynner,
ration issuer, to the reserve, the Indian fired frequently

at both police and Indians before he was shot by a
constable. It appears that this Indian had a child
sick in the school conducted by the Rev. Mr. Tims,
on the reserve, and on the child dying, after being
taken home, he became more or less crazy, and after
threatening several officials, finally shot Mr. Skynner,
with whom he had some difficulty about obtaining
beef for his sick child.

July 13, 1890, the Hon. Sir Charles Tupper's govern-
ment (formed May 1st, the same year) having been
defeated at the polls, the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier
formed his first cabinet, as President of the Council,
taking under his personal charge the administration
of the Mounted Police Department, which he still
retains. Sir Wilfrid Laurier has always shown the
same personal interest in and keen regard for the
welfare of the North-West Mounted Police as were
manifested by Sir John A. Macdonald, and the result
has been most beneficial for the force as a whole and
for the officers and men individually.

During 1896 the force began to feel the crippling
effects of the recent reduction in the establishment.
At the end of the year there were 750 men on the
pay roll, but 70 of these were Indians, half-breeds
and white men who had been taken on as "^ specials".

The reduction in numerical strength alone did not
altogether represent the total reduced efficiency of
the force, for in his report for the year the Commis-
sioner wrote: — "The Force, generally, is not as well
drilled as formerly, and while every opportunity has
been taken, the police and other duties have been so
arduous that it was impossible to find time to drill,
and in many cases the detachments have only had
arm drill and target practice, as we had no men avail-
able to relieve them while they came to headquarters.
This has had a bad eft'ect, and I have no hesitation in
reporting that a lowering of our standard from a
disciplinary point is imminent, and is impossible to
avert, unless the men are well drilled, as continual
detachment work is very trying to the best men."

Inspector Constantine and his little garrison of 20
men were reported to be doing good work in the Yukon.
Some miners, in a camp of about 300, about eighty
miles from the North-West Mounted Police post,
undertook to run the settlement according to the
miners' code, and when remonstrated with, declined
to alter their proceedings. But immediately on the
arrival of Inspector Strikland and ten Constables,
they desisted from their high handed actions, and
afterwards behaved remarkably well.

On the 14th July, 1896, Interpreter Jerry Potts, died
of consumption after 22 years of faithful service. He
had joined the force at Fort Benton, in 1874, and
guided the late Colonel Macleod's command from the

116

Sweet Grass Hills to where the first police post in the
North-West was established, old Fort Macleod. From
that time, for many years, there were few trips or
expeditions that were not guided over the vast western
plains by Jerry Potts, who, as a guide, had no equal
in the North-West or Montana. Whether in the heat
of summer or in the depth of winter, with him as
guide all concerned were perfectly safe and quite
certain that they would arrive safely at their destina-
tion. His influence with the Indians was such that
his presence on many occasions prevented bloodshed,
and he could always be depended upon in cases of
difficulty, danger, or emergency.

The force also lost this year a splendid non-com-
missioned officer in Reg. No. 857, Sergeant Wilde,
who was shot dead in effecting the arrest of an Indian
murderer named "Charcoal". Sergeant Wilde was
in every respect one of the finest men who ever served
in the force, brave to a degree, and most useful in
every capacity. The citizens of Pincher Creek section,
where he had been statioaed for several years, have
erected a monument to his memory. Although in
the prime of life. Sergeant Wilde had served seven
years in the Royal Irish Dragoon Guards, three years
in the 2nd Life Guards, and 14 years in the North-
Wqst Mounted Police.

With characteristic doggedness the Mounted Police
kept on the trail of Sergeant Wilde's murderer until
he was hunted down, and after a fair trial, "Charcoal"
paid the penalty of his crime with his life, in the pre-
sence of the chief of his tribe, in the precincts of Fort
Macleod, March 16, 1897.

1897 will always be memorable throughout the
British Empire as "Jubilee Year," famous for the
celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the accession
of Victoria the Good to the throne of Britain. In
Ivondon, the Capital of the Empire, the main pageant
— a magnificently regal affair — partook altogether
of an Imperial character. It was a tremendous tri-
bute rendered to the person of a dearly beloved sove-
reign by the peoples of a proud, world-wide Empire
whose unification, prosperity and Imperial pride had
l)een largely the product of her beneficent reign.
All of the widely scattered countries of the world
which together form that wonderful fabric which we
know BA the British Empire — the greatest empire the
world has ever seen — were represented in the splendid
pageants in London, by their leading statesmen and
by representative detachments of their armed force,
and, in fitting recognition of the distingui.shed services
rendered by the force in extending and upholding
the authority of the British law in the north-western
fjuarter of North America, it was decided U) send a
representative detachment of the North-West Mounted

Police to London for the occasion, along with a strong
contingent picked from the active Militia. The
detachment consisted of one Superintendent, one
Inspector, thirty non-commissioned officers and men
and 27 horses. Sui:)erintendent Perry and Inspector
Belcher were the officers selected, and the force and
the Dominion had every reason to be proud of the
detachment, their physique, appearance, discipline
and drill being very generally admired, and they being
considered by prominent officers quite equal to the
best troops present. The horses, which suffered
greatly on the passage over, were in very good con-
dition on the day of the great procession. They were
afterwards presented to the Imperial Government.

Serjfeants of "C" Division, 1896.
A Typicial Secton of " The Backbone of the Force."

All the horses sent over were bred in the west and,
with one exception, ranged the prairie until four years
old.

Shortly before the embarkation of this i)arty for
England occurred the final stirring act of the "Al-
mighty Voice" tragedy.

Mention has been already made of the esca|x», late
in the autumn of 1895. of a Cree Indian named "Al-
mighty Voice" from the custody of the Mounted
Police at Duck Lake. He was pursued and tracked
for three days by Sergeant Colebrook, who had ar-
rested him in the first place for cattle killing. On the
morning of the fourth day the Sergeant and a half-
breed scout named Dumont came upon him suddenly,
he being acc()m|)anied by a 13-year old scpiaw with
whom he had ('loped, and, rather than be captured,
he deliberately shot S(Tgeani Colebrook dead.

The death of Colebrook was as clearly a case of
self-sacrifice on the altar of stern, manly duty as any

117

recorded in the pages of history. A bold bearing,
amounting even to rashness, was, and is, always
shown by the Mounted Police in their dealings with
the Indians. The very rashness of their daring in
the execution of duty has brought them, as if by
miraculous intervention, safely out of many and many
a tight hole. There was no such intervention in
poor Colebrook's case, and he paid the penalty.

Colebrook and the scout, riding hard on a hot
trail, heard a gun shot nearby, and proceeded
in the direction from which the shot came. A
short distance brought the sergeant and his com-
panion face to face with the outlaw, who had just
shot a prairie chicken. "Almighty Voice" making
some threats, Colebrook instructed his companion to
tell the Cree that they had come to arrest him and
that he must return at once to Duck Lake.

Without hesitation came the Cree's reply: — "Tell
him if he advances I will kill him."

At once the half-breed brought his carbine to his
shoulder and covered the Indian, but Colebrook
promptly ordered him to desist. Their duty was to
arrest the Indian, not to kill him. "Tell him to lay
down his rifle," commanded the sergeant, as, without
as much as undoing the holster of his revolver,
he rode deUberately forward, right upon the muzzle of
the Cree's aimed rifle. No Mounted Policeman
had ever j-et desisted from the execution of his
duty at the bidding of an armed Indian or any other
man, and Colebrook had no intention of breaking that
splendid tradition of the force. Really bad Indian
as he was, "Almighty Voice" hesitated about taking
the life of so chivalrous a man, and again warned him
against advancing. But warning or no warning, life
or death, the sergeant's duty was to advance, and a
man does not serve long enough in the Mounted
Police to win the three-barred chevron without ac-
quiring a sense of duty fairly idolatrous in its intensity.
It was not one of the days of miraculous interventions,
the Indian pulled his trigger, and the bullet, true to
its mark, pierced the Sergeant's heart.

On poor Colebrook falling dead off his horse, the
half-breed, who was of course not a member of the
force, went off for assistance, and although Colebrook's
comrades, disregarding sleepless nights and inclement
weather, thoroughly patrolled the country for several
weeks, it was impossible to recapture the Indian.
The affair happened at a very bad season, as the
Indians on the various reserves in the vicinity had
just scattered out for their autumn hunt over a very
large extent of broken country, and as all were more
or less related to the murderer, it was very difficult to
locate him. Two detachments, thoroughly outfitted
for the winter, were placed out on either side of the

1

hunting grounds; and throughout the length and
breadth of the great North-West, the red-coated
comrades of Sergeant Colebrook, rode and drove and
watched, in their untiring efforts to capture the murderer.
Officers, non-commissioned officers and men were
determined that they would not be baulked, but
weeks lengthened into months, and still "Almighty
Voice" retained his liberty. But the hunt was not
abandoned. Not only had the law been flagrantly
outraged, but the prestige of the force was at stake.
Throughout the whole year 1896 frequent patrols
were kept moving all over the country in which "Al-
mighty Voice" was supposed to be in hiding, but
although every effort was made to get information of
the fugitive, nothing was heard of him, and neither
Indians or half-breeds appeared to know anything
about him. But still the work of scouring the coun-
try in all directions was never for one moment relaxed.
At length. May 27, 1897, word reached the Prince
Albert Barracks, over the wire, that "Almighty
Voice" had shot and wounded a half-breed named
Napoleon Venne, while trying to recover a stolen horse.
The bugler of "F" Division was soon sounding
"boots and saddle, "and in an incredibly short
time a small detachment under Inspector Allen
was on the trail for the Miiniichinas Hills, seven-
teen miles from Duck liake, where "Almighty
Voice" had been located. All that evening and
all the night the wiry troop horses were urged for-
ward, time, even for the despatch of a hasty "snack"
of supper, being begrudged. Early in the morning,
from a little hill, three Indians were observed by the
keen eyes of the police scampering into a small bluff.
Clearly here was their quarry, and with some conn-ades.
The detachment was hastily disposed to prevent
escape from the bluff, and Allen proceeded towards
the clump of poplars to reconnoitre, only to be dropped
from his horse by a bullet through his right shoulder.
As he lay in the long grass, still half-stunned by the
shock of his wound, "Almighty Voice", kneeling
at the edge of the bluff and covering him with his
rifle, commanded him to throw him his cartridge belt.
"If you don't," he added in Cree, "I will kill you".
"Never" was the officer's prompt reply, for he realized
that the Indian dare not rush out in the open to possess
himself of the co vetted ammnunition. At that very
moment, the watching policemen sighted "Almighty
Voice" and opened fire on him, with such effect that
he hurriedly sought cover in the foliage of the bluff.
Friendly arms soon bore the wounded officer and
Sergeant Raven, who had also been wounded, to
safety, and an attempt was made to fire the bluff, but
unsuccessfully. It was felt that there was no use
risking life unnecessarily, but the outlaw and the
18

desperadoes with him, who tauntingly kept up a chorus
of "eoyottes", had to }ye captured, or killed. It was
"Blood for Blood'' now, for the slaying of Colebrook
and the morning's events warranted the shooting of
"Almighty Voice" and those leagued with him. After
some desultory fighting, Corporal Hockin with a few
constables and a couple of civilians, who had been
attracted to the spot, made a gallant attempt to rush
the bluff, with disastrous results, Corporal Hockin,
Constable Kerr, and one of the civilians, Mr. Grundy,
postmaster of Duck Lake, being killed. A party to
recover the bodies was at once organized but only
that of Hockin was taken back, the others being
covered by the outlaws from a pit they had excavated
in the ground. Shortly after this unfortunate rush
Su|ierintendent Gagnon 'arrived from Prince Albert

Assistant Commissioner J. H. Mcllree.

with a small re-inforcement and a seven-pounder gun.
A few rounds from the gun were fired at the esti-
mated site of the rifle pit, after which Gagnon disposed
his force so as to effectively prevent the escape of
the Indians. During the night, which wa« very dark
and cold, considerable desultory firing took place,
the Indians firing out of the bluff and the sentries
returning the fire.

Karly on the morning of the 29th, a party of two
officers, 24 non-commissioned officers and men, 13
horses and one 9-poimder field gtin left Rcgina by
8i)ecial train for the scene of operations. A.ssistant
C«mmi.ssioncr Mcllree commanded, the other officer
being iTispector Macdonell. Duck I^ke, now a railroad
station, but which seemed so far away in 1885, was
reached at 4.5() P.M. and the scene of action at 10 P.M.

1

"Almighty Voice" was still defiant, and about mid-
night called out in Cree:" Brothers, we've had a good
fight to-day. We've worked hard and are lunigry.
You've plenty of grub; send us in some. To-morrow
we'll finish the fight".

When morning broke, there were many spectators,
including numerous half-breeds and Indians. Among
the latter was the old mother of "Almighty Voice",
who intoned a weird death song, recounting her son's
deeds and predicting that he would die like an Indian
brave, killing many more of the police before he fell.
But he didn't.

Early in the morning the men surrounding the bluff
at close range were withdrawn and a wider circle of
mounted men established. Then the two guns sys-
tematically shelled the bluff, and the Assistant
Commissioner led a rush through it. "Almighty
Voice" and one of his companions "Little Salteaux"
had been killed by shell splinters in their rifle pit, the
third Indian, "Doubling," having met death from a
rifle bullet through his brain.

And so, after many days. Sergeant Colebrook 's death
had been avenged and the supremacy of the law in
the North- West once more asserted. And probably
serious trouble with the Indians was averted by the
termination of the incident, for the trouble with
"Almighty Voice" was much talked over among all
the Indians, treaty and non-treaty. The result was
not apparent in any overt act on the part of the
Indians, but had the swaggering outlaw remained
much longer at liberty, it would undoubtedly have
unsettled all the Indians in the country.

Meantime the rush to the Yukon had attained such
proportions that (he force there was gradually aug-
mented, and at the end of 1897 consisted of eight
officers and eighty-eight men, including dog drivers,
all of whom were under the direct command of the
Administrator of the district, the responsibility of
the Commissioner ending as soon as the officers and
men drafted from the force in the North-Wc»t landed at
Skagway. The best men were invariably .selected
for this duty, and great care wius taken in .seeing that
all were carefully examined by the doctors Ix'fore
starting. In addition to their [x)ssessing physical
strength and endurance, it was required that they
should have good characters and be good travellers
and handy men.

At the date mentioned there were only 670 of all
ranks on the pay roll of the force altogether, including
ninety specials employed as dog drivers, cooks,
artisans, etc.

Besides the service in the Yukon there were parties
out this year oji duty in the hitherto unknown regions
north of the S!iskatchcwan,and in view of the immc-
19

diate necessity for police in the Peace River and
Athabasca countries, the Commissioner requested an
increase of strength of 100 men, which was acceded
to.

The far northern service of the force had come to
be so important and was so rapidh' extended that
the supply of dog teams became a matter of anxiety
and negotiation, and in his report for the year 1897,
after referring as usual to the supply of horse flesh
for the force, the Commissioner wrote —

"Great difficulty was experienced in getting suitable
dogs for the Yukon and northern patrols, and to
enable us to get 130 good dogs we had to buy some

Assistant Commissioner Z. T. Wood, Commanding R.N.W.M.P.
in the Yukon.

15 inferior ones. Seventy-eight dogs have already
gone to Skagway, about 35 will follow at once, and
the remainder are being used on the northern patrols.
Inspector Moodie purchased 33 dogs at Lesser Slave
Lake Ts-aid to be very good ones) for his trip t(» Pellv
Banks".

The following year the department purchased 150
team dogs in Labrador, for use in the Yukon service
and the northern patrols.

The extent and importance of the duties of the
Mounted Police in the Yukon increased so rapidly
that at the end of 1898 there were 2 superintendents,

8 inspectors, 2 assistant surgeons, and 254 non-
commissioned officers and men doing duty in that
district. The officers were as follows: —

Superintendent S. B. Steele, in command; Super-
intendent Z. T. Wood, commanding Tagish district;
Inspector Primose at Bennett; Inspector Starnes at
Dawson, acting quarter-master and paymaster; In-
spector Harper at Dawson, sheriff; Inspector Scarth,
at Dawson; Inspector Strickland at Tagish; In-
spector Jarvis at Tagish; Inspector Belcher at
Dawson, in charge of the Town Station; Inspector
Cartwright at White Pass Post; Assistant Surgeon
Fraser at the Dalton Trail Post; Assistant Surgeon
Thompson, at Dawson.

Superintendent Steele reporting on these officers,
wrote : —

"I have had their cordial support and they are
hardworking, capable and highly respected throughout
the country. Superintendent Wood, was, on 1st of
July, 1898, promoted to his present rank, and given
command of the Tagish district, which is very im-
portant".

Superintendent Steele was in command of the Mac
leod district, North-West Territories, until 30th
January, 1898. On that date he received a telegram
from the Commissioner, directing him to leave by the
first train to Vancouver for Yukon duty, written
instructions to be received at that place from the
Honourable the Minister of the Interior. He left
Macleod on the 30th January and arrived at Van-
couver about 1 p.m. on the 31st. On his arrival he
received a mail from Victoria by Superintendent
Perry, which contained his instructions from the
Minister.

He arrived at Skagway on the 14th February, and
found that Inspector Wood, who was in charge of
the office of the Commissioner of the Y^ukon at that
place, had left for Little Salmon River, to place
accounts before the Commissioner for certification.

Supt. Perry, who was in the Yukon on temporary
duty, had left on the 10th for Bennett, via the White
Pass, had sent Inspector Belcher and party to the
Chilcoot summit by Dyea to establish and take com-
mand of a customs' post at that place. Superintendent
Perr}^ returned to Skagway on the 16th from Bennett
by the Chilcoot and Dyea, and informed Supt. Steele
that the posts on the White and Chilcoot Passes had
been established. Inspector Strickland in charge
of the White, and Inspector Belcher of the Chilcoot,
had been provisioned for six months.

At this time there were many thousands of people
living at a place called "Sheep Camp" some distance
from the summit, in United States Territory. Most
were engaged in packing their supplies to the summit,

120

all were apparently anxious to get through. Chiefly
owing to the fact that neither law nor order prevailed
in that section, murder, robbery and petty theft were
of common occurrence, the "shell game" coidd be
Seen at every turn of the trail, oj)eratioi>.s being pushed
with the utmost vigour, so as not to lose the golden
opportunity which they would be unable to find to
take advantage of on the other side of the line, in
British Territory.

Many important events took place in the Yukon
during the year. The officers in charge of the sum-
mits displayed great ability, using great firmness
and tact, and were loyally supported by the non-
commissioned officers and constables under their
command, who, under circumstances of the most
trying character, displayed the greatest fortitude and
endurance, amidst the terrific snow storms which
raged round their respective camps.

Large numbers of people were packing and hauling
their supplies over the passes at this time, the rush
of the Yukon being at its height, and the police office
at Skagway, maintained in the United States town
for the purpose of assisting in forwarding supplies
through to Canadian territory, and to afford informa-
tion to prospectors and others passing that way, was
besieged at all hours of the day and night by people
seeking information.

The town of Skagway at this time, and for some
months later, was little better than a hell upon earth.
The desperado commonly called "Soapy Smith" and
a numerous gang of ruffians ran the tow-n. Murder
and robber}' were of daily occurrence, hundreds came
there with plenty of money, and the next morning
had not sufficient to buy a meal, having been robbed
or cheated out of their money. Men were seen
frequently exchanging shots in the streets. On one
occasion, half a dozen in the vicinity and around the
\orth-West Mounted Police offices, were firing upon
one another, bullets passing through the buildings.
There was a United States deputy marshall at Skag-
way at this time for the purpose of maintaining law
and order, but no protection was expected from him.

In his first rcix)rt from Dawson, Superintendent
Steele wrote: — "Prior to my taking command at
Dav.s<jn, Stiperintendent Const antine was .several
years in charge of the Ncrth-West Mounted Police
at Forty Mile and here. The work done and the
reputation of the force gained during that time must
l)e considered most satisfactory to him jmrticularly
and to the force in general.

" Inspector Starnes. who is now performing the
duties of quarter master and paymaster, commamled
the district from the time SiUMTintendent Cons-
tantinc left, tuitil my arrival in September.

"The great rush to this place through the passes,
filling the town and vicinity with large numbers of
men of many nationalities, many difficult matters had
to be settled, disputes adjusted, law and order main-
tained. In my opinion the work was done well."

Inspector Moodie, who left Edmonton in August,
1897, to reach the Yukon by the Pelly Banks, his
instructions being to explore the Edmonton-Yukon
route, arrived with his party at Selkirk on the 24th
of October, 1898, after a great many hardships.

Consequent upon the discovery of gold in the Yukon
district, the judicial district of Yukon was established

Inspector Robert Belcher, C.M.G.

by Governor General's proclamation in 1897. The
district was separated from the other provisional
districts of the North-West, and constituted a separate
territory by Act of the Canadian Parliament in 1898,
l^eing supplied with all the machinery required to
enable their own local affairs, through a Commissioner
and Council of six apiminted by the Governor General
in Coimcil. In 1899, provision was made for tlu;
election of two representatives on the Council by the
fjeople.

In 1898, owing to the large number of prospectors
endeavouring to reach the Yukon by the Mackenzie

121

River, the northern patrol which started in De-
cember '97, went as far as Fort Simpson, carrying
mail, and interviewing all the travellers en route.
The consideration of the Government in sending this

Fort Graham, B.C. H. B. Co. Post.

N.W.M.P. Pack Train preparing: to start for Sylvester's

Landing on Dease River, July, 1898.

(From a photograph loaned by the Comptroller).

patrol was very much appreciated, as it enabled the
prospectors, not only to receive long expected letters
from their friends, but also afforded means, on the
return trip of Inspector Routledge, of acquainting
the friends of the men met on the trail of their progress
and welfare.

While the patrol was in the vicinity of Fort Smith,
two hunters were arrested and punished for killing
wood Vniffalo, and the example made was the means
of preserving these animals, as hunters were all
thereby made aware of their being preserved.

A number of the parties, who started overland for
the Yukon, quarrelled among themselves on arrival at
Peace River, and by mutual consent, the police were
requested to act as arbitrators, which they did, in all
cases to the satisfaction of all parties, and this prevented
bad blood, and possibly outrage.

On account of the increased establishment, 191
probationers were taken on the force during 1898,
out of which number 138 were finally accepted as
members of the Force.

At the end of the year there were 830 of all ranks
on the strength, including the Yukon.

During 1898, large numbers of settlers took up land
in comparatively unexploited districts. The new set-
tlers were chiefly Galicians, although a number of
Americans and repatriated Canadians also settled in the
west. The Galicians located about Egg Lake, near Fort
Saskatchewan, Fish ('reek, nearRosthern, and South of

Yorkton, all in good country. These settlers generally
did well, considering the very small means some of
them had on arrival.

Many of the best men, at this time, were being sent
out to the Yukon and the northern patrols, and the
standard of the force seemed to deteriorate for a time.

During several years, very little training beyond
spring setting up and recruit drill could be done, all
ranks being so fully employed in police duties, l^ut
a good class of recruits offered, and at the end of 1899,
Commissioner Herchmer reported that the standard
of physique was much better. As to discipline, he
reported that it, during the year, had been of a very
high order, and the men could be trusted anywhere
without supervision. The large number of men sent
to the Yukon left the officers with many very young
and inexperienced constables to police the country,
but the Commissioner was proud to report that,
although in many instances the men were far away
from immediate control, the duties were well done
and the prestige of the force fully maintained.

The annual winter patrol to the north in 1899, only
went as far as Fort Resolution, returning by Peace
River and Lesser Slave Lake.

Superintendent A. Bowen Perry assumed command
of the North-West Mounted Police in Yukon Territory,
on September 26, 1899, relieving Superintendent S.
B. Steele, who vacated the command on that date.
The following officers were serving in the Yukon
Territory at the end of the year 1899: —

Supt. A. B. Perry, commanding Territory.

"H" Division, Tagish. — Superintendent Z. T. Wood,
commanding division. Inspector D'Arcy Strickland,
Inspector W. H. Routledge, Insjjector A. M. Jarvis,
Assistant Surgeon S. M. Fraser. Assistant Surgeon L.
A. Pare, Assistant Surgeon J. Madore.

ToU

— "^ r

..>v' •/>.;». ^m

'^W^i:-:..,

N.W.M.P. Detachment, Farwell, 1899.

122

•'B" Division, Dawson. — Supt. P. C. H. Primose,
commanding division, Inspector C. Starnes, Inspector
W. H. Scarth, Inspector P. I. Cartwright, Assistant
Surgeon W. E. Thompson.- -Total number of officers,
13.

Inspector Harper and Belcher returned from the
Yukon to the North-West Territories for duty during
the year.

The completion of the railway over the White Pass
to Lake Bennett, the headquarters of navigation of
the Yukon River, solved the problem of sure and
speedy communication to the gold fields during the
season of navigation. The earliest date on which
a boat which had connected with ocean steamers
from Sound ports ever arrived at Dawson from St.
Michaels', was the middle of July. During the season
of 1899, boats arrived at Dawson from Lower La Barge,
in the middle of May, and navigation of the upper
river continued until the middle of October.

A conservative estimate of the population of the
Yukon Territory, in 1899, placed it at 20,000. Nearly
all were men, there being very few women and children
in comparison. However, this was then changing
rapidly, and many men were taking in their wives
and families, finding that the social conditions and a
climate though vigorous, still very healthy, were not
inimical to their comfort and health.

At the request of the postma.ster general, the duty
of carrying the mail during the winter of 1898-99, was

undertaken by the police, and a very satisfactory
service was given. In performing this service, the
men employed travelled 64.012 miles with dog teams.
Superintendent Perry recommended that the sum of
S9,601.80 be distributed among the men as extra pay
for this service; the distribution to be made according
to the number of miles travelled by each man.

The force in the Yukon at the end of 1899, was
distributed at two division headquarter posts and
thirty detachments, from the Strickine River to Forty
Mile, a distance of 800 miles.

The record of the Mounted Police in the Yukon
had, up to this date, been as remarkable as that of the
force in the old North- West Territories. Lawlessness
had been suppressed with a firm hand, and law and
order established. Life and property were as safe
in the Yukon as in the City of Ottawa.

Truly the usefulness of the Mounted Police
to the Dominion of Canada had been abundantly
demonstrated in a steadily widening theatre of o|x?ra-
tions between the date of the organization of the
force, and the year 1900. And officers and men of the
force were about to prove, by gallant service on the
veldts and kopjes of South Africa, that they were
capable and ready to {x^rform as useful work for the
P^mpire as they had, for a ([uarter of a century, hvon
doing for that Empire's premier colony over the
prairies and mountains of Canada's far west.

Commanding Officers' Quarters and Offiier»' Mess
TaKi!s»i (Yukon) Post, R.N.W.M.P.

123

CHAPTER XI

UNDER THE PRESENT COMMISSIONER

Handsome and Useful Contributions of the N.W.M.F. Towards the Armies Fighting the Battles
OF THE Empire in South Africa. — The Victoria Cross. — Great Extension of the Work of the
Force in The Yukon and the Far North. — The Memorable Visit of the Duke and Duchess of
Cornwall and York, and the Conferring upon the Force of the Distinction "Roial". — The
Earl of Mtnto Honorary Commissioner. — Vice-Regal Vsits. — The Inauguration of The New
Provinces. — The Hudson Bay Detachments. — Something About the Force as it is To-day, and
THE Work it is Doing.

THE transfer of the Commissiouership from Lieut.
Col. Lawrence W. Herchmer to Superintendent
A. Bo wen Perry, and the large contributions
made by the force to the Canadian Contingents in
South Africa combine to make the year 1900 a
memorable one in the annals of the Royal North- West
Mounted Police.

Superintendent Perrj^ was promoted Commissioner
vice Lieut. -Col. Herchmer retired, August 1st, and
assumed the command on August 18.

The new Commissioner is a graduate of the Royal
Military College, Kingston, (1) a member of the first-
class, that graduating in 1880, in fact. After gradua-
ting from the R.M.C., and before being appointed to the
N.W.M.P., the Commissioner served for several years
with distinction in the Royal Engineers, he having won
a commission in that corps upon graduation from the
Royal Military College.

(1) The Royal Military O-llege, established by Act of the Parliament of
Canada, was opened in 1876, with the special object of providing the def en-
five forces of the Dominion with a staff of thoroughly trained and educated
officers and has been an unqualified success from the start, its classes having
been always well attended. The success of the system of education adopted
is attested by the large number of brilliant officers the college has contributed
to the British regular Army, to the Canadian Active Militia, and the Royal
North-West Mounted Police, not U> speak of the hundreds of eminent en-
gineers and others engaged in civil occupations, who claim the "R.M.C." as
their alma mater. As a general practice, although there is no hard and fast

At the time Commissioner Peny assumed command,
affairs within the Mounted Police were in a decidedly
unsettled state owing to the then recent heavy drafts
therefrom of officers, men and horses for service with
the Canadian Contingents for South Africa.

The first contingent despatched by Canada to South
Africa, which sailed from Quebec, October 30, 1899, at
the special request of the British Government con-
sisted wholly of infantry, and thereto the North-West
Mounted Police made no contributions of officers or
men directly, although several former non-commissioned
officers and constables of the force enlisted.

The units to which the N.W.M.P. contributed
directly were the 2nd Battalion Canadian Mounted
Rifles, which sailed from Halifax for Cape Town on the
"Pomeranian," January 27, 1900; Lord Strathcona's
Corps, which embarked at Halifax on the SS. "Mon-
terey," March 16, 1900; Canadian contingent to the

rule to that effect, about one-third the commissions in the R.N.W.M.P. are
awarded to graduates of the R.M.C, the others in succession being allotted
in about equal proportions to exceptionally qualified officers of the Active
Militia and to non-commissioned officers, who have performed distinguished
and meritorious service in the force. The officers the Royal Military
College has contributed to the R.N.W.M.P., have always been distinguished
not merely by their exceptional technical knowledge of the military branches
of the work in the force, but by great zeal in the discharge of their mis-
cellaneous duties, and exceptional success in the handling of the men en-
trusted to their charge.

124

South African Constabulary, sailed during the spring
of 1901; the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th "Regiments" of
Canadian Mounted Rifles (generally known as the
Third Contingent) which sailed from Canada in May,
1902, and returned in July the same year, hostilities
having in the meantime been brought to a conclusion.
The N.W.M.P, had the honor of supplying for the
Boer war, no less than 18 officers, and 160 non-com-
missioned officers and men, distributed as follows: —
2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, 11 officers and 134 men:
Strathcona Horse, 7 officers and 26 men. A consider-
able number of e\-officers and men were in both corps.

A. Bowen Perry, Fifth, and Present, Commissioner.

All of the chief non-commissioned officers of Ijoth units
were active or former meml>ers of the force, and in fact
the influence of the Mounted Police was so dominant
in Ixith corps that they may almost be regarded as
the special contributions of the force to the armies
carr\'ing on the fight for Empire in South Africa.

Officers and men, upon being allowed to accejjt serx'ice
in the various iniit«, were granted leave of ab.sonce from
the .Mounted Police, the time serving in Soutli Africa
being counted as service with the force.

For the "Third Contingent" five officers and men
were grantJ'fl twelve months leave for the puriK)se of

joining it and the following commissions were granted
to members of the force, who, with one exception, had
already served in South Africa:— Insp. Moodie, Captain;
Insp. Demers. Lieutenant; Sergt. Maj. Richards,
Lieutenant; Sergt. Maj. Church, Adjutant. Sergt.
Hynes, was appointed Regtl. Sergeant Major.

There were a great number of volunteers, and had the
Government thought it wise to organize a battalion of
N.W.M. Police, the Cimnnissioner did not doubt but
that the force could have been easily increased to 1,000
men by ex-members rejoining for the campaign.

The recruiting in the Territories for the last con-
tingent was done by the commanding officers of the
different posts,

The force contributed to the South African Con-
stabulary four officers and thirty-eight N.C.O's. and
constables. Supt. Steele, C.B., M.\'.0.. was apix)inteti
a Colonel in the S.A.C. and was allowed twelve months
leave in order to take up the appointment. Inspector
Scarth was appointed captain in the S.A.C. and granted
six months leave. Constables Ermatinger and French
were given commissions as lieutenants. The N.C.O's.
and constables transferring from the N.W.M.P. to the
S.A. Constabulary were granted free discharge.

The total contribution to the South ,\frican war by
the N.W.M.P. was 245, all ranks. No other permanent
corps in the Empire was called upon to make such
proportionate sacrifices, but as a corps, more's the
pity, it reaped no reward.

The Second Battalion of the Canadian Mounted
Rifles, raised under authority of a Militia Order of
December, 1899, was recruited under the special direc-
tion of the Commissioner of the North-West Mounted
Police. As about one-third of the 750 men of the
North-West Mounted Police were on s|x;cial duty in
the Yukon distriet. it was impossil)le to think of re-
cruiting the whole battalion from the active list of the
force, so the Commissioner was authorized to accept as
many of the non-coinmi.«sioned officers and constables
as could be s|)ared, and to fill up to the auth()rized
establishment with ex-policcmen and others when he
and his recruiting officers considered (puilified to serve
in the battalion. Pay was fixed at the rates prevailing
in the Mounted Police. All the posts of the North-
West Mounted Police were constituted recruiting
stations. The officers of the battalion, who were given
rank in the Active Militia, '"Nvere as follows : —

Commatuling Ofliccr, Herchmer. Lieut.-Col. L. W.

(a) n will linvr lirni ciI)mtvc<I thni on nrcciiinl nf ihp ilrairn to inninlnin
the ilintinrtiiiii Im-Iwih-ii the rivil kIiiIuk nf tin- N. W.M. I*, and tlif niililnry
ttljifiiK of the Mililin urunnixnlionn. tlii* <ifljc«Tj< of tlio furrc litivo not Immmi
KJvcn niilitnry rmnk a«i rolondx, innjorx, rniilninw. rti-., nml tlin niililnry
fill«'<« lifM by ninny offirrrtt hnvr limMi K'linnl l>y lliein on niilitnry "MTvirr
|in'vi<uiJ< to npiiointnipnt to flu- Moiin(i'<l rolicc or conft-rn'fl upon llioiii
while wrvinK with the Active Militia or regular army.

125

(Commissioner N.W.M.P.); "C" Squadron,— Com-
manding Squadron, Howe, Major J. (Superintendent
N.W.M.P.) ; Captain, Macdonell, A.C. (Inspector N.W.
M.P.); Lieutenants, 1st Troop: Moodie, J. D. (In-
spector N.W.M.P.); 2nd Troop: Begin, J. V. (In-
spector X.W.M.P.); 3rd Troop: Wroughton, T. A.
(Inspector N.W.M.P.); 4th Troop: Inglis, W.M. (late
Capt. Berkshire Regt.) ; " D " Squadron — Commanding
Squadron, Sanders, Major G. E. (Superintendent N.W.
M.P.)„ Graduate R.M.C.; Captain, Cuthbert, A. E. R.
(Inspector N.W.M.P.) ; Lieutenants, 1st Troop: David-
son, H. J. A. (Inspector N.W.M.P.) ; 2nd Troop:
Chalmers, T. W. (formerly Lieut. M.G.A., later Inspec-
tor N.W.M.P.), Graduate R.M.C.; 3rd Troop:

Superintendent J. D. Moodie.

Taylor, J. (Lieutenant Manitoba Dragoons); 4th
Troop: Cosby, F. L. (Inspector N.W.M.P.); Ma-
chine Gun Section, Bliss, D. C. F. (Major Reserve of
Officers); Howard, A. L. (Lieut. Unattached List);
Adjutant, Baker, Capt. M. (Inspector N.W.M.P.) ;
Quartermaster, Allan, Capt. J. B. (Inspector N.W.M.P.) ;
Medical Officer, Devine, J. A. (Surgeon-Lieut. 90th
Battalion) ; Transport Officer, Eustace, Lieut. R. W. B. ;
Veterinary Officer, Riddell, Vet.-Lieut. R.

It will be observed that with very few exceptions
all the officers were active or retired officers of the
North- Wast Mounted Police.

For a time, at the front, the battalion chanced to
serve under Major General Hutton, who had been some
years previously communicated with, with the object of
securing his services as Commissioner of the N.W.M.P.

Here is a sample incident which gives some sort of
an idea of the service performed by the 2nd Battalion
of the Canadian Mounted Rifles and which also shows
that the officers and men of the Mounted Police dis-
played in South Africa the same cool courage and de-
votion which have crowded the annals of the service
of the force on the North- West prairies with so much
that is honorable and glorious : —

November 1st, 1900, a column, under General Smith
Dorion, moved south from Belfast toward the Komati
River. Sixty men of the 2nd C.M.R., the second day
of the march formed the advanced guard under Major
Sanders. The guide took a wrong direction, and
when they came in touch with the enemy the main
column had branched off to the right and was nearly
two miles away. Expecting early assistance, the small
force, although in a most critical and dangerous posi-
tion, held its groimd under severe rifle fire. After some
time, orders were received from the G.O.C., who had
received news of the situation, for a retirement. The
small party in the extreme advance was commanded
by Lieutenant Chalmers, and he skillfully fell back
upon his supports, the retirement subsequently being
steadily parried out by successive groups. Meantime,
the whole party was being subjected to a galling rifle
fire. Corporal Schell's horse was killed, and the animal
falling on his rider, seriously injured him, whereupon
Sergeant Tryon dismounted and helped the injured
man on to the back of his own mount, continuing him-
self on foot. Noticing this. Major Sanders rode to
the assistance of Tryon, and was in the act of taking
him up in front of him, when the saddle turned, and
both were thrown. Major Sanders, partially stunned
by the fall, was making for cover when stricken to the
ground by a bullet. Ijieutenant Chalmers immediately
preceeded to the assistance of his superior officer, and
being unable to remove him, was riding to the firing
line for assistance when shot through the body, dying a
few minutes later.

