The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-11-20
Riel Executed.
THE CANADIAN REBEL BECOMES A MAR
TYR ON THE GALLONS AT REGINA.

REGINA, N w. r., Nov. 16.-Louis
Riel was hanged this morning in con-
sequence of conviction of high trca-
son against the Queen of Great Britain
and Ireland. From daybreak to-day
the most extraordinary precautions
were maintained against the intrusion
of unauthorized persons into the bar
racks in which he was confined. No
one was permitted to enter the guard
house until 1912 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 bended knees,
wearing loose wooden surtout, gray
trousers and wooden shirt. On his
feet were moccasins, the only feature
of his dress that partook of the In
dian that was in him. He received
the notice to proceed to the scaffold in
the same composed manner shown the
proceeding night on receiving the
warning of his fate. His face was
full of color. and he appeared to have
complete self-possession, responding to
the servicein clear tone. The prisoner
decided only moment before starting
for thescaffold not to make a speech.
This was owing to the earnest soli-
citation of both the priests attending
him.
He displayed an inclination at the
last moment to make an address, but
Pere Andre reminded him of his pro-
mise, and he then rose and walked
toward the executioner, repeating his
pray ers to the last moment, the final
words escaping being, "Merci, Jesu.'
He died without struggle. Not to
exceed twenty persons were permitted
within the confines of the barracks to
witness the execution, and it was per-
formed with decorum and despatch.
His body was taken in.charge by the
coroner, and the verdict usual TO all
state executions was rendered.
AN EASY DEATH,
The scaffold had been erected with
in contracted enclosure Immediately
in the rear of the guardhouse, and the
only view of it was through window
Immediately under a rafter. The last
sacrament was administered to the con-
demned within the guardhouse proper
and near the opening which led to the
scaffold. He responded to the Latin
PRAYERS with a full and clear voice
while on his bended knees. When
the moment came for him to rise to
have his arms and hands pinioned he
kept looking up slowly repeating his
prayers. He then walked through the
opening and down the narrow stair
way with his face turned away from
the few civilians and soldiers who
stood about the opening. When he
was about to take his place on the
trap, the deputy sheriff asked if he had
anything to say. He turned to his
confessor, Pere Andre, .and inquired
"Shall | not say few words 7" No."
quickly replied the !priest in French,
"nake this your last sacrifice and you
will be rewarded" Riel turned and
remarked in English, 81 have nothing
more to say
There was some delay in adjusting
the moose, but Riel did not remarx
upon it and, as the white cap closed
over him he was to be heard distinctly
repeating his prayers, There was
barely a quiver as the drop fell, and
his death was pronounced to have
been an easy one.
During the night Pere Andre urged
upon Riel not to attempt an address
upon the scaifold, and suggested that
a reprieve might still be on its way,
bnt this idea Riel s,renuously repelled.
He said he knew his hour had come,
and that he was not only prepared, but
hat he would not have it any other
way, as nothing but the alternative of
prison for life awaited him, and TO him
death was preferable to that, lie
letters TO his mother and
sister, which touched upon the affection
ne bore them. lie added o codicil to