The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-11-17
THE PENALTY PAID
LOuIS Bisl Hung by the Canadian Authori.
uSs According to tie ProgrammO-rhs
Rebel Leader Msst. HIS Fate Un.
ataohlVEly-Ns speech Made.
FOR TREAsoN AGAINsrTHE QUEEN

REoISA, N. W. n, Nov. l6-After tn
departure Of his visitors, yesterday, Rie
was LEI in the cole company of his spiritua
advisor, who performed ma.ses for hin
during the early portion OF the night. Th,
condemned man then laid down aud ap
ppared to sleep soundly, but aToko at sr
early hour this morning and resumed hil
devotions.
The same extraordinary precautior
Sga!nst the possible escape of Riel or the
intrusion into the barracks by unauthor
lied persons, was observed again thil
morning. At a mile from the barracks
mounted patrols challenged all pesouI
and compelled them to disclose written
passes, while two other lines Of guardt
we're stationed at points nearer the post
where the same precautions were again
observed.
No one was permitted to enter the
puard.room until S:l2 o'clock. The scene
presented then was that OF Ricl on the
scaffold, with Pere Andre and Father
McWilliamA with him, celebrating mass
Riel was on his bsnded knee, wearing o
loose wooden surtout, gray trousers and a
woolen shirt. On his feet were mocca'
sins-the only feature Of his dress that
partook Of the luriiGn that was in him
on THE scAFF0LD.
He received Lhe notice to proceed
to the-gcaGold in the same COM
posed manDer shown the preceding night
on receiving the waraius Of his fate.
His face was full OF color, and he ap.
peared to have complets self possession,
responding TO the service in 9 cieat tone.
The prisoner decided only mcment be-
fore starting fr the sGaIp.d 10; 10 make a
speech. This was owing 80 tho earnest
solicitation Of b til Tho priests attending
him. Hs displayed al inclination at the
last moment to make an address, but Pere
Andre reminded him CT lis promise, and
he thsn he arose Rcd walked towari the
e1ecuuonCr, repeating bis prayers TO the
last moment, the final words escaping him
being "Merci JeSn!
Precisely at 1923 o'clock, mountain time,
the fatal trap was sprlrg, and Louis David
Riel had paid the penalty Tor high treason
against the Qieen Of Great Britain. He
died without struggle, Not TO exceed
twenty persons were permitted within
the confines OF the barracks TO Sitnehs the
execution, and it was certainly performed
with decorum and diFprich. The body
was taken In charge by tue coroner, and
| the verdict usual 10 all ! tate executions
was rendered.
The scadold had been erected within q
contracted inclosure Immediately in the
rear OF the guard house and the only vi:T
oiit was through window Immediately
under rsiler. The last sacrament was
taken by the condemned within the guard
house proper aud near tho opening which
led TO the scaHo!d. Hs responded to the
Latin prayers with foil and clear voice
while on his beEded knees. When the
moment came for him TO riss 10 have his
arms and hands pinioned he kept looking
up, slowly repeating his prayers. He
then walked through tho contracted open
ing and down the narrow stairway with
his face turned away from the few
civilians and soldiers who stood about the
opening. When he was about 10 take bis
place on the trap the deputy shertt asked
II he had anything 70 say. lie turned TO
his conIessor Pere Audre and inquired !;
"Shall not say few words2. "No,"
quickly replied tho priest in French.
"Make this your last sacrifice and you
will be rewarded"