On September 5, a detachment of 125 men of the
Second Battalion which was guarding the raihvay
between Pan and Wonderfontein, east of Middlcburg,
was attacked by a force of Boers with two field pieces
and one pom-pom. Colonel Mahon was sent to their
assistance, but before he arrived the Canadians had
beaten the Boers off after a sharp fight in which Major
Sanders, Lieutenant Moodie and two men were
wounded and six men captured. Lord Roberts charac-
terized this exploit as "a very creditable perform-
ance. "

126

January 13, 1900, the »Secrctary of State for War,
accepted the offer made by Lord Strathcona and Mount
Royal, two days previously, to equip and land at Cape
Town, at his own expense, 500 rough riders from the
Canadian Xorth-West as a special service corps of
mounted rifles. The Dominion GovernmMit undertook
the work of organizing and equipping this regiment,
and on February 1st, authority for the enlistment was
granted. The force was enrolled at twenty-three
points between Winnipeg and Victoria. Any man
experienced in horsemanship and rifle shooting was
eligible, but the preference was given to former mem-
bers of the North- West Mounted Police and the mounted

(Major SthRoyal Scots) ;Cartwright, F. L., (N.W.M.P.);
Lieutenants, Magee, R. H. B., Graduate R.M.C.;
Harper, F., (N.W.M.P.); Benyon, J. A., (Captain
Royal Canadian Artillery); Mackie, E. F., (Captain
90th Winnipeg Rifles); Fall, P., (2nd Lieut. Manitoba
Dragoons); White-Fraser, M. H., (Ex-Inspector N.W.
M.P.); Ketchen, H. D. B.. (N.W.M.P.); Macdonald,
J. F., (Captain 37th Haldimand Rifles); Leckie, J. E.,
(Graduate R.M.C.) ; Courtney, R. M.. (Captain 1st
P.W.R.F., Graduate R.M.C); Poolcy, T. E., (Captain
5th Reg't., C.A.); Christie. A. E.; Strange, A. W.;
Laidlaw, G. E., (Graduate R.M.C.) ; Kirkpatrick. G. H..
(Graduate R.M.C); Tobin. S. H.. (Graduate R.M.C);

THt OfFREKS ANU tltlUON.S OF Strathcona's Hoksf..

standing— 1.1. Magee, Lt. Laidlaw, Lt. Christie, Capt. McDonalU. Capt. Harper, Lt. Tokin, Lt. Snider, Or. Kocnan, Lt. Parker,
Lt. Courtney, Lt. Strange, Lt. Ketchen, Lt. Poolcy. Lt. Tcallc, Adj. Mackie.

Sitting— CApt. Howard, Capt. Cartright, Maj. Snyder, Lt.-Col. Steele, Maj. Belcher. Maj. Jart-is, Miy. Laurie, Capt, Cameron.

iwrmanent corps of Militia. Pay of officers and men Quartermaster, Parker, W.; TransiK)rt Officer, Snider,

was again fixed at the rates prevailing in the North
West Mounted Police. The command was given to
Superintendent Steele, and eight of the other most im-
portant commi.ssions were given to officers of the
force. The complete list of officers of Strathcona's
Horse, who were commi-ssioned as officers of the British
Army, was as follows: —

Lieutenant-Colonel, Steele, Lieut.-Col. S. B., (N.W.
M.P.); Second in Command, Belcher, Major R. (N.W.
M.P.): Majors, Snyder, A. E., (N.W.M.P.); Jarvis,
A. M., (X.W.M.P.); Laurie, R. C, (Graduate R.M.C);
Captains. Howard. I). .M., (N.W.M.P.); Cameron, G.W.

I. B., (2nd Lieut. Manitoba Dragoons); .Medical Officer,
Keenan, C B., (Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal);
Veterinary Officer, Stevenson, G. P.

The rank and file numbered 512 and were recruited
over a territory of over 1,(KH),(KK) .square miles in ex-
tent. Some men had actually to travel 6(K) miles on
the ice of the Yukon River to enlist, and others came
for the purfiose from the Peace River district.

Strathcona's Horse was the hist body of Canadian
troops, which was luider fire, to leave Africa. Und(?r
General HuMer they took part in the brilliant cam-
paign in the north of and Iwyond Natal, taking part in

127

the capture of Ameispoort, Erniele, Carolina, Macha-
dadorp, Lvdenburg, Spitz Hop, and Pilgrim's Rest.
Returning to Machadadorp on October 7th, they re-
ceived instructions to turn their horses over to the
Imperial cavalry and entrain for Pretoria. It was
supposed to be the intention to send them home then,
but on October 20th, they were rehorsed at Pretoria
and sent to assist in the movement destined to open the
railway to Potchefstroom. In these operations they
greatly distinguished themselves, particularly while
acting as advance guard November 10. The Strath-

Major A. E. Snyder, Strathcona's Horse.

conas afterwards joined the force under General Knox
in his strenuous pursuit of DeWet.

Several retired members of the force served through-
out the campaign in South Africa with distinction in
other than the distinctively Canadian corps, notably
Constable Charles Ross, who had distinguished himself
as chief scout under Superintendent Herchmer during
the operations of the Battleford Column in the Rebel-
lion of 1885. Ross enrolled in an irregular troop and was
given a lieutenancy in Roberts' Horse, securing pro-
motion and being eventually accorded an independent
command of a Corps of Scouts.

The campaign brought to the Mounted Police,
through its officers and men serving in the several
contingents in South Africa, numerous distinguished
honours, including even the prize covetted by all
British soldiers, the reward " For Valor, " the Victoria
Cross.

The Cross was won at Wolvesprint, July 5, 1900,
by Sergeant A. H. Richardson of "C" Division, Battle-
ford, serving in Strathcona's Horse. Sergeant Richard-
son's act of valor consisted in gallantly riding back,
under a very heavy fire, to within 300 yards of the
enemy's position, to the rescue of a comrade who had
been twice wounded, and whose horse had been
shot.

The following honours were also gained by members
of the Mounted Police while on service in South
Africa: —

To be a Companion of the Order of the Bath— Supt.
S. B. Steele, Lt.-Col. Commanding Lord Strathcona's
Horse.

To be Companions of the Order of St. Michael and St.
George — Inspector R. Belcher, Major 2nd in Command,
Lord Strathcona's Horse; Inspector A. M. Jarvis,
Major, Lord Strathcona's Horse.

To be Companions of the Distinguished Service
Order — Superintendent G. E. Sanders, Major, 2nd in
Command, Canadian Mounted Rifles; Inspector A. C.
Macdonell, Captain Canadian Mounted Rifles; In-
spector F. L. Cartwright, Captain Lord Strathcona's
Corps.

To be a member of the Victorian Order (4th Class) —
Superintendent S. B. Steele, Lt.-Col., Commanding
Lord Strathcona's Corps.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal — Reg.
No. 995. Sergt. J. Hynes, Regt. Sergt.-Major, Lord
Strathcona's Horse; Reg. No. 895 Sergt. Major Rich-
ards, Sqd. Sergt.-Major, Lord Strathcona's Horse;
Reg. No. 3263 Constable A. S. Waite, private, Canadian
Mounted Rifles.

Lieut. -Col. L. W. Herchmer, was granted the rank
of Honorary Colonel on the retired list of the Active
Militia from May 17, 1901, Superintendents G. G.
Sanders and A. C. Macdonall, the rank of Lieutenant
Colonels, and Superintendent J. Howe and Inspectors
Cuthbert and Moodie, Majors. Several of the junior
officers received promotion in the Militia, superior to
the rank at which they joined the contingents. The
N.W.M.P. officers in Strathcona's Horse all received
honorary rank in the British Army.

The following members of the force were rewarded
for their services in South Africa by being granted
commissions in the British Army and the Colonial
Forces : —

128

Regtl. Rank. Name.

No.

3188 Sergeant Skirving, H. R. . .

3420 Constable Bredin, A. N

3228 Constable Ballantine, J. A. .

3031 Corporal French, J. G

3290 Constable Ermatinger, C. P .

2983 Sergeant Hilliam, E

3191 Sergeant-Major . . . .Church, F

899 " Richards, J

.3002 Staff-Sergeant Ketchen, H. D. B

Commission.

. .Colonial Forces.
. Imperial Army.

.S. A. Constabulary.

. Howard's Scouts.
.Canadian Yeomanry.

.C.M.R., Winnipeg.

And the Mounted Police, for the glory gained in the
campaign, paid the usual toll, the death roll of the
campaign being as follows: —

Res. N...

:;:«7. .
2431. .
3188. .
.30.51. .

:«n9. .
3:«o. .

Rank.

Const.

Name.
. Lewi.s, Z. R. E.

Cause.

Corps.

. R.C.R Killed in action

Davidson, F Howards Scouts "

CorpI Taylor, J. R C.M.R

Sergt Skirving, H. R. . . Imperial Army. "

Corpl O'Kelly, G. M. .. C.M.R Enteric fever.

Const I^tt. R

Clements, H. H . "

(Commissioner Perry took over the command of the
Mounted Police from Assistant Commissioner Mcllree,
who had been in command after the departure of
Lieut.-Col. L. W. Herchmer and the 2nd C.M.R. for
South Africa, on August 18, 1900.

A- soon us piacticable he inspected the posts at Cal-
gary. Fort Saskatchewan, Macleod, Lethbridge, Maple
Creek and Prince Albert, in order to obtain touch of
the force in the Territories, from which he had been
absent for some time on duty in the Yukon Territory.
He. naturally, found the divisions short-handed and
somewhat disorganized owing to the numl>er of officers,
non-commissioned officers and men, who had been per-
mitted to proceed on active service in South .\frica.
A large percentage of each division consisted of re-
cruits from whom the same work could not be ex-
pected as from trained and experienced men. He,
however, found all ranks anxious to do the best under
the circumstances and proud to have their corps re-
presented on the South African veldt.

The condition of the horses was not satisfactory,
and for the same reason, 155 picked animals had been
sold to the Militia Department for South African
service. This lo.ss, out of a total strength of 568, could
not but cripple the force somewhat. The new Com-
missioner found a considerable fx^rcentage of horses
were unfit for further service, and they were cast and
sold as fast as suitable remounts could be purchased.

About 84 special constables were carried on the
strength of the force in the Territories as interpreters,
scouts, artizans, teamsters, &c,, and were not trained,
therefore weakening the effective strength of the force.

On Xoveml^er, 30, 1900, the strength was:— North-
W ' ~t I . iritories, 24 officers, 79 non-com. officers, 417
con.stables, 418 horses; Yukon Territory. 10 officers,
37 non-commissioned officers, 207 constables, 34

horses; South Africa. 17 officers, 43 non-com. officers,
102 constables. It was estimated that on the return of
the contingents in South Africa and the discharge of all
special constables, the. strength would stand, on Feb-
ruary 1 at 850.

The North-West Territories was divided into dis-
tricts as follows: —

Regina. — Moosomin, Estevan. Saltcoats, Wood Moun-
tain, Moosejaw, Oxbow, Qu'Appelle, Wolsely,
Whitewood, Kutawa, Fort Pelly, Yorktown,
North Portal, Town Station, Willow Bunch, Nut
Lake, Emerson. — 18.

Lieut. H. 1). M. Kotclion, Siralhcona's Horse.
Promoted from the ranks of the N.W.M.P,

Maple Oeek. — Farewell, Ten .Mile, .Medicine liodge,
Medicine Hat, Town Station, Swift Current,
East Ebb.— 7.

Battleford.— Onion Lake. .lackfish. Macfarlanc, Hen-
rietta, Sa-skatchewan. — 5.

Macleod.— Pincher ('reek, Big Bend, Kootenay, Stand
Off. St. Mary's Kipp, Ix*avings, Moscjuito Oeek,
Porcupine. Piegan. Town Patrol, Fx^es ('reek,
Herd Camp.— 13.

129

Calgary.— Red Deer, Gleiehen, High River, Olds,
Banff. Canmore, Millarville, Rosebud, Morley,
Innisfail, Sarcee Reserve, Okotoks. — 12.

Prince Albert.— Duck Lake, Batoche, Rosthern, Fletts
Springs. — 4.

Edmonton District, (Fort Saskatchewan is the head-
quarters.)— Edmonton, St. Albert, Wetaskiwin,
Lacombe, Peace River Landing, Lesser Slave
Lake, Fort Chippewyan. — 7.

Lethbridge.— Coutts, Milk River Ridge, St. Mary's,
Writing on Stone, Pendant d'Oreille. — 5.
Total Districts, 8. Total Detachment, 7L

Three detachments had been temporarily esta-
blished in Manitoba for the winter to protect Crown
timber. From Roseau River in south-east Manitoba
to Fort Chippewyan, in the far north, 2,000 miles apart,
the men of the force were to be found.

In his annual report for 1900, Commissioner Perry
remarked: — "The great countries of the Peace, Atha-
bascka and Mackenzie rivers are constantly requiring
more men. An officer is about leaving Fort Saskatche-
wan to take command of that portion of the territory.
The operations of the American whalers at the mouth
of the Mackenzie will ere long require a detachment to
control their improper dealings with the Indians, and
to protect the revenue."

It was perhaps a happy co-incidence that in 1900,
while so many officers and men of the force were up-
holding the authority of the Empire in South Africa,
a great injustice, sustained by members of the force for
many years, was righted. Contrary to the practice in
dealing with the militia corps, the officers and men of
the N.W.M.P., who served through the North-West
Rebellion of 1885, but did not happen to be under fire,
did not receive the medal awarded by Her Majesty's
Government for the campaign, and it was not until
1900 that this invidious distinction was wiped out.

His Excellency, the Governor General, accompanied
by Her Excellency the Countess of Minto, their family
and suite, made an extended official visit through the
Territories lasting over three weeks during 1900, and
visited Lethbridge, Macleod, Calgary, Edmonton,
Regina, Prince Albert, Duck Lake, Batoche and Fort
Qu'Appelle,

Escorts, orderlies and transport were furnished at
the different points, His Excellency expressing himself
pleased with the arrangements.

An escort of one officer and 24 men proceeded from
Regina to Prince Albert to take the party over land
from that place to Qu'Appelle. The weather was
wretched just before starting, and the trip was aban-
doned by Her Excellency and family. His Excellency,

accompanied by a small staff and the escort, left Batoche
one Sunday and reached Fort Qu'Appelle on Saturday
night, having travelled 200 miles. It snowed and
rained alternately, rendering the trails very bad, and
increasing tremendously the work of the horses.

On arrival at Qu'Appelle, His Excellency thanked his
escort, and October 10, directed the following Order to
be published: —

"His Excellency, the Governor General, wishes to
express his great satisfaction with the escort supplied
to him from the Depot Division. The escort accom-
panied him through a very trying march, during which
His Excellency was impressed by their smartness and
efficiency, and he also wishes to thank all ranks for the
trouble they took to secure his comfort. "

On His Excellency's return to Ottawa, he forwarded,
through the Commissioner, a gold pin to each member
ot his escort, who keenly appreciated the high honor
conferred on them.

The following transfers of officers from the force
serving in the Yukon took place during 1900: —

Supt. A. B. Perry to depot, Insp. D. A. E. Strickland
to depot, Insp. F. L. Cartwright to depot for service in
South Africa, Insp. A. M. Jarvis to depot for service in
South Africa.

Superintendent Z. T. Wood took over command of
the North-West Police, Yukon Territory, on April 18,
relieving Supt. A. B. Perry, who vacated the command
on that date.

At the end of the year the officers serving in the
Yukon under Supt. Wood were; —

"H" Division — Supt. D. C. H. Primose, command-
ing division, Insp. J. A. McGibbon, attached from
depot, Asst. Surg. L. A. Pare, Asst. Surg. A. M. Eraser,
Dalton Trail.

"B" Division — Insp. C. Starnes, commanding
division, Insp. W. H. Routlcdge, Insp. W. H. Scrath,
Insp. A. E. C. McDonell, Asst. Surg. W, E. Thompson,
on leave, Asst. Surg. G. Madore, Selkirk, Act. Asst,
Surg. W. H. Hurdman.

The Royal Escort at Regina, September 27tli, 1902.

130

The census of the Yukon Territory was taken by the
police in April, 1900, and a school census was taken in
the month of August. The order for the first, coming
as it did at the season of the year when travelling was
most difficult, was carried out in a most satisfactory
manner. On account of the people being scattered
over the country, it meant considerable travelling.

The total population of the district, including In-
dians, at the time of census taking, was 16,463. Whites,
16,107; Indians, 356. The school census, taken in
the Dawson district only, totalled 175 children. Two

at noon. A captain's escort, strength 33, commanded
by Supt. Morris, with Inspector Demers as subaltern,
escorted Their Royal Highness to Government House.
Eleven carriages were provided for the Royal party.
A guard of 14 N.C.O's and men was stationed at
Government House. In addition to these there were
two staff officers and four staff orderlies. Insp. Cuthbert
was detailed as orderly officer to H.R.H. and Sergt.-
Major Church as orderly N.C.O., and accompanied
Their Royal Highnesses while in the Territories.

The strength at Regina was 73, all ranks, and 60

Presentation of Decorations and Medals at Calvary, Sept. 28th, 1901. Officers 01 the N.W.M.I'. about to be

decorated by His Royal Highness.

con.stables at Dalton House travelled 600 miles to take
the census of a few Indians.

The strength of the force in the Yukon territory on
Novcml>er 30, 1900, was two hundred and fifty-four,
di.stributed at the two headquarters of divisions and
29 detachments.

The eventof chief importance to the force in 1901 was
the visit to the North-West Territorit»s, in connection
with their round-the-world trip, of Their Royal High-
nesses the Duke and Duchess of (.'ornwall and York.

The Royal party arrived at R^ina on September 27,

horses. "C" and "F" Divisions furnished the escort.
The Royal train loft Regina at 3 p.m. on the 27(h.
and arrived at Calgary at 10.30 on the 28th. After
tlio reception by the corporation officials at Calgary,
H.R.H. rode to Victoria Park, accompanied I )y his staff,
in full uniform. The Police supplied the horses and
saddlery. The Duchess of Cornwall and York, accom-
panied by Her Excrllency the Countess of Minto,
drove, escorted by a travelling escort of 14 from "A"
Division, under Inspector Baker. Ten carriage* were
provided for the suite.

131

At Calgary a provisional battalion had been mobilized
composed of troops from Depot "E", "D", "K", and
"G" Divisions. It included 173 men mounted, and
band. 15, dismounted. The battalion having heen
inspected by His Royal Highness, walked, trotted,
galloped and ranked past by section, and then ad-
vanced in review order.

On the completion of the review. His Royal Highness
was graciously pleased to express to Commissioner
Perry how glad he was to have inspected a portion of
the force, and his great satisfaction with the appear-
ance of men and horses and their steadiness on parade.

On completion of the inspection, the decorations and
medals for service in South Africa were presented.
Insp. Belcher had the honour of receiving from His
Royal Highness the insignia of the Companionship of
the Order of St. Michael and St. George. . A large pro-
portion of those who received medals at Calgary were
members of the force.

On completion of the presentations, the Duke, ac-
companied by his staff and escorted by a full Royal
escort of 117, under Commissioner Perry's command,
rode to Shaganappi Point, where a big Indian camp
were pitched, and where an interesting presentation of
a number of Indian chiefs was made to His Royal
Highness.

At 2 p.m. Their Royal Highnesses took luncheon with
the officers of the force at the barracks, 60 covers being
laid. After luncheon, the Royal Party proceeded with
a travelling escort to the sports at Victoria Park, and
thence to the train, which left Calgary about 4.30 p.m.

From the North- West the Royal party proceeded to
British Columbia, and, on account of the absence of
nlounted military corps in the Pacific provinces, the
N. W. M. P. were required to furnish an escort. This
included 68 of all ranks and . 65 horses, under the
Commissioner's command, with Supt. Sanders, D.S.O..

as squadron commander. It left Calgary by special
train at 6 p.m. the 28th, and, arriving at Vancouver on
the 30th, a travelling escort was furnished for a drive
by Their Royal Highnesses around the city. At 5 p.m.
the horses were embarked on the steamer "Charmer"
and at 9 30 the boat left for Victoria, arriving there at
5 a.m. on October 1.

The full strength of the force attended on Their
Royal Highness from the outer wharf to the Legislative
Buildings and thence to Esquimalt. From Esquimalt
a travelling escort under the command of Inspector
Macdonell, D.S.O. escorted the Royal Party to the
Exhibition Grounds and thence to Mount Baker Hotel
to the Empress of India, on which they embarked for
Vancouver.

The following letter was received by Commissioner
Perry from Sir Arthur Bigge, Private Secretary to
H.R.H.:—

October 9, 1901.

Dear Col. Perry, — The Duke of Cornwall and
York directs me to express to you his gratification at
the very smart appearance of that portion of your force
which he had the pleasure to inspect at Calgary.

His Royal Highness also wishes to thank you, and all
under your command, for the admirable manner in
which the escort and other duties were performed
during his stay in western Canada,

(Sgd.) Arthur Bigge.

On November the 30th, the strength was: — North-
West Territories, 37 officers, 103 non-com. officers, 353
constables, 467 horses; Yukon Territory, 15 officers,
43 non-comm. officers, 44 horses, 220 dogs; South
Africa, 2 officers. Eight new detachments had been
established, the strength had been increased in the
Athabaska district and an officer stationed at Lesser
Slave Lake, in command.

The Royal Equipage (furnished by N.W.M.P.) at the Calgary Review. H.R.H. The Duchess of Cornwall and York
and Her Excellency The Countess of Minto in the carriage.

132

In the following terms, in his annual report at the
end of the year, Commissioner Perry drew attention to
the increased duties devolving upon the force, and to
the need of increasing the strength: —

"There has been a large influx of very desirable
settlers, and land has risen very rapidly in value con-
sequent upon the current of immigration which has set
steadily this way.

"The rapid increase of population has caused an
expansion of our duties which, with our fixed strength,
we find great difficulty in meeting.

"When the force was organized in 1873, with a
strength of 300 men, the Territories were unsettled,
and the control given over to lawless bands who preyed
upon the Indians, with whom no treaties had then been
made.

H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York and StaflF at the
Calg'ary Review.

•' In 1885, complications with the half-breeds culmina-
ted in rebellion, which was successfully quelled. The
-trength of the force was then raised to 1,000 where it
-tood for about 10 years, when, owing to the jjeaceful
state of the Territories, the settled condition of the
Indians, and the rapid means of communication by
railway into the different portions, it was gradually
reduced to 750. In 1898, the gold discoveries in the
^'ukon, and the con.sequent rush of gold .seekers caused
t he sudden increa.se of the force on duty in that territory
to 250 men, thus reducing the strength in the North-
West Territories to 500.

" A further decrease has now taken place by an addi-
tion to the Yukon strength, charged with the main-
tenance of order in the Yukoti, but the services of the
jwlice have been required in the Athabaska District, a
ffumtrj' of enormous extent with no facilities for travel,
but where police work is ever on the increase.

"It may Ije thought that the settled portions of
the Territories ought now to provide for their own police
protection, or at any rate that the incorixirated towns
and villages should do so. Some of the larger towns

have their own police forces, but the smaller towns
seem desirous of retaining the N.W.M.P. constables,
claiming that they obtain better service, but doubtless
they are largely influenced by economical considera-
tions.

"The population of the Territories has doubled in
ten years, and the strength of the force has been re-
duced by one-half. Our detachments have increased
from 49 to 79. Although we have only half of the
strength of ten years ago, still we have the same number
of division head-quarter posts, carrying in their train
the staff organization and maintenance of barracks as
though the divisions were of their former strength.
The distinguished services rendered to the Empire in
the South African war, by members of the force, em-
phasize the fact that it has a very deci4ed military
value and that in future nothing ought to be done to
impart its efficiency. "

In his annual report for the following year Superin-
tendent Perry reverting to the same subject, wrote: —

" In my last annual report I called your attention to
the largely increased demands on the force, and the
difficulty I found in meeting them. This year these
difficulties have been emphasized. The continued de-
velopment of the country, the increase of population,
the settlement of remote districts, many new towns
that have spnuig up, and the construction of new rail-
ways have greatly added to our work. In the train of the
immigration has come a number of the criminal class,
which though not large, will probably increase.

" The new settlers are principally from foreign coun-
tries, a great number being from the United States.
The American settler is much imi)res.sed by the fair
and impartial administration of justice. He finds a
constabulary force such as he has not been accustomed
to, but the advantages of which he is (juick to acknow-
ledge, and a country free from all lawlessness and enjoy-
ing freedom without licen.se.

"The pro|)osal of the Grand Trunk Railway to build
through the Peace River coiuitry, is sure to attract to
that district in the immediate future a lot of i)eoplc
seeking for the best locations. The police work is
steadily increjising. We ought to increase our strength
there, and establish a new iK)lice district, with head-
quarters for the present, at Fort Chipewyan. Two of
the districts in the organized territories could be com-
l)ined into one, thus releasing the staff for the new dis-
trict in the north. The northern trade is steadily in-
creasing. Detachment.s ought to Iw stationed on Mac-
kenzie River. "

A Pension Hill providing for th«! pensions of officers
of the North-West MounU'd Police was piuwed during
the .session of 1902, the generous provisions of which
were much appreciated. The officers, promoted from

133

the ranks, profit largely by it, in that service in the
ranks is reckoned as service for pension.

The strength in the Territories in 1903 was 490; 10
under that authorized, but 28 more than at the date of
the previous annual report. The force was at the end
of 1903 distributed from the international boundary

than in any previous year in the history of the Terri-
tories. I think- 350,000 a very conservative estimate
of the present population. This rapid development has
greatly increased the work of the force, and I have had
difficlulty in meeting fully the requirements. The
rapid settlement of a new country always attracts a

1

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g

1

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■rv!ir~ ' ■

m^OQ^

« -. L

i

1 -' ^HHpiPipi

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General View of the Royal Review at Calgfaiy, September, 1901 (6).

to the Arctic ocean, and from Hudson Bay to the
Alaska boundary. There were 8 divisions in the Terri-
tories, each with a headquarter post, and there were 84
detachments, with 182 officers and men constantly
employed on detached duty.

It is instructive to compare this year's (1903) record
of crime with 1893, ten years previous. The estimated
population at the latter date was 113,000, and total
convictions 614. The estimated population in 1903
was 350,000, and the number of convictions 2,613.
. On November 30, 1903, Supt. A. H. Griesbach,
having completed thirty years' honourable service,
retired on pension. He was the first man to join the
force on organization in 1873, and was shortly after
promoted Regimental Sergeant-Major. His commis-
sion soon followed. Before joining the force, he had
seen service with the 15th Hussars, with the Cape
Mounted Rifles in South Africa, and with the 1st On-
tario Rifles in the Red River Rebellion. He was given
the rank of Major during the North-West rebellion.
He had the honour of being appointed an extra A.D.C.
to His Excellency the Governor-General during Lord
Aberdeen's tenure of office. Superintendent Griesbach
took with him on retirement the best wishes of all ranks.

In his annual report for 1903 Commissioner Perry
referred as follows to the extension of the responsibili-
ties and duties of the force under his command: —

" The increase of population this year has been greater

certain lawless and undesirable element, and it is evi-
dent, from the year's crime reports, that the North-
West Territories are not an exception. The new towns
and extending settlements call for police patrols and
supervision, and it is quite clear that the point will soon
be reached, if it has not already been reached, when
this force, with its fixed strength, cannot satisfactorily
perform the duties expected by the people of the Terri-
tories.

" Our field of operations this year has been tremend-
ously widened. A detachment of five men, under the
command of Superintendent Moodie, was selected to

D.G.S. "Neptune," with Supt. Moodie and Hudson Bay Patrol
R.N.W.M.P., amongf the Arctic Ice.

{i) Thi.s and the other illustrations of the royal visit to Calgary are from photographs by Mr. D. A. McLaughlin, Chief Government Photographer,
placed at the disposal of the author by the courtesy of the Hon. Charles Hyman, Minister of Public Works.

134

accompany the Hudson's Bay expedition in that far
distant region.

"Another expedition was despatched in May to the
Arctic Ocean, consisting of five men, under the command
of Superintendent Constantine. This detachment
reached Fort Macpherson, on the Pelly River, early in
July. Superintendent Constantine having arranged for
quarters, returned to Fort Saskatchewan, leaving Ser-
geant Fitzgerald in charge. This non-commissioned
officer visited Herschell Island in August, and had the
honour of establishing a detachment, the most northerly
in the world, at this point.

"Herschell Island is in the Arctic ocean, 80 miles
north-west of the mouth of the Mackenzie river. It
has been for many years the winter quartere of the
American whaling fleet, and has been the scene of con-
siderable lawlessness and violence. The reports of
Superintendent Constantine and Sergeant Fitzgerald
will be found in the appendix. Superintendent Moodie
has not been heard from.

"The establishement of these outposts is of far-
reaching importance. They stand for law and good
order, and show that, no matter what the cost, nor how
remote the region, the laws of Canada will be enforced,
and the native population protected.

" I venture again to call your attention to the valu-
able work of the force among the immigrants, who are
largely foreign-born. It is of the utmost importance
to the future of the country, that they should be started
in the right way; that from the first they should be im-
pressed with the fair, just and certain enforcement of
the laws, and that they should be educated to their
observance In 1901, 30 per cent, of our population
was foreign-born, and I think I am fairly stating the
position now, in saying that the foreign-born equal
those of British birth (using the term British in its
widest sense).

" It is claimed, and rightly, that we are a law-abid-
ing people, that no new country was ever settled up
with such an entire absence of lawlessness. Why?
Because of the policy of Canada in maintaining a
jwwerfuJ constabulary, which has for thirty years en-
forced the laws in an impartial manner.

"The North- West Mounted Police were the pioneers
of settlement. They carried into these Territories the
world-wide maxim, that where the British flag flies,
I)eace and order prevail. I refer to this, because it
has }x:en stated that the time has now arrived when
their ser\ice8 are no longer required. With this view
I <l<) not agree, but, on the contrary, I believe that their
services were never .so necessary. I have referred to
the large immigration, but the country is so vast, that
it scarcely makes an impression. There are huge
stretches without a single habitation, and a boundary

line of 800 miles, along which for 200 miles, not a settler
is to be found. "

" The force is now distributed from the international
boundary to the Arctic ocean, and from the Hudson's
Bay to the Alaska boundary.

" There are 8 divisions in the Territoriet<, each with a
headquarter post, and there are M detachments, with
182 officers and men constantly employed oh detached
duty. Of these, 55 are distributed among 21 detach-
ments along the international boundary. "

For many years it had been a source of complaint on
the part of the North- West ranchers, that United States

Inspector Cortlandt Stames, for many years on duty in
the Yukon.

cattle were allowed to graze in Canada without restric-
tion, that the ownei-s often deliberately drove their
cattle to the boundary, so that they would drift into
Canada, where grass and water were more plenti-
ful; that United States round-ups came into Can-
ada gathered and branded their young stock and
turned them loose again, and that their 'beef round-
u|)s,' in taking up their own fat stock, were not too
particular. The complaints came from points all along
the boundary, from Willow Bunch to Cardston, some
500 miles, but they were particularly loud and in-
sistent from the ranchers on Milk River, who suffered
most.

135

In 1903 the Customs Department took action, and
notified United States cattle owners that the privileges
which they had hitherto enjoyed, could not be con-
tinued. They were given until July 1 to gather and
take out their cattle.

The effect of this action has been satisfactory. A
special officer of the Customs Department was stationed
at Coutts to look after this work. The police were in-
structed to strictly enforce the regulations. Their
good work was acknowledged by the special Customs
officer.

The police patrols seized several bands of ponies
which were being run in by Indians without any regard
to Customs or quarantine laws.

"E" Division, Calgary, during 1902-03 distinguished
itself by the long pursuit and capture of the young
Wyoming desperado Ernest Cashel. This criminal
was arrested for forgery, and escaped from the chief of
the Calgary City Police on October 14, 1902. The
Mounted Police were then notified and commenced
the pursuit. On October 22, Cashel stole a bay pony
near Lacombe in his efforts to escape. After this, no
word of him was received until November 19, when one
I). A. Thomas, of Pleasant Valley, north of Red Deer
river, reported the mysterious disappearance of his
brother-in-law, J. R. Belt, from his ranch, 38 miles east
of Lacombe. Constable McLeod, of "G" Division,
investigated, and found that when Belt was last seen,
about November 1, a young man calling himself Bert
Elseworth was staying with him. The description of
Elseworth proved him to be Cashel. Belt's horse, his
saddle, with name J. R. Belt on, shotgun, clothes,
money, including a $50 gold certificate, were missing.
As there were grave suspicious of Belt having been
murdered by Cashel, Supt. Sanders put Constable
Pennycuick on the case. A lookout was kept in every
direction to prevent the fugitive going south, and every
detachment warned. On January 17, 1903, Mr. Glen
Healy, of Jumping Pond, lent a horse to a man answer-
ing Cashel's description and giving the name of Else-
worth; the horse was not returned. The Mounted
Police next heard of the man near Morley, then at
Kananaskis, where he stole a diamond ring, and aban-
doned his horse. The search became now confined to
the railway. Trainmen and others were warned, and
constables sent along the line. In spite of this, Cashel
managed one evening to steal the clothes of the train-
men from a caboose at Canmore. Finally, on January
24, Cashel was arrested by Constable Blyth, at An-
thracite. On him was found a pair of brown corduroj'
trousers similar to those in the possession of J. R. Belt,
and the diamond ring stolen at Kananaskis. The
police found that Cashel had been living with the half-
breeds near Calgary for some time, and that he had ar-

rived there early in November, shortly after he was
seen at Belt's. Constable Pennycuick visited the
breeds and got clothing and other articles Cashel
had left there, amongst them was the balance
of the corduroy suit owned by J. R. Belt. He
also got evidence of a $50 bill the prisoner had. As
the body of Belt could not be produced or accounted
for, the prisoner was charged simply with stealing a
horse from Glen Healy and a diamond ring from the
section foreman at Kananaskis. Meantime Constable
Pennycuick and others commenced to trace the move-
ments of the accused from the time he had left Belt's
to the date of his arrival at the half-breed camp.

On May 14, 1903, Ernest Cashel was sentenced by the
Chief Justice to three year's imprisonment in Stony
Mountain Penitentiary.

When the ice went out of the river in the spring,
careful search was made for Belt's body in the Red Deer
and Constables Rogers and Pennycuick searched
the stream in a canoe for several hundred miles, but
without success. Supt. Sanders offered a reward of
$50 as well. Constable Pennycuick traced Cashel from
Belt's place with Belt's clothes, horse, saddle and $50
gold certificate to a point near Calgary. The chain of
evidence connecting Cashel with the disappearance of
Belt was complete with the exception of sure informa-
tion as to where Belt was. On July 20, John Watson a
farmer living some 25 or 30 miles down the Red Deer
river from Belt's place, discovered, while hunting for
cattle, the body of a man floating in the river. He se-
cured it and told the police. The coroner was notified
and an inquest held. The body, although much de-
composed, was fully identified as that of J. R. Belt,
mainly by a deformed toe on the left foot, and an iron
clamp which the deceased wore on the heel of his left
boot. A bullet hole was found in the left breast, and
at the end of the hole near the shoulder blade a "44
bullet of the same calibre as the revolver and rifle
carried by Cashel.

An information was now laid against Ernest Cashel
for murder. The jury brought in a verdict of 'guilty '
and the prisoner was immediately sentenced to be
hanged on December 15, at Calgary.

Unfortunately, through a combination of circum-
stances, Cashel, having been supplied with t \o revolvers
by a brother permitted to visit him in his cell under
judicial authority, effected his escape December 10,
five days before the date fixed for his execution. It is
the proud boast of the force that within its far-reaching
jurisdiction no man has ever been lynched, nor has a
known murderer or other criminal ever found safety,
and it may be well supposed that great efforts were
made to recapture Cashel.

The pursuit was commenced at once, but the Mounted

136

Police were handicapped by the weather, the night
being particularly dark and snowing hard. Every
available man was turned out, mounted patrols covered
all the roads, and a thorough search was made of the
neighbourhood. Constable Coulter, one of the mounted
patrols, shortly after the escape, arrested Cashel's
brother on the street; he was evidently expecting to
meet his brother and had a parcel of footwear, ob-
viously for the fugitive's use, and a pocketful of re-
volver cartridges. Supt. Sanders commanding at
Calgary notified the Commissioner by wire, also all
police divisions and detachments south, east and west.
Next day, not having picked up any trace, and being
satisfied that the trains were being too carefully
watched for him to have got away by that means, Supt.
Sanders decided there was nothing to be done but to
send parties out and warn the whole country.

On December 12, Commissioner Perry arrived from
Regina, accompanied by Inspector Knight, and assumed
charge of the operations. Superintendents Primrose
and Begin were ordered to place patrols to the south,
extending from the mountains and along the Little
Bow. Reinforcements were ordered from Regina to
Macleod; ten N.C.O.'s and men from Regina, six from
Maple Creek and one from Edmonton were ordered to
Calgary. A reward of $1,000 was offered for the cap-
ture or information leading to the capture of the fugi-
tive. On December 13, the police had reports of a man
answering the description of Cashel being seen at Coch-
rane, 20 miles west, and on the Elbow river south of
there. Inspector Worsley and party left for the former
and Inspector Knight and party for the latter. In-
spector Knight found that Constable Spurr with an In-
dian tracker, whom Sanders started out on the 11 th from
Morley, had been on the tracks of a man in the snow,
and had tracked him to a ranche, where the description
given left no doubt it was Cashel. Spurr followed
him up and found he was making for Calgary. He
actually went to a house that Cashel was in, but the old
woman and her son who lived there, denied the pre-
sence of any stranger. The son was afterwards sen-
tenced to three month's imprisonment for assisting
Cashel on this occasion. Inspector Knight searched
all hou.ses in that vicinity during the night, and found
a pony had been stolen from one place. Next morning
the police found this pony near Calgary, and foot-marks
leading from the place where it was found into the town.
Later the police found that Cashel had stopped during
the night at a rancher's named Rigby, six miles west
of Calgary, Rigby and all his family being away.
Whilst there he changed the clothes he had escaped in
and selected a new outfit from Mr. Rigby's wardrolx;.
A note was left with the old clothes and easily recog-
nized as Cashel's handwriting, which read, 'Ernest

Cashel, $1,000, return in six months ' On the 15th,
the police heard of a man answering the description at
the place of a man called Thomas Armstrong six miles
east of Calgary. Cashel had left there in the morning
and walked along the track east. Inspector Knight
and party scoured the whole district night and day,
and police from Gleichen with Indian scouts worked
west along the railway, but without success. During
the 16th, 17th and 18th, the country north, south and east
of Armstrong's was continually patrolled and the police
had apparently reliable information at the same time
of the fugitive being at six other points. On the eve-
ning of the 18th it would appear Cashel was in the out-
skirts of the town and was seen by a citizen who re-
ported it too late to be of service. At 4 a.m. of Decem-
ber 18 Supt. Sanders took a party and searched the
half-breed camps and wooded coulees west of Calgary.
In Macleod and Lethbridge districts to the south much
the same work had been going on, and numerous alleged
Cashels were being run down and found to be innocent
parties. Commissioner Perry left for Regina on the
night of the 23rd. The usual crop of rumors kept
coming in each day and the patrols through the out-
lying districts were kept up without intermission and
without anything much transpiring, except that the
police were pretty certain from a citizen's reix)rt that
Cashel had been again in the outskirts of the town on
December 20. This condition of affairs continued to
the end of December, and the police were still fairly
convinced the man was in hiding and receiving assist-
ance from sympathizers.

