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32X

THE

CREATION OF MANITOBA

' OR,

A HISTORY OF THE

RED EIVER TROUBLES.

;^LEXANDEI\ BeGG.

HUNTER, ROSE & COMPANY.

1871.

FpifiP

Entered according to the Act of the Paiiiament of Canada, in the year one thousand
eight hundred and seventy-one, by Hunter, Rose & Co., ir. the office of the Minister
of Agriculture.

Hunter, Rose & Co.,
Printers, Bookbinders, Electrotypers, &c.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Conduct of the Hudson's Bay Company Justified — Negotiations for
the Transfer of the Territory to Canada— Meetings of French Half-
Breeds— Col. Dennis— Hon. Joseph Howe on a Tour of Inspection— A
Bebel Council Formed — Apathy of the English-Speaking Settlers-
Arrival of Hon. Mr. McDougall|at the Frontier— The Taking of Fort
Garry 1

CHAPTER II.

Progress of the Insurrection— Correspondence of Mr. McDougall and
the Governor of Assinniboia — Convention of Delegates — Proclamation of
Governor MacTaviah 51

CHAPTER II r.

Deliberations of the Convention — Diversity of Views between the
English and French Delegates— Scott Fined for an assault on Mr. Snow
—Major Wallace Acting the Spy— Public Meeting, Etc 71

CHAPTER IV.

Arrest, by the Insurgents, of the Governor and Officials of the Hud-
son's Bay Company — Confiscation of the Custom House Papers and
Effects— Seizure of Government Stores— Bill of Rights— Queen's Pro-
clamation 93

CHAPTER V.

Appointment of Col. Dennis as Deputy-Governor- Suppression of the
" Nor-Wester" and "Red River Pioneer"— Enrolment of Settlers, by
order of Governor McDougall, to offer Armed Resistance to the Half-
Breeds— Garrison at Stone Fort 122

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI.

Shawnian and tlio Sioux Indians— The Settlement Alarmed and
Arming — Governor McDougall takes Possession of Rupert's Land as
Part of the Dominion— Fort Garry Pillaged— Scott and others Arrested
-Canadians in Schultz's House Besieged— After parley, their Sur-
render and Imprisonment 14(J

CHAPTER VII.

Declaration of the Insurgents— Snow and Dr. Bown forced to leave
the Settlement — Failure of the Attempt to free the Prisoners— Letters
of Bishop Machray, Hon. Joseph Howe and Col. Dennis IGO

CHAPTER VIII.

Arrests Continue — Dejjarture of Col. Dennis — Hon. Mr. McDougall'a
Letter to Riel— His Communication to Gov. MacTavish— Hon. Mr. Mc-
Dougall and Party leave Pembina 182

CHAPTER IX.

Riel Levies a Requisition on the Hudson Bay Company — O'Donoghue
and the Fenians — Indian Scare — The Sioux in Council Assembled —
Grand Vicar Thibault and Col. de Salaberry arrive as Commissioners-
Letters of Instructions from Hon. Joseph Howe 193

CHAPTER X.

Mr. Donald A. Smith Produces his Credentials as Commissioner —
Riel attempts to obtain them by Force— A Mass Meeting is held,
whereat Letters of Instnictions from the Governor-General and Hon.
Joseph Howe are read — Delegates to be appointed from every Parish in
the Settlement 218

CHAPTER XI.

Americans Meeting at Winnipeg — Their Resolutions— Election of
Delegates — Proclamation of the Governor-General — Meeting of the
Delegates — List of Rights — Stormy Discussions thereon 243

CHAPTER XII.

Riel Arrests Governor MacTavish ; Imimsons Dr. Cowan; and Threat-
ens Mr. Bannatyne, who wished to visit the Prisoners — Meeting of the
Delegates and Commissioners — List of Rights Discussed — Formation of
a Provisional Government— Riel is Elected and proclaimed President... 2G2

CONTENTS. V

CHAPTER *XIII.

Appointment of Delegates to the Government of Canada— Moah
Meeting of English Settlers at Kildonan School-House— Misa Mac Vicar
and Mr. Bannatyne obtain the Release of the Prisoners — Sutherland is
murdered by Parisien — Wm. Gaddee is reported to have been killed in
Gaol— The Portage Party are Captured and Incarcerated 274

CHAPTER XIV.

Major Boulton is tried, Condemned to death, but subsequently
Pardoned— Commissioner Smith and Archdeacon M'Lean Pacify the
En^rlish Settlers and induce them to Recognize the Provisional Govern-
niont— Attempt to capture Dr. Schultz — His Departure for Canada—
'Hiomas Scott is shot by Orders of Riel— Great Indignation in the
Settlement 2Ul

CHAPTER XV.

Winnipeg —Letters of Instructions from Hon. Joseph Howe to Bishop
Tach<5 —The Bishop's Address to the Council -Departure of Delegates
to Canada with Instructions 3C6

CHAPTER XVI.

( 'onstltution Adopted by the Council of Assinniboia— Causes of the
Dissatisfaction existing in the Settlement— Letter from Riel to Gover-
nor MacTavish, imposing terms on the Hudson Bay Company — Pro-
clamation-Laws of Assinniboia 330

CHAPTER XVIL

Biography of Governor MacTavish — Dr. Cowan's Career in the North-
West— Return of the Delegates — Rev. Mr. Richot's Speech — Proclama-
tion of Col. Wolseley— Letter of Gen. Lindsay— Letter of O'Donoghue. 373

CHAPTER XVIIL

Arrival of the Troops at Fort GaiTy— Hasty Departure of Riel,
O'Donoghue and Lepine — Conduct of the 60th Royal Rifles— Governor
Archibald Commences his Administration— Retrospect — The Manitoba
Bill 38S>

CONDUCT
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THE

CREATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTER I.

CONDUCT OF THE IIUDSON's BAY COMPANY JUSTIFIED — NEOOTIATIONH
FOR THE TKANSFKR OF THE TERRITORY TO CANADA — MKETINGH
OF FRENCH HALF-HREEDS — COL. DENNIS — HON. JOSEPH HOWE
ON A TOUR OF INSPECTION — A REBEL COUNCIL FORMED— APATHY
OF THE ENGLISII-SPEAKINO SETTLERS — ARRIVAL OF HON. MR.
M'DOUGALL at THE FRONTIER — THE TAKING OF FORT GARRY.

JHEN the people of tlie North-West were repre-
sented as groaning under a yoke of oppression,
they were in reality enjoying a degree of liberty
and happiness unparalleled in any other country. Their
form of government was a peculiar one, which, while it
relieved the Red River settlers of a heavy responsibility,
at the same time gave tijem an indisputable voice in the
selection of the men appointed to watch over their inter-
ests. It cannot be denied that the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany invariably made it a point to consult the settlers as
to the fitness of a councillor before appointing him to the
office; and thus, although there were no elections, the
men who were most popular amongst their neighbours
were generally chosen to represent them at the Council

THK CURATION OF MANITOBA.

