A LETTER FROM THOMAS F. BROOKS
OF NEILBURG, SASKATCHEWAN
A story was told to me, on good authority, which goes as follows:
Relations between the N.W.M.P. and the Indians were good in those days, and especially in regard to a certain local officer, who never, ever brought in an Indian on a charge.
One day this happened, however. the Indian, himself, insisted, and the officer, unable to shake him off, was forced to bring him before the judge. Old Indian law did require a minimum functional standard of discipline in America, and this was a traditional thing in which occasionally even the culprit demanded his own arraignment. The judge was much concerned about the officer's good record, however, and refused to take the case - one of over enthusiastic whoops and hollers, apparently.
Some time later trouble and dissatisfaction grew among one of the bands, and this group decided to attack the N.W.M.P. building and scalp everybody. One careful warrior, hearing of this, went to the peace officer and said to him, "You are a peaceful man, but there will be trouble next week. I am warning you so you will not be there. I am not sure about all of this, but this is my opinion, and you had best take my advice."
Apparently an attack actually did take place, of which later reports are available. This, however, is true evidence of warning being given. As in most such cases, not all the personnel were so loved as this officer was. Even so, no one is perfect.
