eople
who, with sense enough to be responsible for their acts, think that some
one else is under obligation in matters of health and property to save
them from the consequences of their own practices. And he delicately
suggests to the careless miners that they have missed the fact of
contributory negligence when they have thus led others into temptation.

These policemen were making a constant study of the unveneered humanity
on the frontier and developed a keen perception of right and wrong, and
had a rugged conviction that every one should get a square deal, but
should realize that he must bear his own burden of responsibility. A
fine instance of the Police opinion that men should get fair play is
found in the report of Inspector A. M. Jarvis, who in 1901 was in
command of the Dalton trail post in the Yukon country. He says, "The
Dalton trail, which is the pioneer route to the 'inside,' is much in
need of repairs. A vast area is tributary to this trail. From the Yukon
River to the 141st parallel and as far north as the White River the
Dalton trail is the main artery. Three years before the Klondike was
heard of, Mr. Dalton blazed his route into the interior, acting as guide
to the explorers into the country where he had done important work or
trading in furs. When the rush into the gold-fields took place, he spent
large sums in bridges and corduroy, especially between Dalton House and
Five Fingers, which, now that the Yukon has the monopoly in freight and
passengers, brings him no return. While the construction of this trail
was a business venture, yet it remains a benefit to the country, and is
of great value to the prospector. I should like to see Mr. Dalton
recompensed for his unprofitable outlay." What came of this suggestion
history does not record. The world is under immense obligation to
adventurers who have blazed new trails to hidden natural resources. But
the world is not always as fair as this Police Inspector in recognizing
its obligation.

In his report in 1902 Commissioner Perry, in view perhaps of comments
made by some who were ignorant of conditions, and such are occasionally
found in public bodies, frankly says that the expenditure on the Mounted
Police is large, but that when it is looked upon as a factor in the
peaceful settlement of a vast territory, such expenditure is a splendid
investment which will pay big dividends to the country for generations
in the form of a contented, happy and prosperou