Owing to persistent reports from Montana of Cjishel
being seen there, Sergeant Hetherington wa.s detailed to
go to the States and work in conjunction with the United
States authorities, who were keenly on the alert. In-
dications were strong yet, however, that he was in
the country to the east of Calgary, and although the
police had covered every |X)int as far as the number of
men and horses would permit, they watched tlie district
around Langdon and Shepard closely. Supt. Sanders
also got the local pajxjrs not to mention the affair at all,
for he knew from former exjXTience of this criminal,
that he had a great love of notoriety and would risk
anything to obtain it. On January 11, Mr. Crossar, a
rancher, four miles east of Calgary, reported that at
10.30 p.m., of .laiuiary 9, a man had come into his
brother's house with a revolver in his hand and jusked
for a horse, he then said: 'I guess you know who I am.
I am Cashel. I am not after a horse, but I am desi)erate
and must have money. I have plenty of friends l)ut
still I want money.' (Vxssar gave him all he had, $12,
then Cashel a.sked for his bank book and asked for the
newspajjcrs; after reading these he wrote a letter and
spoke of men whom he had heard had heli)ed the police

137

and said he would get even with them. He left the
hoiise at 12.30 and threatened Cossar with the ven-
geance of his mythical friends should he (Cossar) in-
form. The same night he must have visited Arm-
strong's house (the place he slept in on December 14),
because next day Armstrong on his return home found
the place had been ransacked. As a result of this in-
formation several constables in plain clothes were placed
the capacity of hired men at different farms in the
neighbourhood. That Cashel had some fixed point
from which he made excursions at night appeared
certain, and Supt. Sanders suspected he visited many
farms and extorted money without it being reported.
As he was on foot, it was not likely he walked more than
ten miles away from his hiding place during the night,
so that should the police obtain one or two more points
where he had visited it would be possible to define a
certain area of country within which he could be found.
Another point was supplied on January 21, when Mr.
S. Wigmore, who lives near Shepard, reported Cashel
had been at his place on the night of the 19th and be-
haved in much the same way as he had at Cossar 's.
Not getting any more clues, Supt. Sanders marked off
an area on the map, based on the visits Cashel had
made in the Shepard district, and decided that if a
thorough search were made of the country embraced
therein in one day success would be met with. It
required about forty mounted men to do this and
Supt. Sanders had not got them unless he drew in all
his detachments and received men from other posts.
This would take too long and was not safe. He conse-
quently wired the Commissioner on the 22nd January
asking if he objected to his using volunteers; doing
this on the strength of several offers from the Canadian
Mounted Rifles. Mr. Wooley-Dod, a rancher, and
others, to lend a hand. On January 23, Superinten-
dent Sanders received a reply authorizing him
to do so, and telling him to swear his volunteers
in as special constables. Accordingly he ar-
ranged with Mr. Wooley-Dod, Mr. Heald and
Major Barwis to get 20 volunteers together, and be at
the barracks, mounted and ready to start, at 8 a.m.
the following day. Sunday, January 24. Every one
turned up on time, and with the police, numbered 40
all told. These Supt. Sanders divided up into five
parties under Major Barwis, Inspector Knight, Inspec-
tor Duffus, Sergeant-Major Belcher and himself. Each
party consisted of police and citizens equally divided.
The leader of each detachment was given a certain
district, comprising so many townships, within which
he was to search every building, cellar, root-house and
haystack. The Superintendent also ordered that
should they discover the fugitive, and by burning the
house or stack where he was found, prevent loss of life,

they were not to hesitate in doing so. At 11.30 a por-
tion of Inspector Duffus' party consisting of Constables
Rogers, Peters, Biggs, Stark, and Mr. McConnell, while
searching Mr. Pitman's ranch, at a point just on the
edge of the district being scoured, six miles from Cal-
garj', came across Cashel in the cellar. Constable Biggs
found him, and was fired at by Cashel out of the dark-
ness; Biggs returned the shot and ran up the steps,
being fired at again. Constable Rogers, the senior
constable, ordered the men to come out of the house
and surround it ; he then sent word to Inspector Duffus,
who was searching another place nearby with the
balance of the party. Inspector Duffus, after speaking
to Cashel and advising him to surrender,without success,
decided to set fire to the building, which was a mere
shack. This was done. When the smoke began to
enter the cellar Cashel agreed to come out, and was im-
mediately arrested. Efforts were then made to put
out the fire, but it had gained too much headway.
Everything went to show that Cashel had been living
in a haystack alongside of the house for some time; a
cow robe and spring mattress were found in a large
hole burrowed under the stack, together with several
indications of its occupancy for a lengthy period.
The two men living at the ranch were afterwards
arrested, and one of them, Brown, received si.x; months'
imprisonment.

Thus ended perhaps one of the most arduous pursuits
after a criminal in the annals of the force. Each man
felt keenly the circumstances surrounding the escape,
and no one spared himself in any way. Night and day,
with very little rest, they stuck to their work without
a murmur.

During the pursuit the date of the execution was put
off from time to time by the Chief Justice, and on the
day after his capture the prisoner was brought before
His Lordship and finally sentenced to be hanged on
February 2. Cashel was hanged in the guard-room
yard on that date, and confessed his guilt to the Rev.
Mr. Kerby just previous to leaving his cell for the
scaffold.

Again, in his annual report for 1904, Commissioner
drew attention to the increased responsibilities of the
police due to the rapid settlement and development
of the country, writing as follows: —

"The Royal North- West Mounted Police has gained
a reputation, both at home and abroad, as an effective
organization, which has materially forwarded the pro-
gress of the Territories. It is to-day dealing with all
classes of men — the lawless element on the border, the
cowboys and Indians on the plains, the coal miners in
the mountains, the gold miners in the Yukon, and the
American whalers and the Esquimaux in Hudson Bay
and the far distant Arctic Sea. It is an asset of Canada,

138

and the time ha? not arrived in the development of the
country when it can be written off.

" No case of crime is too remote to be investigated.
There have been many instances during the past year.
The following are worthy of being brought to your
notice.

"Extract from Sergt. Field's report dated Fort
Chipewyan, December 8, 1903:

'A half-breed arrived here from Fond-du-Lac. on
Lake Athabasca, and reported that an Indian, Paul Izo
Azie, living at Black Lake, near Fond-du-Lac, had
deserted his adopted children in the bush some time
during last September.

'The particulars of the case are: This Indian Paul
Izo Azie, was camped on an island in Black Lake, where
he intended fishing and hunting during the fall and
winter One day he sighted four or five canoes,
with a number of men on board, coming towards his
camp. He fired two shots in the air, as is customary
amongst Indians as a sign of friendliness. They did
not reply or take any notice of his shooting, but paddled
off in another direction, and landed on the main shore
of the lake. This man being very superstitious, as
most Indians are, concluded that these were bad
people and intended killing him and all his family.
He got very frightened, so he got his wife, sister and the
two little children and himself into his canoe and
paddled ashore, leaving his camping outfit and all his
belongings behind him. When he landed on shore he
started off on foot for Fond-du-Lac, followed by his
wife and sister, leaving these two little children behind
without food or protection, one a little boy and the other
a little girl, aged two and three years respectively. It
being an eight days' trip, or about 130 or 140 miles
from his camp to Fond-du-Lac, his sister, a young girl
alx)ut fifteen years old, got fatigued after the first or
second day's travel He left her behind on the road
also, without food or protection. This poor girl wan-
dered about the woods for several days in a dreadful
state of starvation until she was picked up by some
Indians that were camped in that direction She told
them her story, how her brother had deserted these two
little children on the lake shore. Some of these In-
dians started back to search for the children. When
they got there they found the camp just as the Indian
had left it, nothing taken or stolen. They tracked the
little children along the shore and where they went into
the bush. They followed their tracks up into the
wocxls and then fired two or three shots and then called
out as loud as they could, but got no reply. Then they
went on a little further, and there they found a little
dress, all blood-stained and torn, and wolf tracks all
around where the little girl had evidently Ijeen eaten
by solves. They could find no trace or sign of the

other child anywhere. There is no doubt that the little
boy has been devoured by wolves also.

'These Indians, who found the little dress, and also
this man's sister, being the principal witnesses in the
case, were not at Fond-du-Lac at the time Constable
Pedley was out there, so he did not arrest this Paul
Izo Azie, as he could not get the witnesses.

'They will all be at Fond-du-Lac next summer for
treaty payments. I will then go myself and arrest this
Indian and get the witnesses and all neces.sary evidence
on the case and take them out for trial.'

" Black Lake is about 250 miles east of Fort Chi|)e-
w\'an. The accused was arrested at Fond-du-Lac on
June 28, and committed for trial at Edmonton by In-
spector West. He was escorted there by Sergeant
Field, accompanied by the witnesses. On July 25 he
was tried at Edmonton by Mr. Justice Scott, convicted
and sentenced to two years' imprisonment at Stony
Mountain Penitentiary.

"In carrying out this duty, Sergt. Field travelled
with his prisoner, by boat 667 miles, by trail 90 miles
and by train 1,031 miles, a total distance of 1,788
miles. "

In his report. Commissioner Perry drew attention
to the heroic work of CorfX)ral I). B. Smith, stationed
at Norway House, Lake Winnipeg. A severe epidemic
of diphtheria and scarlet fever occurred there in the
previous November. Corporal Smith was untiring in
his efforts to aid the unfortunate people. He supplied
them with food, disinfected tlieir houses, helped care
for their sick and buried the dead. He was promoted
to the rank of sergeant in recognition of his services.

For some years back the constantly increasing con-
sumption of extracts, essences and patent medicines in
the unorganized territories had shown that these rujuors
were not being used for legitimate pur|)*)sos, but were
being traded and sold to the Indians and half-breods
for use as intoxicants. As an instance of the extent to
which the trade had reached, a trader's stock was ex-
amined by the police at Ix»s.ser Slave Lake and they
found 107 dozen 2 oz. bottles of ginger, |)epi)<'rnutit,
&c., equal to about 16 gallons. This trade was de-
moralizing the native iH)pulation. and, on the facts
being brought to the notice of the Prime Minister, he
directed that the sections of the North-West Territories
Act dealing with the use of intoxicants in those por-
tions of the Territories where the liquor license ordin-
ance was not in force, were to be rigidly enforced.

The Commissioner issued orders in accordance with
these instructions on Fcbrnary 22, HM)4. The rei)orts
from the detachments in 1001 stated that the preven-
tion of the im|)ortation and sale of extracts and essences
had been most beneficial, and that drunkenness among
the Indians and half-breeds had greatly decreased.

139

The strength in the Territories on November 30,
1904, was 39 officers, 475 non-commissioned officers
and constables and 459 horses.

There were 9 divisions, each with a headquarters post
and 93 permanent outposts. There should havebeen more
outposts, but the Commissioner was unable to establish
them. An increase of the strength by 100 men was
authorized on July 1, but the Commissioner at the end
of the year had not yet been able to recruit them. He
did not anticipate being able to do so satisfactorily
until a substantial increase was made in the pay.

The force required sober, intelligent, active young
men of good character, and such men were in great
demand in the country. To obtain them the rate of
pay would have to be raised so as to be in reasonable
proportion to what was paid in civil life.

Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady
Minto paid a farewell visit to the Territories in Septem-
ber, 1904. Ceremonial escorts were furnished at Cal-
gary and Regina and an escort of 1 officer, 25 non-com-
missioned officers and men and 42 horses accompanied
His Excellency on his ride from Edmonton to Saska-
toon. Saddle horses were supplied for His Excellency,
and party, also cam^p equipment and transport. The
force also established a permanent camp for Her
Excellency and party at Qu'Appelle Lakes and fur-
nished saddle horses, carriages and heavy transport.

His Excellency was pleased to express his approval
in the following letter to the Comptroller from the
Military Secretary: ~

Government House.

Ottawa, October 1, 1904.

Sir, — I am commanded by the Governor General to
express to you His Excellency's warm appreciation of
the admirable arrangements made for him on the occa-
sion of his recent ride from Edmonton to Saskatoon and
also for Lady Minto in the camp lately occupied by
Her Excellency at the Qu'Appelle Lakes.

In both cases everything that was possible was done
to ensure the comfort of Their Excellencies, and 1 am
to ask that you will accept for yourself and kindly con-
vey to the Commissioner and the officers, N.C. officers
and men of the Royal North-West Mounted Police, the
grateful thanks of Their Excellencies.

I have the honour to be, sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Sgd.) F. S. MAUDE, Major.

Military Secretary.
The event of the year, however, in the annals of the
Mounted Police was His Majesty's personal recognition
of the splendid services rendered for so many years to
the Dominion and the Empire, by the force, by con-
ferring upon it the title of Royal. The first intimation

of this honour was conveyed by an announcement in
the Canada Gazette of June 24, 1904, reading as follows:

"His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased
to confer the title of "Royal" upon the North-West
Mounted Police. "

The authority for this announcement was the follow-
ing communication from the Colonial Office. : —

From Mr. LYTTELTON to Lord MINTO.

Canada.
No. 375.

Downing Street,
19th November, 1903.

My Lord,

It gives me great pleasure to inform Your Excellency
that His Majesty the Kmg has been graciously pleased
to confer the title of "Royal" upon the North-West
Mounted Police, in accordance with your recent re-
commendation.

I have, etc.,

(Sgd.) Alfred LYTTELTON.

The Governor-General,

The Right Honorable,

The Earl of Minto, G.C.M.G.

Referring to the conferring of this honour upon the
force, in his report for the year, Commissioner Perry
wrote: —

"The force is deeply sensible of the high honour
which has been conferred upon it, and 1 trust it will
continue by loyalty, integrity and devotion to duty, to
merit the great distinction which His Majesty has
been so graciously pleased to bestow upon it. "

The undermentioned officers were serving in the
Yukon Territory at the end of 1904: — Commanding,
Asst. Commsr. Z. P. Wood.

'H' Division — Superintendent A. E. Snyder, Com-
manding Division. — Inspectors, F. J. A. Demers, F. P.
Horrigan, A. E. C. McDonell, P. W. Pennefather, Sur-
geon L. A. Pare, Asst. -Surgeon, S. M. Eraser.

'B' Division — Superintendent A. R. Cuthbert, Com-
manding Division — Inspectors, W. H. Routledge, T. A.
Wroughton, J. Taylor, R. Y. Douglas, R. E. Tucker,
Asst. -Surgeons, W. E. Thompson, G. Madore.

The general state of affairs in the Yukon Territory at
the same date was reported in a most satisfactory and,
on the whole, prosperous condition, and from a police
point of view left but little to be desired. Like all
mining camps, the Yukon had attracted to its environ-
ments a large number of the criminal class, but, not-
withstanding their presence, crime had been confined
to the smaller and more trivial offences.

As a matter of fact, the criminal element, the in-
dividuals of which were nearly all known to the police.

140

were subjected to so close a sun'eillance that few op-
portunities were allowed them to stray from the paths
of virtue and rectitude, and they were perforce obliged
to confine themselves to avocations strictly honest or
seek pastures new. The great majoritj'^ of them found
their enforced probity too irksome and left the territory
for its and their own good.

Attention was called several times during the year
to the great expense involved in keeping a force of 300
men in the Yukon, and a claim had been made that one-
third of that number would be sufficient to police the
Territory.

Assistant Commissioner- Wood, in his annual report
speaking of this claim, wrote:— "I quite agree with this
provided we could confine ourselves to the preservation
of law and order as we are primarily intended to do.
The fact of the matter is, however, that we are acting
more or less for every department of the government
and performing work, such as mail carriers, &c., which
is quite foreign to a police force proper; in fact al-
though we are, as I have stated, getting rid of some of
our extraneous work, we are still called upon to perform
some duties which other officials and civilians refuse to
undertake because they are not remunerative enough;
for instance, acting as postmasters. Appointments as
such were offered to officials and civilians throughout
the Territory, who, however, invariably refused be-
cause of the fact of there being either no emolument in
connection with the work or if there were, on account
of its smallness. Many of the offices are still filled by
members of the force. "

During the municipal elections in Dawson in January,
1904, one of the questions before the public was whether
they should not have their own city police instead of
availing themselves of the services of the force. A
stafT-sergeant and 1 1 men were on the town detachment
and received the aggregate sum of $350 per month, the
main expeases of their maintenance fallingon the Federal
government. It was held by some of the applicants for
office that one or two men would be sufficient to police
the city, but it was found that the public generally
were in favour of the retention of the R.N.W.M. Police
for, as in previous years, the candidates for mayor and
council who advocated keeping the force in charge of
the city easily defeated those who were opposed to
them.

Among other duties the R.N.W.M. P. in the Yukon
ciischarges is that of regulating the time. In his an-
nual report for this year (1904) discussing armament,
.\sst .-Commissioner Wood wrote: — "The Maxim and
Maxim-Nordenfeldt gims are also in a serviceable con-
dition. With regard to guns of heavier calibre, we
IK)s.sesH one 7-fKlr. brass muz/Ie-loading gun at Dawson.
The firing of the gun at noon is an important matter,

as in all mining disputes, such as the staking of claims,
&c., and in fact in all legal matters in which official time
is required, the courts in Dawson have held that the
standard time in the Territory, and more particularly
that portion embracing Dawson, and the creeks in the
vicinity of and contiguous thereto, is the time of and
at the 135th meridian of longitude, as anno\mced by the
noon-day gun. Should this old 7-pdr. burst, as the
other did some three years ago, we would be left with-
out any means of regulating Dawson time-pieces. For
this and other reasons I would recommend that we be
supplied with two of the latest pattern 12 pdrs. They
are also required for saluting purposes and to enable
the men to obtain some knowledge of gun-drill,"

In addition to his other duties the Assistant Com-
missioner was, and still is, acting as Inspecting Officer
of the Dawson Rifle Company, the only Militia Corps
in the Yukon, and represents the Officer Commanding
Military District No. 11 in matters appertaining to that
body and to the Dawson unit of the Dominion Rifle As-
sociation.

It will be recalled how, in the earlier days of the
Mounted Police occupation of the Yukon, the officers
were often hard put to it to secure the necessary dog
teams. This difficulty has been overcome by breeding
dogs for the service. A.sst. -Commissioner Wood re-
ports : —

"We are now fairly well supplied with dogs of a
size and strength suitable to our needs; nearly all have
been bred at the various detachments, and I hojK> in
future to have a sufficient number raised to replace
those destroyed on account of old age, &c., and to meet
any special demands that may be made for extra
patrols. "

Four events stand out prominently in the liistory of
the R.N.W.M.P. for the year 1905 — the acceptance by
the Earl of Minto of the appointment of Honorary
Commissioner of the force, the visit of Their Excellen-
cies Ix)rd and Lady Grey to the North-West, the
establishment and inauguration of the new Provinces
of Alberta and Saskatchewan, embracing practically
all the territory comprised within the original sphere
of ofwrations of the R.N.W.M.P., and the long de-
manded and necessary increase of pay.

The appointment of an Honorary Commissioner was
in line with a practice long followed in the Bri ah
Army but only of late years introduced into Canada.
The acceptance of the honor by the Earl of Minto,
now Viceroy of India, was notified by the following
communication : —

MiNTO HousK.

Hawick, January 11, 1905.

'My Lokd, — I have the honour to acknowledge the
receipt of Your Ixjrdship's despatch of December 29,

141

1904, inclosing an extract from a report of a committee
of the Privy Council, informing me that I have been
appointed, on the recommendation of the President of
the Council, honorary commissioner of the Royal
North-West Mounted Police.

'I would be much obliged if you would express to Sir
Wilfrid Laurier my sincere appreciation of the honor
that has been conferred upon me.

'I have the honour to be, my Lord,
'Your obedient servant,

'(Sgd.) MINTO.
•His Excellency

'The Earl Grey, G.C.M.G., &c., &c.'

Their Excellencies the Governor General and Lady
Grey visited the new provinces in September. Escorts
were furnished at Edmonton, Macleod, Cardston, Leth-
bridge and Regina.

A permanent camp was established at Qu'Appelle
lakes for their use, and orderlies, horses and transport
supplied.

His Excellency was pleased to express his approval
in the following letter: —

'My Dear Commissioner Perry, — I am com-
manded by His Excellency to express to you his appre-
ciation of the work carried out by the Royal North-West
Mounted Police during the Governor General's visit.

'Lord Grey has always heard of the good record
borne by the force under your command, and it gave
him great pleasure to see such a fine body of men.

'He hopes that you will convey to the officers, non-
commissioned officers and men, and especially to those
who were with the camp on special duty, his high
opinion of their smartness and work.

'I am, yours.
'(Signed) J. HANBURY-WILLIAMS, Col.,

'Military Secretary.'

The Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan began
their career as autonomous provinces with imposing
celebrations at Edmonton and Regina, the temporary
capitals, with which were attended by Their
Excellencies the Governor General and Lady Grey,
the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Sir Wilfrid
Laurier, and other eminent public men. Thanks to so
many years of constant and loyal work by the Royal
North-West Mounted Police, the new provinces-
foster children of the force they may be almost con-
sidered— began their career as such with the same
respect tor and observance of law and order as prevails
in the oldest provinces of the Dominion, and this not-
withstanding the great influx of population, particu-
larly during recent years, drawn from many foreign
countries. As a fitting recognition of the pre-eminent

services of the R.N.W.M.P, in fostering and protecting
the new country in its pioneer days, the force was
given a conspicuous part in the inauguration cere-
monies.

By instructions from Sir Wilfrid Laurier a portion
of the force, consisting of 15 officers, 189 non-commis-
sioned officers and constables, 200 horses and 4 guns,
attended at both Edmonton and Regina.

This force had the honour of being reviewed by His
Excellency the Governor General, accompanied by
Sir Wilfrid. The men composing the force were drawn
from all parts of the Territories, and were together for
four days only before the review. The assembling of
this strength at Edmonton, the transfer to Regina, a
distance of 700 miles, and the distribution to their
respective posts, was carried out without any delay or
accident. The conduct of all ranks was excellent, and
all vied in a desire to do credit to the force to which
they belonged.

The increase of pay to all ranks was voted by Par-
liament during the session of 1905, on resolutions in-
troduced by the Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier. In
presenting the measure the Prime Minister explained
its object and scope as follows: —

"This resolution was introduced in consequence ot
the representations which have been made to the gov-
ernment on the floor of this House on both sides, from
lime to time, advising that the pay of the North-West
Mounted Police should be increased. This matter has
been under consideration, and 1 think we are meeting
the public demand and the exigencies of the case in
providing for the salaries nov/ set forth in this resolution.
The increases are as follows: —

Officers.

Present Pay.

Prop. Pay

2,600
1,600
1,400
1,400
1,000

3,000

2,000

1,800

1,800

1,400

"We have four staff-sergeants to whom we give $2
a day. Other staff-sergeants receive $1.50 a day, and
we propose to give them $1.75 a day, an increase of 25
cents a day. Non-commissioned officers receive $1 a
day, and we propose to give them $1.25 a day. Con-
stables receive 75 cents a day, and we propose to give
them $1 a day. Special constables and scouts we
have no right to pay for particularly, but we have paid
them from 75 cents to $1.25 a day. We propose to
give them $1.50 a day. Buglers under 18 years of age
receive 40 cents a day and we propose to give them
50 cents a day. Working artisans receive 50 cents a

142

day. and we propose to give them 75 cents a day. Tt is
calculated that this will increase the pay of the force by
$50,000. "

The strength on November 30, 1905, was 54 officers,
650 N.C. officers and constables, 109 interpreters,
guides, scouts, artisans and special constables, total,
813, and 606 horses.

The strength in the i-rovinces of Alberta and Sas-
katchewan and the North-Wost Territories was 38
officers, 478 N.C. officers and constables, 69 interpreters,
&c., total, 585, and 513 horses.

The strength in the Yukon Territory was 16 officers,
172 N.C. officers and constables, 40 interpreters, &c.,
total, 228, and 93 horses.

In the North-West Territories and new provinces
there were ten divisions, each with a headquarters post,
and 104 j^ermanent outposts, an increase of 1 head-
quarters post and 11 outposts as compared with the
previous year.

The strength was only 15 under that authorized.
No special effort had been made to recruit. There had
been many applications to engage, and not more than
one in three had been accepted.

The work of the year 1905 was very heavy and varied.
The increase of population and the extending settle-
ments added greath^ to the ordinary duties, and further
demands were made this year in opening up the
Peace River Yukon trail, a difficult task. In his
annual report, the Commissioner brought to notice
several cases he qualified as strenuous duties well per-
formed.

Corpl. Mapley, of 'B' Division, with a party of police
left Dawson with dog teams on December 27, 1904 for
Fort Mcpherson, on the Peel river, 500 miles distant,
canning despatches to that distant outpost. The
route taken was practically unknown, across mountain
ranges. The party arrived back on March 9, having
made a successful journey without a mishap, and hav-
ing travelled upwards of 1,000 miles.

On January 7, 1905, Insf>ector Genereux, of Prince
All)ert, returned from a patrol to the far north to in-
quire into a case of alleged murder. He was absent 132
days, and travelled 1,750 miles by canoe and dog train.
As a coroner he held an inquest and established that
the death was accidental. This trip was very expen-
sive, but it is an illustration of the principle which has
hitherto prevailed, that crime will be dealt with no
matter how remote the place, how dangerous the jour-
ney, nor how great the cost. A marked instance of the
administration of justice by the government of Canada
through the Mounted Police has been the free expendi-
ture of money in bringing criminals to justice. The
government has never tied the hands of the police by
refusing to authorise any expenditure of money where

there was a reasonable hope of success. Many cases
have cost tens of thousands, and in one celebrated
case upwards of one hundred thousand dollars was
expended.

Another instance was the investigation made l\v
Inspector McGinnis and Sergt. Egan into an alleged
murder north of Cat lake in Keewatin some 200 miles
north of the Canadian Pacific Railway, a point to
which no white man had before penetrated. The ac-
cused was arrested.

Constable A. Pedley, stationed at Fort Chipewyan,
was detailed to escort an unfortunate lunatic from that
place to Fort Saskatchewan He reports as follows: —

'I left Chipewyan in charge of the lunatic on De-
cember 17, 1904, with the interpreter and two dog
trains. After travelling for five days through slush
and water up to our knees, we arrived at Fort McKay
on December 22.'

'Owing to the extreme cold, the prisoner's feet were
frost bitten. I did all I could to relieve him, and [uir-
chased some large moccasins to allow more wrappings
for his feet. I travelled without accident until the
27th, reaching Big Weechume lake. Here I had to
lay off a day to procure a guide, as there was no trail.
I arrived at Lac La Biche on the 31st, and secured a
team of horses to carry me to Fort Haskatchewan. 1
arrived on January 7, 1905, and handed over my
prisoner. During the earlier part of the trip the pri-
soner was very weak and refused to eat, but during the
latter part of the trip he develo|)ed a good ap|K'tite
and got stronger.'

'The unfortunate man was transferred to Calgary
guard room. Assistant Surgeon Rouleau re|x)rt8 tiiat
it was a remarkable case. He was badly frozen about
his feet, and the exposure to the cold had caused para-
lysis of the tongue for several days Every care and
attention was given him at the hospital (to which he
was transferred), with the result that he was discharged
on February 23 with the loss only of the first joint of
a big toe. His mind and si>eech were as good as ever.
His life was saved.'

Constable Pedley commenced his return trip to Fort
Chi|)ewyan. When he left Fort Sa-skatchowan he was
api)arently in good health, but at Lac La Hiche he
went violently insane as a result of the hardships of
his trip, and his anxiety for the safety of his charge.
He was brought back to Fort Saskatchewan and then
transferreil to Brandon Asylum. After s))cnding six
months there he recovered his mind and returned to
headquarters. He was granted three months' leave,
and is now at duty as well as ever. In spite of all, he
re-engaged for a further term of service.

One more instance of devotion to duty. Constable
(now corporal) Conradi was on patrol, when a tremen-

143

dous prairie fire was seen sweeping across the country.
He asked the rancher, at whose house he was
having dinner, if any settlers were in danger, and
was told that a settler with ten children was
in danger, but his place could not be reached.
Conradi felt that he must try, and galloped off.
Mr. Young, the settler, writing to Conrad i's com-
manding officer, said in part :— ' His (Conradi's)
pluck and endurance I cannot praise too highly; fight-
ing till he was nearly sufi"ocated, his hat burned of
his head, hair singed, and vest on fire.' 'My wife and
family owe their lives to Mr. Conradi, and I feel with
them, we shall never be able to repay him for his brave
conduct.'

On March 1 a new police district was created, to be
known as 'Athabasca,' and a division, designated ' N,'
organized for duty in that district, with temporary
headquarters at Lesser Slave Lake. The members of
'G' Division stationed in Athabasca, were transferred
to 'N' Division. Superintendent Constantine was ap-
|X)inted to the command. To this division was assign-
ed the duty of oi^ening up a pack trail from Fort St.
John, B.C., to Teslin Lake, Yukon Territory, across
the mountains of British Columbia. The estimated
distance is 750 miles. A detachment of two officers,
thirty non-commissioned officers and constables and
sixty horses left Fort Saskatchewan on March 17 for
this work. Owing to the breaking up of the winter
roads, the journey was very trying, but they reached
Peace River Crossing, 350 miles from Fort Saskatche-
wan, on April 9, without any serious mishap. Here
they were delayed awaiting supplies, which had been
contracted for, until May 21, when the party left for
Fort St. John, 570 miles from Fort Saskatchewan,
arriving there June L .^

Work was immediately commenced on the construc-
tion of winter quarters, and cutting hay. Work com-
menced on the trail on June 15, and was suspended on
September 25, owing to heavy snow in the mountaina.
94 miles of trail were completed.

During the year 1906 exceptionally good progress
has been made.

Owing to the demoralization, by the liquor traffic,
of the Indians living on the shores of Lake Winnipeg,
it was decided in 1905 to establish a police patrol.
Arrangements were made with the Department of
Indian Affairs to share the expense of purchasing and
maintaining a small steamer for this work. The Red-
wing was secured and placed in commission in June,
and laid up on September 25, owing to the dangerous
storms on the lakes in the autumn making navigation
for such a small boat unsafe.

The effects of this patrol were most beneficial.
Missionaries and Indian officials agree that they never

saw such an absence of intoxication among the
Indians.

It is worthy of remark that for some years the
Mounted Police have been discharging duties afloat,
so that besides acting as policemen, soldiers, inspectors,
explorers, surveyors, teamsters, etc., etc., members of
the force have been acting as marines and actually
sailors. The f<^rce in the Yukon has in charge three
launches, one at Cacross, the other two at White
Horse, and a steamer the "Vidette. " This steamer
was purchased in September, 1902, and has been in
commission during the five months of navigation each
year since.

R.N.W.M.P. Patrol Steamer "Vidette."
(From a photograph kindly loaned by Lieut.-Col. F. White, the Comptroller).

The boat was purchased at auction for some $3,000,
and has proved herself of valuable assistance. She
carries a vast amount of freight to different points on
the Yukon river, both from Dawson and White Horse,
and, furthermore, carried supplies up the Hootalinqua,
Stewart and Takheena rivers to the several detach-
ments at those points. A patrol is also made 250 miles
up the Pelly river.

.\t the time the Vidette was purchased it cost more to
ship freight from eastern points to Dawson than to
White Horse. It was the intention to have all the
police supplies consigned to the last named place and
have the steamer bring on what was required for
Dawson, thus saving a considerable sum. The White
Pass and Yukon route, however, in order to drive op-
position off the river, reduced the through rate to
Dawson to the same figure as was charged on White
Horse consignments. For this reason the police boat
did not effect the saving that was expected of her.

A detachment of two officers, 13 N.C. officers and
constables, Supt. J. D. Moodie commanding, were
stationed in Hudson's Bay during the seasons 1904-05.
They wintered at Cape Fullerton. The summer was
spent in patrolling the Bay in the ss. Artie.

144

It will be recalled that Supt. Moodie with a detach-
ment of N.W.M.P. left Halifax in August 1903 for
Hudson Bay on the ss. Neptune for the purpose of
asserting the authority of the Dominion Government,
and enforcing the laws in those distant regions.

As to the location of a permanent Mounted Police
post in the region, one of the objects in view, when in
Cumberland Sound, in September, 1903, Supt. Moodie
heard that United States whalers were somewhere
about the north of Southampton Island. On the
way to Fullerton,the matter of locations for detachments
was frequently discussed by Mr. Low, commanding
the expedition. Captain Bartlett and Supt. Moodie, al-
though no formal council was called, and it was taken
for granted that the police would build where the
whalers wintered. On arrival at Winchester inlet,
about 40 miles south of Fullerton, in September, the
officers heard from natives that there was a whaling
station at Fullerton and a Scotch station at Repulse
Bay. It was decided to winter at Fullerton, where
there was said to be good water and a good harbour.
Deer, fish and birds were to be had in abundance.
The Neptune arrived there on September 23, and build-
ing was at once commenced.

Supt. Moodie had been informed by the Comptroller
t hat most probably a detachment would be placed at
("luirchill in the spring This confirmed his opinion
that a post was to be placed on the west side of the bay,
where whalers wintered; also, that it was intended
the police should have jurisdiction in this district, al-
though it is actually part of Keewatin. With natives
and good dogs, it would be possible to make a patrol
from Fullerton to Churchill in the winter along the sea
ice, even without an intermediate post; with one there
should be but little trouble. Supplies for the return
journey could be procured from the Hudson's Bay
Company.

Fullcrtx)n was the best winter harbour seen on the
west side, and is on that account a good place for a
po.st.

Supt. Moodie chose the site for barracks on the
island, as this forms one side of the harbour, and the
inlet between it and the main land is only navigable
for small boats. The building which is intended for
officers' quarters is 15 by 24 feet, divided into large
and two small rooms; a store house for provisions, &c.,
a coal shed, and a lean-to kitchen 12 by 16 with large
porch have also been erected. There is a good fresh
water pond in the rocks, about 75 yards from the house.

Supt. Moodie left Staff-Sergeant Dee and Constables
Conway and Tremaine with a native at Fullerton when
the Neptune sailed on July 18th, 1904. Moodie in-
structed the Staff-Sergeant, if possible, to purchase one
or two teams, of ten good dogs each, and to purchase

from natives and store ample supplies of dog feed, viz:
fish, deer meat, seal, walrus, &c. He had field rations
for five men for 400 days, but his supply of coal was
limited, a little over 14 tons.

He was instructed to endeavour to make a patrol to
Repulse Bay during the summer of 1905 by boat. He
was also to make short patrols inland and along the
coast during the winter, as weather, &c., permits,
should the Neptune not be able to return to Fullerton.

Under the existing circumstances and strength of
the police in Hudson Bay, patrolling to any extent is
next to impossible. In the winter the distances and
the absence of any posts at which the supplies for men
and dogs can be obtained, make the risk too great. In
the summer, the time is so limited, that if the officer com-
manding has to visit the trading stations in Cumberland
Sound and north thereof he will be unable to do any
work in the bay. The winter is the time when patrols
inland will be made; in fact, it is the only time
when they can be made away from rivers.

To patrol and become acquainted with this country
would require a considerable force and an expenditure
in proportion. The difficulties are much greater than
even in the Yukon. The season when travelling by
water can be done is shorter, and, there being no fuel
or shelter of any description, in the winter everything
for men and dogs has to be carried.

On September 17, 1904, Superintendent Moodie
sailed from Quebec in command of the D.G.S. Arctic
She had on board in addition to Capt. Bernier, sailing
master, officers and ship's company, Insp. Pelletier,
S.-Sergt. Hayne, 2 corix)rals and 6 constables of the
Royal North-West Mounted Police, Mr. Vanasse,
historian, Mr. Mackean, photographer, and Mr. A. 1).
Moodie, secretary. Tne Arctic arrived at Port Bur-
well, Ungava bay, on the afternoon of October 1.
The "Arctic" left Burwell the same evening for
Fullerton and arrived there on the morning of Octo-
ber IG. No ice was encountered on the voyage until
the ship got within a few miles of Fullerton, when
she ran through some slob ice floating in and out with
the tide. The inner harbour, where the " Arctic " an-
chored, was frozen over to a thickness of about 4
inches.

Materials for additional buildings at Fullerton were
carried by the "Arctic." It was intended that the
headquarters of 'M' Division, newly created for service
in the Hudson's Bay district, should l>e built at or near
Cape Wolstenholme. This cape forms the north-west
corner of Ungava on Hudson's straits. There was not,
however, sufficient room on the Arctic, and it was
finally decided that the ship should winter at Fullerton,
complete the necessary buildings there, and that the
material for headciuarters and a detachment at Cumber-

145

land Sound should be forwarded by the supply steamer
going north in 1905. Owing to the entire absence of
timber in the north the detachment are dependent
altogether upon the supplies of lumber sent up from
the south.

A good frame barrack room, 30 feet 3 inches by 15
feet 3 inches inside measurement, was erected in the
fall of 1904 at Fullerton, by the police, assisted by a
carpenter hired from the whaler Era. A non-commis-
sioned officer's room was partitioned off from the
barrack-room, but later had to be used as a trade and
quartermaster's store, though much too small for the
purpose.

Native Hut near the Fullerton Post of the R.N.W.M.P.

The officers' quarters erected the previous winter
and used, until the new building was completed, as a
barrack-room, was floored with matched lumber, and
the walls covered with asbestos paper and oiled canvas.
The new building was finished in the same way. Both
were reported warm and comfortable but within certain
limits. Nothing appeared sufficient to keep the frost
out. The curtains in the bedroom were frozen to the
floor, and there was thick ice all round the skirting
boards.

July 5, 1905, the Arctic sailed from Fullerton with
Supt. Moodie on board and proceeded to Cape Wols-
tenholme, in which vicinity a site on a large bay
named Prefontaine Harbour, in honour of the then
Minister of Marine and Fisheries, was selected for
Divisional headquarters. Shortly afterwards, owing
to accidents to her machinery, the Arctic had to return
to the St. Lawrence, Supt. Moodie, and the men with
him transferring to the chartered steamer Neptune.
In Hudson Bay very heavy weather was encountered.
" On October 6th the sun was only visible for about 5
minutes and no sights were obtained. At 4.15 a.m., on
the 7th, position by dead reckoning being lat. 60.20 N.,

long. 86.50 W. (almost in the centre of Hudson's Bay),
we struck heavily on reefs, pounding over them for 15
minutes. The morning was pitch dark with snow
squalls. After apparently getting inside the reef,
vessel again struck three times. The captain kept her
as nearly as possible in position until dawn, when the
seas could be seen breaking on the reefs all round. He
then took her through the only visible channel with
barely water to take us through. Wind increased to
strong from S.E. by E. true, with heavy short seas.
Weather thick with frequent squalls of snow and sleet.
Vessel's head was kept to wind, engines going slow.
Morning of 8th was fairly clear, course S.W. by S.,
engines going slow. Just before noon the sun appeared
for a short time and a sight was olitained giving us the
latitude of Marble Island, which was sighted at 5.30
p.m. After consulting with Capt. Bartlett I decided
to go to Fullerton, from which we were distant only
about 90 miles, before proceeding to Churchill. By doing
so time would be saved. The vessel was making water,
our compasses were totally unreliable, and it was not
considered advisable to get out of sight of land until
they could be adjusted. The 9th was comparatively
fine and clear. Ran along coast until evening, but on
account of mirage no land marks could be made out —
the whole coast ap})eared to be lifted up like high
perpendicular cliffs. Towards night it came on to
blow a gale with very heavy sea. Soundings were
taken every 15 minutes during the night, the police
on board being told off into watches for this purpose,
one seaman and two of the police being in each watch
of two hours. Lay-to going slow and half speed as
required to keep the vessel head on; frequent heavy
squalls of snow and sleet. The 10th was a repetition
of the previous night, gale veering from N.N. PI to
N.N.W. with tremendous sea." Pumps going all the
time. This continued, with wind and sea getting
worse, all the 11th. At 4 p.m. on this day a heavy sea
struck forward end of bridge on port side. It curled
over chart room, and falling on main deck, smashed to
splinters the two whale boats swinging inboard from
davits. The stern of starboard boat was cut off and
left hanging from davit Main boom broken from
gooseneck, both poop ladders torn from the bolts and
with two harness casks, lashed on deck, swept over-
board. The lumber, &c., on port side of poop was torn
from its lashings and washing about, and the rest
loosened up The cattle pens forward were smashed
and one sheep had two legs and some ribs broken.
Sea and wind increasing, it was decided to jettison the
rest of the deck load and so relieve the vessel somewhat
from the heavy straining. The danger was that if the
deck load broke loose it would carry away the cabin
skylight and flood the vessel The morning of the 12th

146

the wind began to moderate and the sea quickly went
down." (Supt. Moodie's report.)

