The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-02-07
MOUNTED POLICE IN THE NORTHWEST.
An Attractive Force that Patrols . Vast
Tract Within Five Districts.

Where the plains stretch out on every side.
like a gray green ocean. dappled with purple
cloud shadows. the eye strikes the horizon at
perhaps five miles away, giving the circle Of
the view at thirty miles. path is hardly to
be distinguished from the buffalo trails to the
north and south. The thin grass and fcathery
sage brush seem to whiten as the wind rushcs
over them. for tho air Is seldom STILL but
nothing else moves except a distant hawk and
a wolf that sinks away from piece Of carrion.
OF sudden dots appear on tho horizon.
As they grow larger they have jerky
but constant progress. They do not
appear to have tho peculiar shake of
red men in the saddle. As they approach
nearer the scarlet coats indicate that they are
members Of the mounted police; They come
petine over, the plain. not with the rush Of
cowboys but with II free rapid iope. They
have the Canadian Northwest territory to look
after The older men could tell stirring tales
Of e the Indians and I'd fro
traced along the base OF the mountains. up the
creek and river valleys. and zigzaeging over
lines that represent, trails. The trails are
official routes over which SQUADS are sent to
Sfs se sss1s FsssSs s1 not sn
are quiet. learn if there has been destruction
q NE or in remote settlements or
been set up. or If anything has occurred to
call for Governmental notice or interference.
we'll that there is seldom any trouble with
them. and the work Of the police is confined
mostly to the suppression Of the liqHor trade.
Territory. In the towns and villages they have
to perform the duties OF policemen In arresting
Of te sna 5 ts
Canadian Premier at ottawa. but the manage.
esPa L is atf - aaeas es
msnded BY a Superintendent. who has a stan
commissioned officers Of each division are a
s sS and sly co1porss. .s4 TRc prnersl
S1ds Ct
tain. MacL eod; Calgary: Fort saskatchewan.
s nd ssses Hat and hese sS
are detailed for. customs service in Winnipeg.
S oiss. Alberta, Xthabasca Keewstin. and sas-
pGsss
extends from the Z nited States border. which
they watch closely to preHent the operation OF
North Saskatchewan. which is the northern-
most point reached by railroad in America,
and the officers act as magistrates for the trial
taehed to the stations, 1850 ~.
The force was organized In 1876. with 200
men. for the purpose OF luellinG the trade in
liquor: for in those days there were many
"whiskey forts" including some posts OF the
Hudson Bay Company In the Northwest, and 1t
was never safe. and never vii be safe. to allow
the Indians to get liquor. During the rebel
lions OF the half breeds the police also gave
efficient service. although the suppression Of
those outbreaks was due largely to militia
from. the eastern provinces. The pay for
year. in tho case OF tho Commissioner, to 40
cents a day. which is earned by the privates.
or constables. as. they are called. Tho rank
and Ale receive. In addition. horses clothing.
fuel. lights. quarters. food. and medical at
tendance. when needed; the officers receive
the same. with the exception of clothing The
uniform Is similar to that OF the British cav
alry-red coat; dark blue trousers. with yellow
stripe. pot hat, worn .rakishly over. the
right ear. riding boots and spurs, belt and ac.
coutrements Of raw leather with symbols OF
rank in yellow and gold. The officers also
have II fatigue dress OF black with frogged
coat. Each constable Is armed with a curbine
and revolver, and when on duty, wears a cross
that can be spared are nussed at Regina once
II year for field practice as mounted infantry.
but they are drilled In squads at the barracks
from time to time The present members nre
mostly OF Canadian birth-young men. whose
active. open-air life gives them health. and
who. with their tanned faces, broad shoulders.
straight backs. and soldierly stride. are models
OF physical manhood.