the officer in charge sat alone and dispensed justice 

 without assistance. 



The duties of the police were very diversified and 

 included the suppression of the liquor traffic, which had 

 been most profitable when carried on among the plains 

 Indians. All fermented liquors were by Act of Domin- 

 ion Parliament taboo in the whole area North and West 

 of the Province of Manitoba, unless the possessor was 

 armed with a permit from the Lieut. Governor of the 

 Territories, which were obtainable by any person of 

 good standing, on application, up to the limit of five 

 gallons. These permits, for some years, were good until 

 taken up, and many lived to a ripe old age. I owned 

 one that through constant and long use had to be made 

 presentable by being mounted on buck-skin, but sad to 

 relate, this regulation was rescinded and a time limit 

 placed on them. 



In this branch of their duties the police were very 

 energetic, and it was indeed a rare case where any one 

 evaded their eagle eyes. When found without the 

 cover of a permit, all liquor was spilled and a heavy 

 fine running up to $200.00, was imposed. 



On the Plains, especially toward the American line, 

 a great part of the work was suppressing the universal 

 practice and custom of the Indians in stealing horses, 

 and ladies from their neighbors (I place horses first, as 

 a good one was more highly prized, especially if a 

 buffalo runner, as giving less trouble to its new owner. 

 This practice was carried on constantly and as these 

 amusements were not considered criminal by any means, 

 and success in carrying them out resulted in honours 



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