The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-17
He Meets Death with Composure-The Scene
at the Execution-The Feeling Among
the French Canadians.
Apprehensions of Trouble from the In
Censed Friends Of the Dead Chief.
A Winnipeg Editor Characterizes Riel as a
PoltroOn. and Scouts the Idea that He
Was at All Insane.
THE EXECUTION.
The Condemned Man Meets His Fate with
Remarkable Fortitude


The Condemned Man Meets His Fate with
Remarkable Fortitude.
REGINA N. W. T., Nov. 16.-Louis David Riel
was executed on the scaffold at the barracks by
the mounted police force, near this.city, for high
treason against the Queen of Great Britain, at
S23 o'clock this morning, mountain time
Riel has been confined in the guard-room of
the Canadian mounted police barracks, whose
headquarters post is located on the open prairie.
three miles west of this city, ever since the
clusion of his tt al here, in the month of July.
His trial and sentence occurred at this city,
which is the capital of vast territory, stretch
ing north as far as Alaska, west to British Co.
lumbia, and known as Northwest Territory. The
Territorial Council meets here, and it is likewise
the official residence of the resident Lieutenant
governor and other high appointive Dominion
officials.
The leader of the Metis or half breeds in their
two revolts against the authorities of the Cana
dian government has been kept under the closest
surveillance by aforce of mounted police stationed
here The latter are a very snowy body of
mounted troops, wearing'the scarlet jackets, blue
trousers and fur of the British dragons Ever
Britain to grant an appeal on behalf of Reil to
overturn the verdict rendered against him. the
espionage has been more strict than ever, both
to guard against the escape of their State pris
oner and to prevent any attempt at rescue
which might be made by his countrymen in
Canada, or over the American border Ninety
men were told off for this duty on Saturday
night, and last night even this number was in
creased, videttes occupying commanding posi-
tions mile from the barracks and double
Gordon about the camp proper
The prison of Riel is long wooden structure,
one story in height, with long, slanting roof
and small windows under the caves, grated with
iron. The two reliefs of the guard occupy the
rooms in the front portion of the building, while
six sentinels pace up and down continuously
outside of the structure Another sentinel
paced in front of the cell of the confined half
breed, and the precautions extended SO far that
the officer of the guard was compelled to visit
and certify that he had visited his prisoner each
quarter hour. Never was captive more zealously
guarded, and possibly never was captive during
the full period of his Imprisonment less in need
of warchmen in his outward department. What
ever his character may nave been in the field as
a martial leader Of his countrymen in prison he
has fallen little short of reigieuse. His time has
been devoted assiduously to prayer Even when
given his constitutional on the open ground ad-
joining the guard-room, for an hour each morn
! ing, he has paced back and forth with his hands
| clasped together in 'front.' his head bowed, with
prayers issuing from his lips, voiced in either
the French or Indian Cree tongue.
Soon after his capture by the Canadian troops
he professed to throw off his allegiance to the
Roman Catholic Church. and took the guise of a
| prophet claiming to see visions and foretelling
| events. Latterly, as his fate seemed more sure
| ly sealed, he has sought the comfort again
of his original faith, and his constant and al
most only companion for the past two weeks has
been Pere Andre, from Fort Albert close to the
scene of the recent rebellion. The churchman n 8
visit has been twice daily, and in his absence
Rel was frequently kneeing at his couch
| in prayer. The remainder of his
time has been spent in writing out predictions
of the future and defense Of his conduct in lead
| ing the half breeds twice to war; These papers
have been intrusted to Pore Andre, and will
doubtless be produced at some time in the fu-
ture, although the prelate refuses to surrender
them now. No one, no matter what his creden-
tials. was permitted to pass through the guard
room to see the prisoner in his cell, and the inn
mediate friends of the condemned man even did
not see him, though other restriction was
| placed upon them. He received, few days ago.
letter from his aged mother which affected
him visibly, but at no other time during his con-
fnement did he show any signs of that weakness
which was imputed to him after his capture by
| Canadian scouts.
| The strict privacy of the prisoner was broken
down for the first time Yesterday when the rep
resentative of the Associated Press was per-
mitted to visit the prisoner in the company of
the high sheriff and commandant of the mounted
police. This was on the occasion of the formal
announcement that his death warrant had ar
rived. The colloquy which ensued was en-
braced in last nights dispatches. The charm of
the rebels manner was undeniable. He antici-
pated what the sheriff would say in his own
| greeting "Well, you have come with the
great announcement; l am glad" He spoke
slowly, but very distinctly, looking at the sheriff
with resolute eye and without tinge of bragga
docio He rallied the sheriff when
| the latter suggested that he should
not speak too long. You think
| will speak to long, that will be unnerved. Oh,
| no. at the last moment will be firm" There
was trace of the French patois in his accent
which did notlessen the charm of his speech
| His beard dark brown, neatly trimmed,
| and his hair was brushed back from his high
forehead, with a tendency to curl in contrast to
the straight hair of his Indian progenitors. His
| nose was slightly Roman and his skin dark, but
not swarthy Looking at him and witnessing
his manner, it was easy to discern the infiu
ence he had with his people. His address was
that of the skilled courtier and his college train
| ing had never deserted him in the perfection
| and grace of his speech, all the more remarka-
| bic in contrast to that of his followers. While
| 1t has been charged he has showed lack of
danger, no one would urge it against him in wit