The same day the Neptune arrived at Fullerton and
Staff-Sergeant Hayne, going on board, reported the
sad death, by drowning, of Constable Russell, on the
evening of the 5th July, the very day theArctic left her
winter quarters. On the 17th, the Neptune sailed for
Churchill, Corpl. Rowley, Constables Vitrey and Heap,
and Interpreter Ford being left at Fullerton to strength-
en the detachment.

Superintendent Moodie again returned to Hudson
Bay with re-inforcements and supplies during the pre-
sent summer, 1906.

In September, 1905. the force was re-armed through-
out with Ross rifles and Colt revolvers, which replaced
the Winchester carbines and Enfield revolvers.

A Lonely Grave in the Far North near the R.N.W.M.F. Post
at Fullerton.

On the organization of the force it was armed with
the Snider carbine and the Adams revolver, both wea-
pons, so far as durability was concerned, standing the
rough work to which they were put very well.

About 1880, 100 Winchester rifles, improved pattern,
were purchased . and "A" and "F" Divisions armed
with them. This rifle, which was a repeating one, and
capable of receiving eight cartridges in the magazine,
had many good points, and was a favorite arm with
the western prairie men. It was not, however, alto-
gether a good military weapon. The system of rifling
waa good, but the rifle was altogether too weak in con-
struction to meet the rough handling that at times it
was impossible to prevent its receiving.

In his annual refxjrt of 1881, Lieut.-Col. Irvine,
referring to the armament of the force, wrote in part: —
"The Snider carbine is now considered in many res-
pects an ol)solcte military arm, and is somewhat un-
suited to the wants of a force in this country, where a
large portion of the Indian population is armed with

an accurate shooting weapon. Still, however, bearing
in mind the expense that a change of arms would ne-
cessitate, I think the Snider carbine may be utilized for
us for some further time, at all events. The amount
of Snider ammunition on hand is large.

"The revolver with which the force is armed is of
the "Adams" pattern. This revolver is not such as I
should recommend were a new purchase being made;
they can, however, be made to answer all practicable
purposes.

"The question of further arming the North- West
Mounted Police with sword is one to which I have given
considerable attention. There are times when a sword
would prove an encumbrance to a Mounted Policeman;
time.'!, therefore, when it would be undesirable. It is,
of course, requisite that in the question of arms, the
number and weight carried by each man should be
reduced to a minimum consistent with efficiency.

" In making ordinary prairie trips where no serious
danger of attack is to be anticipated, I should be sorry
to see our men's endurance further taxed by their being
forced to add a sword to the arms they already carry.

"If I mistake not, the late General Custer. U.S.A.,
objected to the sword being employed in Indian war-
fare, on account of the noise made in carrying it. 1
presume General Custer, in condemning the sword,
must have meant his remarks to apply to one carried
in a steel scabbard such as the British cavalry now use.

"Similar and other objections have been advanced
by officers of much experience in England.

" It will be remembered that the 7th United States
Cavalry, who fought under the late General Custer, at
the battle of the "Big Horn" (known as the Custer
Massacre), were not armed with swords. From various
accounts of this fight given me by the Sioux Indians
who took part in it, I am led to believe that had this
arm Iwen in use the result.s would not, in all probability,
have been so terribly disastrous (w).

" The artillery armament of the force consists of four
7-pr. mountain gtnis (bronze), at Fort Walsh. Two
9 pr. M.L.R. guns, and two small mortars, at Fori
Macleod. "

In his rejwrt at the end of 1882 the Commissioner
wrote: — "You are aware that we are still obliged to
retain in use at Regina and Battleford a numl)er of
Snider carbines. These carbines, owing to long and
hard service, are fast l)econung tniserviceable. in addi-
tion to the arm it.self being ati obsolete one. and in-
ferior to that which must of the Indians (all of those

(w) Ak th« lanp(> in a w«a|H>n which in MippoMd to Htrike terror into the
niiixlH of KAvaxPM. a nniall Iokup of lannea WM made to I he forrr lieforf! it
ntartt*)! on ilo long march unilcr (>«n«ral French, and Ihcrc hnvo J)een
lancrx nn<l men cx|>cri in their »m> in the force ever oince. For many
yean* these lancen have b«en u<ie<l nterely for exeroiiw, and e)i|)ecially by
the picked " muaical ride " aqusda.

147

in the southern district) are armed. Two years ago I
alhided to certain defects existing in the first pattern
of Winchester carbine supplied to the force. In the
new carbine, manufactured expressly for the force by
the Winchester Arms Company, (a number of which
had been recently issued) all the old defects have been
obviated. I beg to recommend that the whole force
be at once supplied with Winchester carbines of the
same pattern (model 1876) as those purchased from
the Winchester Arms Company.

" I would remind you that the carriages and limbers
of the 7-pr. mountain guns are fast becoming unser-
viceable. I recommend that new ones be purchased
of the pattern lately approved by the Imperial authori-
ties."

During 1883, more of the new special pattern Win-
chester rifles, and some Enfield revolvers were issued
to the force. At the end of the year the Commissioner
reported: — "The new pattern Winchester rifle supplied
is a most excellent arm, and of very superior manu-
facture. It is, in every respect, well adapted to our
use. The same remarks apply, with equal force, to
the new revolvers."

As to the artillery armament of the force, in the same
report Commissioner Irvine wrote: — "The artillery
armament of the force is as follows, viz.: — Two 9-pr.
R.M.L. guns, four 7-pr. mountain guns (bronze), and
two small mortars. The two 9-pr. guns and two small
mortars are at Fort Macleod. Two ot the 7-pr. guns being
at Calgary and two at headquarters, the various pro-
jectiles and stores appertaining to the mountain guns
are proportionately divided between the last two places
mentioned. I have previously reported that the
carriages and limbers of the 7-pr. guns are virtually
unserviceable, and last year I recommended that car-
riages and limbers of the Imperial pattern be pur-
chased. On close inquiry, however, it was ascertained
that such purchase would have entailed a very con-
siderable expenditure. Carriages and limbers suitable
for our purposes can be manufactured in this country
at a much smaller cost than would ensue were a pur-
chase made from England. "

Gradually all the Snider carbines and Adams revol-
vers were replaced by Winchesters and Enfield revolvers.

In his report at the end of the year 1887, Commissioner
Herchmer wTote : —

"The whole force is now supplied with Enfield re-
volvers which are well adapted for our work. I pro-
pose to arm the railway police with a smaller weapon
which can be carried in a less conspicuous manner.

" The Winchester carbine, so long the favourite arm
with western prairie-men, is not giving good satisfaction
in the force. The ease with which it gets out of order
and its liability to break off at the stock, are serious

drawbacks to its efficiency. The advantages of the
magazine in this carbine are quite neutralized by the
difficulty experienced in keeping it in order, and the
great temptation it offers, especially to young recruits,
to waste their fire. For a military weapon the tra-
jectory is very much too high. A good many of the
first issues are gradually wearing out, and I would
suggest that as soon as it can be settled which is the
best carbine now made, one division be supplied with
it, when, if satisfactory, it can be issued to the rest of
the force."

In the annual report of the Commissioner for 1890
appeared the following reference to the small arms of
the force: —

"Our Enfield revolvers are in excellent order, and
answer the purpose very well, but the ammunition is
too strong, and they shoot rather high, at short dis-
tances particularly. The small revolvers in use at
railroad stations are also very good, and I have asked
for some more.

"The Winchester carbines are still in use, and are
still complained of. They, however, answer our pur-
pose very well, and with close supervision and a con-
siderable number of new barrels, which are being put in,
will last for sometime longer.

" Last winter, Morris tubes were sent to Regina, and
during the winter months the recruits derived great
benefit from using them, and many of them in the
spring proved excellent shots with the Winchester. "

The artillery attached to the force in 1895 consisted
of one brass 7-pounder at Prince Albert in good order;
two brass 7-pounders at Battleford, and one M.L.
9-pounder all in good order. One M.L. 9-pounder at
Regina in good order, used for drill purposes and one
brass 7-pounder for salutes. Two M.L. 9-pounders at
Macleod in good order and two brass mortars. Two
7-pounders at Calgary. At all posts, gun detachments
were regularly drilled.

In 1895 there was a small experimental issue of Lee-
Metford rifles.

At the end of 1896, Commissioner Herchmer reported:
— "Our Winchester carbines are in about the same
condition as last year. By providing new barrels and
parts worn out, they will last for some time, and for
short ranges, up to 400 yards, they are well adapted
for our work. Beyond this range, the Lee-Metfords
are very much more accurate, in fact, beyond 500
yards, the Winchesters are of little use. The sighting
of the Winchester carbines is most defective, they
nearly all shoot too low, and paper, or some other sub-
stance has to be placed under the back-sight to ensure
any accuracy at target practice. We used American
Winchester ammunition entirely, and it was of good
quality. "

148

During the last year he was in command in the
Yukon, Supt. A. B. Perry reported: — "There are in
the Yukon Territorj^ two Maxim guns, one at Tagish,
one at Dawson; and one Nordenfelt gun, at Tagish.
The small arms are as follows: — Winchester carbines
56, Dawson district; 156, Tagish district; Lee-Metford
carbines 39, Dawson district; 5, Tagish district;
Enfield revolvers 71, Dawson district; 154, Tagish
district; Smith & Wesson revolvers, 2, Tagish district.
Some small repairs are needed and some of the
Winchester carbines are badly honey-combed. Re-
mainder are in good order. A Mauser pistol, which
by means of a stock which forms its case, can be trans-
formed into a carbine at a moment's notice, has been
tried and proved satisfactory. I would recommend
that it be adopted for the use of the force. This
arm being well known, needs no further commenda-
tion. "

In his first annual report as commanding officer
(1901) Commissioner Perry drew attention to the
necessity of re-arming the force in the following
terms: —

"The force should be entirely re-armed. "D"
Division alone has the Lee-Metford carbine, all others
are armed with the obsolete Winchester carbine and
Enfield revolver. Carbines and revolvers have been
in use a long time and the rifling is worn out. If the
corp)s is to be armed, it ought to be well armed.
Without accurate arms there cannot be good shooting,
without good shooting, carrying arms is an anomaly.
A change of the arms will call for a change in equip-
ment. At present when the revolver is worn, am-
munition for the carbine must be taken whether the
carbine is carried or not. "

In his report for the following year the Commi.ssioner
was able to report: — "The re-arming of the force has
been sanctioned and is now only delayed, to take ad-
vantage of any improvements in small arms resulting
from the South African war. New equipment will ne-
cessarily follow the re-arming. "

In the report for 1903, progress in the matter of re-
armament was reported by the Commissioner as
follows: —

"The force is now armed with the Winchester car-
bine, with the exception of "D" and "K" Divisions,
which are armed with the Lee-Metford carbine, and
with the Enfield revolver. Both carbines and revolvers
arc worn out. and I am glad to be able to report that
the department has decided to re-arm the whole force
with modem weapons.

"Sir Charles Ross submitted for trial two rifles.
one with 28 inch barrel, and one with 25 inch
barrel, the action being the same in both. The
essential difference between the Ross rifle and the

Lee-Metford, used in the Imperial service, is in the
bolt action. In the Ross the bolt is withdrawn,
and closed by a straight pull, whereas in the Lee-Met-
ford the bolt is revolved through a quarter circle,
either in opening or closing. Both have the same
barrel and use the same ammunition.

" Comparisons were made with the Winchester car-
bine, and Lee-Metford and Mauser rifles.

"The Board recommended that the Ross rifle, of
which the following is a description should be adopted,
but that certain minor alterations should be made in
the sealed pattern: — Lengthfromheelof butt to muzzle,
3 ft. 9] inches, length of barrel, 25 inches, distance
between fore and back sights, 20 3-16 inches, length of
stock, 14 1-5 inches, weight, 7 lbs. 8 oz. "

The perfected rifle of to-day, if it is to be effective,
must shoot accurately; its mechanism must be simple
and safe; its trigger must pull smoothly and easily; its
sights must be rigidly secured and finely adjusted;
and the stock must be strong and firmly balanced.
The gun must be as light as it can be safely made, and
must shoot with such precision that the man behind
it knows that a miss is his own fault.

The Ross rifle, which is manufactured in Canada,
meets all these requirements as does no other in exist-
ence. Furthermore, it excels in rapidity of fire, in
lightness and balance, in quality and strength of metal,
in the accuracy of its sights, and in the maintenance of
its alignment. It secures its rapidity of fire by the
mechanism of a bolt that requires but two movements,
while most military rifles in use require at least three
and some even four. Its weight (7 pounds and 13
ounces), nearly two pounds less than the present arm
in use in the United States, is gained by the high quality
of metal used.

Both sights of the gun have improvements worth
noting.

The rear sight is a marvel of compactness. The leaf
is hinged at the forward end and is adjusted up or down,
either by means of .sliding clanifw engaging a moveable
rack held by a plate, upim which the distances by
himdred yards are inscribed, or by a micrometer
thimble showing fractional parts of these distances.
The .sliding clamjw provide the coarse adjustments;
and the micrometer thimble the very fine adjustments.
The sight leaf can l)e carried to elevations corre-
sponding with ranges from 1(X) to 22(X) yards.
A wind guage is also provided with the rear
sight.

Much interest has always been taken in the target
practice of the force, never as much as under the pre-
.sent Commissioner, who is himself a crack shot. In
1903, Commissioner Perry, in General Orders drew
particular attention to the imiwrtance of rifle shooting.

149

The Commissioner practices what he preaches, and
in the annual target practice of the Depot Division,
the same 5'ear, he took first place with the car-
bine. During the month of August the Depot Divi-
sion had a number of interesting matches, the
principal ones being "B" Division (Dawson) versus
Depot Division, results wired; certified scores by mail;
10 a side; 200 and 400 yards. "B" Division won by 32
points.

For the first time in the history of the force, regi-
mental matches were held at Calgary in September
this same year. Teams of 8 men from each division
competed in rifle and revolver matches. The scores
were excellent and the competition very keen. A sub-
stantial grant was authorized from the fine fund for
prizes. The Slater Shoe Co., Montreal; E. L. Drewry,
Esq., of Winnipeg, and Superintendent Constantine
gave very handsome sterling silver cups for competition.
The canteens subscribed generously, and the officers
gave a large cash prize. The Canadian Pacific Railway
gave a very low rate for transportation, so that the
charge against the public was much reduced. The
team matches were won as follows :— Slater trophy,
"A" Division; Drewry trophy, Depot Division,; Con-
stantine trophy, "E" Division.

Reg. No. 1206, Corporal Banham, won the individual
rifle match, and Reg. No. 1126, Sergeant-Major Raven,
the individual revolver match.

The bringing together of men from every divi-
sion was most beneficial, and the Commissioner
hoped that these matches would be made an annual
event.

In 1904 a rifle range with eight targets was built
on the police reserve at Medicine Hat. It is an ex-
cellent range, and it is proposed that annual regimental
matches be held there. These matches were to
have taken place in 1904, in September, and all
arrangements were made. Owing to unexpected de-
mands made at that time the matches had to be
postponed.

Owing to the fact that the new rifles were not received
until September, the annual target practice for 1905
was not carried out.

His Excellency the Earl of Minto, Honorary Commis-
sioner of the force, has sent the Commissioner a very
handsome silver cup to be competed for at these
matches.

His Excellency the Governor General has also in-
formed the Commissioner that he intends presenting
a trophy for competition.

As there have been several changes in the armament
since the organization of the force so there has been
a steady but often slow process of evolution going on
with regard to uniform and equipment.

The uniform of the Royal North-West Mounted
Police at present consists of scarlet serge (tunic of
dragoon pattern for officers) blue back overalls or
riding breeches with broad yellow stripes, broad-
rimmed brown felt hat of cow-boy pattern, brown
leather belts, gauntlets, etc. A suit of khaki drill
is worn on prairie service, fatigues, etc.

The full-dress uniform, while comparatively plain
and free from detail, is in general effect very smart,
particularly when the clothing is well-fitted and
worn on a good figure, which is invariably the
case in the Royal North-West Mounted Police.
The smartest cavalry regiments in His Majesty's
service cannot turn out a smarter lot of troopers
than the stalwart red-coats that swagger about
the streets of the towns and villages of the Canadian
North-West.

The red-coat has always been a characteristic feature
of the uniform of the force. The adoption of this
striking detail of uniform was not merely due to the
strong British sentiment which prevails in Canada.
It was not a piece of empty colonial swagger; but
rather a case of subtle diplomacy. Among the Indians
of North America the red coat was a tradition, and a
dearly cherished one. It recalled to their minds
stories related about the camp fires by their fathers
and grand-fathers, of staunch red-coated warriors who
had fought side by side with them. Who had not only
fought well, but had acted the brave, honourable and
manly part towards their dusky allies. It was a sub-
ject of comment among the redmen that however other
white men might lie to them and cheat them, these
wearing the red coat could be trusted with implicit
confidence ; that although among a certain class of white
men, the inhuman doctrine had been enunciated and
acted upon with barbarous perseverance that "The
only good Indian is a dead Indian," the authority
which the red coat represented held the life of an In-
dian as sacred as that of any white. It will be remem-
bered that, as a crafty concession to this sentiment
among the Manitoba Indians, the foot soldiers of
the permanent militia force maintained in that prov-
ince for some years after the suppression of the Red
River troubles, were transformed from " rifles " into red
coated " infantry. "

The original red coat of the Mounted Police, as
worn by the force under Colonel French, was of the
loose frock or Norfolk jacket pattern in vogue in the
army for some years after the Crimean War, with cloth
belts. The broad-striped breeches, as at present, were
worn, while the head-dress for full dress was the white
helmet, for undress the small, round " pill-box " forage
cap once universal in the mounted branches of the
British service. The original issue of uniform also

150

included long brown boots and a brown cotton fatigue
suit.

The officers' uniforms differed only from those of the
non-commissioned ranks in the addition of a light
edging of gold lace to the " frocks " and the wearing of
military rank badges.

In his confidential report on the force in 1875, Sir
Selby Smith made the following reference to the uni-
form of the force : —

" I like the dress of the Mounted Police, scarlet frock,
cord breeches, long brown boots and a brown cotton
fatigue suit, (better cotton than linen) — the latter when
wet causes chills and fevers; white helmet; the forage
cap can be improved, and also I prefer the tunic shape
to the frock, it is more 'dressy' and the men take
some pride in looking smart. At present there is a
want of uniformity in the dress. I am told the uniform
lately sent is excellent, but I hardly concur in the

-tem of allowing officers to wear the same as the men
with the addition of gold lace — it may do for service
but I think a neat full-dress should be adopted, not
costly but such as they could feel becoming their
position in society. I believe the officers desire this
improvement. I think the simpler the adornment of
lace the better.

" It is suggested that the officers should wear swords (4)
which have a great effect upon the Indian mind and a
shoulder belt with a pouch for field glasses. Indeed
I think constables should have a field glass, they are
absolutely necessary on the prairie ; a great number of
Indians and others now wear them, and the police are
tlierefore at a disadvantage without this aid."

Shortly after this, while the Hon. R. W. Scott was
the ministerial head of the department, at the request
of the officers, the tunic pattern of "coat" was adopted
for the non-commissioned officers and men, a most
elaborate officers' uniform being sanctioned at the
same time. This included a very handsome tunic of
the hussar pattern, but of course of scarlet cloth, and
with the rich trimmings of gold lace and braid bestowed
upon the familiar hussar officer's blue garment. Other
triking features of this uniform were long drooping
plumes of horse hair worn in the officers' helmets,
and a sabretache literally covered with gold lace, the
main ornament being the corp's badge, as at present,
consisting of a buffal<j head surrounded by maple
leaves, with a garter underneath inscribed with the
corp's motto " Maintiens le Droit." Of course
gold lace belts were also worn At the time this
uniform was adopted comment was made upon
its exceptionally elalx)rate and expensive character,
but it was represented by the officers that smartness

(4) 8words were abortly after the (late of this retxirt adopted by the
nffioera, and have been worn ever ainee.

is especially required in the early years of any corps to
assist in the development of a proper feeling of corps
pride, and furthermore, that in this case there was a
special object to be considered in connection with the
uniform of the Mounted Police, namely the import-
ance of creating a marked impression of the import-
ance and authority of the officers of the force upon the
receptive minds of the Indians. Owing to these argu-
ments, and to the fact that the officers themselves,
who would have to pay for the gold lace and plumes,
had asked for them, the minister gave his sanction to
the elaborate uniform which was so long worn by the
officers.

For some years now the officers have worn plainer
and less expensive tunics of dragoon officers' pattern
in full dress.

The dressy blue undress patrol jacket with braided
breast and hanging tabs, still worn by the officers, was
adopted at the same time as the original elaborate full
dress.

The helmet was never regarded with favour in the
Mounted Police, nor apparently in any other Canadian
organization of a military character. The relegation
of that head-dress to the rubbish heap was repeatedly
and urgently asked for before the wishes of all ranks
were concurred in a few years ago.

In his annual report for 1880 the Commissioner
under the heading of uniform wrote as follows: —

"The uniform, clothing and boots supplied to the
force last year were very good ; the underclothing par-
ticularly so. I think that a light grey felt hat would
be preferable to the helmet. Very few wear the latter
unless obliged to. On trips they are almost invariably
carried in the waggons, and get greatly damaged by the
knocking about. The men always wear felt hats
when they can. With the present kit the men are well
clothed, and are in a position to turn out at any time of
the year."

In his annual report for 1885 Commissioner Irvine
wrote: — '

"The suitability of the present dress of the police
has long been a moot point. On the one hand, the red
coat, from long association, has the confidence of the
Indians, and conduces to the smartness and soldierly
appearance of the men. On the other hand, a red coat
soon loses its color amid the dust and dirt of prairie
travel. I see no necessity for an alteration in the
tunic, which is used on full dress parades, &c., but
consider that a working suit of some stout material is
very desirable. There could hardly l>e a better pattern
lK)th as regards material and cut, than the suit worn
recently by .Methuen's horse in South Africa. I for-
warded, in July 1884, a pattern of a cap which I con-
sidered suitable for prairie work, in that it shades the

151

eyes and l^ack of the neck, is light to wear, serviceable
in colour, easy to carry when not in wear, and of little

cost.

"It is an object to do away with pipeclay as much as
possible. It was for this reason that I recommended,
last year, the adoption of brown leather gauntlets,
such as are worn by the mounted infantry of the Im-
perial service, in place of the white ones with which
we are now equipped.

"The same remark applies to the helmet, future
issues of which should be of buff or brown leather. It
would be better, also, if they were not so tall as the
present pattern, which presents an unnecessary surface
to the wind on the prairie, and is thereby rendered very
uncomfortable to the wearer. "

Divisional officers, time and time again, in their
reports, drew attention to desirable changes in the uni-
form, all condemning the helmet as unsuitable for
prairie work.

In his annual report for 1886 Supt. E. W. Jarvis, at
the time commanding "B" Division, pointed out that
the police uniform fitted too well for a man actively
engaged in rough prairie work, and was soon spoiled
by duties required round a camp fire. He suggested
the issue of a " prairie dress " which would consist of
dark brown cord or velveteen breeches, long boots and
spurs, a heavy flannel shirt, over which the stable
jacket could be worn when required, and a broad-
rimmed hat of soft felt to complete the outfit. The
regular uniform would be saved for parade and duty
in settled districts.

About the same time other officers made similar
recommendations and a brown duck service suit was
a short time afterwards issued for wear about barracks,
stable duties, etc. In his report at the end of the year
1899, the Commissioner wrote: — "The duck suit is
still very satisfactory, but the cap is found, outside
fatigue work about barracks, to be of little use,
and in wet weather it is no protection against rain, and
also loses all shape. I am more than ever of opinion
that a heavy felt hat, of a uniform pattern should be
adopted for patrol work, and that they be kept on re-
payment. "

This duck suit was of course of little or no use for
prairie' work except perhaps for very short trips in
summer, and there was a general demand for a service-
able prairie uniform. In his report at the end of 1899,
Inspecting Superintendent Cotton, wrote: — "I would
again renew my previously made recommendation
in favour of a prairie suit of some neutral colour.
A loose Norfolk jacket (lots of pockets) made
of light, soft cord, with riding breeches of the
same material, would, I think, answer our purpose
admirably. "

The recruit upon being regularly enlisted in the
force receives as a free issue a complete and most ex-
cellent kit, which includes in addition to the entire kit
issued to the cavalry soldier, warm underclothing, fur
cap, fur coat, buckskin mittens, etc., etc. Of course
men serving in the Arctic regions receive a special kit
which is made as complete as possible.

In 1894 the various acts passed regarding the North-
West Mounted Police were revised and consolidated
and embodied in a new statute "The Mounted Police
Act of 1894" (57-58 Victoria, c. 27.)

This is the legislation under which the force is at
present maintained.

Although the Mounted Police is popularly regarded
as a military body, which is not surprising considering
the uniforms and style of the officers and men, the
strict discipline, and the military character of much of
the work done, the force, like its famous prototype,
the Royal Irish Constabulary, is actually a purely
civil body, although at a moment's notice, liable and
ready to be transformed into a formidable military
unit.

The department of North-West Mounted Police is a
separate branch of the civil government at Ottawa,
under the control of the Premier and President of the
Privy Council, the Right Honourable Sir Wilfrid Laurier,
the permanent head of the department being the
Comptroller.

Lieut.-Colonel Frederick White, C.M.G., Comptroller
of the Royal North- West Mounted Police, was born in
Birmingham, England, February 16, 1847. Educated
there, he came to Canada as a young man, and was
trained to official life under the late Lieut.-Col. Bernard,
C.M.G., one of the ablest public officers of the old
regime at Ottawa. He entered the Department of
Justice as a third class clerk, March 1, 1869, being ap-
pointed chief clerk, August, 1876. Upon the organiza-
tion of the N.W.M.P. (in connection it will be remem-
bered, with the Department of Justice of which Sir
John A. Macdonald, the Premier, was minister) Sir
John specially selected him to take charge under him
of the administration of the Mounted Police Branch of
the Justice Department, the title of Comptroller of the
N.W.M.P. being conferred upon him. Sir John at this
time explained his ideas as to the organization and
equipment of the force to Mr. White and entrusted
him with their execution. In all the changes which
have taken place in the administrative head of the
force, succeeding Ministers have retained the Comp-
troller in his position and given him their confidence.
In July, 1883, he was accorded the rank and status of a
deputy head of department. No man in the Canadian
public service has had as extended an experience of
North- West affairs or has individually contributed as

152

much to its satisfactory development. From 1880 to
1882, he served as private secretary to Sir John A.
Macdonald, in addition to his other duties. While a
resident of Montreal, after first coming to Canada, he
served for a time in the ranks of the 3rd Victoria Rifles,
after moving to Ottawa accepting a commission in the
Governor General's Foot Guards and attaining the
rank of Captain. May 17, 1901, as a special case, he
received the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Active
Militia, in recognition of long and honourable service
largely of a military character, and especially as a mark
of appreciation of the value of his co-operation with the
militia authorities in the work of raising and equipping
the several Canadian contingents for South Africa.
He received the appointment of Companion of the
Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George in
1902.

The officers of the Royal North- West Mounted Police
(apart from the inside service) at the beginning of the
present year, 1906, were as follows: —

Name.

Date of

Name.

Present Rank.

Date.

First ap-

-

^pointment.

Perry, Aylesworth Bowen. . . .

Commissioner

1 Aug. '00 24 Jan. '82

.Mclllree, John Henry

Asst. Commissioner.

1 Nov. '92 14 Nov. '70

Wood, Zachary Taylor

do

1 July '02 1 Aug. '85

Deane, Richard Burton

Superintendent ....

1 Apr. '84 1 July '83

Constantine, Charles

do

1 Sept. '97

20 Oct '86

Sanders, Gilbert Edward.

D-S.O

do

1 July '99

1 Sept. '84

Primrose. Philip Carteret Hill,

do

14 Oct. '99

1 Aug. '85

Snyder, Arthur Edward

do

1 July '01

1 Aug. '85

Cuthbert. Albert Edw. Ross ..

do

1 Sept. '02

1 Aug. '85

Wilson, James Osgood

do

1 Mar. '03

15 Sept. '85

B«5gin, Joseph Victor

do ...

1 Mar. '03

22 Oct. '85

.Macdonell, Archibald Cameron

D.S.O

do

1 Mar. '03

22 Sept. '89

Moodie, John Douglas

do

1 Dec. '03

15 Sept. '85

.McGibbon. John Alexander. .

Inspector

15 Sept '85 15 Sept. '85

Starnes, Cortlandt

do

do

1 Mar. '86
1 May '87

1 Mar. '86

Routledge. Walton H

1 May '87

Davidson, Hugh Jas. Alexr. . .

do

1 Feb. '89

1 Feb. '89

Howard, Donald Macdonald. .

do

1 Nov. '90

1 Nov. '90

.Strickland, D'Arcy Edward . .

do

1 Nov. '91

15 Nov. '91

Belcher, Rob<H^, C.M.G

do

1 Feb. '93

1 Feb. '93

Irwin, William H

do

4 May '93
16 May '93

4 May '93
16 May '93

Jarvin. Arthur Murray, C.M.G.

do

Demers, Francois Joseph A. .

do

3 June '98

3 June '98

Horriican. Fitxpatrick Jos. . . .

do

4 Nov. '99

4 Nov. '99

.McDonell, Albert Edward

Crosby

do

1 Aug. '00

1 Aug. '00

Went, Christopher Harfield . .

do

1 Aug. '00

1 Aug. '00

.McGinnis. Thomas

do

1 Sept. '00

1 Sept. '00

Walke. William Mackenzie. . .

do

1 Oct. '00

1 Oct. '00

Pelletier, Ephrem Albert

do

1 Jan. '01

1 Jan. '01

Worsley, George .Stanley

do

1 Apr. 'Oil

1 Apr. '01

Heffernan. John Herbert

do

IS May '01

16 May '01

Taylor, John

do

1 July '01

1 July '01

Douglas, Richard Young

do

20 May '02 !

20 May '02

Knight. Reginald 8pencer.*. . .

do

1 Mar. '03.

1 Mar. '03

Richards, John

do
do
do

IMsr. '03
1 Mar. "OS
1 Mar. '03

1 Mar. '03

Parker, William

1 Mar. '03

Duffus, Arthur William

1 Mar. '03

Stevens, (ieorge

do

do

31 Oct. '03

I Apr. '041

31 Oct. 'm

Tucker, Robert Edward

1 Apr. '04

Church, Frank

do ....

1 Apr, '041

1 Apr, '04

Ritchie, James. . .'

Genereux, John Horace. . . .
Pennefather, Percival Wm. .

Shaw, .\lfred Ernest

Allard, Alphonse B

Grant. John William S

Par^, Louis .-Vlphonse, M.D.
Bell, George Pearson, M.D. .
Fraser, Samuel Martin, M.D
Thompson, W. E., M.D. . . .
*Madore, Godefroy, M.D. . .
Burnett, John. V'. S

Wroughton. Theodore Am-
brose. V.S

Present Rank.

Inspector ,

do

do

do

do

<lo

Surgeon

do

Assistant Surgeon. .
do
do
Inspector and Veter-
inary Surgeon. . .
do do

Date.

1 Apr.

1 Apr.
29 June
29 June

1 July
27 July

1 Jan.

1 July

May

12 July

15 Aug.

Date of

First Ap-
pointment.

04 1
04 1

'04 29
04 29

Apr. '04
Apr. '04
June '04
June '04
July '04
July '04
July '87
Feb. '94
May '89
July '98
Aug. '98

1 July '90 1 July '87
1 Mar. '98 1 Jan. '88

♦Temporarily for service in the Yukon

The Superintendents were originally designated
"Inspectors" and the Inspectors "Sub-Inspectors,"
but after a few years, as the establishment increased
these titles were found to be cumbersome and the
system adopted of designating the commanding
officers of divisions "Superintendents," and their
subalterns " Inspectors."

It will be remembered that when originally des-
patched to the North- West, the Mounted Police had
the usual compliment of regimental staff officers.

Owing to the great distances which separated the
several Mounted Police Posts it was found impossible
for the paymaster, the quartermaster and the veterin-
ary surgeon to perform the duties which at the or-
ganization of the force, it was intended they should
discharge, and those offices were therefore abolished
under authority of Order-in-Council of August 16,1876,
and June 25, 1877. Since those dates the officers
commanding divisions have |x>rformed the duties of
Paymaster and Quartermast<?r of their respective
commands. At the time of the change competent
sub-constables were appointed veterinary constables
at the principal posts. In course of time promotion as
veterinary staff sergeants came to some of the most
efficient of these men, and for some time now there has
again been a staff of veterinary surgeons at headquar-
ters, and several posts, rendered necessary by the
quarantine duties which for long have comprised a
very im{X)rtant part of the duties of the force.

The officers of the force are obtained from three
.sources — from among the graduates of the Royal
Military College. Kingston; from the Active Militia,
and from the rank and file of the force. The latter
.source of supply is very prolific on account of the very
high standard of manhood which ha.s always prevailed
in the force. Socially a considerable proportion of the

153

constables of the various divisions would be a credit to
any regimental mess in the world.

Every member, on joining the forcfe, is required to
take the oath of allegiance, and in addition an oath
of office in the following form:—

"I, A. B., solemnly swear that I will faithfully,
diligently, and impartially execute and perform the
duties required of me as a member of the North-West
Mounted Police Force, and will well and truly obey and
perform all lawful orders and instructions which I shall
receive as such, without fear, favour, or affection of or
toward any person. So help me, God. "

Every constable, upon his appointment to the force,
signs articles of engagement for a term of service not
exceeding five years; but he is liable to be discharged
at any time by the Commissioner for cause.

The duties of the force are enumerated in the Act as
follows: —

(a) The preservation of the peace and the pre-
vention of crime.

(b) The arrest of criminals and others who may be

lawfully taken into custody.

(c) Attendance on magistrates and execution of

process.

(d) The escort and conveyance of prisoners to and

from courts and prisons.

(e) To search for, seize, and destroy intoxicating

liquors where their sale is prohibited.

Although the members of the force are not subject
to the Army Act and Militia Act, except when
serving with the Active Militia in the field, the disci-
pline is wholesomely rigid.

Non-commissioned officers and men accused of any
of the following offences are liable to arrest and trial: —

(a) Disobeying or refusing to obey the lawful
command of, or striking his superior,

(b) Oppressive or tyrannical conduct toward his

inferior.

(c) Intoxication, however slight.

(d) Having intoxicating liquor illegally in his

possession, or concealed.

(e) Directly or indirectly receiving any gratuity,

without the Commissioner's sanction, or any

bribe.
(/) Wearing any party emblem.
(g) Otherwise manifesting political partisanship.
(h) Overholding any complaint,
(i) Mutinous or insubordinate conduct.
(;') Unduly overholding any allowance or any of

the public money entrusted to him.
(fc) Misapplying or improperly withholding smy

money or goods levied under any warrant or

taken from any prisoner.

(I) Divulging any matter or thing which it is his

duty to keep secret,
(m) Making any anonymous complaint to the

Government or the Commissioner,
(n) Communicating, without the Commissioner's
authority, either directly or indirectly, to the
public press, any matter or thing touching the
force.
(o) Willfully, or through negligence or connivance,

allowing an}^ prisoner to escape.
(p) Using any cruel, harsh, or unnecessary violence

towards any prisoner or other person.
(q) Leaving any post on which he has been placed

as sentry or on other duty,
(r) Deserting or absenting himself from his duties

or quarters without leave,
(s) Scandalous or infamous behaviour.
(t) Disgraceful, profane, or grossly immoral con-
duct.
(u) Violating any standing order, rule, or regula-
tion, or any order, rule, or regulation hereafter
made.
(v) Any disorder or neglect to the prejudice of
morality or discipline, although not specified
in this Act, or in any rule or regulation.
All pecuniary penalties form a fund which is applied
to the payment of rewards for good conduct or meri-
torious service, to the establishment of libraries and
recreation rooms, and to such other objects for the
benefit of the force as may be approved of.

Offences by the commissioned officers are tried in a
summary way by the Commissioner, who is clothed
with the necessary authority to compel the attendance
of witnesses.

New Riding- School of the R.N.W.M.P. at Regina.

All recruits join the depot, where an efficient instruc-
tional staff is maintained, and where they are supposed
to receive the ground work in their education as mem-
bers of the force which experience will ripen into effi-
ciency. The present Commissioner, feels that it is

154

more than ever necessary for a thorough grounding at
the depot, for, once transferred, there is neither time
nor opportunity to supply the want.

H. Christie Thomson, an ex-member of the force,
describing life in the force in an article published in the
" Boy's Own Paper, " February 1897, made a special
reference to the life of the recruit at the depot: —

"The first few months of a recruit's service are spent
in Regina, the headiiuarters of the force, where he is
put through a regular course of instruction. He rides
and drills, drills and rides — particularly rides, until ho
is heartily sick of the sight of a drill sergeant or a riding
master. Throughout the extremely painful period
spent in acquiring a military seat, he is upheld by the
thought that it is only for a very few months. As he
works upward from the awkward to No. 1 squad, and
from No. 4 to No. 1 Ride, he is always looking forward
to the time when he shall be dismissed from rides and
drills, and transferred far from Regina, with its " rook-
ies" (recruits), its riding school and its parade ground.

"In addition to the training of the soldier, he re-
ceives instruction in many subjects bearing upon his
future work. Police duties, a smattering of law,
veterinary science, care of transport and saddlery, all
receive due attention. He is taught to shoe a horse,
to drive two horses or four, and by actual experience is
initiated into the many mysteries and secrets of camp-
ing out.

