Saskatchewan Herald
1/27/1879
Duck Lake
On the 14th instant, Mr. Richardson, Stipendiary Magistrate,
held a session of the District Court at this place, and disposed
of several unimportant cases. Inspector Walker was also there,
and the Indian chief "The Beardy" took advantage of
the presence of "his great white brothers" to beg a "square
meal" and rehearse his speech. The views held by the Beardy
on the rights of labor and property are such as would not disgrace
the most extreme communist leader, and not only does he refuse
to work himself, but he will not permit any of his young men
either to work or hunt; he is a chief, he argues, and he and
his band must be fed by the government. Fortunately his band
is not very large, and his influence over all its members is
not complete. The demands made are so absurd as not to merit
a moment's consideration, and no danger need be apprehended,
as he always endeavors to put others forward to do what he threatens
to do himself. The following is a synopsis of the proceedings
at the conference referred to:
* * * * *
The Beardy demanded that all that had been promised in the treaty
should be given at once, regardless of the non-fulfillment on
his part of the conditions on which the promises were based;
that two miles around Duck Lake (which is all settled) be given
to him as a reserve, all present occupants to become his tenants
and pay him half their crops; any one going to the plains this
year to be arrested, this being to secure to the buffalo a season
of rest; free access to the Hudson's Bay Company's and Stobart's
stores. If these demands are not complied with, he threatened
to enforce them, and closed with some disloyal and impertinent
remarks respecting the Government and the Governor.
Inspector Walker told him that if he would apologize to the Governor
for his conduct at the treaty-payment he would recommend the
payment but this had no effect. This chief and his councillors
have also threatened to take all they want from Fort Carlton
and Stobart's post at Duck Lake, and have also warned their missionary,
Father Andre, that he should leave the latter place or that, "much
as they would regret having to strike their father," he
would have to go with the rest. Some of the reasonable men of
the band have warned the settlers that if anything happened they
would not be responsible. The settlers are not afraid of the
threats, but they have determined to resist any attacks on their
persons or property to the last.
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