Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1885-04-09
THE NORTHWEST REBELLION
Murders by Riel,s Men.

A dispatch from Winnipeg says: Dispatches
from Battleford indicate that the Indians kept
mp an uproar all night in town, performing a
war dance and burning houses, which they
first sacked They waylaid settlers coming to
town TO take refuge in the barracks, and, after
robbing them, they sacked the wagons and
carried of all the provisions and stock when
they were bringing in for use during the
probable siege. Not content with this, the
bloodthlrsty redskins proceeded to a ranch,
a short distance south of Battleford, burned
the house and stables and murdered the
proprietor, whose name could not DO learned
Returning to town they murdered James
Payne, George L. Apgarth and others
whose names could not be learned
There is considerable excitement here over
the Fenian scare. A meeting OF Fenians was
held at Pembina, when some organization
took place. Word was sent from Washington
to the commandant OF the fort to cooperate
with the Canadians to prevent depreciation.
Riel has emissaries travelling through Southern
Manitoba melting half breeds and Indians to
join with hun in the insurrection. The new
battalion formed here has orders 10 proceed
TO the front at once, Tho Saskatchewan Is
opening. Preparations are beng made to
utilize the river for the transport OF troops
and supplies to the front
Winnipeg and Qu'Appelle Specials: The
full extent of the rayages committed by the
rebels at Battleford has been ascertained. Somt
are badly plundered and others are cleaned out
entirely On this side Of the Battle river are
the residences of Judge and Dr.. Roulear, Mr.
Rae, Indian agent; Mr.. Scott, registrar; Mr..
C~linkshill, of Mahafy h Clinkshill, and Nc
Kay, Of the Hudson Bay company, and the
stores OF the Hudson Bay company and Mahafy
a Clinkshlll, the industrial school and Indian
Office, beside a number of other build
ings. On the north side of the Battle river
are the Alton hotel, the Saskatchewan
Herald office and the dwellings Of J. G..
Oliver, Rev. Mr.. Taylor, Mr.. Gardner
and the warden. The main part of the town
is about . mile further north on the Saskatche-
wan river, and has not been attacked yet
There are forty five police and 100 volunteers
in the fort A Minnedosa dispatch says the
Indians are gathering there. A half. breed
woman, q friend OF the whites, says II IS the
intention Of the Indians to burn the town.
Much uneasiness is felt, as arms aud ammuni-
ton is scarce. One hundred and twenty
names have been enrolled for the volunteer
company. Gen. Middleton has boon tele-
graphed for arms and ammunition, also offer
ing fifty for active service. Word has been re-
ceived that the Indians are becoming trouble
some and ugly at the IL b. Post at strath-
clair.
In the discussion in the house Of commons
OF the Northwestern uprising, Sir John Mac
donald said: We are quite unaware OF the
proximate causes of the half breed rising under
Riel. Riel came into the country, invited by
them, SOME unle ago. l. Doitfe ne SaIhe iof
the purpose Of attempting TO extract money
from the public purse. We received limitations
during Last summer that II the government
would give him a sum of money, the sum
of $1,000 was mentioned, he would with
draw. This proposition, Of course, could
not be entertained for a moment He
remained there melting the half breeds,
and attempting to arouse the Indians by
telling them that the country belonged TO
them The statement had been made that
Riel was told that he was an outlaw, and not q
British subject, and had no right in the coun-
try. Such an intimation was never made TO
him so far as / know. He has great influence
over the Indians. He was considered, on &C
count OF the former occurrences, a sort of
martyr in the cause, and a sort OF half breed
Mahdi, and looked up 10 with superstitious re-
gard. He acts upon this feeling OF these poor
people. / donot believe that there is the slight
est danger from the half breeds unless they
should be Joined by the Indians. II the In
disfis are bfosghs. into .ae seia nc one can
toresee what the consequences may
be. am glad 10 be able ~ state 10
that the Indians are quite quiet and there Is no
danger OF their joining with the half-breeds
There are one or two Indians whom we NOV
pretty we'll, and who are troublesome, but whom
/ do not think ii well to name here. There 10
one Indian whom the member for Boutwell,
would know if | mention his name / asked
about this Indian, and was told he was mere
sluster and tobacco. There ID no fear about him
The most influential Indian IN the Northwes,
Is Crowfoot, who is at the head Of the Black
feet He is a most remarkable and able man,
and about his loyalty and fidelity there is every
assurance lam quite sure this is the case And
TO so great an extent is this the case that il he
were permitted he would show it by action on
his part