"During the day his time is fully occupied. The
horses have to be attended to at least three times each
day, he has his parades, his lectures and an occasional
fatigue. In the intervals of duty he must be cleaning
his kit, polishing, burnishing and brushing, for cleanli-
ness is the first requisite of a soldier. With the excep-
tion of doing his turn on guard, which comes around
every week or so, his evenings are altogether his own,
and he can choose between a dozen different amuse-
ments.

"Once through his course of training, and transferred
from Regina, a new phase of life begins, and a nmch
plea.santer one. He has now much more time to him-
self, and discipline is not so strict. There are not nearly
so many parades, and better than all, a considerable
ixirtion of his time is now spent patrolling the prairie,
far from barracks and civilization. And here he is
absolutely free and masterless as though he did not
wear the Queen's uniform. Prairie fires have to be
fought, horse thieves and desperadoes caught, Indian
reserves patrolled, the observance of the game and
fishery laws enforced, .settlers looked after, lost horses
hunted, and a thousand other duties t<» l)e i)erformed
that necessitate a constant life in the sa<ldle. "

It willlx? realized from the foregoing that although
a civil force, the R.N.W.M.P. is drilled a** a military or-

ganization, and it is so thoroughly drilled too, that
officers and men can at a moment's notice act either as
cavalry, artillery or infantry.

And, be it remembered by good intentioned but
ignorant people who read both history and pjissing
events with one eye shut and consequently imagine
that military drill and discipline have no practical
value since the invention of arms of precision, the
training imparted to the recruit at the depot of this
unsurpassed corps of "soldiers-of-all-work" is not con-
fined to instruction in marksmanship and equitation,
although great stress is laid upon those branches; but
includes complete courses in setting-up drill, infantry
drill, cavalry drill, etc. Even the intricacies of the
musical ride — a j^hase of military work which so-called
reformers are so fond of railing at, is mastered by
picked squads. This art is acquired at voluntary
drills, and the immense amount of work recpiired to
secure the absolute perfection attained in the training
of men and horses but illustrates the devotion of all
ranks to their s{>ecial work and their ambition to be
excelled in smartness by none. The performance of
the musical ride by a picked squad of the Mounted
Police would make the most showy cavalry regiment in
His Majesty's service anxious about its laurels.

A Musical Ride Squad of tho R.N. W.M.I', at Retina.

At times several of the Divisions have had fine brji.ss
bands, in some cases the officers and men providing
the instruments them.selves, in others the department
affording a little a,ssi.^tance. In 1SS6 "D", "E" and
"H" Divisions had very good bands, and the following
year one was started at the defwt, the instruments
being provided by the department. The frequent
changesof station, the extension of the outjmst system
as the country was s<'ttled, and the other exactions of
service have made it very didiciilt to maintain bands.
\ new voluntary band was formed at the depot under
Sergeant Walker in 1904.

155

As the depot is the nerve centre of the whole force, so
is the "post" of each Division. Each divisional post,
they are all posted at carefully selected points, is the
hub of a system of patrols and outposts. Some of the
latter are maintained only at certain seasons, generally
the summer. The detachments occupying them vary
from an officer's command to a single constable, but
most of them consist of a squad under a sergeant or a
constable. The larger outposts are houses in govern-
ment buildings erected for the purpose. At first these
were mere "shacks" or huts put together hurriedly by
the various detachments, but latterly a great improve-
ment has been effected and there are now numerous
cozy, and in some cases, almost pretentious quarters
for the chief detachments commanding the principal
trails. Some isolated detachments are housed in farm
houses, while others are accommodated in private
houses in villages and hamlets along the various lines
of railway.

The whole vast country is covered like a network by a
most efficient system of patrolling. A map of the
North- West indicating the posts, outposts and patrols
of the North- West Mounted Police, looks as if the
country were covered with a series of large and small
cobwebs, the larger representing the divisional posts
and their patrols, the smaller the outposts or detach-
ments and theirs.

The men on outpost duty patrol the international
frontier for the suppression of smuggling and horse
stealing, and the whole country in the vicinity of their
detachments for the enforcement of the law and de-
partmental regulations. An important duty which
particularly falls upon the patrols is the guarding
against and suppressing of prairie fires, and frequently
this duty is extremely hazardous.

Of recent years, since the present great influx of
population began, the duties of the police in connection
with the settlers and settlement have greatly increased.
Every new settler is interviewed and thoroughly in-
formed as to the laws and departmental regulations,
the maxim being applied to the new citizens of Canada
as it was years ago in dealing with the Indians, that
preventive measures are far superior to repressive ones.
When a constable rides out on his patrol he carries a
patrol sheet which is handed in succession to each
settler, who is required to sign the paper, stating
whether he has any complaints or not, and if he has,
indicating their nature. On his return to his post, out-
post, or detachment, the patrol hands in his patrol sheet.
All new settlers, especially foreigners, look to the poiice
for advice, for they are not slow to realize that these
dashing "warriors of justice" hold them strictly to
account as subjects and occupants of the land, but at
the same time afford them full and complete protection,

if need be, at the risk of their lives. Any momentary
unruliness on the part of recently settled communities
is soon repressed, for the fearless way, yet with scrupu-
lous avoidance of bloodshed, with which the arrest of
delinquents is promptly effected never fails to make
the desired impression. The advice of the red-coats
is constantly being asked by new settlers, and they
have settled amicably many disputes which might
easily have resulted in costly litigation.

Many a settler could tell of valuable assistance re-
ceived from the men of this ubiquitous military-con-
stabulary outside altogether of the discharge of their
ordinary duties. They have been helped by the men
charged with their security and protection, to pitch
their camps the first night on the prairie, to erect their
first modest huts, to herd their live stock, to repair
their harness and vehicles, to even cook their meals
and nurse their sick and children. And your bravest
man is always your gentlest nurse.

In the large number of time-expired men who have
remained in the far west, men accustomed by dis-
cipline to practice the useful virtues of respect for
authority and self restraint, the force has contributed
to the North- West some of its very best settlers and
citizens.

Among the most important duties discharged by
the officers of the force are those appertaining to their
magisterial functions, and in the interpretation and ap-
plication of the law they have never left anything to
be desired.

It is related that the great Blackfoot chief "Crow-
foot, " in a spirit of some hostility, soon after the police
took possession of the country, attended the trial of a
couple of the braves of his tribe before an officer of the
force. -He followed the proceedings closely, and was so
impressed with their absolutely impartial character
that he remarked: — "This is a place where the forked
tongue is made straight. When my people do wrong
they shall come here. " And the wise and just old
chieftain, statesman, orator a.id warrior, in every way
a credit to his race, kept his word and never had
occasion to regret it.

Within the present year (1906) an important change
in the control of the Royal North-West Mounted
Police has taken place. Most of the territory com-
prised within the region which the force originally opened
up, having been erected into the Provinces of Alberta
and Saskatchewan, the administration of justice therein
falls within the scope of the provincial governments,
instead of continuing under the Dominion Government,
as heretofore. So, although the federal control and
direction of the whole force is maintained^ the posts
and detachments thereof stationed in the new pro-
vinces will act under the direct instructions of the

156

provincial Attorney General although maintained by
the Dominion Government under a special financial
arrangement.

There continues to be abundance of work for this
incomparable body of men to do, not alone in the
Yukon, Mackenzie, Peace River and Hudson Bay
districts but in the new provinces as well. The en-
forcement of law and order in the construction camps

St, Marys Detachment, R.N.W.M.P.
A Typical Modern Detachment.

of the great railways now being rushed westward and
northward is no small matter, for railway construction
in connection with both the Grand Trunk Pacific and
the Canadian Northern, is being rapidly pushed for-
ward just now, the railway activity in the North- West
being unequalled in the history of the world.

The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company, which
was incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1903, is
under agreements with the Canadian Government for
the construction and operation of a line of railway
across Canada, from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean,
wholly within Canadian territory, of an estimated
mileage of main line of 3,600 miles; in addition to
which there will be constructed several branch lines of
considerable length and importance, including a line
from the main line southerly 199 miles to Fort
William and Port Arthur, on Lake Superior, for the
purpose of reaching navigation on the Great Lakes; also
from the main line southerly about 229 miles to North
Bay or Gravenhurst, in the Province of Ontario, to
make connection with the lines of the Grand Trunk
Railway Company of Canada, and another line from the
main line southerly to Montreal. Branch lines are pro-
posed as well, to Brandon, Regina, Prince Albert and
Calgary, and to Dax^son in the Yukon Territory.

This great undertaking. which surpasses in magnitude
and importance, any plan of railway construction

Hitherto conceived as a whole, has been projected to
meet the pressing demand for transportation facilities
in British North America, caused by the large tide of
immigration which is now flowing into that country'
from Great Britain, Northern Europe, and still more
extensively from the Western States of the United
States, seeking the rich lands which lie so abundantly
in the Province of Manitoba, and the territories of
Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Athabaska,
comprising the North-West Territories (the latter,
however, having been absorbed in the two new pro-
vinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta), the lands
originally opened up to settlement by the Mounted
Police, and now covered by their patrols.

The country through which the Prairie Section of the
railway will pass, contains land now known to be well
adapted for the growing of wheat, which in extent is
four times the wheat growing area of the United States,
and is the great agricultural belt of the North-West.

Mr. Frank W. Morse, Vice-President and General
Mauager of the Grand Trunk Pacific is a warm admirer
of the Royal North-West Mounted Police, having been
able to form an idea of the efficiency and splendid
work of the force from his visits to the North-West and
over the projected line of his company's railway.
Upon one occasion Mr. Morse rode 500 miles on horse-
back across country from Portage la Prairie to Saska-
toon, and there was not a moment that he did not feel
just as safe as if he had been in his office in the city of
Montreal.

Mr. Frank W. Morse (on the left), Vice-President and General

Manager Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, and party ffoing

over the Surveyed Line of the G.T. P. through the

Prairie Region of the West.

The rotigh service of a pioneer nature now dis-
charged by the memlwrs of the force lies largely in the
Yukon and the vast and only partially explored terri-
tories to the north of .\ll)erta, Saskatchewan and
Manitoba, but even there the rough bf>rder element is
being eliminated, and law and order established.

167

Bishop Stringer, who succeeded that great Church of
England hero. Bishop Bompas, in mission work in the
far north, was a visitor in Winnipeg this summer (1906)
en route to the Mackenzie River, where he has minis-
tered to the Indians since 1892. Speaking of one
phase of his work in the far north, he highly compli-
ments the Mounted Police in this language:

"Formerly the country was overrun by Americans.
Now this is all changed, and the new-comers to the
north are Canadian born. Perhaps it is that the
Americans are becoming Canadianized; but travelling
through the country now-a-days, the fact is borne in
mind that the Canadians are greatly in the majority.
We are getting more particular as to whom we
welcome to the great north now. The tough finds
his row a hard one to hoe, and this in a great
measure is. owing to the excellent management of the
members of the R.N.W.M.P., whose work in the wild
sections of the northland cannot be over-estimated.
It isn't the numbers of them, nor is it the force of their
authority; it is a subtle something which enters the
mind of the wrong-doer whenever he meets the eye of
the man wearing the red jacket. Why, an ordinary
constable wearing no badge of office beyond his small
badge and red coat, strikes terror to the heart of the
roughest. It is the dignity and the determination of

the police, and the splendid esprit de corps of the force.
The mounted police, it may be asserted, have been the
safety and pride of the whole north country. "

Some years ago despatches had to be sent to a distant
post during extremely severe weather. A young con-
stable of good family, a university graduate, in fact,
was selected. A stinging blizzard set in . soon after
he started, and days slid into weeks with no tidings of
him. The following spring a patrol entering a secluded
coulee found a storm-worn uniform of the force still
clothing the bones of the lost courier. His mind in the
last solemn moments appears to have been more haunted
with the fear that he would not be able to discharge the
duty entrusted to him than with any concern as to his
personal safety. On his orders were scrawled a few
brief sentences: — "Lost, horse dead. Am trying to
push ahead. Have done my best. " Truly a pathetic
vindication of the honour and sense of duty of a gallant
member of this remarkable force of soldier-police.

That ^as always been the spirit of the Royal North-
West Mounted Police, and wherever the duty of the
force is to lie in the future, these capable officers and
dashing, daring men may be depended upon to do
their best, and to add many chapters just as honour-
able as those preceding them to the chivalrous, roman-
tic and patriotic record of the force.

The End.

158

APPENDIX

SiATiatENT OF Officers of the N.W.M.P. who left the Force Between
ITS Organization in 1873 and August 9, 1906.

RESIGNED.

APPOINTED STIPENDIARY MAGISTRATE.

MacLeod, Jas. F., C.M.G 1- 1-76 Commissioner

Name.

Remarks.

Breden, John

McLennan, D. B

Carvell, Jacob

French, Lt.-Col., G. A

Brisebois, E. A

Welsh, Vernon

Nevitt. R. B., M.B

Allen, Eklwin

Fortescue, L

Denny, C. R

Kittson, John, M.D

Dowling, Thos

Kennedy, G. A

Riddell, R., V.S

Mills, S.G

Baldwin, H. Y

Powell, F. H

Williams, V. A. S

Drayner, Fredk

Chalmers, T. W

Matthews. W. G

Wills, A. E.. M.D

Bonnar, Dr. H. A

deCou, D. McG

Scarth, W. H

Baker, Montague

Cosby. F. L

Crosthwait, S

Cartwright, F. L

Wickham. W. C

LaRocque, H. C. P.MJ.A.
Brunton, H. G

. 11— 5-74'Sub-Inspector. .

74| do

, 28-10-75 Sup)erintendent.

22- 7-76 Commissioner. .

1- 8-76 Superintendent.

1-10-78 Sub.-Inspector. .

1-10-78 Surgeon

10- 9-78.Sub.-Inspector. .

28- 2-79| do

6- 6-81 1 Inspector

24- 1-82 Surgeon

31- 3-86 Inspector

30- 6-87 Surgeon

31-12-87iVet.-Surgeon. ..

29- 2-88 Inspector

30- 9-88;Surgeon

31- 5-89J do

28- 9-89, Inspector

15- 7-92 do

30- 4-93

31-10-93

15- 2-98

12- 7-98

30- 6-99

do
do
Surgeon . .
do
do
15- 4-02.Inspector.

31-10-02
27- 8-03
31-12-03

9- 3-04
26- 3-04

1- 4-04
114- 7^-06

do
do
do
do
do
do
do

RETIRED WITH GRATUITY.

Pf>ett, J. L.. V.8. . ,

Walker. Jas

Winder, Wm

Frechette, Edmund,

French, John

Walsh, Jas. M

Shurtliffe, A

Dickena, F. J

Irvine. A. G

Croiier, L. N. F

Brooks, W. A

Likely, H. D

N'eale. P. R

Wattam. Thoa

Hopkins. E. G. O. .
Olivier. Hercule. . . .
Aylen, Peter. M.D. .
MacPherson, D. H..

1- 8-77

1- 2-81

1- 4-81

1-11-82

1- 7-83

1- »-83i

31-12-84

1- 4-86

1- 4-86

30- 6-86

.30-11-88

30- 9-89

31- 7-90
30- »-«l

1- «-95

1- 6-W

1- 7-95

30- 9-97

Sub.-Inspector

Superintendent

do

Inspector

do

Superintendent

do

Ins|>ector

Commissioner

Asst.-Commissioner. .
Inspector

do

Sur)erintendent

Inspector

do

do

AfMt.-Surgeon

Inspector

S 333.32

583.30

700.00

666.64

797.97

1.166.66

700.00

1.000.00

3.466.66

1.733.33

260.00

333.33

1.760.00

437.49

298.60

216.27

760.00

760.00

SUPERANNUATED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE ACT.

Jukes, A., M.D J31- 7-93;Surgeon

Macdonell, .\. R j 1- 5-95 Superintendent.

Norman, Frank i 1- 5-95 do

White-Fraser, M. H 30- fr-97 Inspector

.\llan, J. B |31-12-99 do

Herchmer, L. W | 1- 8-00 Commissioner. .

Gagnon, Severe 131- 3-01 iSuperintendent.

PENSIONED UNDER PENSION ACT.

DIED.

Clark, E. D 2-10-80j8uperintendent

McKensie. Alex I»- 6-82} do

Gautier, Arthur ! 29-1 2-86 i Inspector ,

Miller, Robt | 6- »-87|8urgeon ,

Bradley, Ernest. i 16- 7-91 Inspector

Herchmer, W. M j 1- 1-92 Asst.-Commissioner. .

Dodd, Henry ! 1- 1-9.'! Surgeon

308.00
476.00
320.30
260.00
280.00
1.144.00
766.00

Name.

Date

D. M.T

Rank.

Remarks.

Steele, S. B

Moffatt. G. B

Griesbach, A. H

Irwin, W. H

1- 3-03
1- 3-03
1-12-03
1- 7-06

Superintendent

do

do

1.080.00

880.00

1.200.00

1,026 00

Piercy, Wm.

Huot. C. F. A

Jarvis. E. W

Cotton. John

Howe. Joseph

Haultain. C. 8.. M.D. ...

Casey. H. S i26- 3-04 Insiiector

Gilpin. Brown E !20-12-04 do

Morris. W. S j 4- 4-06 Superintendent

!.■}- 3-93 Inspector

23- 3-93 do
26-11-04 Superintendent. ..
7- 6-99 do
17- »-02 do
20- 6-aj Surgeon

OFFICE ABOLISHED.
Griffiths, W. 0 31-10-76 Paymaster,

159

APPENDIX— continued

TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT.
Smith, W. Osbome 16-10-73 Commissioner .

LEFT UNDER VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.

Name.

Date.

D. M. T.

Rank.

Remarks.

Jackson. Thoe. R 5-10-78

Forget, Joseph 20- 6-74

Young, Chas. F '28- 7-74

Richer, Theodore H- 9-74

LeCain, H. J. N 20- 5-75

Nicolle, Chas 15- 7-7£

Jarvis, W. D 13- 8-81

Prevost, H. R 23- 1-84

Antrobus, W. D 1-11-92

Harper, Frank 31- 5-01

Paradis, E. C 9-10-01

Williams, W. MdeR" 30- 5-04

Rolph, J. W i 2- 7-87

Sub.-Inspector.
Quarter-Master.
Superintendent,

do
Sub.-Inspector.
Quarter-Master.
Superintendent,
Inspector

do

do

do

do
Surgeon

Recapitulation of Officers who have left the Force Between
ITS Organization 1873, and August, 1906.

Resigned 32

Retired with gratuity 18

Appointed Stipendiary Magistrate 1

Superanuated under Civil Service Act 7

Pensioned under Pension Act 4

Died 16

Office Abolished 1

Temporary Appointment 1

Left under various circumstances 13

93

160

HEAD OFFICE

BRANCHES

THE RAT PORTAGE LIMBER CO.

i^ I M 1 1- hO r:5

WINMPEO, MAN.

i

LUMBER
SASH

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KENORA, Ont.
VANCOUVER, B.C.
AND OTIIER POINTS

DOORS

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INTERIOR FINISH

Sash and Door Factories and Mill
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'TpHIS Department has the largest
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VANCOUVER MILLS. B C.

Lumber, Lath, Shingles and
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WIIMISIIREGS, MAINJITOBA

E. D. TENNANT,

MANAGER

Write for Pricei and S|>eclflcatlofls

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LIMITED

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Estimates Given. Orders Solicited.

Phone 598. Office and Yards: Cor. Htggins Ave. and Gladstone St. WINNIPEG, MAN.

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HAMILTON,

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THE NORTH WEST MOUNTED POLICE

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CHARLES H, FULLER, Secretary and Actuary

The Continental Life Insurance Company

SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL, $1,000,000.00

Several Vacancies for Good Live General Agents and

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Liberal Contracts to First^Class Men Apply GEO, B, WOODS, Managing Director

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TORONTO

FOLEY BROS.
Wholesale Grocers & Railway Contractors,
ST PAUL, MINN.

LOCK BROS-

WINNIPEG

PETER LARSON,

Railway Contractor,

HELENA, MONT.

CODES:
A B.C. 4th & Sth.

CITRUS.
WESTERN UNION.

ARMSBY.
ECONOMY (Revised)

CABLE ADORESSi
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WINNIPEG.

FOLEY. LOCK & LARSON

^ WHOLESALE GROCERS ^
FRUIT AND PRODUCE MERCHANTS
RISCUIT AND CONFECTIONERY MANUFACTURERS

WINNIPEG, CANADA

xx3eocxxjeaacxx«xxxasxxx3»^

M . STEWART. I- E. GAUDIN, R. E BLAKEWAY, G. A. METCALFE.

President Vice-President and Mgr. Assl. Mgr. Secretary

ROYAL LUMBER & FUEL CO., Ltd.

LUMBER, FUEL AND

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Our Stocks are Complete in

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WINNIPEG

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

P. O. Box 684

ORNAMENTAL
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We Carry in Stock

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Prices anc Designs Furnished

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CANADA

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Plows, Wagons and Carriages

The Three Great Leading Lines of

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ALSO ALL OTHER

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MOLINE, 111.

The largest consigfnment of Plows ever sent into Canada was a Trainload of Fifty-
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^

3aatSgagg33gS3S3Sg3gg3Sffig;Sg;Sia?a?:?:g:g:g:^!A:^g:g:^^^^

THE SOMERVILLE STEAM MARBLE
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ROSSER AVE. - BRANDON, Man.

Vi

STATUARY

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MONUMENTS

When desirous ot purchasing a Memorial Stone, drop us a post card, or
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PROPRIETORS.

W'X»X'X'X«X«X»X»X«X«X»X«><*X>X>>0>0X»><»XfX>X)X>X>X»X>XtX'X*X>X»X*X'X»X>X'X«X'X>X>X'X>X>XtXiXtXVX»K»X»X>>0X)>0X»>OX>XJXt^>4x<X

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? Importers and Breeders of T

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i 8n\d HACKNEY STALLIONS |

I - I

• PRICES RIC5HX. 1'RUM& EASY. *

We have established an exceptional record as sellers of prize winners. I^st year at
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Vlrft tw and See Our StocK. or Write and Let I/.* Knotu What you Want.

CLUB STABLES. I2th Street (Box 485) BRANDON. Man.

Ma.rsha.ll -Wells
Compai.rvy

^Gifholesale Jobbers and 'Disiribuiors of

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Iron a^nd Steel
PoLint, Brushes, Vatrnish
House Furnishing Goods

Stoves a^nd R-ak.nges
Mining 61 Rail>vay Supplies
Mill and Logging Supplies
Cutlery, Novelties, Etc.
Sporting and Bicycle Goods

Exclusive Agents for

HENDERSON 6. POTTS PAINT AND VARNISH
BRANDRUM BROS. WHITE LEAD

Winnipeg

ManitobsL

*««»«*»»«««*»»*»»»«»»j>j,H»»»»*»*»»

W. F. LEE

Manitoba Builders' Supply Co.

^uilder^ Supplier' of all de^^cription

STONE

SAND

LIME

PLASTER

BRICK

LATH

METAL

AND

WOOD

I CORRESPONOEIICE |

S Solicited J

HAIR.
CEMENT

(Portlcvnd S. Keene's)

EXPANDED

METAL

MORTAR COLOR

FIRE BRICK

FIR.E CLAY

of all descriptions

RUBEROID

ROOFING

Best SdLlt Glazed Vitrified Sew^er Pipe

For Draining Low Lands— Road Culverts and Small Bridges

Well Curbing

Office: 136 PORTAGE AVE. EAST.

Ytirdsx FT. DOUGLAS AVE. & ARGYLE. \\

WINNIPEG.

•ttiimm^Hkm^mmmm^mm^kmmm^mmmmmmmmmmmmmi^

"Everything for a B\iilding**

Lumber

Sa.sh

Doors

Mouldings

Mill Work

Office, Batnk a-nd
Bar Fixtures

Interior Finish

Building Papers

Portlatnd Cement

Hardwall Plaster

Wood Fibre Plaster

P. 6v B. Standard, and
Malthoid Roofing

Paints, Oils, Varnishes

Plate, Window^, Fancy-
Glass

Offices and Wa.rehouse:

179-181 Notre Da^me Ave. Ea^st.
WINNIPEG.

We sell Martin-Senours* 100% Pure Paint

We Make a Specialty of

OrnaLmenxaLl GIqlss Work

THE WINNIPEe PAINT AND GLASS CO.

Ltd.

NA/INNIPEO - CANADA

Wacrehouses: CALGARY, EDMONTON.

^^^^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦-♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦4^

I

Ryhn & Fares

HOR^SES
BOUGHT

hor.se exchange "s°o\r

Largest Wholesale and R.etail Dealers in Western Canada.

HEAVY DRAFT HORSES
FARM HORSES

GENERAL PURPOSE HORSES
SADDLERS

DRIVERS AND

RANGE HORSES

ALWAYS ON HANn

^ ^ Wholesaling a specialty ^ ^
179 to 185 James St. EcLSt

THE WINNIPEG STORE

OF

T. EATON C

O.

LIMITED

« s ! ' ' ■ .

I III fll i<'

111 iiri'11

liMiiiiBsa

1 !^yi"n"

'VTTH'STH-tm.

IMPORTERS and
MANUFACTURERS

T. EATON C°

(See opposite page)

TORONTO & WINNIPEG

LIMITED

J-

T. EATON CO

LIMITED

TORONTO & WINNIPEG

To sell goods for the lowest possible price, to bring the city store to the doors of residents in every
part of Canada is the aim of the T. Eaton Co. Limited. To accomplish this two-fold object to the fullest
extent required the intelligence and energy, the experiments and experience of nearly forty years.

It first of all required that the business should be commenced on the proper basis. Mr. Eaton, the
founder of the Company, and still its guiding star, was strongly of the opinion that the only fair and
economical principle was to sell for cash and buy for cash. By buying for cash, goods could be bought at
the lowest possible prices and by selling for cash the losses bound to occur in credit business were avoided.

Buying for cash and selling for cash obviously resulted in great saving, and every dollar saved was
reflected in Eaton prices, for the Company has always done business on narrow margins, preferring small
profits and quick turn-overs to large profits and a comparatively small volume of trade.

The business rapidly grew and money saving opportunities presented themselves. First of all there
were the middlemen's or jobbers' profits to be reckoned with. Goods had formerly to pass thro many hands
and each had to make a profit. The only way to eliminate these profits was to go direct to the makers and
that was the course pursued. Buyers were sent to the European and American manufacturing centres and
when the business warranted, permanent purchasing offices were established in London and Paris. These
offices serve a three-fold purpose. By keeping in close touch with the markets many opportunities are
found for saving money. Situated permanently in the world's leading fashion centres every new style creation
is sent to the Canadian stores as soon as it makes its appearance in Paris and then when the buyers visit the
foreign market they have the assistance and counsel of the men on the ground.

The next step towards eliminating middlemen's profits was the erecting of factories. Until that was
done the Company was dependent on manufacturers for all the ready-to-wear garments it sold and when
the business assumed large proportions it was some times difficult to get goods in sufficient quantities and
always difficult to get them of the quality desired.

These difficulties were overcome by building and equipping factories capable of producing the high-
est grade goods for the lowest possible cost. Every labor-saving mechanism that money could produce
was procured and the factories with their costly machinery were placed under the control of the most skill-
ed workmen to be found. Not only were all middlemen's profits eliminated but the cost of production was
also reduced far below that of factories with less modern equipment.

But at the same time that great eff"ort was being expended in reducing the cost of goods, develop-
ment was going on in another direction, in the direction of making the influence of the Company felt in
every part of Canada. A mail order department was established and thro its medium the service of the city
store was brought to the doors of dwellers in the remotest parts of the Dominion.

The patrons of The T. Eaton Co. Limited extend over a wide territory from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, from the International boundary far into the Arctic circles; and the only selling agent employed is the
catalogue. It contains a list of the goods sold and of the prices charged. It also illustrates the newest
styles in men's and women's garments; it is in fact a reference book in style and prices and it is sent free
on request.

Of course, people must have the assurance of fair treatment before they will assign to others the
selection of their goods. They must not only be satisfied that the goods to be sent them will be as good
as represented but they must also have some redress in the event of the selection being unsatisfactory; and
the T. Eaton Co's guarantee covers this; every dollar's worth that every customer receives goes out on the
understanding that if not satisfactory the goods can be returned and other goods or the cash, just as the
customer may desire, will be sent in exchange.

It is more than likely that many who chance to read this will visit Winnipeg at some time. To all
such a hearty invitation is extended to visit the store. It has many conveniences for the use of all who
wish to use them — a checking office where parcels and wraps can be checked free of charge; a resting room
that has become popular as a meeting place for friends; toilet rooms for men and women, and a lunch room
where dainty luncheons or substantial meals can be had at moderate cost. And the store itself is well
worth seeing. It is the largest and most complete department store west of Chicago. It contains every
appliance that makes for convenience and economy in handling merchandise and it is largely on account of
these conveniences that Eaton prices are possible.

It is in brief one of the popular institutions of the Western metropolis; these who miss seeing it miss
seeing one of the sights of Winnipeg and those who neglect to make u.se of its comfort-giving conveniences
lose much of the pleasure incidental to a trip to the city.

aiii

ROYAL SHIELD BRAND

GOODS \A/E: RACK:

Royal Shield Arrowroot

Royal Shield Borax

Royal Shield Blackingf

Royal Shield Blanc Mange Powder

Shield Baking Powder

York Baking Powder

Royal Shield Coffee

Royal Shield Cream Tartar

Royal Shield Cleaned Currants

Royal Shield Custard Powder

Royal Shield Dates

Royal Shield Egg Powder

British Extract

Royal Shield Extracts

Royal Shield Gelatine

Royal Shield Herbs

THE BEST OIM Tl

Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Roval Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh
Royal Sh

rVIARKET

eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld
eld

Insect Powder

Icing

Jelly Powder

Lime Juice

Mustard

Maple Syrup

Molasses

Pepper

Sultana Raisins

Soda

Sulphur

Epsom Salts

Salmon

Spices

Shoe Polish

Teas

CAMPBELL BROS. & NA/ILSON

IMPORTERS and NA/HOLESALE". GROCERS
\A/INNIPE:G, CANADA.

Telephone 1618.

P.O. Box 309.

^^^^^«■^yf»e^^

IMPORTERS OF

^O

f

Windmills, Well Machinery, Etc.

The Chicago Aermotor

"The Mill of many Merits"
Austin Well Drilling^ Machines
Howell Well Augers
Howell Saw Mills
French Buhr Stone Mills
Oreen Bone Cutters
Sauerkraut Cutters
Grain Grinders
Hay Presses
Pumps and Tanks
Wood saws
Gasoline Engines

140 Princess St. IMarket Square,

Winnipeg, Man.

THE WINNIPEG RUBBER GO.

LIIVII-rED

MANUFACTURERS OF

Interlocking Rubber Tiling, Re-
volving Hose Reels, Hose Noz-
zles, Hose Valves, Fire Hose
Matting, Mats

A. A. Andrews
Manager

'Phone 271

Princess St.

WINNIPEG

Branch
CALGARY

Sole Agents for Manitoba and North-West
Territories for the Gutta Percha and Rubber
Manufacturing Co. of Toronto, Ltd.

"EVERYTHING IN RUBBER.

►♦♦♦♦♦♦ ^♦♦♦♦♦^

Established 30 Years
E. BROMLEY. Pres. C. C. HAGUE. Man. Dir.

BROMLEY & HAGUE

LIMITED

Manufacturers of

Tents, Awnings^ Camp Ovitfits

MACHINE, WAGON AND CART COVERS ^ ^
BOAT SAILS. FLAGS. HORSE BLANKETS

n

I

WINNIPEG

MANITOBA

♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦»»»♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦<

PLATE

MIRROR

WINDOW GLASS

and every kind of glass
required for buildings

The CONSOLIDATED PLATE GLASS GO. !
OF CANADA, Limited ^

i

271-273 Fort St.

TORONTO MONTREAL
AND OTTAWA

WINNIPEG

LONDON «

I

C. H. ENDERTON

a, CO.

^

Real Estate Investments

Money to Loan
Insurance

Mortgages for sale
Rentals

Owners and Managers

o/

•«

Crescentwood

Winnipeg's Residential District

ff

AGENTS

London Assurance Corporation

224 FOR.TAGE AVE.

opp,
Notre Dame

Ave. Winnipeg

J

HON. ROBERT ROGERS,

President

A. D. CHISHOLM,
Treasurer

I. D. BALFOUR,

Sec'y & Man. Director

The Balfour Implement Co, Ltd

QUALITY IS THE ONLY THING THAT COUNTS

Two costs are to be considered in buying- a machine — first cost and cost of operation. The second, thoug:h
often overlooked, is much the more important. The first cost or selling price ot the best-known machines varies but
little, not more than two or three dollars. But the difference in the cost of operating two machines of different makes
for a single season often equals many times this amount. This is the point to watch. Cost of repairs, value of time
lost through breakages, wear and tear on horseflesh and operator, and thoroug-hness of the work done — all these
items enter into the cost of operating. Nobody knows better than the farmer the possible cost of a breakdown in
the midst of harvest or haying, or the loss possible through the lack of capacity in a machine to do satisfactorily the
work that it is intended to do. Walter A. Wood machines cost less to operate than any others. They have fewer
breakages, wear longer, are easier to handle, and do cleaner work. They cost more to build, it is true, but our plan
of marketing them brings them to you at about the same selling price as other makes. The first cost the same, but
the second cost — so different. For economy, buy a Walter A. Wood. Remember this: Quality is the only thing that counts.

Plows, Wagons, Drills, Mowers, Rakes, Harrows,

Buggies

The BALFOUR IMPLEMENT CO. Ltd.

General Ag^cnts — J 50 Princess St., Market Square
NA/ I IN rsi I REG - - MAISIIXOBA

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as

BUILDERS' SUPPLIES

STONE

Rubble
Footing-
Crushed
Dimension

LIME

White and
Grey

HYDRATED LIME

The only process of its
kind in Canada

CEMENT

SAND

BRICK

HARDWALL
PLASTER
LATH

Etc.

JOHN GUNN & SONS

Office:

402 MclNTYRE BLOCK

Phone 1277

Yard and Factory:

268 JARVIS AVENUE

Phone 3606

VS/IISIINIIREG

MANITOBA

s&
a

^e!3J3l?J3c»30J»!»I?PJSJSJ»!g5JJff5JJ»J?JSc?^J3J?^??:3J3Jff!?5?52J?5J»J3!?!3l?»5J5SJS»»»»Pi?53»535JP»PlStS»»»8S5J8SJSSJ8SS»8SJ3P»J3

SAWYER & M

ENGINES

CO., Ltd.

THRESHERS

Our 1906 Catalojfiio is lull
of Interest— Write for it.

ROADMAKING
MACHINERY

Western Branch: WINNIPEG, MAN. SEO. KIRKLMD. Mir

A (Juarlor Century's Kx|>er-
ieiice in Supplying the needs
of the North-West.

Factory HAMILTON

i

i
i

I

mi

The Waterous Engine Works Co.

I.IMITKn

Head Office BRANTFORD, CANADA

Engines, Boilers. Saw Mill Machinery. Brick Machinery, Woodworking Machinery,
Pulp Machinery, Fire Apparatus, Threshing Machinery

Manitoba and \orih-West AKemy, tiKO. W. Kkh. ManaKer, Winni|V»f, Man.
AJdri-»(. nil U-tUr-. lo TtiK WATi-Kori K»«.i«F. WoKKx Co.. I.I J.

Branch Wiwks: St. Paul. Minn.

AgencUm: Vancouver. B. C SyUiM)-, N. S. W., !Mint<«||«, Chile.

afW9I3 {32313^^19 {^^tS^t^t^C^ 24 &I i>> if' (f^irUti'^'' (>3 4.1 v^ m >' ir ■ (>: (m >> i»> i» ji'vS^Jii&&fft^-:'

v!?232^IifS3!i'{?ei923'tarC7t?t3S}!»S?S?!39ti7B7i

ESTABLSHED 18 YEARS

HAGUE, ARMINGTON & Co.

LIMITED

COVERS

FOR

Wagons, Stacks, Separators
^ and Binders '^

HORSE BLANKETS

TENTS,A\A/NINGS,TARRAUUNS

F-L-A-G-S

Shirts, Overalls, Smocks
Sheep-lined Coats,&c,&c

Hague, Armington & Co., Ltd.

WINNIPEG - - - MANITOBA

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOOo
O O

CHAS. GOODYEAR

Dealer in

Electric Machinery
and Supplies

Arc Lamps
Telephones
Sockets
Batteries
Aluminum Shades

Switches

Switch-boards
Marble Panels
Instruments

Iron Conduits

Sunbeam Lamps

Hill Electric Switch Co., Montreal
(Switches and Switch-boards)
Adams Bag^nall, Arc Lamps
American Circular Loom, Flexible Conduit
Cutter-Hammer, Milwaukee, Wis.
(Controlling Devices of all kinds)
"Shawmutt" Standard Enclosed Fuses (New
Code)

"Faries" Portable
Brackets and

Stand Lamps
and General

Supplies

Diamond

327 Garry St.

Distributor for the Nungesser
Electric Battery Co. of Cleveland, O.
(The 1900 and No. 16 Acme Dry Batteries)
Electric Porcelain Goods of all kinds
Harvey Hubbell Goods
Pull Sockets Attachment Plugs
"STANDARD" Dynamos and Motors
A Specialty — Printing Press Motors

Switches

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.

6 *->

coooooooooooocoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

uuts

unit

H. G. MIDDLETON & CO.

WHOLESALE JOBBERS IN

Boots and Shoes, Felt Goods, Gloves, Mitts, Moccasins,
Trunks and \'alises :::::;

O
O
O

O

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooc

SOLE AGENTS FOR

•*=^

XlXt^

The Celebrated Berlin Rubbers •' Daisy,"
Break" and "America" Brands :

Duck Never

154 Princess St.

WINNIPEG, an.

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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o
o
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oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooocooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
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000 000
P o

NOR.THER.N IRON WORKS

00'.:

o

0 CRESTING and

0 IRON-WORK

O OF ALL KINDS

o ^_______.^

S — Point DouKlas and . WINNIPFfl Hnn .. . . . ~ O

8 Send for Lists Gladstone Ave. " W II^IIX I fCU, 1 IflR. Send (or Lists §

o o

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 J

STRUCTURAL and ORNAMENTAL IRON WORKERS

FOUNDERS, MACHINISTS. BLACKSMITHS
COLUMNS. I BEAMS FENCES.

""rdrnl'";"" - WINNIPEG, nan.

