"Although A Great Outcry Has Been Raised Against Us On Account Of Our Being A 'stop In The Way,' And Enjoying A Monopoly Of Trade, The Cry Is Groundless.

It may, therefore, be well for you to know that for a number of years past we have enjoyed no monopoly of trade whatever, and that there is no impediment to the settlement of the country by any one who pleases.

A settler may squat wherever he thinks fit, without question, or being called upon to pay for lands yet unsurveyed, and of which the Indian titles are not yet extinguished. The small portion of surveyed land in the district of Assiniboin has been all long since occupied, though not paid for. With a recognized Government, there would be no difficulty in obtaining payment for these lands from the occupiers.

"In erecting the telegraph, the Indian titles to the land ought to be extinguished by annual payments; but the absence of a recognized and respected Government will be of itself a great bar to the successful erection of the apparatus, and the preserving it and the various stations in good order. Though, by increased energy and supervision, the fur trade may for a time be maintained, yet you must not count upon increased profits, as with the opening up of the country the furs are costing us more, and many of our posts are so distant that they cannot, from that and a variety of causes, be placed all at once upon a proper footing, and it is very difficult to exercise a proper supervision over them.

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