The Winnipeg Tribune from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada • Page 8

EIGHT History of Metis Provides Interesting and Picturesque Account of Early Days i Book Took Over 20 Years to Compile Gives Metis Version of Riel and Troubles of 1885 Habits of Life and Prowess as Hunters Well Described. By A. V. THOMAS 'pHKRK no reason In the world why the Metis community ol Manitoba and the two province? to the west should not tell their own iory. and.

in particular, record their own version of the unfortunate events cf 1870 and 1885. They have now done so in stout volume entitled "Histoire de la Nation Metisse dans 1'Ouest Canadien" (History if the Metis Nation In the Canadian West). This book has been over 20 years in course of compilation. Most it is from the pen of A. D.

de Tremaudan, formerly resident of Winnipeg. In 1924. Mr. de Tremaudan removed to California, dying there live years later. The history was thus unfinished.

It lacked what the Metis Society ol Manitoba, sponsors of the work, regarded as an important final chapter. The chapter has been supplied by the society. "This history Is approved as a whole by the society sas I tne end of guch adventures would pre.ace. ii molt muiy lo nnd tne pr0. however that II the society had UKomitI all ck their It.r?mg rative certain facts would have been presented differently.

Nevertheless the passages in question are absolutely correct as they appear." Origin of Name The word "Metis," we are told, comes from a Spanish word mestizo," which in turn is derived from the Latin "mixtus." Originally the word "met if was employed, but became modified into "Metis." The Utter name was borne thus far north. It is stated, "by the explorers of the great plains In the course of their Journeylngs from Mexico to Canada." To the general reader the first half of the book will probably prove the more attractive. In these chapters we see the rise and progress of the Metis In the second half of the eighteenth and the first half of the nineteenth centuries. Bulk of Population With great sympathy and some restraint the author explains to us their habits of life, illustrates their prowess as hunters, points out the services they rendered to the great trading companies, and emphasizes their Importance as liaison between the Indians and the whites. Long after 1870 the Metis and natives of Scotch or other descent formed the bulk of Manitoba's population.

A census taken by order of Lieutenant Governor Archibald soon after tim arrival In 1870, showed the following: Metis. 5,757: natives of Scotch of other descent, 1.083; whites. 1.565; Indians, Total, 11.963. "The Metis led a peaceful and life," says Mr. de Tremaudan.

"They were immune from want except when It proceeded from sickness or Indolence. Those visited by misfortune could always count on the help of their neighbors. Family life was respected. Moral standards were high. Honesty and kind liness were religion.

The first Metis settlements formed one large family, In which harmony, hospl ality and good fellowship prevailed. Race ef Giants "The first Metis were race of They Inherited the physical of their French fathers, for the most part trappers, hunters or coureurs de hols. In equal measure were passed on to them the pure blood and kindly disposition of their Indian mothers. Their way of life, too, developed their muscles, and built up a capacity for tenacity and endurance. "Living In the open air, navigating rivers and lakes, portaging, hunting, sleeping beneath the stars, all this contributed to build up a race endowed with enormous physical strength and one inured to hardship and privation.

Good Neighbors "Nor were the Metis Indifierent toward their Indian cousins. On the contrary they maintained friendly relations with them and prided themselves on being good With equal truth It can be said that the Metis liv'fed in harmony with all the other nationalities with whom they came In contact. It may be recalled, for instance, with what friendliness they assisted the Selkirk settlers, exposed as the latter were to privation through the inadequate preparations made for their arrival. "All this Is not to say that the Metis were not without their faults. We make no such puerile stair ment.

Of course the Metis made mistakes just as every other race make them. But as in other 4 ases their virtues blotted out their shortcomings, which, after all, were more In of an Individual than of a general nature. In Favorable Light The second half of the book Is devoted to the troubles of 1870 and 1885 and la, of course, on much more debatable ground. Needless, perhaps, to say that Mr. de Tre maudan'a account of what took place puts the Metis In a most favorable light In fact he justifies practically everything they and their leaders did, only admitting minor errors of Judgment.

Historians, If they feel so inclined, will flnd a wealth of point. It is not the purpose of the present reviewer to enter the lists on either side. Sufficient to em phasize again the right of the Metis to place on record their own account of the events in question. Genuine Grievances However, the opinion may per haps be ventured that with the lapse of ears the general feeling towards Louis Riel. even among those most Insistent that he was tragically in error, Is becoming milder.

For In whatever light we may regard him there are certain things as to which there Is general agreement and which mitigate what many regard as his serious offences. Ii is hardly denied that the Metis had genuine grievances, however little they may have justified the means sought to remedy them. When the new Province of Manitoba was formed there Is a weight of evidence that the Ottawa auth orities acted In a high handed way, bungled and blundered. And it could have been so easily otherwise. Impetuous Nature If Riel offended, his offences were political.

