180 REVIEWS—RED RIVER AND ASSINIBOINE EXPLORATIONS. 
ment, instead of being so constituted as to prepare the way for settlement by 
wise and just treaties of purchase from the present owners, and proper protection 
and support for the indigent race so dispossessed, is sometimes behind its obliga- 
tions in these respects ; and in some instances Congress refuses or delays to ratify 
the treaties made by the duly authorized agents of the government. The result 
is, that the settler and pioneer are precipitated into the Indian’s country, without 
the Indian having received the first consideration promised him; and he often, 
in a manner that enlists the sympathies of all mankind, takes up the tomahawk 
in defence of his right and perishes in the attempt.’ The same officer states that 
there are so many inevitable causes at work to produce a war with the Dakotahs 
(Sioux) before many years, that he regards the greatest fruit of his explorations 
to be the knowledge of the proper routes by which to invade their country and 
conquer them, but at the same time he thinks that many of the causes of war 
with them might be removed by timely action in relation to the treaties made 
with them. 
“The country of the Dakotahs borders on British territory, some of the tribes 
are the confirmed enemies of the half-breeds and Ojibways of Red River; peace 
has often been made, but as often broken again upon trivial and even accidental 
grounds. 
“The frontier tribes can muster at least two thousand warriors by uniting with 
several of their more southern allies. Being the most warlike and numerous 
Indians in the United States territories, and their hunting gronnds interlocking 
with those of the Crees in British America, they will probably yet play an 
important and active part in the future of the colony and the new adjoining terri- 
tory of Chippewa. 
“Thickwood Crees, Swampy Crees, Plain Crees, and Ojibways are the Indian 
nations who now occupy that part of Rupert’s Land where settlements would 
first be made. These nations are friendly to one another and hostile to the Sioux. 
They are, in fact, the hunters of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and consequently 
friendly with that body, who have never sought to extend the settlements of the 
white race in Rupert’s Land ; but of late years since the questions relating to 
title to lands, annuities, and compensation have been raised, they are becoming 
dissatisfied, suspicious, and untrustworthy. 
“ The Right Honourable Edward Ellice, M.P., in reply to a question put by 
Mr. Christie during his examination before the Select Committee on the Hudson’s 
Bay, respecting the extinction of the Indian title in Rupert’s Land, stated that 
“the English Government never extinguished the Indian title in Canada when 
they took possession; the Americans, while they have been extending their 
possessions, have extinguished the Indian title, but in Canada there has neyer 
been any treaty with the Indians to extinguish the title; the Crown, retaining 
certain reserves for the Indians, has always insisted upon the right to occupy the 
lands, and to grant the lands.” 
“Great and apparently reasonable doubts exist respecting the Indian title to 
that part of the valley of Red River and Assinniboine now occupied by the 
settlements. The royal charter for incorporating the Hudson’s Bay Company, 
granted by Charles II., A.D. 1670, transferred to the Company the trade, lands, 