Board. Ill tills way, the people had to a great extent a
voico ill tlio niaiiagoinoiit of their own ati'aira ; but, bc-
caiiso the HudHon's Bay Company also enjoyed the right of
sending members to tlie Couueil of Assiniboia, it was
reported al)r()ad tliat the whole government of the country
was in tlu^ interest of that august body, and that the
settlers had little, if any, chance to control their own
affairs. Another erroneous idea was that the councillors
were overawed by the weight and influence of the Com-
pany ; wlieieas the power was an equally balanced one, —
for the reason that the objection of one member of the
Board was sufHcient to overthrow any motion before it.
Had the Hudson's Bay Company men, therefore, endea-
voured to carry a measure distasteful or detrimental to
the interests of the settlers, any single one of their
representatives had the power to defeat it ; and, although
a majority of votes would have been the more correct
way of carrying on the business of the Council, yet our
readers can easily see that the plan adopted gave no
balance of power to either side — the scales were evenly
poised. Wo may here mention that the individuals
chosen from amongst the settlers to act as councillors
conjointly with those from the Hudson's Bay Company
were, as a rule, men of integrity and high standing in the
country, and, therefore, altogether above bribery and
falsity to their people's interests.

The taxation consisting of 4 per cent, on general mer-
chandise imported into the country, and one shilling per
gallon on liquors, was very small, and therefore hardly
felt by the people.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

The Courts of Justice savored more of arbitration than
of a mere attention to tljo technicalities of hiw ; and it
generally Iiappenod that there were more cases decided
outside the court-room tluui inside it. People at that
period had learned to live on terms of friendship an<l
kindliness towards each other; nnd, consecpiently, it was
not a dirticult matter to heal a breach Ijetween any two
individuals. The Government at that time depended
greatly on the quiet, peaceful, and contented character of
the people for a strict olisurvance of law and order, and
did not deem it necessary to enforce severe measures.
Had the settlers been the only parties with whom the
Hudson's Bay Company had to deal, all woiUd have been
well ; but when parties from abroad came to Red River,
and sowed the seeds of discontent amongst the inhabit-
ants ; and when those firebrands led the way by breaking
and defying the laws, then the Government of Assiniboia
was found to be weak — the moral character of the public
mind as regarded obedience to the laws of the land having
been tampered with. Force was then deemed necessary
to protect the dignity of the law ; but, as that was not
within the power of the Hudson's Bay Company to obtain,
except at a risk of internal commotion, they had to sub-
mit to a great deal from unscrupulous men, rather than
raise a ferment of excitement and trouble amongst the
otherwise peaceable and quiet people of the countiy.
Where all had been confidence and contentment between
the governing power and those governed, suspicion and
uneasiness crept in, and at last the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany found that they had indeed a:i "elephant" on their

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

hands in their endeavours to keep quiet and peace
throughout the North- West.

Unfortunately for the Settlement the only newspaper in
it took an active part in augmenting the difficulty ; and,
by a continued course of undeserved abuse towards the
Hudson's Bay Company, endeavoured to weaken the only
existing Government at the time ; and .also led parties at
a distance, especially in Canada, to form the idea that the
settlers were not only in a state of thraldom, but also in
want of proper protection. To such a degree did the
newspaper in question carry its attacks against the
Hudson's Bay Company, that the people of Red River
became disgusted with its persistent course of unjust and
virulent articles, and the consequence was that the press
in Red River was a by- word of ridicule in honest men's
mouths. The results, however, of this false journalism
were still going on abroad, until in Canada it became
fixed in the public mind that the people of the North-
West were down-trodden and subjects for pity, and thf^t
the Honourable Company was a monster of the nineteenth
century. The fact of the matter was, that the misdeeds
on the part of a few men were lauded by the only news-
paper in Red River, on the plea that they were merely
acts of opposition to what was termed " The Great
Monopoly ;" and, when the law took hold of those individ-
uals to punish them according to the judgments of juries
chosen from amongst the settlers, the same newspaper cited
the circumstances as instances of oppression on the part of
the Company. It was put forward as a principle, that a man

THE RED RTVER TROUBLES. 6

as long as he was a British subject could disregard the
law of the land, because, as it was interpreted, no law
existed in the country deserving of obedience. Under
that doctrine crime and fraud might have been committed,
and yet the law, because it emanated from the Hudson's
Bay Company, and although the sole protection of the
settlers, was represented as having no right to deal with
offenders. This evil, preached openly both at home and
.ibroad, did much harm, not only in unsettling the minds
of the settlers, but also in giving new comers the idea
that there was little if any law in the land. The effect
of all this was to prevent a better class of immigrants
from coming to a country where they were told they
Avould be afforded no protection, and where lawless men
could run wild without fear of punishment. When the
jail was broken open, and the laws defied, it was recorded
in print, to be scattered abroad amongst people at a
distance who iiad no opportunity of judging otherwise,
that the lawless act was intended by the people of
the North- West to show to the world that they disregard-
ed the authority over them, because it was a weak and
selfish one, distasteful to the settlers generally. Now the
truth was, that the inhabitants of Red River as a mass
disowned any share in, or approval of, the acts of a few
persons; and the jail-breakers found to their cost that
they had lost caste with their neighbours on account of
their lawlessness. The settlers, it can be said to their
honour, discountenanced lawlessness, and gave several
proofs of this ; but at the same time the continued preach-

•.I .

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

ing against their only legal authority at last began to tell,
and a feeling of insecurity and uneasiness spread itself
over the land. The Hudson's Bay Company in the
meantime kept on its way, and endeavoured as far as
possible to keep order and preserve good feeling amongst
the several sects in the colony. But it was up-hill work,
subjecting them to all sorts of annoyances and insults
from unprincipled men ; the people of the country being
rarely mixed up with the squabbles of the time.

The Hudison's Bay Company has been represented by
its enemies as a harsh, grinding corporation, and the
settlers of Red River as the victims. We do not dispute
that many acts of injustice, even cruelty, may have been
committed by the Company's officers in the discharge
of their duties throughout the vast North-West, especially
when it is remembered that the Charter of the Hudson's
Bay Company extended back nearly two hundred years ;
but it must also be borne in mind that, in the early days
of fur-trading in the northern part of British America,
it was held by the best legal authority that the sole
right of dealing in fur belonged to the Compan}?- acting
under a Charter from tlie Crown. Whether that Charter
was legally sound or not, is a point which is open to
a variety of opinions ; but this may be said in its favour,
that England would never have consented to the
payment of three hundred thousand pounds sterling
for what it deemed a bogus right, and Canada never
would have bought the title-deed to the North-
West had the way been clear to obtain it without
purchase. It was while endeavouring to protect their

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES,

chartered rights that the Company's officers on several
occasions made use of severe measures in preserving the
fur trade to themselves. Those acts had little if any
connection with the prosperity of the Settlement, for they
took place, in most instances, at some distance from it.
The Nor- West Company, as well as private traders,
endeavoured to run opposition to the Hudson's Bay
Company, and the latter can hardly be blamed for using
every effort to protect its own interests. The fur trade,
unfortunately, has been confounded with the governing
functions of the Company; whereas one was entirely
different from, and did not in the least relate to, the
other. In dealing with the former, one principle alone
was at stake — namely, the infringement of the Charter ;
in the latter, the every-day transactions between man and
man had to be dealt with, and on that account laws
were framed to regulate the acts of the community at
large — the Hudson's Bay Company, as a trading body,
being as amenable as any private individual. But, as
the governing power, it of course had the right to
prosecute in cases where the Crown exercises the same
prerogative in other parts of the British Empire. It was
at one time considered almost a crime for anyone not in
the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company to be found
dealing in or even wearing furs ; and parties have been,
in several instances, severely punished for having been
guilty of the same. But time changed all this. Free
trade was declared in the North-West. Strong oppo-
sition to the Hudson's Bay Company sprang up on every
side, and it soon became a struggle, not of blood, but of

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

pounds, shillings and pence, as to who would be the most
successful. The Hudson's Bay Company used every en-
deavour to crush free traders, and, having so much wealth
and influence at its back, those opposed to it found it
difficult work to compete. This mercantile conflict (for
it cannot be called otherwise) gave rise to the idea that
the Hudson's Bay Company was tyrannical in its measures,
when, in reality, it was like a rich man competing with a
poor one, the latter, of course, being at a disadvantage on
account of limited means. All this, however, had nothing
to do with the Settlement, for while the Company exerted
itself to the utmo. < in trying to put down free trading in
fur, it did all in its power for the good of the Red River
Settlement.