O

00 >
O

BUILDERS' 0
IRON-WORK §

A SPECIALTY g

o

Gold

StOLndard

Tea.s

Gold

Sta^ndard
Flavoring
Extracts

A Delicious Tea

Need not necessarily be an exorbi-
tantly high priced tea. Our immense
Western trade demands the best. We
have it in

Gold Standard Tea

"Guaranteed-the-Best"

It embodies all the good qualities of rich,
fragrant Ceylon and the stronger and more pun-
gent flavor of carefully cultivated Assam teas.
Blended to

EXPRESSLY SUIT WESTERN CANADIAN
WATERS

A trial pound will make you a permanent friend
of this delightful tea. Try it.

Sold by Grocers

1 lb. S. 14 lb. packets
35, 40 & 50c. lb.

Gold

Standard

Java

and

Mocha.

Gold

Standard
Cake
Icings

Gold

Standard

Spices

We Ma.nufacture a-nd Guarantee the Following Goods:
GOLD STANDARD TEAS GOLD STANDARD FLAVORING

GOLD STANDARD JELLY POWDER.
"THE-TEN MINUTE-DESSEKT"

EXTRACTS
GOLD STANDARD JAVA & MOCHA
••THE-CHAFFLESS-COFFEE"
GOLD STANDARD SPICES

GOLD STANDARD CAKE ICINGS

Our Goods a.re "Guaranteed-the-Best"

Patronize Western Enterprise and Western Manufactured Goods

The Codville-Georgeson Co. Ltd. The Codville-Smith Co. Ltd.

WINNIPEG 6; BRANDON. Man.

CALGARY - ALBERTA

You Need Protection Ag^ainst Loss!

WE INSURE

Buildinjjs and Contents

Ag^ainst Accident

Ajfainst Sickness

Employers Against Accident to Employees

Plate Glass Against Breakage

\'essels and Cargoes

Rent

Against Tornado and Wind Storm

WE REPRESENT

The Following Leading Companies:

British America, Toronto

Queen of America

Phoenix, Brooklyn

American Surety Co. of New York

Ontario Accident Insurance Co.

Colonial Investment and Loan Co.

WE INVEST MONEY

On I'irst Mortgage Security
On Farm and City Properties

WE PLACE LOANS

Without Cost to Borrowers at low rate
of interest

WE MANAGE ESTATES

.\S \'ears ExperiiMu-c as Rental Agents

WE SELL

Fireproof Safe and X'aults
Real Estate

CARRUTHERS, JOHNSTON & BRADLEY

471 Main Street = . . WINNIPEG

The CANADIAN FAIRBANKS Co.

Limited

Power for Machinery of All Kinds

JACKOfailTRADES

H*oc ar

FAIRBANKS MORSE iCO

^

GASOLINE ENGINES have worked themselves into popular favor for
power purposes. Of the many gasoline engines, Hrsi and foremost stands the

] RsirkDanka-Morse

It is built along the most scientifu- lines. It protluces results with the greatest
economy. It is reliable and up to dale in every detail. See our agents or
write to us for Catalogue nnil particulars.

Montreal Toronto Vancouver Winnipeg

rhe Canadian Fairbanks Co. WINNIPEG, Man.

-"'^g'fwBirfe dxir"

tm.

COCKSHUTT PLONA/ CO.

Mam KAITIRKRS OK

LJp-to--ci3te Implements

Including Riding and Walking Plows, Disc and Iron Harrows, Cultivators, .Seeding MachineH, Etc.

Western Agents for Ideal Wind Mills, Adams WagonN, AiuiMrong Carriages, Maxwell Hay Loadorn, Noxon Mowers

and Cultivators, ANpinwall Potato Planters

Our new JEWEL GANG PLOW is the ideal of perfeclion, combining strength, durability, simplicity and ease of operation

COCKSHUTT PLOW CO. Ltd.

WINNIPEQ, MAN.

JOHN' McCLARY.

President.

W. M. GARTSHORE,

V^ice- President.

GEORGE O. McCLARY, J. K. H. POPE,

Treasurer. Secretary.

THE McCLARY MANUFACTURING CO.

«

9

Head Office:
LONDON.

Ont.

•9

Warehouses :

TORONTO,

A. D. Kennelly, Mgr.

•B

MONTREAL, Que.
A. A. Brown, Mgr.

VANCOUVER, B.C.

W. E. Drake. Mgr.

Q
«

ST. JOHN, N. B.

^
«

J. J. Foot, Mgr.

Q
«
«
^

WINNIPEG, Man.

—MANUFACTURERS OF—

STOVES

RANGES

FURNACES

Enamelled and Tinwares of all kinds

Millers* and Tinners* Supplies

Winnipeg Office
and Warehouse:

183-185-187
Bannatyne Ave.

J. W. DRISCOLL,
Manager.

Cable Address : "McClary" London. Codes: "Western Union and 4th Edition"

A. CARRUTHERS GO. Ltd,

DEALERS IN

Hides, Wool, Tallow, Senega
Root and Furs

EXPORTERS OF FINE NORTHERN
FURS

Agents for Retsof Rock Salt

Branches:
BRANDON. Man. and EDMONTON. Alta.

I WINNIPEG

MAN.

Threshers' Supply Co.

<&

«

LIMITED.

Tools and Fittings, Belting of all kinds,
(Special Agents for D. K. McLaren Oak
Tanned, Extra Leather Belting) Anvils,
Vises, Forges, Gasoline Engines, Feed
Mills and Grinders, Babbit and Box Metals,
Packing (Eclipse, Asbestos, Steel, Rubber,
Hemp, Flax, Lead, Copper) Hard Rubber
Hose, Wire-lined Hose, Water Tanks, Oils
and Oil Cups (all kinds) Endless Drive
Belts (Rubber and Canvas) Oriental Buck
Boards, Engine and Mill Supplies, Plum-
bers' Torches ::::::

EVERYTHING FOR THE THRESHER

Write for Catalogue and Prices
P. O. BOX 703

120 Lombard St.

WINNIPEG

KENNETH MACKENZIE CO.

IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE GROCERS

. .Sole Agents in the West for...

MAZAWATTEE
-^ -TEA

■7S RRirSICESS STREEX

\A/irsJIVJIREG!

MANITOBA

inch— EDIN/IOINITOrM, AI_BERXA

The PAULIN-CHAMBERS COMPANY

Manufacturers of the Celebrated Brand of

Peerless Biscuits and Confectionery

WINNIPEG

MANITOBA ^

The RICHARD BELIVEAU CO'Y Ltd.

Importers of

WINES, LIQUORS and CIGARS

330 Main Street

WINNIPEG, MAN

t^t'**t**^t'**PP*PP^*1^PPP*'*'^P9'*-$-P$'PPt'Pt'*-^1^PPP*t^t*t**$'*'*t$'****t*tt**$'t^t**i^*^4'*4J^

Electrical Construction Work
of all Descriptions

Complete Electric Plants
Installed

The JAMES STUART
ELECTRIC CO. Ltd.

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

ENGINEERS

Wholesale Dealers in

Electrical Machinery

:^= AND ^

Supplies

<i

Largest stock of ELECTRICAL FIXTURES in Western Canada
The most Expert Electricians in charge of our Contract Work
Estimates furnished and plans submitted. :: Specially equipped to do
Municipal and Corporation work in any part of Western Canada.

Warehouse and Show Rooms

88 Princess St.

WINNIPEG, MAN.

T. R. DEACON, HUGH B. LYALL,

C. E.— M £., President and General Manager- Secretary-Treasurer.

The MANITOBA IRON WORKS

LIMITED

ENGINEERS, FOUNDERS and MACHINISTS

MANUFACTURERS OF

Engines, Boilers, Pumps and Elevator Machinery

GENERAL DEALERS IN MACHINERY
RAILWAY SUPPLIES

MINING MACHINERY

WATER WORKS EQUIPMENT
SAW MILL MACHINERY

FLOUR MILL MACHINERY

POWER TRANSMISSION SUPPLIES

ARCHITECTURAL IRON AND STEEL
GASOLINE ENGINES

GRINDING MACHINERY

jfk J. ji, j>

THE MANITOBA IRON WORKS, Limited

WINNIPEG, MAN.

SSS^1^«5m'S«^Hai^^^'{^«5^?J5S:SSS^'Sll^SsS!a»i8iSI«^IS5^S58^^^

WINCH 15 riK

RIFLES FOR ALL KINDS OF HUNTING.

Winchester Repeating Rifles shoot as accurately and work as surely in the
arctic and tropical regions as they do in the temperate zone. The severest
climatic conditions do not impair their reliability. For this reason, well-
posted sportsmen, when leaving the beaten trails in search of rare
game, always carry a Winchester in preference to any other rifle.
Winchester Rifles and Winchester Cartridges are made one for the other.

FREE: Send name and address on a posted card /or our large illustrated catalogue.

WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., - - - NEW HAVEN, CONN.

Ammunition

DOMINION CARTRIDGE CO. I

LIMITED

AMMUNITION MANUFACTURERS

RIFLE AND PISTOL CARTRIDGES
FOR MILITARY OR SPORTING ARMS

LOADED AND EMPTY
PAPER SHOT SHELLS

BRASS SHOT SHELLS,
PRIMERS :

DOMINION CARTRIDGE CO. Ltd.

MONTREAL.

xxvi

B C MASON, President HUGH SUTHERLAND, Sec'y-Treis. WM MARTIN, Vice Pres. L Gen Man

The Manitoba Gypsum Co. Limited

office: Union Bank Building

WINNIPEG

Manufacturers of: Hardwall piaster, wood Fibre Plaster. Plaster of Paris, Alabaster. Stucco, Etc.

Some of the uses for Gypsum:

THE Manitoba Gypsum Co. is the only company in Western Canada manufaciurin};^ Hardwall Plasters. This
class of Plaster is much superior to that made from lime. It has been manufactured very extensively of
late years in the United States, and it was the larjje importations of American Plaster into Canada which
first drew attention to the larjje Gypsum deposits in Northern .Manitoba, between Lake \Vinnii>ejf and Lake
Manitoba. The Manitoba Gypsum Co. have there a very valuable Gypsum deposit and from the fact that
Gypsum is very scarce in all parts of the world, it is probable that this deposit is the only one in the Canadian
West. In the United States the larg-est Gypsum deposits are found in Texas, Kansas, Iowa and Michijjan, also
to some extent in Virginia, but the Kansas, Texas, Iowa and Michig'an deposits are the ones most extensively
developed. The first use made of Gypsum was as a land fertilizer ; it was sold under the name of I^nd Plaster,
but the manufacture into Wall Plaster has thrown all other lines of its use into the shade.

The large plaster manufacturers in the State of New York draw nearly all their supply of Gypsum rock from
Nova Scotia where there are very extensive deposits, the exports of rock trom Nova Scotia amounting to some
400,000 tons a year, according to the Government reports, and are increasing annually.

In Germany Gypsum is used very largely in the manufacture of building materials in the form of hollow tiles
used for partition walls, also in the manufacture of the finer grades of patent cements similar to what are on sale
under the name of " Keene " and "Parian" cement; these are used largely in the manufacture of imitation
marble known as Scagliola. The Plaster of Paris made from Gypsum is very extensively used in the manufacture
of ornamental statuettes, and for friezes for the ornamentation of large buildings. It is also used as a basis in the
manufacture of paint and asbestos coverings for boilers and steam pipes. There is a very large sale in this
coiintry for the various manufactured products of Gypsum and while The Manitoba Gypsum Company is only
manufacturing Hardwall Plasters at present they expect in the future to develop several other lines of manufacture.

J***********->c*****************************************-^****************^

THE PRIDE OF THE WEST I

The North West Mounted Police have been J

the guardians of the people for many years. J

Their canteens have always been supplied J

with the high grade products of the "Red- J

wood Factories." m.

Rp.owooD Factoriks. Wisnipf.o. 1877.

Refined Ale— Redwood Lager- Extra Stout

all pure malt beverages, scien-
tifically brewed and matured.
They preserve the health of the
strong and help to restore the
health of the sick and delicate.

Sold by all Dealers or Direct From

=:. L. DREIWRY

>A/irMrMiRE<2

•*«*i*»*i*i)

• «•*•;(

%

THE CANADIAN FARMER

%

%

who desires g'ood larm machines and implements selects them from the

PEERING & Mccormick

Lines of HARVESTING MACHINES

TILLAGE IMPLEMENTS AND SEEDING MACHINES

The line of harvestinjf machines for Western Canada consists of Binders, Reapers, Mowers,
Tedders, Hay Rakes and Stackers.

THE DEERING &, MCCORMICK LINES OF Tillage Implements and Seeding Ma-
chines include Disc Harrows. Smoothing Harrows, Spring Tooth Harrows, Cultivators, Hoe
Drills, Disc Drills, Seeders, Etc.

|_ l-if ^ Q^ GASOLINE ENGINES, MANURE SPREADERS, HAY PRESSES

make and save money for the farmer.

When in need of any farm machines or implements call on local agent and investigate tfie merits
of these machines, or write nearest branch house for catalogue.

Canadian Branches: Calgary, Alb. Regina, Sask. Winnipeg, Man.

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY OF AMERICA

(Incorporated)

GENERAL Offices: CHICAGO, U.S.A.

%

CANADIAN MOLINE PLOW GO.

¥!^¥¥Jfei¥^ssi)^;^^¥¥^^

G. A. STEPHENS, C. R. STEPHENS, ^

President. Secy and Supt.

F. G. ALLEN, C. H. LIPPINCOTT,
Vice-Pres. T

reasurer.

Manufacturers of Agricultural Implements

O. p. ROBB, Resident Manager

MOLINE PLOWS. CULTIVATORS, PLANTERS, HARROWS, DRILLS, ETC.

WAGONS, BUGGIES, ETC.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.

McKenzie

Carria^ge

Works

Carriages, Drays and Delivery Wagons

Sixth Street. BRANDON, Macnitoba.

.4?

Hi

i^^g-ii^^^g^i^gi^i^^^g^

EMPIRE BREWING CD.;BRANDON.MAN

THE EMPIRE

l-ir
BRANC

B

-nit«

IREWJNG CO.

, MAN.

BREWERS AND BOTTLERS:

MANlfACTlRERS:

Ale,

Table Sauces,

Porter,

Old English Ginger Beer,

Stout,

Ciders,

and

and all

Lager Beer

Still and Carbonated Beverages

'^j^'^m^'^mm^mm'^^^^'^'^

Hi)

Hi
Hi

P

WINNIPEG,

Centrally
Located to
Business
District

Th

00

OIEEE

99

The Hub Hotel of the Hub City of Canada"

MONTGOMERY BROS. Proprietors

Cuisine
Unexcelled
French
Chef

Everything new. Finest appointed and most up-to-date Hostelry in the great North-west.

i

CUMMINGS BRASS CO.

-

ARTISTIC METAL GRILL WORK

For Banks, Offices, Elevators, &c.

WINDOW AND DISPLAY FIXTURES

For Retail Dealers in Gentlemen's Furnishing^s, Millinery, Boots and Shoes,
Hats and Caps, &c., &c.

BRASS AND BRONZE SIGNS

For Banks, Commercial Houses, Financial and Insurance Companies, &c., &c.

MEMORIAL TABLETS

ARTISTIC BUILDERS' HARDWARE WINDOW BARS

ELECTR.O PLATING

CUMMINGS BR.ASS CO.

330 SMITH ST. - - - - WINNIPEG

, . — — - — ^

—

A. FERGUSON

F. H. MALEY I

The BRANDON BREWING CO.

BREWERS and BOTTLERS
of

THE

BEST BEER

THE HIGHEST GRADE OF

AERATED WATERS

BRANDON, MAN.

^^<S>®«>«>^<^^<^®^<S>«> «>«>«!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦<

p. 0. Box 165. Telephone 210. 4^

I HUGHES & CO. I

Wholesale and Retail

LUMBER DEALERS |

— A Fi'LL Assortment of —
LUMBER, LATH. SHINGLES.
DOORS AND SASH always
on hand

BRANDON, - Man.
^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦^ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦4

REAL ESTATE

i Choice Brandon Lots for sale
These lots are well located
and growing in value daily

Improved Farms in most desir-
able locations and con-
venient to Railroads : : :

We had special advantages in the selection of
these lots and fanns. They were secured on
such terms that we can make the most in-
viting proposition to buyers.

TULLY and TULLY

Office: Fint Door Wmi of Empire Building

BRANDON

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

^^^::

I.IMIIHI)

Western Canada Flour Mills Co,

r^^

L

^

Limited
Si-Jccessors to

A. Kelly Milling Co. L'td.
Lake Huron & Manitoba Milling Co. L'td.

CAPACITY 6,600 BBLS. PER DAY

mills:
7j> brandon

y- WINNIPEG
A ^ GODERICH, Ont .

A. KELLY,

President

S. A. MCGAW,

t'irr. I'veit. X- Gen. Man.

FLOUR, FEED,

ROLLED OATS,

CORN. GRAIN,

SEED GRAIN

^i.^.^ki^>&^.^^^^^^^^^^r^-^kr^."^<LLri^.:^r'rr^^^c^

E. A. McCALLUM.

Manager.

W. H. A. HILL.

President.

E. D. McCALLUM.

Secy-Treas.

McCALLUM. HILL 6^ CO.

Real E^state Dealers

50,000 Acres of rich, open Prairie Land in the famous Saskatchewan Valley
to select from, in large or small tracts, Homesteads adjoining-. Improved
Farms in Regina and Balgonie Districts. Largest owners of Regina City
Property, in Lots and Blocks.

Write or Call on us before you buy.

^^^^^^^.^^^ f UNION BANK. Regina..
REFERENCES: -\

(imperial bank. Regina..

General Agents for Leading Fire Insurance Go's in Province.

OFFICES : SCARTH ST.. Opposite City Hall

REGINA. Sask

JOHN R. PEVERETT, General Agent

Leader Block, REGINA, Sask.

Real Estate, Insurance, Loans, Fidelity Bonds,

Collections

REPRESENTING:
The London Assurance Corporation of England The Sun & Hastingfs, Savings & Loan Co.

The London Guarantee & Accident Company, Ltd. The Henderson Land Co. Ltd.

The Dominion Assurance Company The Royal Trust Company

references: the Canadian bank of commerce & union bank of Canada

i

W. O. LOTT J

Sac'y-Traas. *R

* Mgr. J

I Ihe SMITH 6; FERGUSSON Co.

f LIMITED

Jobbers and MoLnufaLcturers' Agents

5^9 HANDLING 9^9

McClary's Ranges and Furnaces. Pease Economy Furnaces and

Furnace Boilers. The Metallic Roofing Go's Lines of Metallic Shingles,

Sidings, Ceilings. Rathbun Star Portland Cement. Cole's Hot Blast

Stoves. Wenzel's American Tents. Standard Sanitary Manufactur-

j, ing Co's Baths, Lavatories, Etc. Artistic Fire-Proof Wall Plaster.

f Berry Bros.' Varnishes and Sherwin-William's Paints.

^ Remington Arms Co's Guns and Rifles

Also Many Special Lines of Tools. Cutlery. Shelf and HeeLvy Hardware

GALT COAL PENNSYLVANIA COAL SMITHING COAL

Tlumbin^, Steam and Hot tOater Heating

Office and Show Rooms

Cor. South Railway and Rose Sts. REGINA. SASK.

J
i

^

COAL WHITMORE BROS.

WOOD

Shippers and Dealers in

COAL AND NA/OOD

GENERAL AGENTS

BANFF HARD COAL

For the Province of Saskatchewan

Office—South Railway Street

REGINA, SASK.

C. W. BLACKSTOCK & CO.

Large and Small
Tracts of the Finest
WHEAT LANDS
in the World

Real Estate
Financial

AND

Loan Agents

For Quicic Results
LIST YOUR PROPERTY
WITH US-
Correspondence
Invited

P. O. Box 31

CITY PROPERTY

FARM LANDS Improved and Unimproved
HORSE and CATTLE RANGES

OFFICE ROSE ST. (Next to Standard Printing House)

Plione 272

REQINA

Sask.

Member Amer. Assoc. Civil Eng. Society.

»••••••••«•#•<

\A/. \A/. LA CHANCE, architect

references:

Garlock Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio.

H. W. Kitchen Block. Cleveland, Ohio.

Cleveland Steel Range Co.

Forest City Steel Rang^e Co.

Parsons Block.

Glenville Memorial Church.

Municipal Buildingf, Mt, Pleasant, VV. Va.

Municipal Building^, Parkersburg, W. Va.

Municipal Building, Moundsville, VV. Va.

School Building Stoney Creek, Ont.

OFFICES IN CANADA: REGINA

School Building, WVxxlburn, Ont.

School Building, Bartonville, Ont.

Hosoital Building. Hamilton. Ont.

H. \V. Laird Co. Building, Regina, Sask.

Mackenzie & Brown Building, Regina, Sa.sk.

J. F. Cairns Building, Saskatiwn.

A. E. Young Building. Saskatot>n.

W. H. McBeth Building, Saskatoon.

The Phoenix Building, Saskatixin.

SASKATOON

PRINCE ALBERT

CABLE ADDRESS"C0MP0" REGINA. | | %

INCOMBUSTIBLE

and
INOESTRUCTIBLE

COMPOSITE BRICK CO.

MANUFACTURERS OF

Cast Stone and Brick

R. B. FERGUSSON,

Manager

REGINA, Sask.

FOR ALL KINDS

of

CONSTRUCTION WORK

MANLEY &: SMITH *

REAL ESTATE

INSURANCE and

CONTRACTING

The Choicest Business and Residential
Locations in the City.

IMPROVED FARMS AND 40,000 ACRES OF
WILD LANDS FOR SALE.

MooM Jaw Real EsUtc is the Safest lavestmeat in the
West to-day.

MANLEY & SMITH
Bo«56 MOOSE JAW SASK.

••••••••••••4

John H. Boyle

S. K. Duff

S. K. Duff, Jr. •

JOHN H. BOYLE & CO. I

REAL ESTATE

Choice town lots for sale. Improved
and unimproved farm lands in choice
localities. Grazing lands

Correspondence and interviews invited
REIGINA

t

Sask. •

J. \A/. CADNA/ELL 8e CO. I

m

SASKATOON, Sask. I

w^

FARM LANDS CITY PROPERTY |

We were here first — Benefit by our Experience 1^

i "Invest Now" ^. . ■ .^ . il

1 Fire and Life Insurance i

i i

i Correspondence Solicited REFERENCE: NORTHERN BANK |

I

W. B. BARWIS

REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE, LOANS, &c.

m
m
m

m
m

M
M
M

i ' ' ' m

i m

I REPRESENTING I

U Manufacturers Life Insurance Co.

n

m Railway Passengers Association Co. of London, Eng. m

H Liverpool and London and Globe Fire Insurance Co. |

% Phoenix Insurance Co. of Hartford, Conn. |

i Canadian Casualty and Boiler Insurance Co. m

§ Royal Fire Insurance Co. of Liverpool, Eng. i

I Commercial Union Fire Insurance Co. |

Canadian Birkbeck Investment and Savings Co. m

m

CALGARY .... ALBERTA I

ROSEWELL, CARSON & FISHER |

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL M

Manufacturers of Genuine Stock Saddles, Concord Harness, Double and Single ||

Light Harness and all kinds of Hand-Stamped Leather Goods tl|

H

Dealers in Saddlery, Hardware, Leather, Trunks, Valises, Suit Cases, M

Bits, Spurs, Blankets, Whips and all kinds ot Horse Goods. All orders W.

attended to promptly. Full line of all Leather Goods. Importers of m

English Saddlery and Travelling Rugs. Carriage Trimming a Specialty. S|

Repairs Done Promptly and Well. W

m

Phone 174 174 Eighth Ave. East P. o. Box 841 W:

CALGARY I

Four doors East of Post Office K

9-

p. BURNS & CO.

Meat Merchants, Pork Packers
Dealers in Live Stock

Head Office and Packing House :

CALGARY, Alberta

•e

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•3
-8
-6
-8

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-6

•§

-8
-8
-8
-8
-8
•8
-8
-8
•8
-8
-8
-8
•8
-8
-8

COLD SXORAGE PLANTS AX:

CALGARY, Alta.
VANCOUVER, B.C.

NELSON, B.C.
REVELSTOKE, B.C.

FERNIE, B.C.
WHITE HORSE, Y.T.

Markets in all the principal cities and towns in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

P. BURNS & CO.,

CALGARY, Alberta.

^Ycp<j><|><J,,j,<j>^cpcf<|><|><^>^«|><^cp<p,|,.|l<p«|Ht>cp<|><|><p<pcJ>cp<f^«p'f>cpcp<J>'p'|><p<p<f)^

Alberta Building Co.

LIMITED

CALGARY

ROOMS: PHONES:
*" 309 STEPHEN AVE. ^^ '- 5l5

BUILDERS

and

GENERAL
CONTRACTO R5

BUILDERS OF

James Turner & Co., Warehouse and Office, Wholesale Grocers
Central Schools

English Church of the Redeemer
Tees and Persse Building
Lareest Plant McPherson Fruit Co., Warehouse and Office
in the City-Facilities Hodder Block
for Carrying Tiirough McDougall Block
tlie Largest Undertalcings Government Post Office

JAS ADDISON, President GEO. W. PFEIFFER, Vice President W. B. DAVEY. Secy. «. Treas.

Riley &McCormick

i-iiviinrEiD

Manufacturers of and Wholesale Dealers In

HARNESS, SADDLES, LEATHER,
SADDLERY HARDWARE "^ ^

Fancy Leather Goods, Trunks and
Valises, Tents and Canvas Goods, Gloves,
Mitts, Purses, Mexican Carved Leather
Goods :::::::

PHONE 207

111 8th Ave. W. - CALGARY, Alta.

^;^^;^^0m^^^^^^i^~;^^^*wi;^^ii^i^mfmw0!^*^

i

E. D. Benson.

S. HOULTON

The Benson & Houlton Company,

Limited.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Incorporated under the laws of

the Province of

Alberta

Authorized Capital - $100,000.00

BUILDERS

AND

CONTRACTORS

Fire and Life Insurance

PROVINCIAL AGENTS FCR

FLEXO" ROOFING

OFFICE Tel. 366.
Shop " 754.

P. O. BOX 399.
HERALD BLOCK

CAL-GARV,

CANADA

+ 0

%
%

I

i
%

»;^i?.li^m^^l^i^i^il^^i*^*^^^*'^^^^^**^^^^

CALGARY BREWING
AND MALTING GO.

LIMITED

MANUFACTURERS OF

Ales, Porter and Lager Beer

" BUFFALO BRAND " AERATED WATERS

CALGARY BREWING AND MALTING CD'S PREMISES, CALGARY, ALTA.

To produce good beer requires the highest grade ot malt, the finest hops, the purest water and the clearest air.
These are the substances that produce Calgary Beer.

Alberta malt, British Columbia and imported hops, Rocky Mountain glacial water. These make Calgary Beer.

xl

il/

\l/
\^/

\^/

a/

\^/
«\

Ho

^

Dealer in

TTLE aimd MaM

Heavy TeaLms a-nd Stock Cattle always on Hand

Farms, Ranches and Town Property for Sale

CATTLE BRANDED

SsLme Bls cut on left ribs

T. O. "Bojc ISO

HORSES BRANDED

Sa>.m« OlS out on left shovildor

Office Phone 203

CALGAR.Y, Aha.

Res. Phone 19

^^^^^^^

%

m

*
m

m
m
m

*
m
m
m
m
m
m
m

sK

WILLIAM M. DODD

ATtCHITECT

HEAD OFFICE:

Pooms 6, 7 and 8

New AlbertaL Block

CALGARY

TELEPHONE NO. 162.

P.O. BOX 275.

Bxisiness Blocks

New Alberta Block for W. R. Hull

" Clarence Block for Senator Lougheed

" Norman Block for " "

" Cameron Block for A. L. Cameron

" Sharpies Block for John Sharpies

•' Allan Block for A. Allan

'• Armstrong Block

" Hutchings Block for R. J. Hutchings

" Calgary Cattle Co. Block

" Calgary Milling Co. Block

" Burns Block for P. Burns & Co.

" Smith & Gaetz Block, Red Deer •

" C. B. Hume & Co. Block, Revelstoke

■• Trites & Wood Block, Fernie, B.C.

" Johnston Block, Eernie, B.C.

" Lane & Emerson Block, High River

Churches

Knox Church, Regina
Baptist Church, Calgary

REFERENCES

Residences

Residence, Calgary

W. R. Hull,

W. H. Butcher,

W. M. Robertson's

F. F. Higgs,

Theo. Strom

W. H. Lee,

Rectory English Church

Terrace, Frank Fairey,

Hotels. Etc.

New Lyric Theatre, Calgary

" Auditorium Skating Rink, Calgary

" Sanitarium Hotel, Banff

" Fernie Hotel, Fernie, B.C.

" Grand Union Hotel, Calgary

■' Dominion Hotel, Calgary

" Delias Hotel, Lethbridge

" Cayley Hotel, Cay ley

" Dining Hall, Alberta Hotel, Calgary

BRANCH OFFICE
REGINA.

Sftsk.

Public Buildings

New Central School, Calgary
" Victoria "
" Fast Ward School, Calgary
" School, MacLeod, Alta.
" " High River, Alta.

" " Red Deer, Alta.

Olds, Alta.
" " Gainsborough, Sask.

" " Qu'Appelle, Sask.
" Town Hall, Qu'Appelle, Sask.
" Bank of Nova Scotia, Calgary
" Union Bank, High River
" Bank of Montreal, Regina and Indian

Head (Associate Architect)
" City Hall, Regina

Wholesale Buildings

James Turner & Co., Calgary
Great West Saddlery Co., Calgary
Massey Harris Co,. Calgary
I. Y. Griffin & Co.. Calgary
W. M. Parslow's Warehouse, Calgary
G. F. Stephens & Co., Calgary

ALBERTA INVESTMENT GO. Limited

FINtNCItl AGENTS, REAL ESTATE, lOANS m INSURANCE

agencies;

The Home Insurance Company,

The Guardian Assurance Company,

The New York Underwriters' Agency,

New Yorl( Plate Glass Insurance Company.

representing:

The Standard Loan Company,

The Dominion ot Canada Guarantee and
Accident Insurance Company.

T j.ssKiNNER CALGARY, ALBERTA

H. M. CHERRY,

AssT.- Manager

I ffii ALBERTA HOTEL 1

NORMAN D. JACKSON. Proprietor

3

:3

The Leading Commercial Hotel
=== in Alberta ====

RATES

$2,50 to $3.00 per Day

JC ^ ?c

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3

3

3

3

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xliii

i W. A. DENBY, Manager

'*U«Ci»U*CM£*C9*U*U*CJ*i

E. H. CRANDELL

THE WESTERN TENT AND MATTRESS CO.

Telephone 173
P. 0. Box 57

DEALERS IN AND MANUFACTURERS OF

Tents, Awnings, Mattresses
Camping Supplies and all
kinds of Canvas Goods.

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

133 TENTH AVENUE EAST

CALGARY, Alta.

PHYSICAL MORALITY

is fundamental

To Preserve Beauty

Cleanse the Skin

Stimulate Circulation

and Tone up External Tissue

GOLDEN WEST
..TOILET..

-IS AN-

Exquisite Soap

AT A POPULAR PRICE

ASkC F^OR \T

Standard Soap Go. Ltd.

r-\

Head Office and Works!

CALGARY

A. JUDSON SAYRE WESLEY HOOPLE EUGENE D. CASE

President treas. Secy «. manaoer

CALGARY

COLONIZATION

COMPANY

250,000 ACRES

in the heart of the great wheat belt of Alberta, embracing
lands at Calgary, Airdrie, Crossfields, High River, Shep-
ard, Langdon and other points

WRITE FOR MAPS AND FULL INFORMATION TO

Calgary Colonization Co.

LIMITED

CALGARY - - Canada

sW

$ss3aaa33ss3iS33ssi[isssii3iS!iaaffiaffi9assffliaffiiiffiiisiiiifflSiisii!i£iiiaiisiiisi3i9SSiffli]S9aiiii!i3!Ssfflgi[siiiiiis

m

W. H. GUSHING, President. A. B. GUSHING. Vice-President. A. T. GUSHING, Secretary-Treasurer.

Gushing Bros. Co., Ltd.

WINDOW AND DOOR MANUFACTURERS
Alberta's Leading Industry

Windows, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, Turnings, Brackets, Etc.
Store and Church Fittings, Stairs, Store Fronts, Etc. : :

Factories and Yards at

CALGARY, EDMONTON and REGINA.

Branches at

STRATHCONA, FORT SASKATCHEWAN
and RED DEER.

. . . Dealers in . . .

LUMBER, SHINGLES AND BUILDERS' SUPPLIES

i CALGARY,

ALBERTA

sffissaisfflsiiissiiisisBiiffliiinisnisiinsiiiiaaffliiiiiiiiaiiisniiinsiiisiiaffiiisniiiisiiiiiiiiiiiiissiinsisiisniisiiiiiiiiiiiiissiis

W. S. LAZIER & CO.

Real Estate
Loans
Insurance
General Brokers
Live Stock
Business Chances
Farm Lands
Ranches

The Great West Land Co.

There is no more inviting proposition to the investor
or settler than the lands we have to offer in the prov-
inces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. These include
large tracts of both Agricultural and Grazing lands
in the choicest localities in these two provinces. The
lands were chosen because of their fertility and location.
As an investment no other lands in the Great'North-
West have a better present value and promise a greater
certainty of greatly increased value in the near future.
Full particulars will be sent upon request.

W. S. Lazier & Co.

CALGARY

centre street

ALBERTA

oiiiiiii^^iiJii^iiiiiijpiaaiiiiiiiiiiapiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaiia@(iiii^

A. McBRIDE & CO. I

Shelf and Heavy Hardware

In our large stock we have made ample provision

:i For the BUILDER

-6

♦e

-6

t For the FARMER

-6

t For the CARPENTER

-8

Whom we can supply with anything he requires in any quantity— nails, glass, f.
putty, Sic. 9-

For farm or garden, house or barn, stable or fence

The best tools in the greatest variety by the world's best makers

I For the HOME

Stoves, Ranges, Refrigeators, Screens, Carpet Sweepers and the thousand and 9*
one house necessities n*

A. McBRIDE & CO.

CALGARY, Alta. t

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Alberta Pacific Elevator Co.

UMITED

WHOLESALE DEALERS IN GRAIN
HAY. FEED

1 3 Elevaton from Edmonton South to Cardtton.
30.000 Bushels Capacity each. : : : :

WETASKIWIN

MILLET

LEI>L'C

DIDSBLRY

CARSTAIRS

HIGH RIVER

NANTON

OLDS

STAVELY

SPRING COULEE

CLARESHOLM

PINCHER

MAGRATH

RALEY

CARDSTON

Head Office:

CALGARY, Alberta

T. L. BEJSEKER.

Proideal

C H.

DAVIDSON.

Vioe-PfwidMM

L. P. STRONG. Seortwy-T.

C. S. LOTT

REAL ESTATE and FINANCIAL
AGENT

Dealer in
CROWS NEST PASS COAL
BANFF HARD COAL

Rrpre.srntinc:
Onlcr, Hammond & N'aiiton
Norwich I'nion Fire Insuranoo Society
I^w Union & Crown Insurance Co.
Western AsHurance Co.
(A>ndon Guarantee and Accident Co.
Hudiion Bay Co'a Lmnds

Pacific Cartage G)., Ltd.

A. M. NANTON. Ptas. C S. LOTT. ViefPlM.

E. D. ADAMS. SmtTim*.

CALGARY

Alberu

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Residence Phone 43

OfiEice Phone 29

THE OLDEST ESTABLISHED OFFICE
IN TOWN

H. R SANDEMAN

REAL ESTATE AND
INSURANCE

C. & E. Townsite Representative

MONEY TO LOAN

STRATHCONA

ALBERTA

* id

Ross Brothers

Limited
^VHOLESALE and RETAIL

Traders' and Trappers' Supplies,

Shelf and Heavy Hardware,

Stoves, &c.

Manufacturers of

TIN, SHEET IRON and COPPER-
WARE

EDMONTON

ALBERTA

*

7UST MALT AND HOPS, THATS ALL

©

§

"EDMONTON BEER"

"PEERLESS ALE"

"IMPERIAL STOUT"

Edmonton Brewing and Malting Co,

LIMITED

The most expert knowledg-e of Malting- and Brewing; the most extreme care
in manufacturing; the best hops, the finest malt and the purest water com-
bine to make the product of our works so popular in Edmouton and through-
out the North-West. . .........

Edmonton

Alberta f

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NORTH-\A/EST ELECTRIC CO. g

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Construction, Electric Fixtures and Supplies

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ESTIMATES FURNISHED ON DYNAMOS, MOTORS, AND COMPLETE INSTALLATIONS i

CALGARY and EDMONTON, Alta.

C. G. CUNNINGHAM. Man. Dir.
E. A. THOMPSON. Sec. Treas.

H. R. THOMPSON. Director *

G. M. COWDEROY. Director M

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I Strathcona Brewing and Malting Co. I

B Brewers' Supplies : — mamfactirers ok — IRISH moss,

I HOPS, FINE ALE, EXTRA PORTER, ^^^^^'

I MALTING, AND PITCH,

PREMIUM LAGER BEER etc.

ISINGLASS

ROBERT OCHSNER, Proprietor. STRATHCONA, Alberta, a

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% Established
f 1878

THE 6RACKMAN-KER MILLING GO.

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1899

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BRANCHES:

VANCOUVER. B.C.

NEW WESTMINSTER.
B.C.

NELSON, B.C.

ROSSLAND, B.C.

STRATHCONA. Alta.

L.IIVIIXED

PAID UP CAPITAL - - $340.000 00

Manufacturers of and Dealers
in

ROLLED OATS.

OATMEAL,

GRAHAM FLOUR,

WHEAT FLAKES

GRAIN, GRASS SEEDS, ETC.

CABLE ADDRESS I
"BRACKMAN"

A.8.C CODE
4th and 5th EDITION

►♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Head Office, - VICTORIA, B.C.
MILLS at:

Oc««ri Docl<, Victoria, a C.
»X«ATMCOfMA, Alt*.

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Elavators at all princi-
pal points on Calgary
and Edmonton
R.R.

RED DEER
WETASKIWIN

LACOINBE

LCDUG

STRATHCONA

P.O DRAWER 779
TELEPHONE 366

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Revillon BrotKers

Limited

EDMONTON BRANCH

PIONEER GENER.AL WHOLESALERS
of WESTERN CANADA

** Ei'Very thing J^rom a. J^eedle to cin Anchor*'

R^evillon Brothers, Limited

EDMONTON - - ALBER.TA

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Revillon Brothers

Limited.

W holesale
Merchants

Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes,
Groceries, Hardware, etc., etc.

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Revillon Brothers* Limited

EDMONTON, . . Alberta.

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Edmonton Tent and Mattress Co.

Established 1895.

