Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1941-08-02

Of immigrants to the rich prairies
Cattle ranches and farms became nu-
merous and the "mounties" had more
work than that of chaperoning head
strong Indians. 1t was necessary fol
them to settle range disputes, to In
spect cattle brands, and hardest OF
all, to prevent cattle rustling and the
selling Of liquor to Indians.
1 When the northwest rebellion broke
out there were no available troops In
any Of the western provinces and the
RED Goats" were called to quell this
trouble. Rel, renegade half breed In
dian who possessed dreams Of an In
dian nation Of which he would be a
second Emperor JONES'" started an
uprising, with the help Of "Soapy"
Smith, well known bad man and
scoundrel, who acted as secretary Of
the treasury. Smith collected all the
money and valuables he could lay
hands on and left for the United
States to buy ammunition and sup
plies. He never returned-for two rea-
sons: He had a large sum of money
and Canada had placed a large price
on his head. A small detachment Of
police held this revolt in check until
troops arrived.
Many amusing incidents occurred
when General Middleton, an English
officer who had seen active service in
India, attempted TO direct the cam
paign against the Indians in Canada.
The gold rush Of the Klondike added
another duty to the long list that
the force already had. Law must be
established in the gold fields and the
Red Coats" did it, but not until Cap
tain Constantine and % men estab-
hshed themselves at Dawson City and
became the community government. |
LawlessnesS soon stopped after several |
bandits we're hanged for murder and |
robbery.
When the Boer war In South Africa |
burst into a flame, Canada sent sew
eral regiments Of cavalry to Cape |
Town. Among these crack troops were
3 large number Of men who deserted
the mounted police for the sake Of
seeing action. The bureau Of militia
and defense at Ottawa decided to
raise a detachment Of mounted police
FOR the South African campaign. This
detachment was voluntary, as the po-
ice are subject to military service
1nly under dominion CONSUMPTION
act, and these men received more at
IGNITION than any other body Of troops
If the British empire.
Forts and outpoSts were established
n various parts of the northwest and
Yukon territories and along the NC
zenzie river and the "mounties,'
moved northward. Today, they hold
he farthest northern post on the
North American continent, Fort Nc
2herson and HersheIls islands, the
after being the Eskimo penitentiary.
World War
The 4th day of August, 1914, the
lay which started the crash In Europe,
ound Canada without any military
trength facing World war. Men were
ushing to the recruiting stations by
he hundreds, thinking that they
you'd be Back by Christmas. The
police played their part as
lsual as an organization they did ,
lot &send men at once but many OF
is members purchased their discharge
nd sailed with the first division, never ,
o return.
A large portion of the settlers Of
7eStern Canada were German, Aus {
rian, Russian and Hungarian, and I
nder the alien registration act they !
Tere compelled to register so the gov !
rnment could keep check on them. !
his duty fell upon the police and ]
ney carried the program out after !
luch difficulty.
After the passing Of the dominion
act q detachment Of the
loyal mounted exchanged the red =
pat for one of olive drab and sailed !.
Dr. England. Each member was ale :
wed to wear the police collar and !.
aoulder ornaments as q distinction !.
sherwise the uniform was about the I
ms In England the detachment was (
slit up, some men going to the cav =
lxy, some to the tank corps, and, Y
saeh 10 the disgust Of some, to the z
cid bakeries.
The leaving Of this detachment :
om Canada left only few men .
j duty and for Q while Il seemed =
Il the final chapter Of ~mountie"
story had been written. n
The signing Of the axmistice re- q
we'd the hopes for the organization ID
"a It started q recruiting campaign u
nong the men overseas Old-kixme 81
en- were welcomed back and maem Il
30 MmaAiAaxy s@Evsas were preferred n
rs0Twazaan@ @zsa SzaA um szs xanga a
ak waTe mAmaam aAaAn By sksa casualties n
ring ths w@x. n.