Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-05-08
THE REL REBELLION.

THE REL REBELLION.
Rcdskin Allies Burning Homes aud Pill
laying the Settlers Near Battleford-
The Rebel Leader Said to Be DESTROYS
of Peace, hut Ready to Strike Hard, 1t
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Distress at Prince
Albert-French Troops Refuse to Fight
Against Ricl.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 1.-THE
situation is regarded with greater alarm
than at any time since hostilities coE-
nlenced. Affairs are daily becoming more
complicated and threatening, and grave
fears are now felt for the safety OF the
settlers in the more isolated parts OF the
country from attacks Of Indians. Adj
vices from Battleford of Wednesday state
that the Indians who suddenly departed
from the country surrounding the settle
ment last week have returned with III
creased numbers, and Tuesday night their
camp-fires were to be seen in all directions.
The country north and west of Battleford
was burned by them Tuesday for miles.
Upwards Of one thousand settlers home
stcads were laid desolate and pillaged. Sig
nal fires were seen all around Battleford, but
the garrison is powerless to do any
thing but hold themselves ready in
the event of an attack. Colonel Morris
has done everything to make the settlers
comfortable, and they are patiently await
ing the arrival of troops. It is rumored that
the Indians are to be treated with for peace
before punishment, but public sentiment
will revolt. The whereabouts Of the In
dams during their absence are not known,
but it is feared that Fort Pitt was the OBJ
| jective point. News IS %anXi0usly looked for
from that quarter and the smaller settle
ments north Of Battleford.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 17.-There Is
little change in the position of affairs. The
Indians are gathering in bands about Bat
.tleford, aud are threatening ON attack
which it is felt must be made before
Colonel Otter, with his flying column,
arrives there. All the stock that could
be found by the redskins along either
side Of the Saskatchewan north of Bat
tleford has been driven off and killed.
The Indians appear to be laying up a store
Of provisions, as if for a long campaign.
Many bands crossed Battle River yester-
pected to-day. The earthworks around
the barracks have been completed. A
number Of scouts were sent from Bat
tlefod to meet Middleton at Clarke's
Crossing, in order to acquaint
him with the true position of affairs. Great
loss has been occasioned to settlers in the
vicinity OF Battleford. every ones buildings
being burned. General Middleton has tele-
graphed instructions that the Governor-Gen-
erals body guards should, for the present, re-
main at Winnipeg, and when sent west their
destination would be Swift Current. Col
Olel ScOtt'S battalion will be divided, one
half being left at Swift Current and the
remainder being sent on to Calgary. No
troops will be kept in Winnipeg, and those
now EN- route north Of Lake Superior will
be forwarded OH their arrival.
The position at Prince Albert is most
critical. RatiOns are now a pound and a
half OF flour daily for each family of four
or five. The rebels are also said TO be suf-
fering for want Of rations. General Mid
dieton will use the Saskatchewan River as
much as possible for forwarding supplies to
the north.
A Clark's Crossing dispatch says that Up
to noen of the 10th Rlel had no intention Of
attacking Prince Albert, but had sent three
unners to Qu'Appelle to ascertain
if troops are being forwarded. They
will ask the Government to give q
basis for a treaty. 1t is rumored
from the West that Riel is still keep
ing in the background and waiting for the
commission to effect a settlement with his
people and himself. ono OF the prominent
officials stated yesterday that there would
be no more bloodshed, and in a few days all
would be settled.
MONTREAL, April 17.-Great surprise was
caused here Wednesday by the receipt of
news that the Sixty-Fifth (MontreaD Regi-
lnent of volunteers, now at Calgary, re-
fuses to proceed against Riel, making the
excuse that they need equipments. Colonel
Ouimet, of the regiment, has returned to
Winnipeg. This is the only French Canadian
regiment of Montreal, and its refusal to
proceed is generally supposed to be due to
unwillingness to be led against the French
half-breeds under Rie4.
WINNIPEG, April 17.--ColoDels Ouimet
and Amyot, Members of Parliament, who
came up with the Sixty-1ifth (French)
Battalion, and who went OH with the
troops, have returned to this city.
They express the opinion that the
affairs of the Northwest have
been grossly miSnanaged by the Govern
ment, which is responsible for the troubles,
and consequently they will not fight against
men who are only standing up for their
rights. They demand the removal of Gov
ernor Dewdney and other Northwest of
flcials who brought on the troubles by NAL
feaSance and miSmAnappmont