“They say” that the mighty corporation rides over the helpless redskins roughshod.  “They say” that the Indians are charged exorbitant prices for the necessities of life, while a mere pittance is given them for their valuable furs.

Is it true?  Who knows?  No news comes out of that sealed country save by the pleasure of the great Company.  Certain aspects of the testimony given in the Ambrose Doane trial leads us to suspect that these charges are not without foundation.

Parliament should investigate.  The question is, does the Province of Athabasca control the Northwest Fur Company, or does the Company run the province?

From the Prince George Star, January 27, 19—.

GAVILLER IS OUT!

At the head offices of the Northwest Fur Company it was given out this morning that the resignation of John Gaviller, the Company’s trader at Fort Enterprise, had been accepted to take effect immediately.

Duncan MacDonald, general manager of the Company, said, when asked for a further statement:  “Mr. Gaviller’s resignation was requested for the good of the service.  Owing to the conditions of our business the traders have to be given the widest latitude in the command of their posts, and we do not always know what is going on.

“Mr. Gaviller was very successful at Enterprise, but the disclosures at the Doane trial showed that his acts have not always been in accord with the policy of this company in dealing with the Indians.  To our mind the welfare of the Indians is more important than profits.”

Mr. Gaviller was later found at the Royal George Hotel.  Upon being shown the foregoing he did not hesitate to express an opinion of it.

“Put not your trust in corporations!” he said.  “I have given them thirty years of my life, my best years, and here I am turned out over night!  It is the threat of a parliamentary investigation that has led them to their present panic and attempt to make a scapegoat of me.

“If they think I’ll take it lying down they are much mistaken.  The Indians’ welfare more important than profits, eh?  Excuse me if I laugh.”  Mr. Gaviller added somewhat stronger expression.

“You can say from me,” he went on, “that not only have I always followed instructions to the letter, but that twice a year I laid my books open to the Company inspector, who was informed of the minutest details of my transactions.

“I accept my share in the blame for what happened.  I have learned my lesson.  But let me tell you this, that the policy pursued at Fort Enterprise was the Company’s policy—­letter and spirit.

“Moreover, in my time Fort Enterprise has paid thousands and thousands of dollars to the shareholders of the Company, and I have not profited one cent beyond my salary.”

At this point Mr. Gaviller’s daughter came downstairs and he would say no more.  Miss Gaviller declined to speak for publication.