Land was sold to intending settlers at almost a nominal
price, and in many ca^es no payment was exacted. Every
facility and encouragement was given to farming opera-
tions, and the Company became the principal purchasers
of the produce of the soil. Where would the Red River
farmer have been had the Hudson's Bay Company imported
the grain and other produce necessary for carrying on its
vast business ? The fact of the matter is, that, had it not
been for the Hudson's Bay Company, farmers would have
been at a loss how to dispose of their produce ; and, on
the other hand, it was to the advantage of the Company
to encourage cultivation of the soil for the simple reason
that it made it easier for them to furnish their fur-traders
throughout the North- West with provisions than if they
had to bring in their supplies from a long distance. It
can be easily seen, therefore, that it was not to the inter-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

est of the Companj to liamper the settlers, as it has been
represented they did. But the Hudson's Bay Company
assisted the people of the country in other ways, besides
buying their produce, for they expended large amounts of
money in carrying on their own business. Settlers were
engaged to freight goods from St. Paul to Fort Garry ;
men were hired to manage the boats. Even in their fur-
trading, they employed settlers to go out amongst the
Indians and trade with them. Then, the currency of the
country consisted chiefly of bills for five shillings and one
pound sterling, isswed by the Company. This in itself,
whilst it facilitated the operations of the Hudson's Bay
Company, at the same time was a matter of great accom-
modation to the people. Those notes were redeemable at
Fort Garry by a bill of Exchange on London, England,
so that a merchant doing business in Red River and
wishing to make a payment abroad could do so without
bank charges or inconvenience. When the free-traders
came into the Settlement, the Company in many instances
offered them good prices for their furs; and, although
they opposed to the utmost of their ability all and any
barter with Indians, still, after the furs were in the hands
of the trader, they did not try by any means to cheat or
rob him of his property. We need hardly say more to
convince our readers that the Company, instead of being
as they have been represented, a hinderance to the welfare
of the Settlement, have been directly the opposite.

Besides this, the Company were liberal supporters of
the several religious denominations in the Colony. The
Church of England and Roman Catholic bishops both

':!

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

received large sums of money yearly from the Hudson's
Bay Company, and the Presbyterian minister also received
a considerable amount from the same source. When the
Rev. Geo. Young came to the Settlement to take charge
of the Methodist cause in Red River, the Hudson's Bay
Company presented him with a valuable piece of land on
which to build a church and mailse ; yet, in the face of
all this, we have read and heard of the Company as a
monster of oppression and even cruelty. But one more
instance of the liberality on the part of the Company and
we have done. When the grasshoppers visited Red River
about two years ago, and so completely devastated the
land that starvation stared in the faces of the settlers the
ensuing winter, the Hudson's Bay Company came forward
cheerfully and most liberally to the relief of the people.
Canada, through private contributions, did well for the
suffering inhabitants of the North-West. So did the
United States, but the Hudson's Bay Company did more
than both together, for it contributed over six thousand
pounds sterling towards the relief of the starving settlers.
Ontario appropriated five thousand dollars, but Red River
never received the amount. W^hen we say Ontario, we
mean the Legislature of that Province, for we feel sure
that it was from no wish on the part of the people that
the money was withheld. Had it come to hand as in-
tended, many poor suffering men, women and children,
would have been saved so much misery.

And now let us recount the relations between the
Company and the people, and then we will leave it to the
good honest common sense of our readers to say whether

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

the settlers of Red River were in a state of thraldom or
the Hudson's Bay Company a monster of tyranny and
oppression. It seems strange to us how the unfortunate
Company could be a weak tyrant, for tyranny usually
requires force to make it effective ; and yet we have seen
the Hudson's Bay Company described at one time as too
weak to govern and the next as a tyrannical oppressive
corporation. Let us see how matters stood. The laws of
the land were mild ; the taxation was very light ; the
land could be obtained from the Company on easy terms ;
produce always found a ready market with the Company ;
the Hudson's Bay Company served as bankers to the
people free ; the churches and schools were largely
indebted to the Company for support ; the Indians
throughout the North-West were mostly on a friendly
footing ; trade in the Settlement was assisted by the
Hudson's Bay Company ; and last, but not least, when the
people of Red River were starving the Hudson's Bay
Company did more than either Canada, the United States
or England all put together for the relief of the settlers.
And yet the editor of the " Nor'-Wester" newspaper saw
fit in the following article to coolly decline an honour
which was never presented to him — the fact being that
some interested parties endeavoured to push the bashful (?)
editor into the position of Secretary of the Relief
Committee; but they were unsuccessful, for Mr. R. P.
Meade was chosen in his stead. Mr. Meade, however,
being a friend of Walter R. Bown, and assistant editor of
the " Nor' Wester," proposed handing over the Secretary-
ship to his superior ; but the latter, finding that the

'■■\.

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Committee were not likely to receive him favoral)ly, took
his revenge in the columns of his newspaper as follows : —

TO THE PUBLIC.

" Nothing would have afforded the proprietor of this
journal more sincere gratification, than to be enabled to
occupy the responsible position the confidence of a large
portion of our public has accorded him, by appointing
him " Secretary of the Co-operative Relief Committee,"
during his absence in Canada. On his return to the
Settlement, he feels it to be a duty he owes to himself, as
well as to his friends who are now engaged in the task
of laying the cause of ' this people ' before the general
public, to prevent as far as possible, in his future conduct,
all avoidable complications and contact with the Company
and its ofiicials in this Settlement. His experiences with
many of them are of such a character as to prevent his
entertaining those feelings of personal and public respect
and consideration, which he would wish to have extended
to the public functionaries of the Settlement. Where no
confidence exists, no trust can be reposed. He, therefore,
most respectfully, declines to act in connection with those
whose former acts forbid confidence. The public,
however, within and without the Settlement, may rest
assured that, as far as the duties of a watchful public
journalist are concerned, nothing will be lost by his
declining the honorable and responsible position the
public sentiment within the Settlement has accorded him."

Walter Robert Bown, poor fellow ! it must have been
gratifying to him when he afterwards learned that nothing

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

indeed was lost by his declining the honourable position
which was not accorded him. For the Relief Committee,
composed chiefly of the clergy of the Settlement, gave
general satisfaction to the public at large and the sufferers
in particular ; notwithstanding they were deprived (!) of
the services of the " Nor'-Wester " editor and proprietor.
Cool ! indeed, that the pul io journalist should decline
giving his services for the benefit of his suffering fellow-
country men, simply because the Company, the donatorof
over six thousand pounds sterling, was to have a hand in
tlie distribution of the relief supplies. But we will again
have occasion to refer to this public journalist and his
friends, and will therefore, in the meantime, turn our
attention to other matters in their regular course.