And political of fenders, provided they were cham pions, in any degree, of the op pressed, have curious way of extracting sympathy from posterity. In Kiel the elements were strangely and unevenly mixed. He had extraordinary ability, but it was hedged about by a restless and impetuous nature. At times he was moody and mystical. Yet as to his devotion to his own people there can be little doubt.

When asked by a court official, at the last, as to his belongings, he put his hand on his heart and replied: "Dear friend, I have only this, and many years ago I gave it to my people." Died Bravely It Is to be said for Riel that on two occasions, as corroborated by Lieut. Governor Archibald, the Metis might have made common cause with the Fenians. Riel declined on each occasion to give the latter any encouragement. He died bravely, forgiving In final statement, which reaches a high literary plane, all his enemies and accusers. Had he chosen to escape arrest, he could probably have done so.

One of the most poignant narratives in Mr. de Tremaudan' book is the description of the visit to the United States, In the early summer of 1884. of a party headed by Gabriel Dumont. to persuade Riel to come up to Saskatchewan and lead the Metis. In a pleasing picture we find Riel a school teacher at the Jesuit Mission of St.

I'eter In Montana, surrounded by his wife and children. As depicted. It was an Ideally peaceful community. Many days passed in urgent entreaty before Riel consented to go. How the reader wishes he had declined to do sot Board of Trade Program For Coming Week Sunday The Music bureau Is sponsoring a concert to be given In the Good Neighbors Club hostel, at 179 McDermot avenue, at 8.30 p.m.

The concert Is under the direction of Victor L. Scott, chairmen of the bureau. Monday The resrular meeting nf council will be held at 12.30 p.m. In the Marlborough hotel Chairman: President E. StockdilU Wednesday A meeting of the committee on unemployment relief will be held at 12 30 p.m.

In the St. Charles hotel. Alderman Rice Jones has been Invited to be present. Convener, M. Simpson.

Young Men' Section Monday A meeting of the International relations study group will be held In the Board room. 12.30 p.m. George Walkef will give a paper dealing with Articles 20 to 24 of the Covenant, and Ronald Birch ard will deal with Articles 25 and 2. Chairman, E. W.

Kellett The advanced public speaking claw will meet In The Tribune auditorium at 6.15 p.m. Instructor, Trevor Lloyd, Tuesday The regular meeting of the Industry and commerce committee will be held in the Board room, at 12.30 pjn. Chairman. D. G.

Scott. Wednesday Th production and marketing study group will meet In the Board room at 12.30 p.m.. under the chairmanship of Hugh A. Benham. Thursdav The regular meeting of the radio committee will be held tn the Board room at 12.30 p.m.

The membership committee will meet In the secretary's office at 12.30 p.m. Chairman, J. G. Hansen. A meeting of the banking and Investment study group will meet the Board room, at 5.15 p.m., under the chairmanship of G.

P. R. Tallin. and 8" section of the public speaMnir clas wiil meet In th St, Regis hotel at 15 and 8.15 respectively. Instructor, Trevor Lloyd.

THE WINNIPEG EVENING TRIBUNE. WINNIPEG. MAN, SATURDAY. APRIL 4. 1936 (VoL XLVII.

No. 82) IS 84 TODAY 1 ji 5 1 ir THOMAS ASHWELL A familiar figure in north Win nipeg for number of years as driver of a delivery wagon, Mr. Ashwell is today celebrating his 84th birthday, at his home 373 Wll llHm ave. He was born In England and migrated to Canada In 1907. When he became blind 10 years ago he was compelled to retire.

Pioneer Women's Group To Hear Mrs. G. Meyerson The Pioneer Women's Orgsnira Uon will hold their annual "give or get" dinner on Wednesday, at 6 p.m., at the Hebrew Sick Benefit halL Mrs. Goldle Meyerson, of Palestine, will be the guest speaker. Musical numbers will be contributed by Mr.

M. Cohen and Mr. W. Paslcon. Mrs.

I. Gorbonltsky will preside. U.S. Engineer Surprised at European Air Progress Kenyon, Lymburner, En Route Home Honor Due Fliers, Canadian Aviation. By JOHN GORDON PROMINENT VS.

aeronautical engineer, Stephen J. Zand, has just returned from Europe, bringing with him great respect for the work being done In commercial and military aviation on the other side. "We are certainly not justified in an attitude of complacent chest thumping," was his message to American aviation through an interviewer from the North American Newspaper Alliance. "Unless the United States drives forward it research and engineering programs the gap which has undoubtedly existed between the performance of American civil aeroplanes and those of other nations will be closed within a year. Different Problems "Designers in other lands are thoroughly alive and awake to the possibilities which aerodynamics and metallurgy have placed at their disposal for faster, more comfortable air travel." Airline operation in Europe, he explained, was not directly comparable with that in the United States.

