This first paper was called "The Nor'-Wester." It is amusing to read the comments upon its entrance made by Hudson's Bay Company writers, both English and French.

The constitution and conduct of the Council of Assiniboia was certainly the weak point in the Hudson's Bay regime, and the Nor'-Wester kept this point so constantly before the people that it was really a thorn in the side of the Company.

The Nor'-Wester, itself, was surely not free from troubles.

The Red River Community was very small, so that it could not very well supply a constituency.

Comparatively few of the people could read, many felt no need of newspapers, and the Company certainly did not encourage its distribution.