R. Kenneth, Prop.

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IN/IAKERS OR

Tents, Awnings, Mattresses, Pillows, Flags, Wagon, Boat and Horse
Covers ::::::: :

Survey Camp Supplies and Hammocks, Folding Camp Beds, Tables and
Chairs kept in stock :::::;:

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CRAFTS 8c LEIE

Land and Business Exchange

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada

Land improved and unimproved for sale in
the Edmonton District and the famous Sas-
katchewan Valley, the garden of Alberta.
Also property in Edmonton, the Capital of
Alberta and the leading- city between Win-
nipeg and Vancouver,

For Maps, price lists. &c, write us. Corre-
spondence solicited.

W. I. CRAFTS

CRARxs St l.e:e:

Reference: Merchants Bank of Canada, Edmonton Jg

ROBERT LEE

1 The Bentley Compdny,

I LIMITED

^ Importers and Dealers in

i General Merchandise

i WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

We Carry the Largest and Best Assorted
Stock in Southern Alberta

Hieh Grade Goods at Right Prices

Ladies' Wear Department Ip-Stairs

A Lady in Chargfe

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AGENTS rOR THE CANADIAN OIL COMPANY, Limited

Mail Orders Receive Prompt and Careful
Attention

LETHBRIDGE

Alberta

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— Dealers in —

Hardware and Furniture

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SHOTGUNS, RIFLES,
AND REVOLVERS

Ammunition of all kinds

LETHBRIDGE, Alta., N.W.T.

B. C DEASUM

C. MOUNT

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I d,EASUM & MOUNT I

% REAL ESTATE

♦ AND

J INSURANCE AGENTS
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^ Local agens

I WESTERN CANADA LAND COMPANY, Ltd. |

i Auction Sales Conducted {;

J IMPROVED AND UNIMPROVED FARMS

X CORRESPONDENCE INVITED

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Masonic Hall Building, I

t Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. t

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Office Tel. 864.

Residence Tel. BI507.

A. M. BEATTIE

AUCTIONEER AND
NOTARY PUBLIC

TIMBER LIMITS

^ ^< FOR SALE v< ^<

167 Cordova Street

VANCOIVER,

B.C.

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I SHERA & CO. I

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I Millers and General Merchants I

MEAT MARKET IN CONNECTION

Fort Saskatchiev^an, Alta.

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IMPORTER
AND JOBBER OF

VANCOUVKIR. B.C.

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Kelly, Douglas & Co. Ltd. |

WHOLESALE GROCERS |

T

eas,

DIRECT IMPORTERS

Coffees, Tobaccos,

Cigars,

''Absolutely the best"— NABOB Tea, Coffee, Spices & Extracts

Cable Address! "KELLY

Codes used A-B.C. 5th Edition, "WESTERN UNION'

VANCOUVER, B.C.

♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦-♦-♦-♦■♦♦♦■♦♦♦♦♦♦♦^ ♦♦♦♦♦.♦♦♦♦■♦■♦♦♦♦♦♦♦•♦-♦■♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

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VM. VALLANCE,

PrcsidaU

W. G. MACKENZIE,

Vice-Preadent t Maoagins Director

M. H. LBGGAT,

Sec'v-Tre«t

WOOD, VALLANCE & LEGGAT

LIMITED

Shelf and Heavy Hardware

GUNS, RIFLES and AMMUNITION

Bar Iron and Steel; Coil Chain, Cordage and Glass; Mill, Foundry and Contractors*
Supplies; British and Foreign Cutlery; Ship Chandler .

WOOD, VALLANCE & LEGGAT, Limited
Vancouver, B. C,

WOOD, VALLANCE St CO., Hamilton
TORONTO OFFICE. Bay St,

GEO. WOOD & CO., WOOD. VALLANCE HARDWARE CO.,
Winnipeg Nelson, B. C.

I McLENNAN, McFEELY & CO.,

g^ LIMITED

B HARDWARE MERCHANTS

JJ^ Reffistered Trade

m^ Mark

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We Invite
Correspondence

Retail Sales and Sample Rooms:
122 CORDOVA ST.

SOLE AGENTS FOR

BRITISH COLUMBIA FOR

Spooner's Cop|HTiiu'

Suiisi't Brand Cutlery

Klfctric Rubber Bellinjf

No-Tar l'a|H«r

Beardmore Leather Beltinjf

Canton Steel

Sunset Machine Oil

Giant Powder Co.

Cochee Lace Leather

Bennett's Kn^lish Fust*

Majestic Steel Ran>fes

Dawson Bros." (irates

Acorn Stoves and Ranjfes

and Mantels

Sanford LoK^jjinj; Tools

Valentine's Varnishes

Sunset X Cut Saws

and Colors

3

Our Mail Order --•

Business is Care- "^
fully Supervised ^5

Wholesale Warehouses:
29 to 44 PCNOCR ST.

X^dricrodv^^r', £3. C

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cooes: a. B.C. 5TH Edition, western union, ai.

E. G PRIOR, President

G. F. MATHEWS, Vice-President

G W. WYNNE, Man. Director

C p. W. SCHWENGERS, Secretary

ESTABLISHED 1859
INCORPORATED 1891
CAPITAL STOCK, $250,000

E. 6. PRIOR & CO.

LIMITED LIABILITY
Wholesale importers of

Branch Houses:

VANCOUVER, B. C.
KAMLOOPS, B. C.
'^'CJ'^^ ^T^^t^t^i^'.^ -• VERNON, B.C.

N.E.Coi?. Government and Johnson Streets.

SOL.E AGEIMTS IIM BRITISH COL-UIVIBIA

Whitman Agricultural Cos Melotte Cream Separators

Maw Hancock Disc Plows
Petaluma Incubators

BAR AND PLATE IRON, STEEL, RAILS. PIPE, FITTINGS, NAILS
Shelf AND Heavy hardware

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS

LONDON OFFICE:
13-15 Wilson St , Finsbury,

Massry Harris Co's

Binders, Mowers, Sulky Rakes

Seed Drills, Cultivators

Harrows, Feed and Root Cutters

Ensilage Cutters
Sawyer & Massey's

Farm and Traction Engines

Peerless Separators
Jas. Leffel & Co's

Steam Engines and Boilers
St. Alaban's Foumirv Co's

Threshers and Separators

Hand, Horse & Steam Power
Hay Presses

F. E. Myers & Bro's

Well and Spray Pumps Chas. A Stickney Co's
Hay Carriers. Forks, Pulleys, &c. Gasoline Engines

Aekmotor Co's Winhmills

c T A s n ■ J- L. Owen's

S. L. Allen & Co s Fanning Mills

1 lanet Jr. Garden & rarm lools

W. Cooke & Co's Oliver's

Miningand Logging Wire Ropes Chilled and Steel Plows

E.C,

NEW YORK OFFICE:
127 Duane St.

F-OR

Frost & Wood's
Steel Plows

(American) Bain Wagon Co's
Steel Skein Farm and Freight
Wagons

(Canadian) Bain Wagon Co's
Farm Wagons, Trucks and
Dump Carts

Brantford Carriage Co's

Carriages, Buggies and Carts

PITHER & LEISER

WHOLESALE WINES
LIQIORS & CIGARS

VANCOIVER and VICTORIA, B.C.

^S5s5£QS2£2^g;£SSJ£2£2.s2£2a}.s2£2S?a£2S;fi2£2£2^£2g3S2fi3g2s2S2£2S2g3SJ&

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?3 C. J. LOEWEN, Notary Public

•55
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R. G. HARVEY

LOEWEN & HARVEY

REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE
AND LOANS

g Phone 987.

P. 0. Box 828.

310 Hastings Street West,
VANCOUVER, B.C.

AGENTS

The Canadian Birkbeck investment and Savings Co.

The Queen Insurance Co.

The Guarantee Company of North America.

Codes: A. B.C., 5th Edition.

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I J.E. LAIDLAW- R.A.LAIDLAW

B. C. Electrical Construction Co.

- LAIDLAW BROS.

X

Estimates for Wiring Furnished. Fittings and Fixtures.
No. 2 Arcade Phone A- 122 5

ANGLO-AMERICAN fire insurance company I

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL - - $1,000,000

SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL - - - $480,100

Deposited with the Dominion Government for the Protection of Policyholders - $54,634.69

S. F. McKINNON, Esq., Pres. JOHN R. BARBER. M. P. P.

of S. F. McKinnon & Co., Toronto JOHN FLETT

H. H. BECK, Manager

V Head Office— McKinnon Building - _ _ _ .

TORONTO I
xxxx3

American-Abell Engine & Thresher Co.

LIMITED

Portable and Traction ENGINES

SEPARATORS WINDSTACKERS BAGGERS FEEDERS
WEIGHERS, and all kinds of extras

Special Plowing Engines

Representing

Advance Thresher Co.

BATTLE CREEK,

Mich.

TORONTO, Ont.
WINNIPEG, Man,
REGINA, Sask.

RCPRCSKNIINO

Minneapolis
Threshing Machine Co.

WEST MINNEAPOLIS,

Minn

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The World's Famous

''Safford'' Radiators

AND

^^Safford'' Boilers

^.

HAVE become world-renovvned by actual merit. They have stood the
test of the world's most expert critics. They have no equal in the
world. This is why they are used in

His Majesty's Theatre, London. His Majesty's Office and Works,
Birmingfham. The Emperor of Germany's Royal Palace, Berlin.
Royal Infirmary, Dresden, Germany. Institute of Mechanical
Eng^ineers, Westminister. Metropolitan Police Headquarters,
London. Palace Hotel, Cairo, Egypt. City Hall, Antwerp, Bel-
gium. City Hall, Pietermaritzburg-, S.A. Exploration Buildings,
Johannesburg, S.A. City Hall, Toronto. King Edward Hotel,
Toronto.

Dominion Radiator Co.

Limited.
Head Office: TORONTO.

Prices no higher than others. Booklet Free. branches : Montreal, Quebec, St. John, Winnipeg, Vancouver.

W

Canada Permanent Mortgage Corporation

Mead Office:

Toronto Street, TORONTO, Ont.

^i and upwards received on de-
posit. Interest paid or compounded
half yearly at

3i%

Money to
Loan

Rates Low
Terms Easy
No Delays
Expenses Light

$1 00 '^^^ upwards received, for
which debentures are issued with
coupons attached for half yearly
interest at

Paid up Capital $6,000,000.00.

Ontario Branch— TORONTO.

Jno. Massey, Manager.

W. Cecil Lee, Treasurer.
British Columbia Branch-VANCOUVER

George L. Smellie, Manager.

Reserve Fund $2, 200,000. 00.

BRANCH OFFICES:

Alberta Branch -EDMONTON.
C. W. Strathy, Manager.

Manitoba Branch— WINNIPEG.

Geo. F. R. Harris, Manager.

inve:>tbd Funds $25, 200, 000. 00.

Maritime Provinces Branch— ST. JOHN,
N.B.

Edmund B. LeRoy, Manager.

Saskatchewan Branch— REGINA.
W. E. Mason, Manager.

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The Larg-est Makers of
. . Farm Implements . .
Under the British Flag

MAKERS OF CANADIAN MACHINES FOR CANADIAN PEOPLE

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IT'S THE BEST

THERE IS -« ^

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U/>e MITCHELL RIFLE SIGHT

gives full satisfaction because it is true and easily set. This SIGHT enjoys world-wide endorsation.

j\ "Bookjel i-t yours _for the asKJng

MITCHELL RIFLE SIGHT CO.. Ltd

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The Ontario Sewer Pipe Company, Ltd.

MANUFACTURERS OF-

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The Famous MIMICC Brand of

Vitrified Salt Glazed Sewer and Pipe and Fittings,

Extra Heavy Culvert Pipe, Flue Linings, Chiinney Tops,

and other Clay Products.

OFFICE : Home Life Building.

TORONTO,

PHONE, Main 4537.

Canada.

Factory at MIMICO, ONT.

Phone, Park 422.

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THE

SUB-TARGET

GUN

has had the endorsation of every mili-
tary officer of standing in the Domin-
ion, and is beinjj provided by the De-
partment of Militia and Defence for
the instruction of the Canadian forces.
Adopted by the Ontario Government
for use in the Public Schools.
Write for "Facts for Marksmen," a
twenty-pag'e illustrated booklet.

The Sub-Target Gun Company

LIMITED
206 MANNING CHAMBERS

TORONTO

The Wilkinson Plough Co. Limited

MANUFACTURERS OF

Ploughs

Mouldboard and Disc

Rollers

Steel, Land and I^wn

Harrows

Drag and Disc

Scrapers

Steel, Wheel and Drag

Straw Cutters

Pneumatic
Writt' for full lino-* of Ajfricullural ImplomcntM M«nuf«clurcd by uh

THE WILKINSON PLOUGH CO.

TORONTO - - - Canada

i«i

^ISSSS^Sli

Union Drawn Steel Co. Limited

Cold Die-Rolled Steel and Iron

FOR

SHAFTING

PISTON RODS. SCREW STEEL & ROLLER BEARING RODS

True to Size

and Highly

Polished

R.ounds
Squa^res
Flats and
Hexa-gons

Office and Works

HAMILTON

CaLi\aLda

The FEDERAL LIFE

Assurance Company

CAPITAL AND ASSETS
PAID POLICY HOLDERS

IN 1905

ASSURANCE WRITTEN

IN 1905

$3,293,913.93
236.425.35

3.329.537.08

Mo^t 7}esirable 'Policy Contractj:
Security Absolute Nonforfeitable 'Policies:

DAVID DEXTER. President and Managing Director

HeLmilton

Head Office;

Canada

Ixii

QUALITY— QUALITY

That is

UPTON'S

first consideration in the manu-
facture of his

JAMS, JELLIES AND

ORANGE MARMALADE

W. E. Sanford Mfg. Co. Ltd.

WHOLESALE
CLOTHIERS

= Manufacturers of ~

'She C e I e brat e d
^o^ereign 'Brand

Hamilton* Ont*

Winnipeg, Man.

*

^y^p^p^«<y^p^&^pjJp*J^Jy*ipJ^J^JpJ^J^JjpC^^pJy^Jj&J|&Jjpt^Jy<^y^

THE DO\A/D MILLING CO., Ltd

IVIILLERS AND GRAIIM DEALERS

Ask for Patent H

ungarian, Cosmos Patent, Strong Bakers'. High Loaf, and Lily Flour,
Royal Seal Rolled Oats and Oatmeal.

offices: 241 WCLLINGTON ST.
OTTAWA. ONT.

AND WINNIPEG, MAN.

PAKENHAM, ONT.

OUYON, OUE.

Capacity :

700 Barrels Flour

100 Bushels Rolled Oats

100 Tons Provender

PHONE 1563

ipif.j(.i](,if.3(.i(.i(.i(.i(^!3(^^^i(.3s.3(.^^3i.3(,is.i(.i(.3(,3(.S(.3(.S(.^^^:3(.^:^^^

SAMUEL MAY 6; CO.

Manufacturers of English and American

'Billiard Table4:

With the latest improved Quick "Club" Cushions — Registered

Importers of Simonis and West of England Billiard Cloth; Turners
of Ivory and Composition Billiard and Pool Balls. Old Balls Turned
and Colored; Makers of Plain and Fancy Cues; Superior French
Cue Tips, Chalk, etc.

Office aLnd SKo^v Rooms:

102-104 ADELAIDE ST. W.

TORONTO

****4i*4^4c************************4^******************J^*****^

Ixiv

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i

Mk Western Canada 1^^

is Attractingz

The Attention of the World

T^HE magnificent harvest of .905 has drawn the attention of the farming communitv, the world over, to the irreat
„\u *-*'^^'^'^" Y^^^' ,*"d 'he mflux of settlers this year promises to be far larger than ever before • ^

• 7h f'f'"^^'" "^^ ^*^ development has given another incentive to action to the progressive farmer, and the prolific
clime" ^° '*° bushels to the acre has caught the attention of the husbandman of every country and of ^ery

q The opening up of new territory by the increased railway consiruction throw^ a wider area\han ever before open
Uj settlement, w.thm easy reach of markets and elevators, and thousands are flocking to the newly-opened distril^s
There is room, however, for thousands more, and 160 acres are offered free to every man who isabirand willinir to
comply with the requirements of settlement : ; ; ; . . . . . .

The Markets

'TpHERE is a good market for
-■- everything the farmer can
raise — Wheat, Butter, Eggs,
Poultry and other staples of the
farm, and prices do not mater-
ially differ from those in the
eastern communities. Groceries,
Dry Goods, Clothing, Etc. cost
about the same.

Fuel Easy to Obtain

B

OTH Wood and Coal can be
had at reasonable prices.
Timber belts skirt the river banks
and the shores of the lakes, and
coal is found in many parts of
the country. Rights to mine
coal on public lands, for private
use, may be had from the Gov-
ernment for a few cents a ton,
and timber may also be cut for
private use.

Rules for Homestead Entry
or Inspection

1. An application for homciiteaJ entry or inspec-
tion will only be accepted if made in person by the
applicant at the office of the local a^ent or sub-
ag^ent.

2. An application for homestead entry or for in
spcction, made personally at any sub-aifcnt's office,
may be wired to the local a^ent by the sub-atrent. at
the expense of the applicant, and.' if the land applied
for is vacant on receipt of the telejfram, such appli-
cation is to have priority and the land will be held
until the necessary papers to complete the transac-
tion have been received by mail.

.S. Should it be found that a homestead entry has
been secured through "personation," or an applica-
tion tor inspeclii>n filed by .1 person who has repre-
sented himself as some one else, the entry will be
summarily cancelled and such applicant will forfeit
all priority of claim.

4. An applicant for inspection must be eligible
for homestead entry.

5. Only one application for inspection may be
received from an individual until that application has
been disposed of.

Traffic Facilities %

'T*H REE different railway sys-

1

terns are already in the

'TpHE seasons are milder than
*■ in most portions of Quebec
and other Eastern Sections. It
is pleasant in summer, with more
hours of sunshine to mature
crops, and there are no hot
winds to burn crops; while the
winters ar«« no colder than in
many parts of the East. Snow-
fall is light.

6. The Department may carry on to completion
any cancellation proceedings instituted, although the
applic.int should subsequently withdraw or become
ineligible for entry.

7. When a homestead entr\ is cancelled for any
cause (except when an applicant for cancellation bcs
comes entitled to entry) notice therei>f is to be at
once posted in the Uval agent's office and sub-agent's
office within which the land is situated, with day and
hour of posting, and will be open for entry by the
first eligible applicant at counter after the posting of
said notice.

8. A homesteader whi>se entry is in goixl stand-
ing may relinquish the same in favor of a father,
mother! son. daughter, brother or sister, if eligible,
on filing the usual dtvlaration of abandonment, sub-
jcx:t to the approval of the depjirtment. (If the entrv
is liable to cancellation no privilege uf transfer will
he entertained, and in no case will a transfer to other*
than relatives above mentioned he permitted.)

9 If an entry be summarily cancelled or volun-
tarily abandoned by the homesteader. subs<-quent to the institution of cancellation prtvecdings, the applicant for inspection will he entitled to pri«>r
right of entry.

10. Applicants for inspection must state in what particulars the homesteader is in default, and if. subsequently, the statrmrni is fotind to he
incorrect in material particulars, the applicant will lose any prior right of ^€^-entry he might otherwise have nad. sht>uld the land hivomr vacant,
or, if an <mtry has bi-cn granted, it may be summarily cancelled.

11. The homi-stcader is required to perform the conditii>ns connected therewith under one of the following plans :
(1) At least six months' residence upon and cultivation of the land in each year for three years.

(j) If the father (or mother, if the father isdei-eased) of the homesteader resides up»>n a farm in the vicinity of the land entered for, the rr-
quirctnents as to residence may be satisfied bv such person residing with the lather or mother.

(3) If the settler has his permanent residence upon farming land owned by him in the vicinity of his hi>me*lead, the roquiremctils as lo resi-
dence may be satisfied by residence upon the same land.

Six months' notice in writing should be given to the Commissioner of Dominion l^nds, at Ottawa, ol intention to apply for patent.

W. W. COR.Y. lyrfiuty ollhr \fiHi»ler of Ih* Interior.

"THE TWENTIETH CENTURY BELONGS TO CANADA'*

West, with both main lines and
branches, and new lines are pro-
jected. Three transcontinental
railways will run through the
country in the course of a very
few years.

Climate -None Better

1906

Information and Advice.

Can be freely obtained from the following :

W. I). .SCOTT, Superintendent of Immigration. Ottawa. Canada.

THE COMMISSIONER OF EMIGRATION. 11 and 1* Charing Crivw. Utndon. England.

1906

Isv

Contractors to the Government of Canada.

M, J, WILSON & SONS

302 Wellington St.

OTTAWA, Canada.

— Manufacturers of —

MILITARY EQUIPMENT

Special Attention given to Officer's Requirements.

Waist and Cross Belts,

Swords and Badges,

Leggings, Spurs.

Particulars and Prices on our SAM BROWN OUTFIT, illustrated
on this page furnished on application. Sample sent on approval
anywhere. ::::::::

General factory turns out harness in all styles for private
stable, road, farm or railway work : : : :

Full lines of all Turf Goods, Carriage and Stable Requisites.

Ixvi

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"^he R^oyal Military College

Of all the noble educational institutions of which
Canada can boast there are none, which by reason of the
educational work it has done and is doine. the number
of skilful, capable men it has graduated, and the high
standard of Canadian manhood it has produced, has
greater claims upon the pride and gratitude of the Cana-
dian people than the Royal Military College, Kingston.

It is but necessary to recall the brilliant successes
attained in the British Army by such representative
graduates as Major Mackay, D.S.O., Captain Stairs,
Lieut.-Col. Sir E. P. C. Girouard, K.C.M.G., D.S.O.,
Major R. K. Scott, D.S.O., Major H. Joly de I^tbiniere,
D.S.O., Lieut.-Col. Lang-Hyde, D.S.O., Capt. D. S. Mac-
Innes, D.S.O. ; Major Dobell, D.S.O. ; and Major Henneker.
D.S.O., not to speak of considerably over a hundred
more who are still serving with marked distinction in
His Majesty's service, to form some idea of the practical
character and thoroughness of the instruction in the
various branches of military science imparted at the
Royal Military Collie.

In the Canadian Permanent Force, too, graduates
of the Collie have gained and are still gaining marked
distinction.

Among the officers of the Royal North-west Mounted
Police, since the earliest days of the Royal Military
College there has been a proportion of its graduates, and
with great advantage to the force, for in no particular
sphere, perhaps, has the seasoning influence of the
scientific training and sterling manhood of the
institution ,been more satisfactorily felt. At the
Apresent time the Commissioner of the force, Ayles-
worth Bowen Perry, is a graduate, a member of the
first class in fact, while among the other senior members
of the force who are graduates are Assistant Commissioner
Wood, Commanding in the Yukon, and Superintendents
G. E. Sanders, D.S.O., P. C. H. Primrose and A. C. Mac-
donell, D.S.O.

In civil life, graduates of the College are to be found
throughout the world, but more particularly in Canada,
occupying prominent places in all the leamc<l profe«tiion«,
especially those of civil, mining, railroad and mechanical
engineering.

The College is a Dominion Government institution,
designed primarily for the purpose of giving the highest
technical instruction in all branches of militar>' science
to cadets and officers of the ('anadian Militia. In fact it is

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Woolwich and Sandhurst and the United States West
Point.

The Commandant, militarj' professors and some of
the instnictors are officers on the active list of the Im-
perial army, lent for the purpose, and in addition there
is a complete staff of professors for the civil subjects,
which form such a large proportion of the College course.

Whilst the College is organized on a strictly nulitary
basis, the cadets receive, in addition to their military
studies, a thoroughly practical, scientific and sound train-
ing in all subjects that are essential to a high and general
modem education.

The course in mathematics is very complete, and a
thorough grounding is given in the subjects of Civil En-
gineering, Civil and Hydrographic Surveying, Physics,
Chemistry, Engli.sh and French.

The object of the College course is thus to give the
cadets a training which shall thoroughly equip them for
either a military or civil career.

The strict dLscipline maintAined at the College is one _
of the most valuable features of the system. .\s a result o
of it young men acquire habits of obedience and self- q
control, and consecjuently of self-reliance and command, O
as well as experience in controlling and handling their O
fellows.

In addition the constant practice of gymnastics,
equitation, drills and outdoor exercises of all kinds,
ensures good health and fine physical condition.

An experienced medical officer is in attendance at
the College daily.

Seven conunissions in the Imperial regular anny are
annually awardr<i as prizes to the cadets; aim* three in the
Permanent F'orc", as well as three ap|M>intments in the
techinical departments of the Dominion ('ivil Service.

The length the of course i-t three years, in three
tenns of 9J months' residence each.

The total cost of the thre<' years' course, including $
board, uniforms, instructional material, and all extras, Q
is from $7.5() to $«(K). O

The annual com|H»litive examination for admission q
to the College is held at the hrad<|iinrt4>n4 of the Mcveml
military' districts in which candidates reside, in May of
each yt«r.

For full particulars of this examination, or for any
other information, application should be mA<le to the
Secretary of the Militia Council, Ottawa, Ont.

8

intended to take the place in Canada of the Knglisb

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooopoooooooooooooooooooooooo<

fanii

«**t

THE MORTIMER CO.

Limited

ILLUSTRATORS

Photo-Engravers

Printers

Lithographers

Bookbinders

Montreal

Ottaaa^a

Ixviii

''Makes Every Day a Bright Day*'
veseent ^9Cl 1 V

Is nature's remedy for tired out, run down man or woman. A wonderful Tonic Laxative that
keeps the stomach clean and sweet and quickens the liver's action. It's effects in chronic rheu-
matism are simply marvellous. No better remedy for all troubles caused by overeating; or drinking.

The "Canada Lancet" says: "Abbey's deserves every good word that is said of it."

FOR SALE BY ALL DRIGCISTS.

Depots LONDON, ENG., 144 Queen Street; NEW YORK, 89 Fulton Street;
MONTREAL, 4 St. Antoinc Street.

ei£><S><X><S>(^<!^(S><S><S><$><$><!2>4b<$><^(£><£><!i!>(^<S><S><^<X><S><X><S>&<^<!^<ib<^(y>(^<S6<S6t3

I S. H. BORBRIDGE I

<8 *

Manufacturer of

Trunks, Traveling Bags
Harness, Riding Saddles
Blankets, Robes, Moc-
casins, &c. > .^

<9 e>

SaUi Rooms: 88 & 90 Rid«au St.
Factory: 14 to 23 Motgrove St.

OTTAWA, Ont

Also 9th Street, Brandon, Man.

JAEGER

PIIRFWOOL

PREVENTS
CHILL IN

ALLWEATHERS
ALL CLIMES
ALL SEASONS
ALL TIMES

Writ* for Cataloffu* A.

Dr. Jaeser's ^r^';: System rAV;

Sl« St. Catherine St. W.
MONTREAL.

WINNIFCO.

Uix

Revillon Brothers

PARIS
MOSCOW
LONDON

NIJNY

NEW YORK

NICOLAIV

See also Opposite
Page

Interior View of Montreal Office.

IMPORTERS OF

FANCY NOVELTIES

GENERAL WHOLESALERS

REVILLON BROTHERS, Ltd

MONTREAL

Revillon Brothers

View of a Section of Storeroom containing; l•■u^^.

DEALERS IN

A IM D

EXPORTERS OF

FURS

REVILLON BROTHERS, Ltd

IVIONTREAL

LEIPZIG

KHABAROSK

SHANGHAI

BOKHARA

EDMONTON

PRINCE

ALBERT

Sec rIko Oppoaite
Puife

lixi

Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company

HARTFORD, CONN., U.S.A.

Incorporated 1855

COLT NEW SERVICE

Caliber .455
THE MOST POWERFUL REVOLVER lEVER IPRODUCED

The Official Revolver of the Canadian
Government

Trade Mark

THENEWP§k'i?fvEREVOLVER

Calibers, .32 and .38
Adopted by the Police Departments in the Principal Cities

TraDK AiAKK

AGENTS

LEWIS BROTHERS, Ltd

Montreal, Canada

Positively

THE

Largest Manufacturers

OF

Military Equipment

AND THE MOST UP-TO-DATE

Harness, Saddle, Trunk and Bag Factory

IN CANADA

WRITE FOR HARNESS. TRUNK AND BAG CATALOGUES

This trad* mark Is a guaran-
t— of satlsfaetlon.

-:=^ BALMORAL BLOCK ^si--

Notre Dame St. West. Montreal. can.

Branches: Ottawa, Ont. Winnipeg, Man.

Vancouver, B. C.

Brandon, Man.

Ixxiii

Wardrobes in
the West

IVifinipeg -
Brandon -
Souris -
Edmonlon
Calgary
Indian Head
Moosejaw -
Saskatoon
Nelson
Fernie

Revelsioke -
Cranbrook
Kamloops -
Victoria -
Vancouver -

Man.

NW. T.

Sask.
B. C.

FIT- REFORM

Suits and Ovcrcoats

The Perfection of Tailor-made Garments,
ready for service.

l4^orn by Canadian Gentlemen in
every Section of the Dominion.

Wardrobes in the leading Cities from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

If

*

BELDING'S

SPOOL SILKS

The Culmination of Progressive and up-to-date Machinery and

High Class Silk Used

Makes this Brand the most Popular and the only

Reliable Sewing Silk

For Dressmakers and Tailors to Use

SHADE NUMBERS ON EACH SPOOL

FROM THE ATLAINTIC TO Tl

PACIFIC

Tit

Ttr

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>^

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Ttr
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^/?e Ca^nocdianL R.\ibber Co.
q/ Mon.treacl Limited.

Established
1854

Major G. W. Stephens, President

Mr. D. Lome McGibbon, Vice-Prcs.
and Man. Director

Everything in General Rubber Goods.
Rubber Footwear.

"Y^E place our "Mark of Quality" on the best Rubber Footwear it is possible to
make. "Canadian" Rubbers are nationally known for endurance and stylish
appearance. When buying Rubber Goods, look for our registered Trade Mark. It's
Our Reputation— Your Protection.

Factories (with 24 acres of floor speh.ce)
MONTREAL. QUEBEC

Sales Branches and Warehouses:

155 Granville St. - - Halifax, N.S.
Imperial Bank Building, St. James St. - Montreal, P.Q.

Front & Yonge Sts. - - Toronto, Ont.

89 Princess St. - - - Winnipeg, Man.

403 Cordova St. - - Vancouver, B.C.

Wharf Street, - - - Victoria, B.C.

and at

Calgary (Alberta)

T

§

ls«v

aa^^^

E. F. DARTNELL

Montreal

Builders' and Contractors' Supplies

Concrete flixers and Concrete flixing flachinery

14 Distinct Types of Mixers in many sizes. Prices from $120.00 upwards.

Derricks

Fine Pressed Brick

Terra Gotta

Stone Crushers and Screens

Cableways

Enamelled Brick
Glass Wall Tiles

Etc.

Etc. Etc.

Telegraph Address «• DARTNELL," Montreal.

li^t^^^^^j^^^^^^^^^^^j^^^^^^^^l^^^^^^^r^l^^^^t^^t^^^^^^^^^^i^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^t^t^^^^^f^^^i^i^^i^i^^t^i^t^

Dominion Bridge Go. Ltd.

Bridges and Structural Metal Work
for Buildings

General Office and Works at - LACHINE LOCKS, P.Q.

CAPACITY 36.000 TONS PER YEAR.
Branch Works at : - TORONTO. Ont. and WINNIPEG. Mcin.

-.-\ Large Stock of-

B

earns,

Channels,

Angles,

and other Structural Material always on hand at each works.

Bridge over the Fra«er River at New WeMmin»ter, B.C., built by the DOMINION BRIDGE CO.. LTD.

for the British Columbia Government.

Armstrong, Morrison and Balfour, Vancouver, B.C., Contractors for Substructure.

Ux«ii

PROVINCE OF QUEBEC

The Province of Quebec is, above all, an agricultural country, a country for colonization,
and is particularly well favored with forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, splendid
waterfalls, innumerable water-powers, fertile islands and rich pastures. The soil of the
Province, and, in particular, that of the great colonization centres which have yet to be
opened up and peopled with hardy settlers, is of superior quality and eminently adapted
for cultivation of all kinds. The forests, which stretch endlessly in all directions, and
contain the most valuable woods, have been for years the object of constant and active
operations. The rivers and lakes, which have long- remained unknown, now attract
hundreds of sportsmen from all parts of America, who find both pleasure and profit in
fishing for salmon, ouananiche, trout, pike, etc.

Timber Lands

Of the Province cover over 225,000 square
miles. Location and areas of Limits to
be offered at auction to be had on
application. The attention of Paper Manu-
facturers and Wood Workers is called to
the facilities for manufacturing to be had
in the province.

Water Powers

FOR SALE
Forty-three powers have been surveyed
during the last two years. Power avail-
able ranges from 500 to 100,000 horse-
power. Send for maps and other partic-
ulars.

Fish and Game

Salmon, Trout, Ouananiche, Maskinonge,
Moose, Caribou, Deer, etc. Hunting ter-
ritories (not over 400 square miles to one
person) can be secured at from $1.00 per
square mile a year. For location of hunt-
ing and fishing districts apply to this de-
partment.

Crown Lands

FOR SETTLEMENT

Over 7,000,000 acres have been surveyed
and divided into farms, price from 20
cents to 40 cents per acre, according to
district. For further information apply
to this Department.

Minerals

The attention of Miners and Capitalists
in the United States and Europe is invited
to the mineral territory open for invest-
ment in the province.

Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Asbestos, Mica,
Plumbago, Chromic Iron, Galena, etc.

Ornamental and structural materials in
abundant variety. The Mining Law gives
absolute security of title, and has been
specially framed for the encouragement
of mining.

For Further Information Apply to

HON. A. TURGEON

MINISTER OF LANDS, MINES AND FISHERIES

Parliament Buildings, QUEBEC, Can.

Ixxviii

Richelieu & Ontario

Navigation Co.

NIAGARA TO THE SEA.

The grandest trip in America for health
and pleasure. The Thousand Islands, Rapids,
Montreal, Quebec and the famed SaKuenay
River, with its stupendous Capes " Trinity"
and ' ' Kternity. •'

S*nd()C . petiagt for iUuttrattd guide to
ThoS. Henry, TrafTic Maiucer, Montraal, Canada.

CAPE TRINITY. SAGUK.VAY.RIVKk
The Scenery of this River for wild grandeur and variety is unequalled on this continent

Steamers leave Montreal for Quebec, Murray Bay and Tadousac and points on the far-
famed Saguenay River. Summer Hotels charmingly situated on banks of Lower St
Lawrence: Manoir Richelieu, Murray Bay, P. Q.; Tadousac, Tadousac, P. Q. j* J^ «|ft

Palatial Steamers also leave Montreal for Toronto and Hamilton, pasting through the 1000 Islands and Ruooiog

the Rapids Eastbound
QUICK DESPATCH AND LOWEST RATES ON FREIGHT

H. FOSTER CHAFFEE

W. P. A. 2 King St. East, Toronto

THOS. HENRY, Traffic Manager, Montreal

JOS. F. DOLAN

128 St. James St., Mootrcal

iisix

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Buy "RED FEATHER" Goods

CANNED GOODS,

SPICES,

TEAS,

COFFEES, ETC.

THEY ARE THE BEST".

If your dealer does not keep them, write your wholesale house for them or

The RED FEATHER CO., Hamilton, ont.

c ^ o

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rnDDDnDnnnnnDnnDnnnnnDnGnnDnnnnnnnDnnnDnnnnnnnnDnnnDnnnnnnnDnnnnnnnnDDDnDnnnnn

Triangle Canned Goods

Last year we introduced our Triangula Brand of Canned Fruits and

Vegetables to the trade. The quality of the g-oods, the extent of the

range, the artistic attractiveness of the label, all combined to make a

place for this brand with all discriminating buj'ers.

Our range will be the same as last year; the quality of goods the very

best procurable.

Our men have full particulars, samples of labels, etc.

Let us have your requirements early.

JAHES TURNER & CO.

Haitiiltoii, Ont.

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Established 1879.

W. H. GILLARD & CO.

Wholesale Grocers, Importers and flanufacturers

Have exceptional facilities for handling- carload business.
Prompt Service, Highest Grade Goods, and Lowest Prices Guaranteed.
Head Office: Branch Office:

HAMILTON, Ont. sault ste. marie, ont.

LIST OF ADVANCE SUBSCRIBERS.

The publishers have pleasure in acknowledgine; the receipt of orders from the followiiiR advance 8ul>scril>ers who have
ordered in quantities of from one to one hundred books each. Many of the larger manufacturing concerns, banks and other
financial institutioas have ordered in quantities for their branches and principal customers throughout the Dominion. The
Public Library Boards who have ordered are not included in this list nor are the complimentary copies sent by the publishers
to the officei-s and non-commissioned officers of the force, and to others.

/^ Cox, Toronto; Lieut.-Col. John Carson, Montreal; Col. J.D.Craw-

ford, Lachine; S. Carsley, Montreal; D. W. Campbell, Montreal;
Canada Jute, Co. Montreal; W. A. Cooper, C.P.K. Dining Cars,
Montreal; F. J. Cockbum, Manager Bank of Montreal, Quebec;
Chase & Sanborn, Montreal; Jas. Coristine & Co., Limited,
Montreal; Corticelli Silk Co., Montreal; H. Cronyn, Ijondon;
Canadian Bank of Commerce, Port .\rthur; B. Clementj Brandon;
S. Cunard A- Co., Halifax: Henry Clark. Brandon; F. L. Crawford,
Medicine Hat; F. Colpman, I/ethbridge; (^anadian Bank of
Commerce, Toronto; J. F. Cairns, Saskatoon; W. A. Coulthard,
Saskatoon; Canadian Rubber Co., D. Lome McGibbon, Montreal;
Hon. Cieo. A. Cox, Toronto; Basil B. Carter, Union Bank of
Canada, Moose Jaw; Canadian Pacific Railway, Hotel Depart-
ment, Montreal; C. Robin C'allasCompanv, Limited, A. Hancifield
Whitman, Man. Dir., Halifax; D. h). Cameron, Montreal;
J. W. Cadwell <fe Co., Saskatoon; Calgary Brewing & Malting
Co., Calgary; Calgary Colonization Co., Limited, Calgary;
Campbell Bros. & Wilson, Winnipeg; Canada Permanent Mort-
gage Corporation, Toronto; Canadian Casualty & Boiler Insurance
Co., Winnipeg; Canadian Fairbanks Co., Limited, Winnipeg;
Canadian Moline Plow Co., Winnipeg; Canadian Northern
Railway, Toronto; Canadian Rubljor Co., of Montri'al, Montreal;
A. Carruthers & ('o., Limited, Winnipeg; Carruthcrs, Johnson
& Bradley, Winnipeg; Cockshutt Plow Co., Brantfonl and Winni-
peg; Codville-Georgeson Co., Limited, Winnip«*g and Bnindon;
Codville-Smith Co., Calgarj'; Colts Patent Firearms .Manufactur-
ing Co., Hartford, Conn.; Composite Brick Co., Winnipeg;

Alloway and Champion, Winnipeg; J. C. G. Armytage,
Winnipeg; American Abell Enrine and Thresher Co., Limited,
Winnipeg; D. Ackland & Son. Winnipeg; H. & A. Allan, Mon-
treal; C. A. Armstrong, Montreal; W. J. Anderson, Ottawa;
Robert Archer, Montreal; F. W. Ashe, Manager Union Bank of
Canada. Montreal; Acadia Powder Co., Limited, Halifax; H. A.
Allison, Calgarj'; .\lberta Stock Yards Co.. Limited, Calgary;
H. Acheson, Saskatoon; J. S. Aikens. Winnipeg; Alberta .Agen-
cies, Limited; A. A. .\llan & Co., Toronto; Abbey's Effer\-esccnt
Salt Co., Limited, Montreal; Alberta Building Co.. Limited,
Calgary; Alberta Investment Co., Limited, Calgarj-; .Alberta
Pacific Elevator Co., Limited, Calgarj'; Anglo-American Fire
Insurance Co., Toronto; G. H. Allen, Montreal ; The Andrew H.
McDowell Co.; R. B. Angus; The American Tobacco Company
of Canada, Limited, Montreal; James Allardice, Montreal.

