The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-04-14
COLONY A FAILURE
Rev. Mr.. Bars Promised Eldorado
Near Batt1eford Is in Pretty n
Aysl Deep Water.
Some of the Homeseekers May Re-
), turn to England-Government
g.. .1..l to Aid Others.
Special to The Journal.

opeCial 10 Inc JOURNAL
Winnipeg. Man.. April 14-According to
reliable reports received in Winnipeg. the
first contingent of the Barr colony, now
located in Battleford, are not finding as
many roses along the pathway to fortune
in the great northwest as they were led
to believe would blossom for them Some
are disheartened and are seriously think
ing of retracng their steps to Merry Eng
land.
The trouble seems to be that they were
promised too much far more in fact than
the ordinary immigrant ever hopes for.
and when by reason of the failure Of the
agents of Rev. Mr.. Barr to carry out the
announced program they are worse off
than the immigrants who are under the
direct care of the governments agents,
they are entitled to register a few objec-
tions.
The department of immigration has
been informed that these colonists have
suffered much Inconvenience in securing
supplies, shelter and transportation, and
the government agents have been in
structed to look after them and give them
what assistance they can, independent of
the Rev. Mr.. Barr, the man who is re-
sponsible for their present plight.
hmm gration Commissioner j. Obed
Smith was seen yesterday and said that
the government having been informed of
the situation. had decided to take the
matter in hand and see that as far as
possible the Barr cOlOniStS should receive
the same assistance as immigrants who
were relying altogether on the government
agents for guidance and assistance. The
Battleford Herald suggests that as the
fulfilment of Barr's promise to his people
has been apparently abandoned, 1t would
be wise the part Of the colonists to
take matters in their own hands while
there Is yet time and before they have ex-
pended their means.
The plan of the colony, as outlined in
Bars pamphlet issued to the settlers was
all right, so far as colonies go, but in the
absence of the faintest attempt to carry
them out there could be nothing but dis
aster. The stores syndicate that was to
have supplied the necessaries Of life has
fallen to pieces and the goods arc not
likely to get beyond Saskatoon, neither
has the sawmll that was to furnish them
with lumber been put up. In fact, moth
ing has been done for the party save by
government agents.
Under the circumstances the article
says, 1--WE would advise the colonists to
withdraw from the colony and take UP
land within reach Of neighbOrs, civliza-
ton and supplies. TO continue in q party
where everything is measured by the
amount Of commission it will yield to the
managers is counting disaster. There is
any quantity Of land between Saskatoon
and the site of the colony equal to it ir
every respect, on which they may take
homesteads. Supplies are more easily Sc
cured. neighbors and needed assistance
are within easy reach, chance of work
ing out is open to any who may need it
and the great advantage afforded Of hay
Ing before them an object lesson in work
ing as experience has shown to be best
suited to the country"