We have already referi'cd to jail breaking and defying
the laws, and the influence those acts on the part of a few
men had on the community at large. About the same
time there was a persistent effort made by malcontents
and disturbers of the public peace to sow the seeds of
discord amongst the settlers. Had this not been done,
no action would have been taken by the people of the
country in favor of a change from the free and happy
form of government which they possessed. But when
they found lawless men defying the laws, and the govern-
ment too weak to punish such acts — when men, who had
everything to gain and nothing to lose, continually pre-
sented a phantom of happiness and prosperity before their
eyes, they like Adam and Eve, while enjoying a paradise of
freedom, longed for something which they could not pro-
perly define j and the consequence was a series of petitions

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

to the Imperial Government for a change — some being in
favor of annexation to Canada, while others desired a
Crown Colony. Those petitions prayed for a change of
government, on the plea that the existing one was inade-
quate for the wants of the country. We have already
shown the cause of this inadequacy, and it only shows
how the acts of a few men can affect the whole community.
The Hudson's Bay Company were not loth to give up the
reins of government when it became a ti'oublesome,
wearying and unsatisfactory matter to handle them. So
long as the people of the country were in a state of
peace, order and contentment, it was neither a hard nor
an expensive undertaking to frame and carry out the few
laws necessary for their guidance ; but when unprincipled
men put them at defiance and preached to the otherwise
quiet settlers that they were abused people, then the
Hudson's Bay Company found that it required both
money and force to carry out the laws.

The small amount of taxation was not sufficient to
furnish the money, and the Imperial Government was
unwilling to send the troops unless at the expense of the
Colony or the Hudson's Bay Company. For these reasons
the Hudson's Bay Company expressed a desire to transfer
their position as a governing body and become simply a
mercantile one. The Charter, however, had to be dealt
with ; the right was a valuable one, seeing that it held a
direct claim on the country. The laud within the line of
the Settlement belonged, by right of purchase from the
Earl of Selkirk, to the Hudson's Bay Company, and
therefore, although the Hudson's Bay Company were will-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

ing and anxious to give up the governing power, they did
not profess to abandon their chartered rights to the
country.

Negotiations were opened and several propositions were
discussed, and afterwards laid aside, until the Hun. Wm.
McDougall and Sir George Cartier went to England on
their mission regarding the North-West. At last, the
negotiations were brought to a point, the Imperial Gov-
ernment acting as a sort of mediator between the Hudson's
Bay Conjpany and Canada. It was resolved that the sum
of three hundred thousand pounds sterling should be paid
to the Hudson's Bay Company, and that they, in return,
should relinquish thei^ claim to the country, retaining
only their foruS and a small tract of land around each one.
The Imperial Government was the real party with whom
the Company had to deal. The chartered rights had to
be first handed back to the Crown to enable the latter to
give over the country to Canada. The latter therefore
agreed to pay the purchase money, and the Imperial
Government became security for the amount. A day was
then set (1st December, 1869) on which Canada was to
receive the North-West into the arms of Confederation,
it being a]so agreed that the Company should be paid the
three hundred thousand pounds on the same day. During
all those negotiations, however, not a word Avas spoken
regarding the inhabitants of the country about to be
transferred. Hon. Mr. McDougall represented them as
only a few employees of the Hudson's Bay Company and
a number of Indian tribes, but not a word was spoken con-
cerning the state of the settlers — some twelve or fourteen

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

thoiifiand souls. This was a great mistake, and led to
deplorable results. The Parliament of Canada, apparently
misle«l, framed a form of government (which was said to
bo only a temporary one) but which almost totally ignored
the people of the country. AH that was heard in Red
River about it was that the new Governor had the right
to appoint his own councillors from amongst the settlers,
and also that so many more were to be sent from Canada
to take part in the Red River Council. The effect of this
was a good deal of dissatisfaction amongst the people,
which was not bettered by the acts of certain Government
officials sent into the country ahead of Mr. McDougall.

We have already referred to the grasshopper plague
which devastated the Settlement during the summer of
1868, and how the Hudson's Bay Company came forward
so nobly the ensuing winter to the relief of the starving
people. It now appears that the miserable state of the
settlers was taken advantage of by Mr. McDougall and
his friends to obtain a foothold in the country before their
time. In the fall of 1868, Messrs. Snow and Mair made
their appearance in Red River, and announced to the
inhabitants that they were sent by the Canadian Gov-
ernment for the purpose of building a road to the Lake of
the Woods, and invited the co-operation and assistance of
the people, stating, at the same time, that they proposed
distributing their money and provisions in the shape of
charity, modestly stipulating that the starving settlers
should work in return at the rate of three pounds ster-
ling per month for each man to be paid with the charity (?)
in the shape of flour and pork at higher prices than

THE HKD RIVER TROURLEH.

those articles could have been procured at the stores in
the Settlement. Mr. Snow succeeded in employing a
eertiiin luimher of men from amongst the settlers, and,
when Hour was selling at £3 per barrel in the stores, he
charged his employees £3 12s, and £4 per barrel ; and at
the same time he paid his men only £3 per month in that
ratio for their work. This created dissatisfaction, and no
wonder, especia,lly when Mr. Snow stated openly that he
never had a better class of men working under him than
tlie Red River half-breeds. The next thing which caused
still more discontent amongst the people was a concerted
plan of a few, in which the Govermnent officials in charge
of the road were implicated, to buy up from Indians (who
had no right to sell) parcels of land, on part of which
people were actually living, in and around Oak Point,
the headquarters of the Government works. This raised
such a feeling of indignation against the parties concerned,
that the head men in charge of the road summarily
received notice from the neighbours around to quit the
premises forthwith ; and afterwards Mr. Snow was fined
ten pounds sterling, at the Petty Court, for having given
liquor to those same Indians. Those acts, on the part of
the Canadian Government officials, whilst making them
unpopular, seriously injured the cause of Cixnada in the
minds of the Red River people ; and matters were not
afterwards improved by the doings and writings of that
celebrated (! !) poet, Mr. Chas. Mair, who, after having
received the hospitalities of many families, saw fit to
ridicule in public print those who had entertained him, to
speak and write disparagingly of the settlers as a body
c

'y|

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA,

and the ladies in particular. As the Hon. Wm. McDou-
^ill was then Minister of Public Works, there is no doubt
that Messrs. Snow and Mair were sent at his desire to
commence the Lake of the Woods road. But the late
Governor MacTavish thought proper to protest against
this action on the part of the Canadian Government, and
wrote to England accordingly on the subject. It certainly
Was premature, on the part of Mr. McDougall, to send
Messrs. Snow and Mair into the country at that time,
when the Canadian Government had no right whatever
in the country ; but his reply to the letter of the late
Governor MacTavish put matters in a still more peculiar
position, for he stated then that the money appropriated
towards the work on the Lake of the Woods road was
intended for the relief of the settlers, and claimed that, as
the Hudson's Bay Company had done nothing for the
starving 2^Gople of Bed Biver, the Canadian Government
had thought proper to send in supplies to be distributed
(in return for labour) amongst those who were willing to
work for it — the idea being that, while relief was afforded
the people, a public benefit in the way of communication
with the east through British Territory was being assisted.
This was all very well so far as Mr. McDougall represented
it ; but how did the actual facts agree with the represen-
tation. In the first place, as we have shown, the Hudson's |
Bay Company, instead of doing nothing, did a great deal
towards the relief of the settlers ; and in the second, the
money appropriated by the Canadian Government wasi
distributed in such an unsatisfactory manner, and attend-
ed with so much unpleasantness, that, in place of proving i

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

a blessing, it eventually was a curye to the country. We
do not mean to say that the plan proposed by Mr.
McDougall, for accomplishing the charitable intentions of
his Government, was not a good one; but we are most cer-
tainly of the opinion that the men sent to carry it out
failed most signally in the performance of their duty.
Had Mr. McDougall's idea been properly acted upon, and
no unfair advantage taken of the people, there is no '^oubt
that it would have been productive of much good ; but, as
it was, it did a great deal of harm, and seriously injured
the cause of Canada in Red River.

