MR. LAIRD:  “The Government will choose teachers according to the religion of the band.  If the band are pagans the Government will appoint teachers who, if not acceptable, will be replaced by others.  About treaties lasting forever, I will just say that some Indians have got to live so like the whites that they have sold their lands and divided the money.  But this only happens when the Indians ask for it.  Treaties last forever, as signed, unless the Indians wish to make a change.  I understand you all agree to the terms of the Treaty.  Am I right?  If so, I will have the Treaty drawn up, and to-morrow we will sign it.  Speak, all those who do not agree!”

MOOSTOOS:  “I agree.”

KEENOOSHAYO:  “My children, all who agree, stand up!”

The Reverend Father Lacombe then addressed the Indians in substance as follows:  He reminded them that he was an old friend, and came amongst them seven years ago, and, being now old, he came again to fulfil another duty, and to assist the Commission to make a treaty.  “Knowing you as I do, your manners, your customs and language, I have been officially attached to the Commission as adviser.  To-day is a great day for you, a day of long remembrance, and your children hereafter will learn from your lips the events of to-day.  I consented to come here because I thought it was a good thing for you to take the Treaty.  Were it not in your interest I would not take part in it.  I have been long familiar with the Government’s methods of making treaties with the Saulteaux of Manitoba, the Crees of Saskatchewan, and the Blackfeet, Bloods and Piegans of the Plains, and advised these tribes to accept the offers of the Government.  Therefore, to-day, I urge you to accept the words of the Big Chief who comes here in the name of the Queen.  I have known him for many years, and, I can assure you, he is just and sincere in all his statements, besides being vested with authority to deal with you.  Your forest and river life will not be changed by the Treaty, and you will have your annuities, as well, year by year, as long as the sun shines and the earth remains.  Therefore I finish my speaking by saying, Accept!”

The chiefs and counsellors stood up, and requested all the Indians to do so also as a mark of acceptance of the Government’s conditions.  Father Lacombe was thanked by several for having come so far, though so very old, to visit them and speak to them, after which the meeting adjourned until the following day.

At three p.m. on Wednesday, the 21st, the discussion was resumed by Mr. Laird, who, after a few preliminary remarks read the Treaty, which had been drafted by the Commissioners the previous evening.  Chief Keenooshayo arose and made a speech, followed by Moostoos, both assenting to the terms, when suddenly, and to the surprise of all, the chief, who had again begin to address the Indians, perceiving gestures of dissent from his people, suddenly stopped and sat down.