Evening star., 1885-11-16
RIEL MEETS DEATH BRAVELY.
The Ialf.Breed Leader Executed at
Regina This MOrning-His Behavior
DiSuified and Cheerful to the Last,


REGINA, n. w. T., Nov. 16-Riel has been
confined in the guard room OF the Canadian
mounted police barracks, three miles west of
this city, since the conclusion of his trial here
In July. His trial and sentence occurred in this
city. The leader OF the Metis, or half-breeds i'm
their two revolts against the authority of the
Canadian government, has been kept under the
closest surveillance by a force of mounted police
stationed here. Since the denial of the imperial
council of Great Britain to grant an appeal cn
behalf OF Riel to overturn the verdict rendered
against him. the espionage has been more strict
than ever, both to guard against escape and to
prevent any attempt at rescue, which might be
made by RieTS countrymen in Canada or over
the American border. Ninety men were told
for this duty saturday night. and last night
this number was increased, videttes occupying
commanding points mile from the barracks,
and a double Gordon about the camp proper.
The prison is long wooden structure. one
story in height. The two reliefs of the guard
occupied the rooms in the front portion OF the
building, while six sentinels paced up and
down continuously outside the structure. An
other sentinel placed in front OF the cell of the
condemned half-breed, and the precautions eN-
tended SO tar that the officer OF the guard was
compelled to visit and certify that he had visit
ed his prisoner each quarter hour. Whatever
Riel's character may have been in the field a
martial leader in prison he has fallen little
short of a reigeuSe. His time has been devoted
assiduously To prayer. Soon after his capture
he professed to throw Off his allegiance to the
Roman Catholic church, and took the guise of
prophet, claiming to see visions and foretelling
events. Latterly, as his fate seemed more sure
ly sealed, he has caught the comfort again of
only companion for the past two weeks has
been Pere Andre. The churchman's visit has
been twice daily, and In his absence Riel was
remainder of his time has been spent I'm writing
| out predictions and defense of his conduct i'm
leading the half-breedS twice TO war. Those
papers have all been intrusted TO Pere Andre
and will doubtless be produced at some time i'm
the future, although the prelate refuses to
render them nov.
No one. no matter what his credentials, was
permitted to pass to see the prisoner in his
cell. He received a few days ago letter from
bis aged mother which affected him visibly
but at other time during his confinement
did he show any signs of that weakness which
was imputed To him after his capture by Cana
dian scouts. The strict privacy of the prisoner
was broken down for the first time yesterday,
when the representative of the Associated
Press was permitted To visit him i'm company
of the high sheriff and commandant of the
mounted police. This was on the occasion of
the formal announcement that his death war
rant had arrived. The colloquy which ensued
was embraced in last nights dispatches. The
charm OF the rebels manner was unden.able
He anticipated what the sheriff would say i'm
his own greeting: .'WeIl, you have come with
the great announcement i am glad He
spoke slowly, but very distinctly. looking at
the sheriff with resolute eye. but without tinge
of braggadocia. He rallied the sheriff when the
latter Suggested that he should not speak too
long. .You think 1 will speak too long that i
will be unnerved. Oh, no. AT the last moment
will be firm" His beard was a dark brown,
neatly trimmed. and his hair was brushed
back from his high forehead, with tendency
to curl. His nose was slightly Roman and his
skin dark. LOOKING AT MN ana witnessing his
manner, it was easy to discern the influence he
had with his people. His address was that OF
a skilled cOurtier aud his college training had
never deserted him in the perfection and grace
OF his speech, all the more remarkable in con-
trast to that of his followers.
While it has been charged that he showed
lack of spirit on the battlefield or i'm the pres
ence Of danger, no one would urge il against him
in witnessing the nonchalance Of his bearing
and his SUa Sity OF speech i'm acknowledging the
fiat of his doom. The stoicism lent by the saw
age strain in his blood, it would be conceded
stood him in well, as he made his final plea
that ne was urged on in his career by the mo-
tive of a patriot. 81 have only this" striking
his breast, "to leave, and this rendered to my
country fifteen years ago, and I'm willing to
give now"
Beyond the prelate who visited him, none o
Riels former companions, political or perso-
announcement of the results of various stages
of his trial he had no knowledge of passing
events or criticisms passed upon his career.
His concluding hours were passed in the sole
company of his spiritual adviser, who performed
masses for him during the early portion of the
night. Riel then lay down and appeared TO
sleep soundly, awaking at an early hour, and
again resuming his devotions.
Riel Executed.
REGINA, n. w. T., Nov. 16.-Louis David
Riei was executed ON the scatiold at the bar
city, for high treason against the queen OF
Great Britain at S:23 o'clock this morning
(mountain time.)
The same extraordinary precaution against
the possible escape of Riel, or the intrusion into
the barracks OF unauthorized persons, was OBJ
served this morning. AT a mile from the bar
| racks mounted patrols challenged all persons
and compelled them TO disclose written passes.
Other lines of guards were stationed at points
nearer the post. and here the same precautions
were observed. No one was permitted TO enter
| the guard room until S:12 O'Clock. The scene
presented then was that OF Riel on the scaffold,
with Pere Andre and Father McWilliams with
him, celebrating mass. Riel was on his kncSs,
| wearing loose WOODEN surtort, gray trousers
and a woolen shirt. On his feet were moccsl-
sins, the only feature OF his dress that parto0k
I, OF the Indian that was in him.
Self.P0xsessed 20 che I.ast.
| He received the notice to proceed TO the
scafiold in the same composed manner shown
the preceding night ON receiving the warming
OF his tate. His face was luli OF color ana ne
appeared TO have complete self-possessfon, re
spending to the service In clear tone. The
prisoner decided only moment before start
| Ing for the scafiold not TO make speech. This
was owing to the earnest solicitation Of both
the priests attending him. He displayed an In
cifnation at the last moment 70 make an address
but Ebrs Andre reminded him q bis pgomise