We have already referred to a certain few who made
it their business to sow discord and disunion in the Set-
tlement. We have also spoken of petitions signed by the
people, praying for a change of Government ; but we have
to mention another plan adopted by the intriguers for the
purpose of misleading people abroad as to the real senti-
ments of the inhabitants of Red River. We have refer-
ence to the political meetings held at different times in
the colo-^, the sole object of which seemed to be to
malign the Company. Those meetings, as they were
represented, appeared to have been largely attended by
the influential men of the community; whereas, in reality,
they were miserable failures and the ridicule of the whole
country. At one of them, for instance, only about half a
dozen persons attended ; and, at another, such an unruly
crowd assembled together that the meeting broke up in a
free fight. A correct statement of those meetings, how-
ever, never went to Canada, and of course Canadians (not
being able to judge otherwise) concluded that they repre-

I .

THK CREATION OF MANITOBA.

sented the voice of the people. We may mention here
that there were a few meetings held in the Settlement to
consider the state of the country, which were respectably
attended, and where the proceedings were conducted in a
praiseworthy manner ; but at those there was no vile
abuse hurled at the Hudson's Bay Company, the then
existing Government of the country. There is no doubt
whatever that the Hudson's Bay Company was latterly
found to be weak and ineftective, on account of the law-
less conduct of a few men in the Settlement, who defied
punishment, and, on that account, the Bed River settlers
found that some better protection than the Company was
necessary for the good of the country. But it is to their
credit that they did not take part in the vile abuse heaped
upon tlie institutions of the country by a few men. The
very fact that the leaders of the anti-Hudson's Bay Com-
pany party were individuals, who hooted at law and
order, who defied the execution of judgment, and sought
by every means in their power to misrepresent matters
and destroy what little protection there was to life and
property, before any other form of government was able
to take its place, was sufficient to condemn both their
acts and themselves in the minds of law-abiding, peace-
able, and altogether orderly people.

It would fill a large volume were we to cite the many
instances of defiance to the governing power which oc-
curred, and to which we have only casually referred.
Messrs. Snow and Mair capped the climax to their repre-
hensible conduct as Government officials by joining hands
with this ultra and dangerous party ; and by that means

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

they totally severed the little confidence there may have
been felt in them by the respectable settlers. Unfortu-
nately for Canada tlie very men who maligned and defied
the law of the land, styled themselves the Canadian party
in Red River, and their principal cry seemed to be the
superiority of Canadians generally over the Red River
settlers. " You will see what Canada will do when she
takes hold of the country," was a common observation
(very vague, it is true) ; and it is a well-known fact that
the man, who professed to be the leader of the party,
openly declared that the half-breeds of Red River would
have to give way before Canadians, and that the country
would never succeed until they were displaced altogether.
This, then, was the party to which Snow and Mair gave
their support and countenance. Coupled with this, Mr.
Mair made himself particularly busy in speaking and
writing in favour of the principles of the party. Instead
of confining himself to his Government duties, he em-
ployed a portion of his time in preaching a doctrine suf-
ficient of itself to cause distrust in the minds of the Red
River people as to the intentions of the Canadian Govern-
ment. And besides this, a large number of our i*eaders
will have read the disgraceful descriptions given by him
hi the columns of the " Globe" and other newspapers
regarding the North-West and its people. About this
time Mr. McDougall was opoken of as likely to be ap-
pointed Governor of the North-West, as soon as the trans-
fei- of the country should be made to Canada. The policy
to be adopted under the new Administration was dis-
cussed ; and, as then understood in Red River, it meant

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

nothing more nor less than jumping from the frying-pan
into the fire, if not worse. Mr. McDoiigall, it seemed, was
to be the chooser of a portion of his councillors from
amongst the settlers, and the balance was to be filled up
from Canada. This appeared to be a queer change for
the better ; and then, when it was considered that the
very men who sought to cry down the natives of the
country, professed to be Mr. McDougall's right hand men
and supporters, it is not to be wondered at if the Red
River people came to the conclusion that those very
friends of the new Governor were likely to fill the most
important positions within his power to offer them. The
consequence of this would have been that the parties,
who had made themselves obnoxious in the Settlement,
and who by their acts had lost the respect of the people
generally, would have been exalted over the heads of the
settlers, and the natives of the country would indeed
have been as it were " wiped out" in earnest. We do
not contend that Mr. McDougall would have pursued the
course thus dreaded ; but it seemed very likely that he
might have done so, for the Canadian party made no secret
of the power they would possess as soon as Mr. McDougall
should assume the reins of Government. It was also
pretty well known that the then Minister of Public
Works held frequent communication with the leader of
the so-called " Canadian party," and therefore it was to
be expected that the views held by his friends in Red
River would have great influence with the Hon. Mr.
McDougall when he would become Governor. Thus
matters stood. A general feeling of uneasiness and dis-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

content pervaded all classes, and the policy of the new-
Go vernment was pretty well con<lemned in all quarters
by the inhabitants ; while those expecting to be tlie gain-
ers by it lauded it as the best that could have been done
for the country. It is now pretty well known that the
Government at Ottawa was entirely misled as to the
actual state of matters in Eed River. Mr. McDougall
must have derived his information from a one-sided, self-
interested party ; and although we believe that, had he
taken more pains to ascertain the true position of affairs
in the North-West, he would have acted far diflferently
from what he did, yet we cannot avoid blaming him for
joining any party whatsoever, or even appearing to do
so ; and we most certainly are of the opinion that therein
he showed himself incapable of filling the position of an
impartial and consequently popular Governor.

The chain, which eventually ended in so much misery
and trouble, was rapidly gathering its links together. In
the first place, the necessity for a change of Government
was forced upon the people by the acts of a few jr.en who
afterwards made it a boast that the natives of the country
would have to give way before the incoming stranger.
The next link was the evident endorsement by Canadian
Government ofiicials of the acts and policy of those
men. The arrogance of those who professed to be the
exponents of Canadian policy in Red River, together with
the acts done by them which we have already mentioned,
caused an underground feeling of dissatisfaction with
everything pertaining to Canada in the North- West. It
was at this stage in the public opinion of the Settlement

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

thafc Colonel Dennis arrived with a staff of surveyors, to
divide and sub-divide the land into sections as they saw
fit. This at all events was premature on the part of the
Government at Ottawa, before any arrangements had
been made with the people. It was bad enough to com-
mence building a road, vinder the cloak of charity, but worse
still to send in a party of men to run lines here and there,
perhaps affecting the properties of individuals — who
could tell ? — this too when the Hudson's Bay Company
was the governing power of the country. Col. Dennis,
certainly, acted in a gentlemanly and proper manner in
the discharge of his troublesome duties. Still the people
looked on the aci of his party going to work, before the
Canadian Government had any right in the country, as
arbitrary and presumptuous. It can readily be believed,
however, that if the minds of the settlers had not been
prejudiced beforehand by the previous acts of Government
officials, there would have been no interruption offered
to the Colonel and his party in their survejdng operations,
so long as they did not interfere with any individual
rights. But, mark now the action of the men who had
all along been the principal cause of trouble in Red River,
and who had cajoled Messrs Snow and Mair into commit-
ting acts which irrecoverably damaged them in the eyes
of the people. Soon after Col. Dennis had commenced
his surveying operations throughout the Settlement, these
same men began to lay claim to all the most valuable
spots of land not actually belonging to the settlers. The
plan adopted was as follows : — When a lot was chosen by
an individual, he proceeded to cut a furrow round it with

