84 The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

What group was named the NorthWest Mounted Rifles? Back in 1873, this was the first name given to the Canadian Mounted Police. Why did the name change? Because the United States objected. They thought the original name sounded too much like a military force. And that was a problem. A treaty between the United States and Canada stated that no armed forces would patrol the 4,000-mile border. So the name became Canadian Mounted Police. The word royal was added in 1920. King Edward VII of England allowed them to use the prefix.

What is the mission of the Mounties? The words on their badge tell it all. The words are “Maintain the right.” The Mounties police in towns and cities. Their territory is the mountains, forests, and tundra of the rest of Canada.

The Mounties gained world fame during the Klondike gold rush. Gold was discovered in August 1896. More than 25,000 people joined the rush. People from all over the world sought their fortune in the frozen north. The Mounties kept law and order in the Canadian gold fields. (Many people believe the gold rush took place in Alaska. This is not so. The gold fields were in the Yukon Territory. This belongs to Canada.)

In ceremonies, you can still see the Mounties. You’ll see the famous scarlet tunics that they wear. You’ll also see their wide-brimmed hats. Their breeches are always tucked in high boots with spurs. Dressed to the hilt, the Mounties are a sight to see.

84 加拿大皇家骑警

哪个团体曾被命名为西北骑步枪队？早在1873年，这是加拿大骑警的第一个名称。为什么名称会改变？因为美国反对，他们认为原来的名称听起来太像军事力量了，而这是个问题。美国和加拿大之间的一项条约规定，任何武装力量不得在4000英里的边境巡逻，于是名称改为加拿大骑警。“皇家”一词在1920年被加入，英国国王爱德华七世允许他们使用这个前缀。

加拿大骑警的使命是什么？他们徽章上的文字说明了一切，文字是“维护正义”。加拿大骑警在城镇和城市中执行警务，他们的辖区是加拿大其他地区的山脉、森林和冻原。

加拿大骑警在克朗代克淘金热期间享誉世界。黄金于1896年8月被发现，超过2.5万人加入了淘金潮，世界各地的人们前往冰封的北方寻求财富。加拿大骑警在加拿大的金矿地区维持法律和秩序（许多人认为淘金热发生在阿拉斯加，其实不然，金矿位于育空地区，育空属于加拿大）。

在仪式上，你仍然可以看到加拿大骑警。你会看到他们著名的猩红色制服，也会看到他们的宽边帽，他们的马裤总是塞进带有马刺的高筒靴里。装备齐全的加拿大骑警是一道值得一看的风景。