The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1885-08-07
IN HIS OWN BEHALF.


Remarkable Address to the Jury at Re-
gina by Louis RieI In Defense of His Ac-
tion-He Speaks for Two Hours and a
Half, and Claims to have Been Directed
by Provfdence-Given to the Jury.
REGINA, N. W. T., Aug. lon the OPEN
ing of court yesterday morning half an
hour was consumed in taking the remain
ing testimony for the defense. The rest of
the forenoon was occupied in examining
witnesses called by the Crown in
rebuttal, General Middleton and 9TH
ers testifying to Riel's sanity. Fitz-
patrick, for the defense, then addressed
the jury. The argument was that Riel first
took up the grievances of the half-breedS
with the intention of securing redress from
the Government, but the movement soon. as
sumed such proportions that he could not
control ii, and he was carried along until
his mind lost its poiSe, and he became ire
sp0nsible.
At the conclusion of the counsel's adj
dress the judge gave Riel permission to
speak in his own behalf, and for two hours
he harrangued the crowded courtroom,
which was silent as death. Riel prefaced
his address with a prayer, and with his
eyes turned Heavenward said:
90, my God help me through the grace and
divine influence of Jesus Christ. Bless me,
bless this honorable court bless this honOra-
bic jury, bless my good lawyers who have
come seven hundred leagues to try TO save
my life; bless the lawyers of the Crown, for
they have done what they thought TO be their
duty, and have shown fairness did not ex-
pect. Oh, my God, bless all those who are
around me- and through the grace of Jesus
Christ, our Saviour, turn their curiosity into
calm interest Amen"
The prisoner then began his address.
Posterity, he said, would justify him for
what he had done, and though now fall
ure his mission would be taken up by the
spirit and successfully accomplished. His
writings would live after him. For ten years
God had protected him on his mission, and
when the bullets flew thick around him he
knew he would be safe. God acknowledged
him when General Middleton testified that
he was sane, and broke down the evidence
of the insanity experts. By the grace of
God he was the founder of Manitoba and
the benefactor of humanity the prophet of
the new world. During the past night God
had spoken to him and comforted him. In
conclusion the prisoner said:
"Your honorS and jury: Ny life, liberty
and reputation are at your disposal. L have
not the slightest doubt as to your verdict and
the calmness of my mind concerning the
from my presumption. You are conscientious
and you will acquit me. / wish to state
that the House of Commons, the Senate,
and the Ministry of the Dominion do
not represent the Northwest. 1t is only
a show and not representative Govern
ment which rules Canada and the Northwest.
witnesses on both sides have made it certain
to you that petition after petition was sent to
the Federal Government, but so irresponsible
is that Government that besides doing nothing
to satisfy the people of the Northwest it has
not given either sign or response. This fact
would indicate insanity complicated with
paralysis. That monster of responsibility,
the insane Government, and it's little one, the
Northwest Council have made up their minds
to answer my petitions by surrounding me
slyly, attempting to jump at me and my peo-
pie. Happily, when they showed their teeth
was ready. j have fired and wounded them.
This is what is called my crime, my high trca-
son. They led me to it, but my act was in the
name OF Jesus Christ, who alone can help
me-"
A rambling attack OH the Government
ended the prisoners address, which caused
intense excitement. At its conclusion Rob-
ertson closed the case for the Crown, and
the Judge charged the jury.