There were the problems of many international boundaries and the Impossibility of having long stretches of airway under single control as against the long, domestic airlines of U.S., serving a homogeneous population and under the control of a single government The European operator, however, had met their problems capably and while their lines did not carry as many passengers as American line their systems were not to be scoffed at France, Italy and Great Britain were pressing forward very rapidly In aeroplane development He had Inspected particularly various French craft and 'told of the new Breguet Wlbault monoplane, designed to carry 18 passengers and with cruising speed of 200 miles an hour. Other large machines, one with sleeping berths for night travel, were also described. He referred to the "fever" concerning "Flying Fleas," the small, $500 aeroplane which had been hailed as the answer to the quest for the private "plane. The "Flea" was still very much of an experiment but an interesting one. Italian aviation, owing to the African war's demands, was almost at a standstill commercially.

In Great Britain, however, he was greatly Impressed by the tremendous activity in the aircraft Industry and the high quality of construction and workmanship. Heroes' Return Recently this column referred to the Importance of the Ellsworth South Polar flight In which two Canadians played an Important part H. Holllck Kenyon, a pilot on the trip, and J. H. Lymburnor, as the engineer who saw that the fast Northrop monoplane was in the best flying condition.

In few day the two will be back la Winnipeg. When they left last fall they were honor guests at a memorable dinner of the Aviation League of Manitoba. The Aviation league Is now ready to welcome them home with all the hon WOE TO Ml WANT lifer I AD" Everyday this message comes over Tri bnue telephones. Perhaps a wire haired terrier is missing. maid to be engaged house to a radio to sell.

the list of the needs and desires of a great community is endless, constantly changing and yet ever renewed. YOU ors but does not expect to be alone in this pleasant task. Th part of the two In such an important flight Is an Indicia Uon of the standard of Canada' com mencal flying, an industry which stands on It own feet not being afforded the large subsidies aviation doe in other lands. Tribute Due Two Canadian flyer have taken part in one of the most important feat of flying exploration that ha been accomplished. All honor Is due them and It I to be hoped that any welcoming celebration should find a wide representation joining In their praise.

All Canada should give honor to Kenyon and Lymburner. and In honoring the pair the nation will also be honoring Canadian aviation. That Is the least that can be done. The future. It Is to be hoped, will see flying honored more materially.

Canada is trailiifg behind in air service between It centres of population and In the advancement of aeronautical science. The air companies are doing their amazing work In helping develop the north. Without government assistance they can do no more. GRAPHIC ARTS EXHIBITION ON VIEW AT AUDITORIUM The Manitoba Artist exhibition, held In the Auditorium, closed on March 31 and In Its place I hung the Canadian Society of Graphic Art, an exhibition by eastern Canadian print makers. This collection contains many fine etchings and prints In color and black and BO Can't Sleep It must th nerves tired, hausted, irritable nerve.

You need Dr. Cbaa'i Nerr Food to restore nenr fore to th system. It Is tht time proven dependable restorative. Dr. CHam's NERVE rOOD white.

Pictures of th MS A. exhibitors should be removed now. A very interested visitor to the Gallery, according to A. J. Mus grove, curator of the Manitoba Art gallery, was Jan Kubelik.

Mr. Kub elik remarked that during 35 years of world travel he had not missed visiting every available art gallery and thought he had seen more exhibitions than, most people. Th monthly gallery talk on th picture now showing will be given by Mr. Musgrov on Tuesday at 330 p.m. The next Sunday Art Hour lecture will be 'held Sunday, when W.

S. Wheatley will talk on "Impressionism," Illustrating hi remarks with lantern slides. On April 26 Mrs. E. L.

Taylor will give as address on Michelangelo. iJTSfflpljfffOi RAIL SERVICE Jrify en I CAPO hr Orrnight Pullman from Winnipeg snak fin connection aft St Paul and Minneapolis with th south bound morning Zephyr. You reach Chicago in tim lot dinner, or tor connection with all lata afternoon train to th East Ksesl poweied sWH ti sssialast Mjpnpf boa flags otmuotm 1. MlMumlit If. St.

aosrrttsotn to. sw A. Mlawlte a. mmm Im 4iOSsm I X) 440 Ms. MiMsas at a Mm IMm SiSOm IOtSZ tMpm Mi9m Aimwm saJerlslon, tad the tttttt ttalltt In 4mTM a th Zephyrs gir you ts noxJy nw travel sensation.

AJ ea Dm lepttyis be near' B. A. MeMAHOH, Oeatl A s4vasma4oUbasbtt. BURLTJfOTOlf KATLXOAO MOrtW rWssassit our noma ntr su.71 reserve acommoo.rton. rn" yu I 1 I'M I perhaps have a vacant room for which you desire an occupant a bit of furniture for which you no longer have need your house hold help may leave you quite suddenly no matter what your requirements may be, take advantage of The Tribune classified section.

Right now, while it's fresh in your mind phone that want ad to The Tribune. A thoroughly competent ad taker will be pleased to assist you in wording the ad in order to insure its producing the most gratifying results possible. Telephone Your Ad to 4 33 1 5tlj IJmntpwj (Sttibrnte.