Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-08-07

anything but favorable testimony to the
prisoner. The testimony of Chas. Nolin
was strong against Riel. When Mr.. Lee
meux, after a brilliant cross-eXamnation
of witness, had concluded, the prisoner
who had meantime been listening with
anything but satisfaction, rose, springing
to his feet, and moving swiftly from one
end of the dock to the other, exclaimed;
"Your Honor, this case is getting extra
ordinary. My counsel are men of great
talent, gentleman of ability, and while en-
deavoring to acquit me of the serious
charge of high treason, are attempting to
show that am insane
The movement was carried out before
Mr. Lemieux had sat down, and the words
of Riel were uttered with such startling
emphasis that tremendous excitement fol
lowed. The audience became hushed in
silence. The crown counsel gazed at the
! fearless speaker i'll aStOniShment, while
Mr.. LemieuX, Mr.. Greenshields and Mr..
Fitzpatrick appeared dumbfounded Be
fore Il reply could be made, Riel, who re-
manned standing, drew himself to his full
height, while his right hand accomplished
a series of eloquent movements He
glanced at the paper in his other hand and
continued as follows:
Yes, your honor, my case is serious
one but deem it my duty, in defending
myself, to ask the witness a number of
questions. Mr.. Richardson objected, and
told the prisoner that he could speak at
the proper time. Relapsing into his or
binary tone, the prisoner sad: 81 obey
your call" He then fell back, and before
taking his seat, turned himself to the jury
with the remark, ooh, but then its effect
will be lost on the jury, and the teStl-
mOny cannot be destroyed"
Mr.. Fitzpatrick quickly rose and said
things had come to such pass that he
must announce that himself and his asso-
ciateS would not 90 on with the case if the
prisoner continued to obstruct the proceed
ingS. An intermission of five minutes
was granted to the counsel for the defence
to consider what course they would pur
sue Mr. Fitzpatrick. followed by Messrs
Greenshelds and LemieuX, in procession,
left the court room, and the expression of
the cOuntenanceS indicated that they were
anything but pleased. Riel, between two
guards, grabbed his white hat, looking de
faint, and followed his counsel into the
anterOOm.
An Exciting Scene.
When the court resumed, the Judge
told Riel that the case was either to be
conducted by counsel or by himself. Both
could not he masters, and he asked him
= to state whether he was defended by
I counsel Riel hesitated, and while eyes
, , We're turned upon him, he replied in
.. monosyllables, and resllming said:
"My cause is in their hands. Kind and
r unforgetful friends, known in better
days, have sent them here to defend me
They came many miles. and, although
many questions were asked NOin, they
are not sufficiently we'll acquainted with
5 the circumstances to treat the witness in
cross examination as | would undertake
: it."
; His words We're uttered with affecting
. earnestness, and with flashing eyes which
indicated the storm within. He continued
With eloquence:
+ "True, they are able, learned and talent
: ed gentlemen, and so far have conducted
my case exceedingly well but | am now
2 losing threefourths of my opportunity fol
making points This case is eXtraordin
} airy"
E Riel now thoroughly aroused, disdaiu
ed the suggestion of the judge to ask
l questions through his counsel, and re
r piled:
"Nono no cannot tell all, for
l have over two hundred questions It
e ask
l Mr.. LemieuX, who was much disturbed
], explained that they were diScharging IL
t important duty; III fact public duty
Friends in Quebec had sent us here, - he
0 said, "to give him our knowledge ard eX
perience." He added that if the prisoner
y persisted in his effort to speak, they would
object.
t Mr. Robinson announced that tn,
+ Crown would have no objection in allow
: ing Riel to join his counsel in the eXamina
{ ton of witnesses.
I Rel expressed his thanks, and resumed
p his application to conduct the examination
: If at all possible.
9 The judge will give you an oppor
; tunty through counsel
n Riel-"Me first; friends next retorte,
:, the prisoner. II cannot abandon my wish
e good and learned friends"
T. The ,Judge-"Do you intend to retail
: counsel -
z Relieves, to help myself when the
If help me, was the reply.
= The .Judge-"IOu cannot
l. Riel-"GeS, it is between us" He the
Il expressed thanks for the kindness of tn
II Crown counsel throughout the trial il
IL granting necessary delays.
, Mr.. Fitzpatrick He has already tolC
l. us what he wanted"
t Riel-"Oh, not that" Continuing, h
e fairly shook with emotion as he said: s.
e cannot abandon my dignity. realize t
Is the fullest extent what confinement i
V an insane asylum is. No, ! don't car
T. for mere animal existence unless it i
J., accompanied by the neutral dignity of a
n intelligent being" Turning to the 1t
+ porters, he said, take that down"
n Mr.. Richardson-"If you disagree witt
e. your counsel | have power to appoin
le counsel. have power to appoint Il sui
stitute who could also prevent you fror
interfering any more. Our law does nc
+ allow you to speak at present"
"a Riel-"But to permit me to eXamn
~, ~ witnesses would be the browning act c
20 their kindness. But retain them"
NJ n The proceedings then terminated.
ri HIS CASE APPARENTLY HOPELESS
re