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

a plough and then drive stakes with his name marked
upon them into the ground here and there. This was
considered sufficient to give the claimant a right to the
land; and in this way hundreds of acres were taken
possession of for the purpose of speculation. It seemed,
so soon as there appeared a certainty that Hon. Wm.
McDougall was to be Governor, that the men, who professed
to be his friends in Red River, made it a point to secure
as much of the country to themselves as possible. It
is notorious that the principal one in this movement, the
leader of the so-called Canadian party, staked off sufficient
land (had he gained possession of it) to make him one of
the largest landed proprietors in the Dominion. Can it
be wondered at if the ])eople looked on with dismay at
this wholesale usurpation of the soil ? Is it surprising if
they foresaw the predictions of the very men who acted
the part of usurpers, as likely to come true, namely,
that the natives were to be swamped by the incoming
strangers ? Will the Canadian public endorse the actions
of this party ? No ! we are very sure they will not. Can
it not be plainly seen that the men, who took upon
themselves to represent Canada, in reality represented
their own pockets ; and that the cry in favor of Canadian
annexation was raised merely to gratify their own selfish
ends. We feel very sure that it would have made no
difference had it been Uncle Sam instead of the Dominion,
so long as they succeeded in filling their own pockets
thereby. Col. Dennis, when he first arrived in the
Settlement, appeared to be beyond the influence of any
party, and, on that account, he was favorably received by

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

the people ; but, unfortunately for him, he gradually
became entangled by the same toils that had proved the
ruin of his predecessors, Messrs. Snow and Mair. Col.
Dennis found out, when it was too late, that he had made
a mistake in hobnobbing with men who had made them-
selves obnoxious to the people of the country ; for it was
natural to suppose that, when he became a frequent visitor
at the house of the acknowledged head of the party and,
also, a recipient of an unusual amount of hosi)italitios
from the same person, he could not avoid being in-
fluenced by the man whose society he thus courted. In
the face of this, the wholesale staking out of land by the
very parties with whom Col. Dennis was on such friendly
terms, and the fact too that several members of the
surveying party took large claims not only for themselves
but also for their friends in Canada or elsewhere, made it
appear that the country was indeed being taken possession
of by strangers with a vengeance. It began to look as if
no man's property was safe ; for although the lands staked
off in the way already described were not under cul-
tivation, there was no saying how soon farms held by
individuals would be claimed in the same manner ; for
each man's farm, according to the bargain with the
Hudson's Bay Company, runs out two miles from the
river bank, and as the greater portion of it was open
prairie not fenced in, there was nothing to prevent anyone
from laying claim to it by simply running a furrow round
it and planting stakes here and there — an easy way, it
must be admitted, to become a landed proprietor. Those
acts, on the part of the individuals who professed to be

an unus

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

the warm supporters of Mr. McDougall, were weaving a
nice web of trouble for him. It was a mistake in the
first place sending Col. Dennis and his party into the
country before the transfer of the North-West was fully
accomplished, and there is no doubt that the Hon. Wm.
McDougall, as Minister of Public Works, is responsible for
that error ; but it is more than probable that tlie survey-
ing operations would not have met with so much
resistance, had it not been for the men to whom Col.
Dennis seemed to ally himself, more particularly when
those very same parties made it a point to lay claim to
an unusually large amount of land. The two things put
together looked bad, first the surveying and then the
unjust appropriation of land on the top of it.

We have referred to the only newspaper at that time
existing in the Settlement. Had it, as it ought to have
done, laid before the public abroad the great injustice
that was being committed against the people of the North-
West, and also to the character of Canadians generally ;
had the same journal shown up the scandalous transac-
tions of the men in charge of the Lake of the Woods road,
the result might have been to the benefit of all parties.
On the contrary, however, the men connected with the
press in Red River happened to be interested parties, and
therefore screened matters. What did they care whether
the cause of Canada received an injury, so long as they
made money and acquired property through it ? The
" Nor'-Wester," instead of condemning the acts that were
causing so much dissatisfaction in the Settlement, saw fit
to ignore them altogether ; and, in the case of Messrs,

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Snow and Mair. it regaled its readers with accounts of
the rapid progress made by them in their work on the
Lake of the Woods road, a progress, however, which, while
appearing wonderful, did not in reality show the same
fruits of industry, skill and good manjigement.

It now became known for a certainty that Hon. Wm.
McDougall was to be the Governor of the North- West
under the new regime of aflairs. His well known con-
nection with the men, whose acts had been so distasteful
to the i)eople at large, made him by no means {)opular in
the Settlement. Still all that was hoard about it was
mere expression of opinion between man and man, wlien
they chanced to meet together and talk over the state of
affairs. No action was openly taken by the settlers in
the matter, and, on this account, no serious apprehensions
were felt in reference to the peace of the Settlement. But,
plthough unknown at the time, except to those who par-
ticipated in them, there were, it appears, regular nightly
meetings held amongst the French half-breeds, the result
of which was a determination amongst a few of them to
prevent Mr. McDougall from coming into the Settlement
to assume the position of Governor, until some guarantee
was received that the interests of the natives of the coun-
try should be respected. Nothing was known, however,
about this movement, except amongst those who took part
in it ; and it is wonderful how secret they were in their
undertaking.'

When Hon. Joseph Hov/e visited Red River in the fall
oi 1369, there was no word of any rising on the part of the
people ; there was certainly a feeling of uneasiness and

TlIK RED RIVER TROUBLES.

dissatisfaction amongst the settlers generally, regarding
the form of Government j)roposed for them (provisional
tliough it was declared to be), but nothing further was
knov/n. It can certainly be said that Mr. Howe, instead
of fostering the feelinga of discontent, did all in his power
to counteract it, and give confidence to the people. But
because the honorable member for Hants did not see fit
to hobnob with the men who had been the cause of the
trouble of Messrs. Snow, Mair and Dennis, and who after-
wards contributed greatly to the ruin of Mr. McDougall,
he was immediately branded as a traitor to his country ;
and it certainly does not reflect much credit on his op-
ponents, that on such weak grounds, they should have
attacked him in the way they did. Mr. Howe's reason
for visiting the country was a very good one, namely, —
tc see for himself what it was like, so that he might be
the better able to judge when dealing afterwards with
matters connected with it. He did not come to Red
River to take part in any party feeling then existing ; or
to propound the policy of the expected Governor. He
merely came to see the people generally ; to gather facts
the same as any private individual having an interest in
the country might have wished to do. On the day of his
arrival, he was immediately invited to become a guest at
the house of the very man who had made himself particu-
larly prominent as the head of the so-called Canadian
party ; but Mr. Howe was not to be caught with such
chaff, for he at once declined the hospitality offered. Had
he accepted, what would have been the consequence ?
Why, it would have confirmed the opinion already strong

