Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1885-11-27
THE LAST ACT.
Riel Hung at Regina, n. w. H., in
the Early Morning Hours.
Sketch Of His Life.

Louis Rlel was hanged al Regina, y. w. T.,
s:23 o'clock, mountain time on TIE morning OF
Nov. Ii. lie died without struggle.
The scaiiold had been erected within con-
tracted Enclosure Immediately In the rear OF the
guard house and the onlY view OF II was
through IA window immediately under raiter.
The last sa rarncnt was taken by the con
demued man within the guard house proper and
near the opening which led 10 the scaiIold. lie
responded 10 the Latin prayers With full and
clear voice, while on his Bonded knees. When
the moment came for him 10 rise 10 have his
hands and arms pinioned he kept looking up,
slowly repeating his prayers He then walked
through the contracted opening and down the
narrow stairway with his face turned away
from the few civilians and soldiers who stood
about the opening.
There was some delay in adjusting the
moose. but Rlol did not remark upon IL, and as
the white cap closed over him he was 10 be
heard distinctly repeating his prayers the last
words heard being, "Merci, Jesu.
There was barely culver as the drop fell,
and his death was pronounced an easy one.
The execution was managed by Jack Hender-
son, who was "A captive 81 Rieps in the rebel
lion Of $50
II would be difficult at this time to give
clearly the sentiment In the Northwest as TO
Rel The expressed views are almost entirely
unfavorahlc 20 him, and the half-breeds are
unusually silent upon the topic. majority
Of the resident population believed
Riel deserved death and this is
undoubtedly specially true in
Manitoba. Here, where he was tried there
was some expression OF sympathy for him.
and at times The declaration that be was right
In his demands, as they had nearly all since
been granted 10 tn half-brceds.
The ex cution Of Riel is TO be followed at
Batileford hy the hanging OF ten Indian
chiefs for atrocities committed during the
recent rebellion, and IN each instance for muir
ders committed. This will close the book OF
criminal procedure growing out Of the north
west war, as other persons convicted wert Tor
prison sentences, all of which are now being
served out.
We append a brief sketch of the career Of
this most remarkable man.
Louis Riel, the organizer Of the late rebel
lion, as also that of 1869, had a remarkable
career lie was a native Of Manitoba. Al years
of age, Of French and Indian ancestry lie
was educated AID well qualified by nature and
habit TO lead men. In lsd9 he placed himself
al the head OF the French half-breeds to resist
the Canadians after their purchase of the ter
ritorial rights OF tie Hudson bay company.
He established a provision government at
Fort Garry. being himself chosen president,
with a council OF - members, Selling the
property Of the Hudson bay com
pary The rele government adopted q bill
Of rights, the feature Of which was a demand
for representation IN the Dominion parliament
and for local legislature. They were con-
ceded by the Manitoba act In May, 1870. Riel
held possession II the country from Oct, lst6,
I'LL August u, $50, Nncn the TON rifles. un-
der Col Wolsc,cy, and force OF militia enter
ed Winnipeg The appearance Of this military
force dissolved the provincial government and
Riel fled. number OF English settlers had
previously undertaken 10 resist Riel's author
ity, but they were -ummarly suppressed, and
one of them, Thomas Scott OF Ontario. was
shot by Ricl's orders, an acr that has virtually
made kiel an outlaw from that day
10 this When the fcnians. under
O'DOnahue. proposed To invade Manitoba
a few months later, Riel came out again To the
surface, this time a. a oyalist. and offered his
services h Gov. Archibald 20 resist the in
yadcrS. I'm lsi3 he was elected one of the
Manitoba representatives in parliament and
went 10 Ottawa 10 take his seat He was
sworn in hy the clerk, but was expelled from
the house. aud left the country. His last re-
bcllious exploit Is too well known 10 need rep
etitiOu.
The political effect OF the execution is sn
interesting problem The detection of the
French vote will mean change Of 10 members
from the conservatives 20 the liberals. suih
cient number 10 dcpose the present conservative
ministry, unless il gets enough liberal votes 10
offset the detection. On the question Of Riei's
hanging il will be almost sure % get most OF
the p Ontario liberal votes.