The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1903-10-31

"Hero Is a letter for you, father"
wholly occupied with their tradlngs
trapping aud missionary work, We're
late finding out that war existed be-
tween England and her colonies. Nor
did it really matter much with them,
one way or another. They felt secure
In their lonely situation, and 40 went
on selling their trlnkets weapons, do
nestle implements, blankets and In.
toxicating liquors TO the Indians, whom
they held bound 20 them with n power
never possessed by any other white
dwellers In the wilderness. Father
Beret was probably subordinate TO
Father Gibault. At all events the lat-
ter appears 20 have had nominal charge
OF Vincennes, aud II can scarcely be
doubted that he left Father Beret on
the Wabash while he went 10 live and
labor for a time at Kaskaskla, beyond
the Plains of Illinois.
II Is a curious fact that religion and
the power OF rum and brandy worked
together successfully for a long time
In giving the French posts almost alb
age men by whom they were always
surrounded The good priests depre-
Gated the traffic In liquors and tried
hard to control II, but soldiers Of for
tune and reckless traders were In the
majority, their interests taking preced-
ence Of all spiritual demands aud car
rying everything along. What could
the brave missionaries do but make the
very rest OF a perilous situatlonf
But II the effect OF rum as a bey-
erage had strong allurement for the
white man, II made an absolute slave
OF the Indian, who never hesitnted for
moment TO undertake any task, no
matter how hard, bear any priyntlon.
even the most terrible, or brave any
danger, although II might demand
reckless desperation, II In the end a
well illed bottle or Jug appeared ne
his reward,
or course the traders did not over
look such source OF power. Alcoholic
liquor became their implement OF al-
most magical work I'm controlling the
lives. labOrs aud resources Of the ln-
dlans. The priests with their captiyat-
ing story OF the cross, had large In
fluence IN sOftening savage natures
and averting many an awful danger
but. when everything else failed, rum
always came 20 the rescue OF threat
enod French post.
We need not wonder, then. when we
are told that Father beret made no
sign OF distress or dlsapproyal upon
being Informed Of the arrival OF a
boat loaded with rum, brandy or GIN.
II was Rene de Ronville who brought
the news the same Rene already men
toned az having given the priest a
plate OF squirrels. lie was sitting on
the dOOrsill Of Father Berers huf
when the old man reached Il after his
visit al the Roussillon home and held
IN his hand letter which he appeared
proud "a deliver.
"a batteau and seven men with o
sargo OF liquor came during the rain"
he said, rising ann taking or his Gu.
rious cap, which, made or an animals
skin. had a tail launtily dangling from
its crown Zip. "nnd here n a letter for
you, father The batteau II from New
Orleans. Eight men started with A.
bat one went ashore 10 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 ~ not wetter than the
stools inside; I win III BY you"
The wind had driven a food OF rain
into the cabin through the open door.
and water twinkled IN ppddles hers
and there on the noors puncheons.
They sat down side by side. Father
Beret lingering the Iettsr IN an absent
! ufudf.d way