Delta chief., 1885-11-25
THE HANGING OF REL.
The Brave Rsbsl Ohieftain Meets lHis
Death Like . Man.

16.-Louis David Riel was executed on the
scaf{old at the barr acks Of the mounted police
force near this city for high treason against
the Queen OF Great Britain at $3.50 O'Clock this
morning.
His time has been devoted assiduously to
prayer. Even when given the ''constitution-
al' on the open ground adjoining the guard
room for an hour each morning, he has paced
back and forth with his hands clasped together
in front, his head bowed and with prayers is
suing from his lips, ,versed N French or the In
dian Cree tongue. Soon after his capture by
the Canadian troops, he professed TO throw of
his allegiance to the police and the church, and
he took the guise of prophet, claiming to see
visions, and foretelling events. Latterly, as
his fate seemed more surely sealed, he has
sough. the comfort again OF his original faith.
and his constant and only companion for the
past two weeks has been Pere Andre from Fort
Albert, close to the scene Of the recent rebel
lion.
This strict privacy OF the prisoner was
broken down for the first time yesterday, when
. representative OF the Associated Press visited
him in company with the High Sheriff and the
commandant Of the mounted police. This
was on the occasion Of the formal announce
ment that his death warrant had arrived.
The charm Of the rebels manner was unde-
niAb!e; his beard WAS dark brown, neatly
trimmed, and his hair WAS brushed back from
his high forehead, with tendency to curl, in
contrast TO the straight hair OF his Indian pro-
gcniiors. His nose was slightly Roman, and
his :skin dark but no, swArthy. Looking at
him and witnessing his manner, It was easy TO
discern the influence which he had with his
people. His sddress Was that OF a skilled
cour.ier, and his college training had never de-
serted him in the perfection and grace OF his
speech, which was all the moro remarkable in
contrast to that of his followers
While It has been charged ths, he has shown
. lack OF epiri, on the battle field, or In the
presence OF danger, no one would have urged
II against him in witnessing the nonchAlance
Of his bearing, and his susvity OF speech In
speaking Of his doom. The sioicism lent by
the strain in his blood IT would be conceded
stood him well, A. he made his nnal plea that
he WAS urged on in his career by the motive OF
. patriot "a have only this" striking his
breast, '.to leave, and this rendered to my
country fifteen years ago, and am willing to
give II now"
The scAfYold had been erected within n con-
tracted enclosure Immediately in the rear OF
the guArd-hou'c, and the only view OF Il was
through a window Immediately under 4 raftcr
The las, Sacrament WAS taken by the con-
demncd man within the guard house proper,
and near the opening which led to the scaf'old.
He responded to the Latin prayers with full
and clear voice while on his bcnded knees.
When the moment came for him to rise to have
his arms and hands pinioDcd, be KEEP; looking
up slowly repeating his prayers. He then
walked through the contracted opening and
down the marrow stairway with his face turned
away from the few civilians and soldiers who
stood about the opening.
When he was about 10 take his place on the
trap, the Deputy Sheriff asked II he had any
thing to say. He turned to his confessor, ,Perc
Andre. and inquired: "shall | not say a few
word.i"
NO" quickly replied the priest In French;
snake this your last sacrifice and you will be
rewarded"
Ricl turned and remarked in English, 81
have nothing more to say"
There was some delay in adjusting the moose,
but Ricl did no, remark upon It. As the white
cap closed over him he was heard distinctly
repeating bis prayers, the final words escaping
him being, "Mcrci J.su.' He died without n
struggle. Not TO exceed twenty persons were
permitted in the COT fines OF the barracks TO
witness the execution, and II was cert ainly
performed with decorum and dispatch. HE
body was taken In charge by the Coroner, and
the verdict which is usual 10 all State cIccu-
uons was given.
The execution OF Riel is TO be followed at
Battlcford by the hanging OF ten Indian Chiefs,
for atrocities committed during the recent re-
bcllion, and In each instance for murders
which they committed. This will closc the
book OF criminal procedure growing out OF the
Northwest war, rs the other convicted persons
received prison sentences, all OF which are now
being served out. The cxocu,ioner OF Riel
was man named Jack Henderson, who was
captive of Riel's In the rebellion OF 1870
Rev. Mr.. McWilliams, one OF Riel's spiritual
advisers and an old classmatc, remains firm In
the belief that Riel was insane. In this belief
he wrote 10 the Canadian authorities that
while Ricl should be confined for life, II exc
cutcd his blood would be on their heads. Rev.
Mr.. McWilliams has among others a letter that
was written by Ricl twenty minutes before his
execution, expressing the sincerity OF his faith
~ Catholic.
II Is uncertain what effect Ricl's death will
have on the half-brecds, Or the country gcner'
ally. II Is declared that tho government will
probably not allow tho body to be removed to
Winnipeg, for fear Of possible demonstration
among the hall. breeds at his funeral.