B

R. S. Barrow, W'innipeg; Banque d'Hochelaga, Winnipeg;
Bank of British North America, W. A. McHaffie, Manager,
Winnipeg; Bank of Hamilton, H. H. O'Reilly, Agent. Winnipeg;
Bank of Hamilton Grain Exchange Branch, Winnipeg; F/dwin
S. Baker, Winnipeg; Buchanan & Gordon, Winnipeg; Bole
Drug Co., Limited; British Columbia Mills Timber and Trading
Co., Winnipeg Branch, Winnipeg; A. T. Banfield, Winnipeg;
Thomas Black, Winnipeg; Bank of British North America,
\. D. Severs, Manager, Winnipeg; H. N. Bate «fe Sons, Limited,
Ottawa; Bank of Hamilton, Hamilton; John A. Bnicc A Co.,
Hamilton; The W. R. Brock Co., Toronto; Bank of British North
America.Montreal; E. A. Baynes (late Major 2nd. Re^. C.A.)
Montreal; Bank of Nova Scotia, H. A. Richardson, Mgr., Toronto;
Robert Bickerdike, Montreal; Bovril, Limited, Montreal; B Hal
Brown, Manager Ix)ndon & I.Ancashire Assurance Co., Montreal;
Hon. L. Beaubien, Montreal ; Vesey Boswell, Quebec; Bicknell
& Bain. Toronto; Boulter, Waugh & Co., Montreal; Thomas
Bruce, Winnipeg; Bank of Toronto, Winnipeg; Bank of (Htawa,
Winnipeg; Jas. Balfour, Regina; H. Brodie, Moose Jaw ; W. M.
Borbridge, Brandon; J. H. Brook, Great West Life Assur-
ance Co., Winnipeg; Bank of Hamilton, Edmonton; Bank of
Montreal, Kenneth Ashworth, Manager, Saskatoon; E. A.
Braithwaite, Edmonton; A. Butchart, fximonton; W. M. Bots-
ford. Manager Royal Bank of Canada, Montreal; R. L. Batley,
Montreal; Francis Braidwood, Canada Jute Co., Montreal;
Hon. - - .

Winn
Co.,

Montreal; The Richard Beliveau Co., Ltd., Winnipeg: The Benson
& Houlton Co., Limited. Calgary; The Bentjpy Co., Limited,
I.ethbridge; Alex. Black Lumber, Co., Winnipeg; C. W. Black-
stock & Co., Regina; S. & H. Borbridge. Ottawa; John H. Boyle
& Co., Regina; Brackman-Ker Milling Co., Limited, Strathcona;
Brandon Brewing Co., Bmndon; Bnalie <t StiifTonl. I>rthbridge;
Bromlev & Hague. Limited. Winni[M'g; P. Bums & Co.. ( algarj';
E. W. lieattv, Montreal; J. Ik)urdeau & Son, .Montreal; Bank of
Montreal. Fort William; Hanbury A. Biidden, Montreal; Brodie
and Har>ie, Montreal; J. R. B<x)th, Ottawa.

Canadian Bank of Commerce. Winni|)eg; Camplx*!!, Pitblatlo,
Hoskin & Grundy, Winnipeg; Canadian Bank of Commerce
North Branch. Winnipeg; Canadian Bank of Commerce^ Portage
Avenue Branch, Winnipeg; Jas. Cnmithers A Co., Montreal;
Canadian Drawn Steel Co, Limited, Jno. rjartshore. Secy. Tmu..
Hamilton; Copeland, Chctten»on Co., Limit*^! Toronto and
Winnipeg; L. J. Co(Bgravc, Toronto; H. G. Cox, Toronto; E. W.

)ntreal; Francis Braidwood, t'anada Jute ka)., .Monireai;
Ml. Arthur lioyer, Montreal; Balfour Implement Ck)., Limited,
innipeg; W. B. Barwi.s, Calgarv; B. C. FJectrical Constmction
., Vancouver; A. M. Beattic, Vancouver; lirlding Paul «t Co.,

Consolidated Plate Glass Co., Winnipeg; Continental Life Insui^
ance Co., Toronto; Crafts & Lee, Mmonton; Crosse tt Black-
well, Montreal; Cummings Brass Co., Winnipeg; Gushing Bros.
Co., Ltd., Calgary; Henry J. Chard, Montreal; Major Geo. 8.
Cantlie, Montreal; L. Ch'aput, Fils & Co., Montreal; John L.
('assidy & Co., Limited, Montreal.

D

De I>aval Separator Co., Winnipeg; Dodge Manufacturing
Co., Limited, F. C. Wheaton, Manager, Toronto; IX)W8weII
Manufacturing Company, Hamilton; Dominion Line Steamship
Co., Montreal; liandaH' Davidson, Montreal; T. J. Drumraond,
Montn»al; Geo. E. Dninunond, Montreal; J. M. Douglas & Co..
Montreal; .\. I). Dumford. Montreal; H. P. Dawson, Port Arthur;
Geo. Dearing, Pklmonton: C. H. Davidson, Jr., Carrington, N.D.,
U.S.A.; A. I)ri8coll, Edmonton; H. J. Dawaon, l*klinonton;
W. E. Dionne, Queliec; P. D. Dods A Co, Montreal; A. C.
Dobell, Quel)ec; Dominion Wire Manufacturing C^., Montreal;
E. F. Dartnell, Montreal; D'Fjisum A Mount, Fort Sjiskntche-
wan; Department of Militia, Ottawa; iV'partinent of the In-
terior, Ottawa; I)evlin-Tyrn»ll Co., Winni|)eg; Wm. M. Dt)dd.
Calgar\' and Regina; Dominion Bridge C-o., Limited. Montreal;
Dominion Cartridge Co.. Montwal; Dominion Radiator Co.,
Toronto; Dowd Milling Co., Ottawa; E. L. Drewrv. Winnipeg;
Dorkin Bros. & Co.. Montn?al; Robert J. Dale. Mont n-al; G.
Durnford, Montn«I; Hon. L. O. I)avi«l, .Mnntn-al; H. P.
I)ouglas, .M<»ntreai; Di'nartment of Public Works and Lat)or,
P.Q., Quebec; Hon. Sir Gcorgi? A. Dmminond.

The T. Fjiton Company. Limited, T««n)nto; The T. Kjiton
ComiMinv. Limited, Winnip«'g; The Vam\c Knitting Co., Limited,
Hamilton; Co\. L. Edye Montreal; Fklwanlsburg Starch Co,
Limite<i, Montreal; J. T. L. Embury, Regina; I/oreiuto Evans,
QueixH';The Elder-Deiniwter Steamship Co.. Montreal; Fximonton
IJn-wing A Malting Co., Limited. Ivlmonton; I'>lnionton Tent
A Mattn-ss Co., Edmonton; Empire Bn«wing ('o., Brandon;
C. H. Knderton A Co.. Winnifx-g; W'ni. Ewing A Co., Montreal;

8. H. Ewing, Montreal; E. Ma<kay I'xigar, Montreal.

Ixixi

PRESGOTT EMERY WHEEL GO., Limited

MANUFACTURERS OF

EMERY WHEELS

Grinding ar)d Polishing
- - Machinery - -

Emery Coruqclum

Emery Wl\eels

Centre Grinders

Grinding Machinery

TWIST DRILL GRINDERS
WATER TOOL GRINDERS
CORUNDUM WHEELS

AND ALL OTHER

GRINDING REQUISITES

PRESCOTT, Ont.

HIGH CLASS

FOR

VWARIVIIMCS and
VEIMTI LAX I IM G

THE HOME, CHURCH, SCHOOL

The "KELSEY SYSTEM" Assures:—
Most Comfort with least fuel Consumption. Warming of all rooms at all times.

Fresh, properly warmed air. Proper warming with good ventilatio n

No noticeable heat in the cellar. No heat wasted through smoke flue.

MOST SANITARY AND SATISFACTORY RESULTS.

OVER 30,000 RL-EASED USERS

"THERE'S ONLY ONE WARM AIR GENERATOR"

^^Full Particulars with Plans and Estimates Promptly Furnished.
Exclusive Canadian Makers

THE JAMES SMART MFG. GO. Ltd., Brockvill, Ont.

\A/estern Branch - \A/IIM INI I F=>E:G, IVIAIM.

A Canadian Home Properly and Economically Warmed and Ventilated by the "KELSEY
SYSTEM" using our "Kelsey Warm Air Generator" with 24 in. diam. fire pot.

The John McDougall Caledonian Iron Works Go. Limited

MONTREAL, QUE.

-Manufacturers of-

Boilers for all Services, Pumps and
Condensers, Mill Machinery, etc.

Builders in Canada of WORTHINGTON TURBINE PUMPS for Leads up to 2,000 feet

Ixxx

List of Advance Subscribers — GDntinued.

W. G. Fonseca & Co., Winnipeg; Hon. Geo. E. Foster,
Toronto; Fyfe Scale Co., R. E. W. F^-fe, Manager, Montreal;
L. J. Forget & Co., Montreal; Major H. Flowers, Halifax; H. F.
Forrest, Manager Northern Bank, Winnipeg; E. J. Fewings,
Medicine Hat; J. D. Ferguson, Saskatoon; Folev Bros., St. Paul,
Minn., U.S.A.; Fumess-Withy S.S. Co., Ltd.* Montreal; First
Regiment Canadian Artilleiy, Halifax; J A. Finlayson, Montreal;
The Fairchild Co., Limited, Winnipeg; The Federal Life Assurance
Co., Hamilton; Fit-Reform, Montreal; Foley, Ix>ck & Larson,
Winnipeg; Geo. G. Foster, Montreal; John Fair, Montreal;
Fitzgibbon, Schafheitlin & Co., Montreal; Frothingham and
Workman, Limited, Montreal.

Bank, Edmonton; P. E. Joubert, Brandon; J. A. Jacobs, Montreal;
Norman D. Jackson, Calgary; Dr. Jaegers' Sanitary Woollen
Svstem Co., Limited. Montreal; Jones & Moore Electric Co. of
Manitoba, Limit«d, Winnipeg; Waiter J. Joseph, Montreal.

K

J. J. Kenny, We8t«m Assurance Co., Toronto; H. H. Vachelle
Koelle, Montreal; Geo. A. Knowlton, Fort William; O. W. Kealy,
Medicine Hat; J. K. Kennedy, Saskatoon; W. P. Kirkpatrick,
Canadian Bank of Commerce, Saskatoon; Kelly, I3ouglas & Co.,
Limited, Vancouver; Jas. R. Kinghorn, Montreal; Warden King
and Son, Limited, Montreal.

W. T. Gwyn, Dominion Bank, Toronto; J. C. Graham & Co.,
Winnip^; Geo. F. Gait, Winnipeg; John M. Garland, Son & Co.,
Ottawa; W. G. Gooderham, Toronto; Greenshields Limited,
Montreal; Guardian Assurance Co., H. M. Ijambert, Manager,
Montreal; Grand Trunk R.R. Co., Montreal; Lieut.-Col. W. M.
Gartshore, London; Alex. Galbraith & Son, Brandon; Wm. Gray-
son, Moose Jaw; Great West Life Assurance Co., Calgarj-; Geo.
E. Stuart, Moose Jaw; J. R. Green, Moose Jaw; J. H. Grayson,
Moose Jaw; Great West Life Assurance Co., W. Nelson, Manager,
Saskatoon; J. H. Gariepy, Edmonton; W. Scott Garrioch, Portage
la Prairie; W. H. Gilfard & Co., Hamilton; Chas. Goodyear,
Winnipeg; Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, Montreal; Great West
liand Co., Calgary; John Gunn & Sons,' Winnipeg; L. Gnaedin-
ger, Sons & Co., Montreal; Chas. Gurd & Co., Montreal; Robt.
Gill, Manager Canadian Bank of Commerce, Ottawa.

H

W. R. Hall, Calgary; Hastings Shingle Manufacturing Co.,
Vancouver; A. M. HoblJerlin, Toronto; Hamilton Bridge Works
Co., Limited, John S. Hendrie, Vice-President, Hamilton;
A. Rives Hall, Montreal; H. B. Herrick, Montreal; Angus Hooper,
Montreal; Holt, Renfrew & Co., Quebec; Geo. W. Hensley,
Halifax; Hamilton Powder Co., Montreal; Hon. F. W. G. Haul-
tain, Regina; Walter Huckvale, Medicine Hat; F. C. Harwood,
D.D.S., Moose Jaw; A. H. Hanson, Saskatoon; Hudson Bay
Co., Winnipeg; A. L. Hamilton, Bank of Commerce, Portage la
Prairie; Geo. Harcourt, Edmonton; A. C. Hardj', Brockville;
Hamburg-American Steamship Co., Montreal; C. E. Hanna,
Montreal; Stanley Henderson, Montreal; A. R. B. Heam, Mana-

fer Imperial Bank of Canada, Brandon; Hague, Armington & Co.,
.imited, Winnipeg; Hamilton Bridge Works Co., Ltd., Hamilton;
Hughes & Co., Brandon; Lt.-('ol. V. W. Hibbard, Montreal;
Hudon, Hebert &Cie., Limited, Montreal; H. Douglas Hamilton,
M.D., Montreal; R. T. Hopper, J. H. Hunsicker, .Montreal,

Imperial Elevator Co., Winnipeg; Imperial Bank of Canada,
Brandon; Imperial Bank of Canada, Strathcona; J. D. Ir\"ine,
Bank of Montreal, Portage la Prairie; R. Ironsides, Montreal;
International Harvester Co. of America, Chicago; Imperial Oil
Co.,Montreal.

J

Capt. J. Caverhill Jones, St. John, N.B; C. W. Jarvis, Fort
William; Clifford T. Jones, Calgary; T. F. S. Jack.Hon, Traders

John Love, Winnipeg; N. G. I>eslie, Manager Imperial Bank,
Winnipeg; Lake of the Woocls Milling Co., Limited, Montreal;
Library Bureau of Canada, Ottawa; I^gi.slative Library, Parlia-
ment Buildings, Toronto; I^porte, Martin&Co., Limited) Montreal
D. Law, Montreal ;Linde British Refrigeration Co., C.W. VoUman,
Mgr., Montreal; J. H. Lalil)erte, Quel)ec; Lieut.-Col. A. E. I^a-
belle, Montreal; J. W. Little, Ix)ndon; James Little. Port Arthur;

C. N. I^urie, M.D., Port Arthur; S. V. Ix)ree, Moose Jaw; Rol)ert
Lee, Edmonton; Peter liarsen, Helena, Montana, U.S.A.; Major

D. W. Lockerby, Montreal; La Patrie Publishing Co., Montreal;
laming. Miles Co., Limited, Montreal; W. W. I..aChance, Regina;
Laidlaw Bros., Vancouver; Lamontagne Limited, Montreal;
W. S. I^azier & Co., Calgary; W. F. l^ee (Manitoba Builder's
Supply Co.), Winnipeg; I.«wid Bros., Limited, Montreal; Ix>ewen
& Harvey, Vancouver; C. S. I.rf>tt, Calgarj-; I/owndes Co., litd.,
Toronto; Jno. R. Lovell, Montreal; Henry H. Lyman, Montreal.

M

Manitoba Fanners Mutual Hail Insurance Co., Winnipeg;
D. Morton, Winnipeg; Merrick, Andei-son & Co., Winnipeg;
MerchantsS Bank of (Canada, R. V. Taylor, Manager, Calgary;
H. D. Metcalfe, Montreal; James P. Jilurray, Toronto; W. A.
Murray * Co., Limited, Toronto; Merchant^ I^nk of Canada,
Montreal; J. Mason, Home Bank of Canada, Toronto; F. H. Mat-
hewson, Montreal; F. D. Monk, M.P., Montreal; (i««o. W. Mer-
sereau, Winnipeg; Merchants Bank of Canada, Fort William;
A. Maybee, Manager Canadian liank of Conuneree, Brandon;
Medicine Hat Printing &. Publishing Co , Minlicine Hat; Mer-
chants Bank of ('anada. Brandon; R. R Morgan. Saskatoon;
A. Michaud, Edmonton; (J. W. Marriott, Manager Bank of ('om-
meree. Strathcona; J. W. Matte. Quel>ec; J. CJ. Montgomery,
Edmonton; Mitchell Rifle Sight Co., Toronto; Major Frank
Meighen. Montreal; N. W. Murray, Montn-al; C. F. I<eth-
bridge Money, Salisbur>', Rhodesia, S. A.; I). li MacKenxic,
Dept. Min. iMlucation, Edmonton, Alta.; Montreal Warehousing
Co., Montreal; Manitoba Gypsum Co.. Ltd.. Winnipeg; Manitolui
Iron Works Limited, Wiiinip<'g; Manley ^ Sniitli, Moose Jaw;
Marshall Wells (^o., Winni|M'g; Mas.>««y-narris Co.. Limited,
Toronto and Winniiieg; Sanuiel .May X' Co., Toronto; H. (!.
Middleton A Co., Winnipeg; .Montgonier>' Bros., Winni|M>g;
Mortimer Co., Limite<l, Ottawa; Robert Mi'tchell Co., Montreal.
D. Morrice & Sons, Montn>al; The Montreal LuuiImt Co.,
Limited, Montreal; Robt. Munro, Montreid; John H. R. Molson
and Bros., Montreal; Ernest Mareeau, Montreal; F. E. Meredith,
K.C., Montreal.

P. O. BoK 223

Phone 137
OTTice 813 Centre St

W.S. LAZIER SCX).

Managers

i^lMITBU

CALGARY

Alberta

Uskiii

SPECIALLY SELECTED LANDS

IN

ALBERTA and SASKATCHEWAN

FOR

AGRICULTURE and GRAZING

QioiceM LooUion*. Eicqxioiul Op|>ortunitie«.

Write at ooce.

List of Advance Subscribers — Continued.

Mc-Mac

Hon. Hugh J. Macdonald, Winnipeg; W. G. McMahon,
Winnipeg; McLaughlin Carriage Co., Limited, Winnipeg; The
Geo. McLagan Furniture Co., Limited, Stratford; Alfred McKay,
Montreal; R. D. McGibbon (McGibbon, Casgrain, Mitchell &
Surveyer), Montreal; D. McEachren, Montreal; I. McMichael,
Foronto; R. McKnight, Port Arthur; S. W. Mclnnis, Brandon;
J. M. Mcintosh, Dominion Bank, Winnipeg; W. T. MacBean,
Moose Jaw; McDougall & Secord, Edmonton; H. McBeth, Leth-
bridge; W. J. McKay, Saskatoon; R. Mcintosh, Edmonton;
::;. de W. MacDonald, Edmonton; Wm. M. MacPherson, Quebec;
J. O. McCarthy, Manager Great West Life Insurance Co., Toronto;
ilex. McFee, Montreal; , Lieut.-Col. F. S. Mackay, Montreal;
John Mackie, Rottingdean, England; Kenneth MacKenzie & Co.,
Winnipeg and Edmonton ; MacMillan, Colquhoun & Beattie,
Brandon; A. McBride & Co., Calgary; McCallum, Hill & Co.,
Regina; McClary Manufacturing Co., London and Winnipeg;
John McDougall Caledonian Iron Works Co., Ltd., Montreal;
McKenzie Carriage Works, Brandon; McLennan, KcFeely & Co.,
Ltd., Vancouver; P. McKenzie, Montreal; Colin Mc Arthur, Mont-
real; McCaskill, Dougall & Co., Montreal; McClaiy Mfg. Co.,
Montreal; C. H. McFarlane, Montreal; Brenton A IVlacnab.

N

James S. Norris, Montreal; W. H. Nelson, Port Arthur;
N'orthem Bank of Canada, F. B. Helm, Manager, Calgary;
N'ational Trust Co.. Limited, J. D. Gunn, Manager, Saskatoon;
N^orthem Iron Works, Winnipeg; North-West Electric Co.,
Limited, Calgary;

o

A. O'Reilly, Winnipeg; Oldfield, Kirby & Gardner, Winnipeg;
J. W. de C. O'Grady, Manager Northern Bank, Winnipeg; Ogilvie
Flour MillsCo., Limited Montreal; Otis-Fensom Elevator Company
Lmited, Toronto; Office Specialty Manufacturing Co., Limited,
J.F. Wildman, Gen. Manager, Toronto; Hon. W. Owens, Montreal;
P. H. Oakes. Montreal; Robert Ochsner, Strathcona; Ontario
Sewer Pipe Co., I^td.. Toronto; Osier, Hammond & Nanton,
Winnipeg; A. E. Ogilvie, Montreal.

F. L. Patton, Manager Dominion Bank, Winnipeg; E. A.
Paterson, Manager Brandon [Electric Light Co., Brandon;
Seo. C. Parker, Toronto; A. Peers, Montreal; Parry Sound Lum-
ber Co., Toronto; Wm. Pocklington, Regina; E. L. Phillips,
N'orthem Bank, Brandon; D. G. Proley, Medicine JHat; Chas. S.
Pingle, Medicine Hat; Fred. S. Pingle, Medicine Hat; H. David-
son Pickett, Moose Jaw; G. P. Paysant, Calgary; Geo. R. Peter-
son, Saskatoon; F. W. Pugh, Winnipeg; Provincial Treasurer's
Department, Edmonton; E. C. Pardee, Manager Bank of Mont-
real, Edmonton; Provincial Secretary's Department, Edmonton;
Provincial Department of Education, Edmonton; Major A, G.
Peuchen, Toronto; Pacific Cartage Co., Limited, Calgary; Paulin-
[!hambers Company, Winnipeg; John R. Peverett, Regina;
Pither & Leiser, Victoria, B.C.; E. G. Prior & Co., Limited,
Vancouver; Prescott Emery Wheel Co., Limited, Prescott;
Province of Quebec, Quebec; R. E. Pringle, Montreal; Alfred
Pollack, Montreal; Jas. W. Pike, Montreal; J. G. Purvis, Mont-
real; W. S. Paterson, Montreal; W. B. Powell, Montreal.

Queens Hotel, Winnipeg.

R

J. E. Ruby, Manager Frost & Wood Co., Winnipeg; Revillon
Bros., Limited, Montreal; Revillon Bros., Limited, Edmonton;
Gustave Richard, Montreal; Royal Trust Co., Montreal; Hayter
Reid, C.P.R. Hotels, Montreal; David Russell, Montreal; Rhodes
::;urry & Co.. Limited, .\mherst; S. W. Ray, Port Arthur; P. B.
H. Ramsay, Brandon; W. J. Reid, (Lieut. C.M.R.^ Medicine Hat;
Ross Rifle Co., Quebec; James Ross, Montreal; Royal Bank of
Canada, Montreal; Riley & Co., Montreal; Harold W. Riley,
Deputy Provincial Secretary, Edmonton, Alta.; Rat Portage
Lumber Co., Winnipeg; Red Feather Tea Co., Hamilton; Richel-
ieu & Ontario Navigation Co., Montreal; Riley & McCormick,
Calgary; Rosewell, Carson & Fisher, Calgary; Ross Brothers,

Limited, Edmonton; Royal Lumber & Fuel Co., Winnipeg;
Ryan & Fares Co., Winnipeg; Wra. Rutherford, Montreal ; Aid.
Farquhar Robertson, Montreal; Jas. G. Ross, Montreal; David
Russel, Montreal; Robbins, Appleton & Co., Montreal; W. M.
Ramsay, Montreal.

G. F. Stephens & Co., Limited, Winnipeg; The Saskatchewan
Valley & Manitoba Ijand Co., Winnipeg; Standard Silver Co.,
Limited, W. K. George, Pres., Toronto; W. W. Scrimes, Winni-
peg; The Robert Simpson Co., liimited, Toronto; J. E. Seagram,
Waterloo; Standard Chemical Co. of Toronto, Toronto; R. R.
Stcven.son, Montreal; I;. P. Snyder, Montreal; Sovereign Bank
of Canada, Montreal; W. J. Stewart, Montreal; John M. Smith,
Montreal; St. I^awrence Sugar Refining Co., Montreal; A. M.
Smith, London; I-. M. Smith, Halifax; P. Shea, Winnipeg;
Henry Y. Smith, Moose Jaw; George Smith, Brandon; C. E,
Seaborn,Moose Jaw; Dr. Euston Sisley, Calgary; E. W. Saunders,.
Manager Canadian Bank of Commerce, Moose Jaw; D. Sherriff.
Brandon; A.C. Skelton, Bank of British North America, Brandon;
A. M. Stewart, Edmonton; J. Straton, Saskatoon; Geo. Sellers,
Saskatoon; S. H. Smith, Edmonton; John Sharpies, Quebec;
Major Geo. W. Stephens, Montreal; Standard Explosives, Mont-
real; H. F. Sandeman, Strathcona; W. E. Sanford, Mfg. Co.,
Hamilton; Sa-wyer <fe Massoy Co., Ltd., Hamilton; Shera & Co.,
Fort Saskatchewan; Jas. Smart Mfg. Co., Brockville; Smith &
Ferguson Co., Regina; Howard Smith Paper Co., Montreal;
Somerville Steam Marble & Granite Works, Brandon; A. C.
Sparrow, Calgary; Standard Soap Co., Limited, Calgary; Strath-
cona Brewing & Malting Co., Strathcona; The Jas. Stuart Electric
Co., Winnipeg; W. Stuart & Co., Calgary: Sub-Target Gun Co.,
Limited, Toronto; Henry F. Stearns, Montreal; Sadler and
Haworth, Montreal; A. H. Shorey, Montreal; The Star, Mont-
real; Chas. A. Smart, Montreal; J. Cradock Simpson, Montreal.

T

Trust (fe Loan Co. of Canada, Winnipeg; J. Stewart Tupper,
Winnipeg; James Tees (Tees & Persee, Limited) Winnipeg;
Noel H. Torrop, Montreal; AV. H. Thome & Co., Limited, St.
John, N.B.; Traders Bank of Canada, Calgary; T. M. TurnbuU,
Manager Canadian Bank of Commerce, Edmonton; P. T. Tofft,
Saskatoon; W. O. Tassie, Winnipeg; W. H. Thompson, Imperial
Bank, Portage la Prairie; John A. Tate, Bank of Toronto, Portage
la Prairie; B. & S. H. Thompson Co., Limited, Montreal; H. W.
Trenholme, Canadian Bank of Commerce, North Winnipeg,
Winnipeg; Arthur P. Tippet & Co., Montreal; Threshers Supply
Co., Limited, Winnipeg; Chas. E. Tisdall, Vancouver; Tuckett
Cigar Co., Hamilton; TuUy & TuUy, Brandon; Jas. Turner &
Co., Limited, Hamilton; S. B. Townsend, Montreal; Homer
Taylor, Montreal.

u

ITnion Bank of Canada, C. E. Watson, Manager, Calgary;
Union Lumber Co., Limited, Vancouver; Union Bank of Canada,
Quebec; Union Bank of Canada, Moose Jaw; Union Drawn
Steel Co., Limited, Hamilton; T. Upton Co., liimited, Hamilton.

V

Geo. Vallance, Hamilton; G. A. Vandry, Quebec.

w

A. Wickson, Manager Merchants Bank, Winnipeg; Western
Canada Flour Mills Co., Limited, Montreal; Henry K. Wampole
& Co., Limited. Toronto; Hiram Walker & Sons, Walkerville;
Walter R. Wonham & Sons, Montreal; G. E. Wells, Montreal;
Louis Walsh, Port Arthur; W. G. Weatherston, Bank of Hamilton
Brandon; J. B. Whitehead, Brandon; J. W. G. Watson, Brandon;
J. B. Walker, Edmonton; S. P. Woods, Deputy Attorney General,
Edmonton; J. P. Wiser & Co., Prescott; Wright & Emsdale,
Montreal; Herman H. Wolff, Montreal; Waterous Engine Works
Co., Limited, Brantford and Winnipeg; Western Tent & Mattress
Co., Calgary; Whitmore Bros., Regina; Wilkinson Plough Co.,
Limited, Toronto; M. J. Wilson & Sons, Ottawa; Winchester
Repeating Arms Co., New Haven, Conn.; Winnipeg Paint & Glass
Co., Winnipeg; Wood, Vallance & Leggat, Limited, Vancouver.
Wilks & Michaud, Montreal; Winn & Holland, Montreal; Wil-
kinson, Hey wood & Clark, Montreal; W. J. White, Montreal.

Index to Advertisers.

Page

Abbey's Effervescent Salt Ck)., Ltd Ixix.

Alberta Building Co., Limited xxxviii.

Alberta Hotel, Calgary xliii.

Alberta Investment Co., Limited xlii.

Alberta Pacific Elevator Co., Limit«d xlvii.

American-Abell Engine & Thresher Co., Limited Ivii.

Anglo-American Fire Insurance Company Ivii.

Balfour Implement Co., The, Limited xvi.

Barwis, W. B xxxvi.

B.C. Electrical Construction Co Ivii.

Beattie, A. M liii.

Belding, Paul <fe Co., Limited Lxxiv.

Beliveau Richard Co., The, Limited xxiii.

Benson & Houlton Company, The, Limited xxxix.

Bentlej' Company, The, Limited lii.

Black, Alex., Lumber Co., The, Limited ii.

Blackstock, C. W. & Co xxxiv .

Borbridge, S. H Ixix.

Boyle, John H. & Co xxxv.

Brackman-Ker Milling Co., The, Limited xlix.

Brandon Brewing Co xxxi.

Brodie & Stafford Hi.

Bromlev & Hague, Limited xv.

Bums, P. & Co xxxvii.

Cadwell, J. W. & Co xxxvi .

Calgary Brewing & Malting Co., Limited xl.

Calgan,' Colonization Company, Limited xlv.

Campbell Bros. & Wilson . . . " ?civ.

Canada Permanent Mortgage Corporation Iviii.

Canadian Casualty & Boiler Insurance Co., The iv.

Canadian Fairbanks Co., The, Limited xxi.

Canadian Moline Plow Co xxviii.

Canadian Northern Railway Inside Front Cover.

Canadian Rubber Co. of Montreal, The, Limited Ixxv.

Carruthers, A.. Co., Limited xxii.

Carruthers, Johnston & Bradley xxi.

Cockshutt Plow Co., Limited xxi.

Codvilie-George«ion Co., The, Limited xx.

Codville-Smith Co., The, Limited xx.

Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company. . . Ixxii.

Composite Brick Co xxxv.

( onsolidated Plate Glass Co. of Canada, The, Limited . xv.

Continental Life Insurance Company, The iv.

Crafts &. I..ee l''-

Cross «fe Blackweli, Limited Ixxvi.

Cummings Brass Co xxx.

Gushing Bros. Co., Ltd x'vi.

Dartnell, E. F jxxvi.

D'F2astim & Mount '"•„

Department of Militia Ixvn.

I)f partment of the Interior Ixv.

Devlin-Tyrell Co xiv.

I)odd, William .M Jf'"- ..

Dominion Bri<ige Co., Limited Ixxyii.

Dominion Cartridge (>)., Ltd J"^X'-

Dominion Radiator Co., Limited jvin.

DowdMiilingCo., The, Limited. Ixiv..

Dr..wry, E. L '«vii.

Eaton, T., Co., The, Limited • "ii & xiii.

I'klmonton Brewing* MaitingCc, Limited
Ixlmonton Tent and Mattress Co.
Empire Brewing C/O., The, Limitr<l
Enderton, C. H. & ('o. . .

Fairchi!dCo.,The, Limite<l

Fi'ileral Life Assurance (.'ompany, Th*-

P'it-Rcform

Foley, IxK-k & Larson

Gillard, W. H.&Co

(l(KMlyear, ('has

Grand Tnmk Parific RaiiwaV .
Great Went I^and C >.

xlviii.

lii.

xxix.

XV.

vi.

Ixii.

lxxiv.

xix.

Hark Cover

\lvi A Ixxxiii.

Page

Gunn, John, & Sons xvii.

Hague, Annington & Co., Limited xviii.

Hamilton Bridge Works Co., The, Limited ii.

Hughes & Co xxxi.

International HarvesterCo. of America (Incorporated) xxviii .

Jackson, Nonnan D xliii.

Jaeger's, Dr., Sanitarj' Woollen System Co., Limited . Ixix.

Jones & Moore Elect nc Co. of Manitoba^ Limited Ixxxvi.

Kelly, Douglas & Co., Limited liv.

LaChance, W. W xxxv.

Laidlaw Bros Ivii.

Lamontagne Limited Ixxiii.

Lazier, W. S. & Co xlvi & Ixxxiii.

Lee, W. F., Manitoba Builders' Supply Co ix.

Lewis Brothers, Limited Ixxii.

Loewen & Harvey Ivi.

Lott, C. S xlvii.

Ix)wndes Company, The, Limited iii.

Mackenzie Kenneth Co xxiii.

MacMillan, Colquhoun & Beattie vii.

McBride, A. & Co xlvii.

McCallum, Hill «t Co xxxii.

McClark- Manufacturing Co., The xxii.

McDou'gall, John, Caledonian Iron Works Co., Ltd.. . . Ixxxii .

McKenzie Carriage Works , xxviii.

Mcl.*nnan, .McFeely & Co., Limited Iv.

Manitoba Gyp.sumCo., The, Limited xxvii.

Manitoba Iron Works, The, Limited xxv.

Manley & Smith

Marshall- Wells Company .

Mas.sey-HarrisCo., Limited

Mav, Samuel, & Co

Middleton, H.CJ.&Co

.Mitchell Rifle Sight Co., Limited .

.Montgomerj' Bros

Mortinier Co. .Limited

xxxv.

viii.

lix.

Ixiv.

xix.

Ix.

XXX.

Ixxiii.

•Northern Iron Works

•North-West Electric Co., Limited

( )ch.sner, Rol)ert

Ontario Sewer PijH' Company, The, Limite<i.
Osier, Hanunond & .Nanton

Pacific C'artage Co., Limited

I'aulin-ChamlHTs Company, The

Peverett, John R

I»ither & Ix'iser

Prior, E. (i. & Co.. Limitt'd Liability

Prescott Enjer>' Wheel C«i.. Linut<Hl
Province of Quebec . .

Queens, The. Winnip«'g

Rat Portage Luml»er Co., The, Limited

I{e<l Feather Co

Revilloii Brothers, Limited. Edmonton
Rcvillon Brothers. LimitiHi. Montrc«nl
Richelieu A Ontario Navigation Co..
i{iley* McComiick. Limite<l
Ros4'well, ( 'arson & Fisher.
Ross Bmthers. LimittMl.
R«)ss Rifle Company. .

XIX.

xlix.

Royal LiunlHT* Fuel Co., Limited
Ryan A Fan's

Han<leinan. H. F

Sanf«.nl. W. E.. Mfg. Co.. Limited
Sawyer* Mass«'yCo.. Limited.
HheraACo.

xlix.

Ix.

2.

xlvii.

xxiii.

xxxii.

Ivi.

Ivi.

Ixxxii.

Ixxviii.

xxx.

Ixxx.

I * Ii.
Ixx* Ixxi.

Ixxix.

xxxviii.

xxxvi .

xlviil.

Ixxxvii.

Ixxxviii

.Inside Back Cover

vi.

xl.

xlviii.
Ixiv.
xvii.
liii.

Issav

Index to Advertisers — continued.

Page.

Smart, Jas., Mfg. Co., The, Limited Ixxxii .

Smith & Ferguson Co., The, Limited xxxiii .

Smith Howard, Paper Co Ixxxvi.

SomerA'ille Steam Marble and Granite Works, The .... vii.

Sparrow, A. C xli.

Standard Soap Co., Limited xliv.

Strathcona Brewing & Malting Co xlix.

Stuart, The James, Electric Co., Limited xxiv.

Stuart, W., & Co xliv.

Sub-Target Gun Company, The, Limited Ixi.

Threshers' Supply Co., Limited xxii.

Tisdall, Charles E 'liii.

Tuckett Cigar Co., Limited Ixiii.

Tully & Tully xxxi.

Turner, James, & Co., Limited Ixxx.

Page.

Union Drawn Steel Co., Limited Ixii.

Upton, T., Co., Limited Ixiii.

Waterous Engine Works Co., The, Limited xvii.

Western Canada Flour Mills Co., Limited xxxii.

Western Tent & Mattress Co., The xliv.

Whitmore Bros xxxiv.

Wilkinson Plough Co., The, Limited Ixi.

Wilson, M. J., & Sons Ixvi.

Winchester Repeating Arms Co xxvi.

Winnipeg Paint & Glass Co., The, Limited x.

Winnipeg Rubber Co., The, Limited xiv.

Wood, Vallance & Leggat, Limited Iv.

Jones St Moore Electric So.

LIMITED, or MANITOBA

Manufacturers and Contractors

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY

ALTERNATING and DIRECT CURRENT

ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION WORK

OF ALL KINDS

ELECTRIC WIRING
ELECTRIC FIXTURES
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES
TELEPHONES

We Have Over 2,000 Machines in Daily Operation

Electrical Repairs a Specialty

3.6-320 SMITH ST. WINNIPEG, MAN.

HOWARD SMITH PAPER CO., Ltd

WHOLESALE PAPER DEALERS

4, 6, 8 COTE STREET

MONTREAL, P.O.

84 WELLINGTON ST. WEST

TORONTO, Ont.

This book is printed on "Red Seal" Coated Book.

DON'T BE SATISFIED WITH A BACK NUMBER

GET THE BEST -

Get the Ross 503 Sporting Rifle

CATALOGUE ON APPLICATION

ROSS RIFLE CO.. Quebec, Q\ie.

UjuvU

'She R.OSS Mark II MilitaLry Rifle

is Without Equal for Speed.

(See Preceding Page)

Ross Rifle 60., Quebec. Que.

Vu

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
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YE 00553