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

in the minds of the people, that the country was to be
ruled by a few men — men who, in fact, made no secret of
their boasted influence at headcpiarters in Ottawa. And
the result would have been a more general and outspoken
denunciation of the Government's policy. The fact of the
matter is that the visit of Hon. Joseph HoAv^e, instead of
doing harm, in reality, did much good. Before his arrival
it was })retty generally believed that the Canadian Gov-
ernment received all its information from a one-sided
source, the one, indeed, that had c;»used so much trouble
in Red River, and that therefore it was influenced alto-
gether by that party in the Settlement. It was currently
reported indeed, that the man who was the head of the
party was in direct communication with the Government
at Ottawa, and also that he was received as an influential
man at the seat of Government, whenever he visited it
(which he did frequently). It was the boast also of his
party in the North-West that they could and would as it
were, " rule the roast." Now the people of the country
felt that, if this was indeed the case, their chances would
be very small in comparison witii those of the incoming
stranger. We may here mention a circumstance which
has been much discussed and which was laid hold of by
the Opposition benches in the House at Ottawa and their
supporters of the press throughout the Dominion, but
which we feel sure, when shown to them in its proper
light, will appear altogether in a different form from the
one they supposed it to be. We have reference to the
hoisting of a British ensign, with the word "Canada"
inserted on the face of it in large white letters. Now,

TTtK UKD RIVKIl TUOirnLKS.

the fact of a Biiti.sh Hug bcinnr hoisted would never
have trou]»led the pcoph* of tlie country ; for it was
tlieir acknowledged Hag, and the sight of it waving
ill tlieir midst, no matter at whose door, would have
heen looked u})()M with pride instead of susj)ieion.
But a British Hag was made use of to represent the feel-
ings and sentiments of a few men ; and we are not very
sure whether Britain allows ht»r flag to be tampered with
ill this or any other way. We are of tlie opinion that it is
a flagrant breach of what is right, when anyone dares to
alter or add to the emblem which every true subject of
tlie Queen looks ui)on with i)ridc. Do the Canadian
people think it necessary to represent their nationality by
inscribing the word " Canada" on every British flag hoist-
ed throughout the Dominion ? Is it not sufficient to show
the Union Jack, or Ensign, without altering the face of it ?
But, when it is considered that the North-West had not
been transferred to Canada, and taking into account the
previous acts and behaviour of the men who hoisted the
flag in question, is it to be wondered at if the people look-
ed upon it as a flagrant piece of arrogance and party feel-
ing ? At this time, on account of tlie disgraceful conduct
of the so-called Canadian party, there was little feeling in
favor of Canadians generally throughout the Settlement ;
and the acts of Government officials, sent to the country
ahead of Mr. McDougall, did not improve matters. If Mr.
Howe (as it has been reported he did) requested that the
flag we have described should not be hoisted in his honor ;
and, if he did shew an impartiality^ in his intercourse with
all classes cf the people, he only laid the corner stone of a

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

friendly feeling for Canada, which was much needed at
the time in the Settlement. Was it acting the part of a
traitor to his country, if he showed the people that his
Government felt no partiality for one class over another ;
and that no one-sided influence would have any effect on
him personally, or on his colleagues generally ? We say
most emphatically that the Hon. Joseph Howe laid the
corner stone of good feeling for Canada in Red River ; for,
after his departure, it was felt throughout the Settlement
that the Dominion Government were not led by the nose
to such a degree as people had reason to suppose. It was
not so much the flag itself that irritated the people, as its
being hoisted by the man who vaunted his influence over
the future of the country, to the benefit of the stranger
over that of the settler. Is it the character of Canadians
to attempt riding rough-shod over a peaceable and quiet
people ? Is it their desire that men representing them
abroad should set themselves up as gods, and say, " Fall
down and worship us ?" On the contrary, would it not
have been more characteristic of Canadian represjntatives,
or of those who professed to be such, to have said to the
people of the North- West — " We are as you are ; our ways
are your ways ; we want to be brothers, and, if by our
united efforts we can improve this vast country, let us
join hands." Had this be3n said, where would have been
the cause for disagreement between the people of Canada
and that of Red River? Hon. Joseph Howe preached
this doctrine of good-will to all those whom he came in
contact with ; and, instead of endeavouring to injure Mr.
McDougall, as it has been said he did, he spoke in the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

highest terms of his ability, and \.he great interest he (Mr.
McDougall) felt in the country and its people.

In answer to the question which has been asked in re-
gard to Mr. Howe's visit to Red River — why he did not
endeavour to stop the troubles which broke out after-
wards ? it can be said that, when he was in the Settlement
there was no idea in the minds of old settlers, and men
who had better opportunities forjudging than Hon. Joseph
Howe, that any serious trouble was imminent. How,
therefore, could Mr. Howe stop the trouble ? It was some
time after his departure from Red River that the first
steps were taken by Riel and his associates ; and, to give
some idea of the small beginning then made, we may men-
tion that there were only six or eight men present when
the barrier was raised to keep Mr. McDougall out.
Fatigued by his hard trip over the plains, and not being
in good health at the time, Mr. Howe kept a good deal in
his quarters at the hotel. He, however, made a couple of
trips up and down the Red River and Assiniboine River,
seeing enough, it is ceioain, to satisfy himself what the
country was like. Had he come earlier in the season, he
would have seen the Settlement to much better advantage
than he did, as everything, while he was in Rod River
looked bleak and miserable, preparatory to the change
from autumn to winter. There is no doubt what'^.ver that
Mr. Howe's visit did a great deal of good ; and it is quite
certain that had delegates been sent into thv. country
ahead of Mr. McDougall, to prepare the way fv^r him, the
troubles which afterwards occurred would never have ta-
ken place ; for the people could then have been assured that

■ *

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

the wish of the Canadian Government was to do right by i
the settlers, and that, if an error had been made in the
commencement, it would soon be remedied. Instead of
this, however, Mr. McDougall started from Canada before
the transfer of the country had been accomplished, and
this, of itself, was the cause of many of the complications
that followed.

Soon after Mr. Howe's departure the troubles com-
menced, by Riei, with six or eight followers, erecting a
barrier across the road at a point near the Roman Catholic
church at Riviere Sale. After that, public and private
meetings were held at which Riel and others spoke, and
the consequence was that some three or four hundred men
assembled together at th. barrier with the avowed object |
of keeping Mr. McDougall out at all hazards. A council
was formed, of which John Bruce was elected President, |
and Louis Riel, Secretary — the council chamber being in |
the house adjoining the Roman Catholic church, and occu-
pied by Rev. M. Richot. About this time the following I
aflBdavit was made before Dr. Cowan, at Fort Garry, by |
Mr. Hyman: —

" Red River Settlement, ] " W. Hyman maketh oath |
To- WIT : ) and saith : —

" During the afternoon of yesterday some twenty men
or thereabouts, fully armed, made their appearance at the
crossing of the Riviere Sale, on the road between here
and Pembina ; and other and smaller parties of men, also
armed, kept coming in during the afternoon and evening,]
till as many as forty were in the party :

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

" That the said party of forty men are now billeted (or
Iwere when the deponent left home this a.m., at which
[time they had sent off some men for more provisions)
round in the adjacent houses :

" That the men composing the said party, deponent be-
lieves, all belong to the parishes of St. Norbert, above
mentioned, and St. Vital ; and that the avowed object of
their meeting in arms, and waiting at the said point, was
to turn back the new Governor, Mr. McDougall, and not
allow him to enter into the colony — one of the men, in
conversation with the deponent, who was naturally anxious
to find out the meaning of such an assemblage with arms
in their hands, told the deponent the above was their
object ; and further said that, if the Governor persisted in
attempting to come further than that point, i.e., the cross-
ing of the Riviere Sale, they would shoot him :
" The deponent saith further : —

" That he was informed by this party, and believes the
same (inasmuch as he saw a number of horsemen passing
previously), that another party mounted, supposed to con-
sist of twenty men or more, are now in advance somewhere
about Scratching River, accompanied by a man named
Kiel, whose intention is to stop the Governor, and to sub-
mit to him several questions or, rather, demands, in the
event of refusing which he is warned not to proceed :
There is a further and third party between the two points
mentioned, which this deponent, from information received,
believes to number forty men. Should the Governor per-
sist in coming forward, notwithstanding repeated warn-
ings, these parties will fall back on the reserve at the

• I

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Riviere Sale ; and then final action will be taken as above
mentioned, should he still further endeavor to force his
way on to the Settlement.

