The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-11-24
Louis Reil Executed.

REa1EA, N. w. T., November 1G.-
Louis David Reil was executed on a
scaffold at the barracks of the mounted
police force lear this city, for high
treason against the. Queen Of Great
Britain, at 1923 O'Clock this morning,
mountain time. He displayed an incli.
nation at the last moment to make an
address, but Pere Andre reminded him
Of his promise, and he then rose and
walked toward the executioner, repeat
ing his prayers to the last moment,
the final words escaping being "Mcrci,
Jcsu" He died without a struggle.
Not exceeding twenty persons were per-
mittcd within the confines Of the bar
racks to witness the execution, and it
was certainly performed with decorum
and dispatch. His body was taken in
charge by the coroner and the verdict
usual to all state executions was rem
dered.
The arrival Of the warrant yesterday
was q surprise even to the officials, who.
owing to the late hours and previous de-
lays. had argued that another respite
would follow. Reil received the formal
intelligence at 9 O'Clock last night in his
cell in the guard-room of the mounted
police barracks, three miles west Of the
city. The intelligence was conveyed to
him in person by High Sheriff Chapleau.
The scene was in many respects remark
able: The cell occupied by the famous
rebel was Immediately adjacent to the
guard-room Of troops doing night guard
duty. Fully fifty of them occupied the
room. Through the iron gate in front
of the cell was seen an armed sentinel
on duty, and on the outside of the build
ing a Gordon, armed, were pacing their
beats. The iron gate was thrown open
on the approach Of High Sheriff Chap
leau and Col. Irvine, commandant Of the
mounted police. Reil, who had been
conyersing with the surgeon Of the post,
arose and welcomed the Sheriff in a
hearty and thoroughly unconstrained
way. His initial greeting was
"Well, and so you have come with
the great announcement. 1 am
glad"
Sheriff Chapleau replied that the
death warrant had come, and Reil con-
tinuing, said
81 am glad that at last I am to be re-
leased from my sufferings."
He then broke off into French and
thanked the sheriff for his personal con-
sideration. He proceeded again in Eng
fish 81 desire that my body shall be
given to my friends to be laid in St.
Boniface.' This is a French cemetery
across Red River from the city of Win
nipeg.
The sheriff asked him if he had any
wishes to convey as to the disposition of
his personal estate or effects. "Mon-
cher" replied he, II have only this"
touching his breast above the region of
the heart.
"This I gave to my country fifteen
years ago, and it is all l have to give
now"
He was asked as to his peace Of mind
and replied Il long ago made my
peace with my God, and am as pre-
pared now as I can be at any time.
You will find l had . mission to peform.
I want you to thank my friends in Que
bee for all they have done for me-"
He closed by saying to Sheriff Chap
leau, as he held out his hand to him in
parting. "Adieu mon ami" His eye
was clear and %unfinching, and his steady
bearing throughout such as to evoke a
sense Of admiration.
MONTREAL, November l6.-There was
considerable excitement among the
French Canadian citizens here when the
news of Reil's execution was received.
French Canadian students, to the num-
Der Of about 500. carrying the ~tri-color,
marched through several streets of the
city, giving vent to cheers for Reil and
~denouncing Sir John Macdonald. They
groaned as they passed La Mine7ue
Office. Flags were at half-mast in
many parts of the city. There will
likely be a demonstration tonight.