They must
locate their land, and get their title before selling.
"These are the principal points in the offer we have to make
to you. The Queen owns the country, but is willing to acknowledge
the Indians' claims, and offers them terms as an offset to all
of them. We shall be glad to answer any questions, and make clear
any points not understood. We shall meet you again to-morrow,
after you have considered our offer, say about two o'clock, or
later if you wish. We have other Indians to meet at other places,
but we do not wish to hurry you. After this meeting you can go
to the Hudson's Bay fort, where our provisions are stored, and
rations will be issued to you of flour, bacon, tea and tobacco,
so that you can have a good meal and a good time. This is a free
gift, given with goodwill, and given to you whether you make a
treaty or not. It is a present the Queen is glad to make to you.
I am now done, and shall be glad to hear what any one has to say."
KEENOOSHAYO (The Fish): "You say we are brothers. I cannot understand
how we are so. I live differently from you. I can only understand
that Indians will benefit in a very small degree from your offer.
You have told us you come in the Queen's name. We surely have also
a right to say a little as far as that goes. I do not understand
what you say about every third year."
MR. MCKENNA: "The third year was only mentioned in connection with
clothing.
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