Morning journal and courier., 1885-07-21
THE DEFENsE OF REEL.
Some Points Which Are Urged
 In His Favor For His Coming

Some Points Which Are Urged
 In His Favor For His Coming
 Trial.
 REGINA, N. W. T., July 20.-Unceasing interest is manifested in Riel's trial and the sheriff has been bothered with applications for admittance. A report was current that Riel was very sick yesterday. The truth, however, is that he was only slightly indis- posed no doubt as the result of his confne- ment. The trial begins tomorrow at Il o'clock. Of course little will be done be- yond empanelling the jury. The defense will first test the question of the jurisdiction of the presiding judge and also the constitution ality of the court and will contend that MT. Richardson, being magistrate for Assiniboine, has no Jurisdiction over offences committed in the Saskatchewan district: General Middle ton and Colonel Herchmer arrived at 3:30 this morning from Winnipeg to give evi- dence. The defense has hipted that General Middleton will be asked several important questions regarding the alleged footing by troops, Riel's counsel receiving the follow ing letter yesterday from Carter and Clay berg, attorneys:
 HELENA, Mont. To Hon. Charles Fitzpatrick, Regina:
 Dear sir-Replying to your esteemed favcr Dumont appears very warmly inclined to- ward the of Riel and if his testimony could be introduced by deposition are satisfied that it would be of material aid in any line of de- fense you may adopt The general deduc- tions to be drawn from the story of Dumont in so far as Riel is concerned are substantially as follows:
 First-In the summer of 1884, 8 public meeting of the half-breed settlers determined to send to Montana for Riel, whom they as- sunled to be familiar with the rights guara12- teed to them by treaty with the government. Dumont was selected by the meeting as one of two persons to proceed across the country to St. Ignatius mission, Montana Territory, for Riel. Riel returned with Dumont and remained in the Northwest territory without any intention of making his home there, but as the selected advocate of the peoples rights under existing treaty stipulation. Riel always counselled peaceful measures, and, finding the measures fault less, he publicly printed his intention of leaving the country for Montana about three weeks prior to the opening of the rebellion. He was prevented by the people from re- turning to his home. The war commenced and was conducted underline direction of council of fourteen persons. Of this council Riel was not member. Dumont has sole charge of the troops and accountable only to the council. Riel did not partici- pate in any engagement until the final charge when he was driven from shelter with the body of the population. Dumais will support this statement of Dumont. Both of these men are here anxious to lend helping hand to their friend. If in the outline of facts stated you discover anything likely to prove available and useful to your client please inform us of your pleasure and we will be very happy to conform thereto.
 Very truly,
 CARTER AND CLAYBERG.
 MT. Fitzpatrick will have Dumont and Du- mais present as witnesses if the court will al low them to return to Montona unmolested, otherwise he will try to put in their evidence taken by commission.
 The trial of Riel began at il o'clock to- day and argument was begun on the ques- tion of iurisdicrion