Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-09
srnE NORTHWEST VAR.
CONTINUED EXCITEMENT

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A Winnipeg special Of Tuesday says
Il now would appear that the North
west rebellion will not be confined 10
Indians aad half-breeds, but that white
settlers who have been most unfairly
treated by The Government will become
rebels and join Riel. They are dis
Rusted with the Governments constant
refusal 10 give them patents for lands,
and are indignant ut the manner Ia which
favored lapd-grsbbcrs have been allowed
10 steal the most valuable agricultural
portions Of the country after they have
been improved by the labor and at the
expense Of the settlers. A meeting OF
white settlers was held at Calgary last
night. and q telegram was sent TO the
Government asking redress OF griev-
snccs. A memorandum OF grievances
was sent by mail. and signatures OF
ever two hundred settlers attached
thereto. In case their demands are
ignored, the question Of resorting TO
syms and joining the rebels will
sexf come up. The settlers say that
10 their demands are not Immediately
granted they will get behind their rifles
and assist the rebels. They say the
emily difference between settlers and
wild animals in the Northwest is that
the animals have close season, where
as the settlers are hunted at all seasons
by police or Government officials. The
hAlf-breeds are greatly pleased at the
attitude Of the white settlers and now
feel confident Of success. This last
phase in the situation places the Gov
eminent in dilemma.
A courier has arrived from the be-
siegcd town Of Battleford. and says
things now are more hopeful. The be-
sieged police and settlers made a sortie
and succeeded in getting considerable
quantity OF provisions, which will en-
able them TO hold out until relief reaches
them. Imprisoned in the barracks there
are 200 men and 100 women and chill
dren. The courier says that a large
number of Indians who were besieging
the town have gone south. making
their way toward the frontier. 1t
il thought they are making for Mon
tana TO induce American Indians
to Join them. Everything appears
70 be in Riel's favor. The troops
can do little even when they get on the
scene, not being used to the country.
Ali troops sent SO far are infantry, and
Riel laughs at the idea Of infantry
chasing and fighting mounted Indians.
His course is not to come to an engage
nent, but to make the campaign a
series Of skirmishes. General Middle
ton is very anxious for battle, but Riel
cunningly avoids taking any chances.
The Queens Own Rifles, Of Toronto,
arrived here this morning at 3 O'Clock,
and left for the sea. Of war at 4 o'clock
this afternoon. They had rough trip
crossing the uncompleted gaps of rail-
read, and there was much discomfort at
the treatment received.
Word has just been received that the
Cree Indians at Swift Current are up in
rebellion and in possession Of the town.
The residents of the place have taken
refuge in the railway station, and intend
selling their lives dearly if an attack be
made before reInfOrcements arrive.
There is an unusual movement among
the numerous bands Of Indians scatter
ed through Central and Western
Manitoba. The 0ak-Lake Indians have
left their reserve, and the few old
squaws who remain behind say they
have gone TO fight. Some Of the In
dians on Lake Manitoba have also moved
cut. and most of them are concentrating
near Minnedosa. The Indians are said
to be acting badly at the Hudson Bay
Company's post at Strathclare.
An Ottawa special Of Tuesday says ::
The Sixty-sixth battalion of Halifax
having been the first Canadian corps to
show any signs of disloyalty whom or
aered to proceed TO the Northwest, the
Government tonight informed the colo
mel of the battalion that his services
would not be required, although the
troops were under orders to leave for
the Northwest tomorrow morning.
Government sdviees tonight indicate
strong disaffection among the Indians,
which has now extended to the Bloods
and Piegans, two tribes Of the Black
feet Nation near Fort Mcleod. A de-
tachment of troops will be sent
there Immediately. The Government
have received a telegram ANNOUNCE
ing the safe arrival at Swift Cur
rent Of Mr.. Applegartb, the Indian
instructor, who was supposed to
have been murdered by the Indians.
Advices from Edmonton show that
half-brseds and Indians there are in an
excited state, and any rebel successes
wsuld likely cause them to rise. Wau-
bedcsca, chief Of the Minnesota Sioux
near Brandon, is reported as being in
q surly mood. lie would not allow
four Of his band who were employed
by the Government TO act as guides
to the West. He says 1000 sol
diers are not enough to meet the
Crees, who will probably all fight.
Advices from Prince Albert indi-
cate that the town is well protected
from attack, but provisions are short.
Further accounts Of the Duck-Lake fight
confirm the report given by Gordon.
The rebels were at first beaten eff, but
the police ammunition gave out and the
enemy rallied. when their fire did most
deadly work. There is no authentic
statement yet Of the rebel loss in the
fight. One Of the leading members OF
the Fenian organization in Chicago tele-
graphed to-day to a friend in this city
that the reports Of the fenian Brother
hood joining Riel were base ISLANDERS on
the organization. They have net Indian
nassacrss for their object, but the libe-
ration Of ireland.
General Middleton has telegraphed
the Government this morning the neces.
sity Of sending ell the troops possible
into Qu'Appelle district to 20 forward
Immediately. II is known that tn,
Government has received important
news to-day, but it refuses to disclos,
the Acts. Private advices state thai
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