Lord Granville explained on Thursday night the steps which - the
Government h ave taken in relation to the lied River insurrec- tion. When it broke out, the transfer of the Hudson's Bay Company to the Dominion had not yet been effected, and the Government of the Dominion declined to accept it in so critical a condition of things without a promise of help from home in zestoring order. Our Government then decided that it would be essential to procure the hearty co-operation both of the Dominion and of the Hudson's Bay Company in restoring order, which was given, the Dominion, however, declaring that though they were most anxious to conciliate the inhabitants of the Red River Settlement, it was absolutely necessary that at the time of taking possession a military force should be present in order to maintain tranquillity, and to prevent possible collisions between the different races and creeds in the settlement; and they demanded the help of an Imperial force to co-operate with their own for this purpose. To this Lord Granville consented on these conditions :—(1), that the transfer of the territory should be accomplished as originally agreed on ; (2), that the Dominion should supply at least two-thirds of the men and expenses of the expedition ; (3), that the Dominion "should previously come to an amicable understanding, on terms which Her Majesty's Government could approve, with the settlers of the Red River." These conditions were accepted, and the telegraph had announced that the amicable understanding had been arrived at. The only condition which invites any comment is the third. What does this compulsory "amicable under- standing" mean? Not surely that Scott's murder is to remain unpunished, and Riel to be amnestied? If there is to be a policy
of wise conciliation towards the people, there should be stern justioe to the rebel leaders.
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