The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1903-09-19

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wholly occupied with their trading.
trapping and missionary work. were
late finding out that war existed be-
tween England and her colonies Nor
did II really matter much with them,
one way or another. They felt secure
In their lonely situation. aud SO went
on selling their trinkctS- weapons, do
nestle implements, blankets and in
toXicating liquors 10 the Indians. whom
they held bound TO them with Il power
never possessed by any other white
dwcllers In the wilderness. Father
Beret was probably subordinate to
Father Gibault At all events the lat
ter appears TO have had nominal charge
of Vincennes, and II can scarcely be
doubted that he left Father Beret on
the Wabash while lie went 10 live and
labor for time at KaskaslIia, beyond
the plains of Illinois
1t is curious fact that religion and
the power Of rum ana brandy worked
together successfully for a long time
IA giving the French posts almost abb
solutc influence over the wild and saw
age men by whom they were always
surrounded. The good priests dcprc-
Gated the traffic I'm liquors and tried
hard 10 control IL, but soldiers of for
tune ami reckless traders were IN the
majority, their interests taking proceed
cnce OF all spiritual demands and car
rying everything along. What could
the brave missionaries do but make the
very best Of perious situation?
But II the effect Of rum as bey-
cnge had strong allurement for the
white man, IL made an absolute slave
OF the Indian, WHO never hesitated for
moment to undertake amy task, no
matter how hard. bear any priyation
even the most terrible. or brave any
danger, although Il might demand
reckless desperation, II IN tile end a
well filed bottle or jug appeared as
his reward.
OF course the traders did not over
look such a source 81 power, Alcoholic
liquor became their implement Of al
most magical work IN controlling the
lives. labors ana resources Of the ia.
dians Tie priests with their captyat-
ing story OF tic cross, had large In
nuencc In softcuing savage natures
and avcrtiug many an awful danger.
but when everything else failed, rum
always came 10 the rescue OF 4 threat
cncd French post.
We need not wonder. then. when we
are told thnt Father Berct made no
sign Of distress or disupproyal upon
being informed 81 the arrival Of
boat loaded with rum. brandy or GIN
II was Rene Dc Bonville who brought
the news, the same Rene already men
toned as having given the priest
plate Of squirrels. He was sitting on
the doorsll OF Father Bcrets hut
when the old man reached IL after his
visit at the Ronssillon home and held
In his hand letter which lie appeared
proud 20 deliver.
az batteau and seven men with
cargo OF liquor came during the rain"
he said, rising and taking of his Gu
rious cap. which. made OF an animals
skin, had a tail jauntiIy dangling from
IT'S crown tip, land here IL letter for
you. father. The batteau Is from New
Orleans. Eight men started with Il,
but one went ashore to hunt and was
killed by an Indian"
Father Beret took the letter without
apparent interest and said:
THANK you, my son. sit down again;
the door log Is not wetter than the
stools inside: ! will sit by you"
The wind had driven food OF rain
into the cabin through the open door,
and wnter twinkled In puddles here
and there on the floors puncheons.
They sat down side by side, Father
Bcrct lingering the letter In an absent
LII