The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-04-07
The Red River Rebellion. s. The Folly OF
Rloodshed.

The Dominion of Canada papers are pub
fishing sensational accounts of the execution
of Thomas Scott at Fort Garry on the fourth
of March, by the Red River insurgents. We
have no doubt that, if it proves that Scott was
executed at all, very different phase OF the
case will be presented when news is recei'eu
from the Riel party. The Canadian story -
that Scott was arrested in December escapeu'
Joined Boultons expedition and was again
taken prisoner when Boulton's attempt against
the Riel government was defeated. Ihoush
vigorous intercession for his life was maze 10
was condemned to be shot the day ai'.i n
trial and was executed accordingly. II 10 Saiu
that the soldiers detailed to shoot MN per-
formed their work bunglingy, and that he was
placed alive in his coffin where he expired at
the end of an hour
Whatever may have been SCOTS offense
Rel has shown by ordering him to be put to
death that he has not the sagacity of great
revo'utioary leader. Up to the time of this
execution Riel has gained great credit for the
combined moderation and firmness that he
has shown, and has commanded the respect
Of the civilized world. 1t was hard for any
human being to distinguish between the case
OF Riel and his people and that of other ma
tons that have been oppressed by more pow
erful governments, and have evinced heroic
courage in throwing off the yoke. Canada
through the good offices of the imperial gov.
eminent, was enabled to buy the Winnipee
territory ofthe Hudson Bay Company for three
hundred thousand pounds. The people who
were thus transferred by contract between
a neighboring province and great nnrrora-
ton were not consulted. They were not in
any way made parties to the agreement
They were merely sold as appurtenances of
of the Hudson Bay territory. Accordingly
the Dominion, before it had even paid or ten
dered the stipulated price land it has done
neither to this day. sent out Mr. McDougall,
accompanied by council selected in Canada,
to be Governor of Winnipeg. Riel and his
companions took arms against this usurpa-
ton, and successfully resisted it. No blood
was shed, and life and property were made
secure. The position of the insurgents was
impregnable from its moral strength. If I'M
der such circumstances forcibe subju-
cation of the revolt had been attempt
ed the feelings and sympathies of
the civilized world would have been with the
rebels. But this alleged act of bloodshed
gives the Dominion authorities and journals
an opportunity to turn the current of public
feeling in another direction-an opportunity
which they are prompt to improve. They
have now chance to inhame the resentment
of the people by declaring that Riel is cut
throat and the leader of band of assassins
Accordingly great zeal is manifested in rails
ing a force to operate against the half breeds
as soon as spring opens. A force is already
detailed in England to cross the ocean and CO.
operate with Canadian volunteers. The
English troops are to bring steel battery
with them. Indians are offering their ser
vices as soldiers and scouts, and all is enthus
iasm and activity. The war war cloud may
blow over, after all, but it now looks very
much as ifthe insurgents had fatally impaired
the strength of their position by needlessly
shedding blood.