" The deponent further saith :

" That, among other houses in the vicinity, where certain
of the forty men at Riviere Sale are billeted, ten of the
armed party find quarters at the house of the Cur^, Rev.
Pere Richot ;

" Finally, that the deponent seriously believes that the
said men are truly in earnest ; and that, without prompt
action be taken by the authorities to avert the same, a
serious calamity is about to ensue — in an outrage which
may be of a fatal character on the person of the honour-
able gentleman now about entering the Colony to assume
the charge of Government.

(Signed) "W. Hyman.

" Sworn before me, at Fort ]
" Garry, this 22nd day of
« October, 1869."

" (Signed) William Cowan, J.P."

The above document, it will be seen, makes no mention
of any attempt as likely to be made on Fort Garry ; yet
it has been freely circulated, on the strength of Hyman's
affidavit, that the Hudson's Bay Company were notified
beforehand that Riel intended capturing it ; but that the
officials in Fort Garry paid no attention to the warning
and quietly allowed about sixty men or more to billet
themselves on the premises. We will, however, have|

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

occasion to again refer to this, and in the meantime we
will touch on other matters.

While the French half-breeds continued to assemble
in force at Rivicfcre Sale, no action whatever was taken by
the English-speaking settlers. In fact, Col. Dennis, who
made a trip down the Red River amongst the people,
found that fifty men could not be collected for the purpose
of bringing in Governor McDougall. The Council of
Asainiboia, in the meantime, had several meetings ; and
their ultimate decision and advice to Mr. McDougall, and
which was forwarded to him in the shape of a letter, was
that it would be better for him, in the existing state of
the country, for his own peace and safety, and for the
public welfare, to remain at Pembina, and not endeavour
to force himself into the Settlement, especially as it was
found that there were so few favourably inclined towards
him. Col. Dennis had prepared a report of the state of
affairs for Mr. McDougall, and which was read before the
Council of Assiniboia before its transmission to Pembina.
The Council unanimousl}'^ agreed that it was a very fair
and accurate description, and therefore approved of its
being sent. We may here give an extract from that
report, which proves that, although the English-speaking
people did not agree with the action taken by their French
brethren, yet they had no desire to rise in arms against
them under the circumstances; and further, that there
was no great amount of feeling in favour of the Govern-
ment about to be established.
Here is the extract we have reference to : —
" We feel confidence in the future administration of this

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

country under Canadian rule ; at the same time we have
not been consulted in any way as a people in entering
into the Dominion.

" The character of the new Government has been settled
in Canada without our being consulted. We are prepar-
ed to accept it respectfully, to obey the laws and to
become good subjects ; but, when you present to us the
issue of a conflict with the French party, with whom we
have hitherto lived in friendship, backed up, as they
would be, by the Roman Catholic Church, which appears
probable by the course at present being taken by the
priests, in which conflict it is almost certain the aid of the
Indians would be invoked, and perhaps obtained, by that
party, we feel disinclined to enter upon it, and think
that the Dominion should assume the responsibility of
establishing amongst us vjhat it, and it alone, has
decided upon.

" At the same time, we are ready, should the Council
make an appeal to the Settlement, to prevent the gross
outrage contemplated, by a large mounted deputation
unarmed, to meet and escort the Honorable William
McDougall to Winnipeg ; and thus show to the French
party, now in arms, that the English-speaking portion of
the Colony is entirely opposed to the present threatening
movement by a portion of the French half-breeds. We
will cheerfully and promptly respond to the call."

What greater proof can we have that it was, at that
time, a matter of impossibility to raise a force amongst the
settlers to put down the French. No ill-feeling had as
yet arisen between the two sections of the Settlement; and

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

the English-speaking people did not feel that they had
sufficient at stake to warrant their taking up arms, and
inaugurating a civil war, the consequences of which, at
that season of the year, might have been the entire des-
truction of the Settlement. And yet the Hudson's Bay
Company have been blamed over and over again for not
having called out the settlers to put down the rebellion at
its commencement. Those who raised that cry were by
no means familiar with the circumstances or the character
of the people that had to be dealt with.

In connection with the above, we give below an extract
from a letter, dated 30th October, 1869, from Governor
MacTavish to Mr. McDougall, which was endorsed by the
members of the Council of Assiniboia, as representing
their views on the situation of affairs ; and which proves
that the Hudson's Bay Company, while placed in a very
trying position, was unable to render Mr. McDougall any
practical assistance at the time, viz. :

" From Colonel Dennis' despatches and this letter, you
will derive as full and accurate knowledge of the position
of affairs here as, I believe, can very well be given in writ
ing; and, having satisfied myself that you are acquainted
with all the material circumstances of the case, I think
that you are now in possession of the principal data for
enabling you to determine the important question of your
movements ; and I need not say that I shall most anxious-
ly await your decision. But without, of course, in any
way meaning to prescribe the line to be pursued, I may be
permitted to add that, to those who, with myself, have
been deliberating upon the most advisable steps to bo ta-

i t

■ .!'

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

ken in circumstances of so embarrassing and so critical a
nature, there have been suggested three courses for meet-
ing the difficulty as it now stands. The first is, that there
happily being, among even the French half-breeds, a con-
siderable element of well-disposed persons, there should be
carefully selected from that section a body of from
twenty to thirty men, who, mounted and armed,
should proceed to Pembina, and escort you to your re-
sidence in the Settlement by a roundabout road, which
would keep you entirely clear from the roads on which the
malcontents are known to have taken up their positions.
The second is, that of making a public call upon the
whole loyal portion of the Settlement to turn out in the
cause of order, and to the number of say 300 unarmed
able-bodied men, if such a force could be mustered, pro-
ceed to Pembina and escort you into the Settlement by
the usual route, whether the malcontents remain upon it
or not. And the third is, that you should remain at
Pembina and await the issue of conciliatory negotiations,
with the view of procuring a peaceable dispersion of the
malcontents. Now, with respect to the first of these
courses, it is in my opinion open to the grave objection^
that, even if it were to issue in yovx safe arrival amongst
us, it would obviously involve a virtual acknowledgment
of the ascendancy of these lawless people, and would have
a direct tendency to inspire them with fresh courage in
the prosecution of their designs ; and besides I am
strongly of the opinion that, under present circumstances,
your personal safety could not be sufficiently provided for
by the attendance of so small a body of men, as that

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

proposed — a body large enough to provoke a collision, but
probably far from strong enough to meet it. The second
is one which all along the local authorities have been
pondering ; but one which, as in somewhat similar emer-
gencies on former occasions, they have hitherto shrunk from
adopting, partly from a misgiving as to the extent and
the spirit of the response to such a call as that proposed,
and partly also, but principally from an apprehension of
precipitating a collision between different sections of the
people, which might plunge not only the Settlement but
the whole Territory into all the disasters of a war of races
and religions — a war in which the legitimate object for
which it had been begun would probably soon be lost
sight of, and passion and prejudice alone animate the
minds of those engaged in it. To the Council and myself
it appears that, under present circumstances, the third
proposal is the only one that can be regarded as prudent
or practicable ; and it is therefore our opinion that you
should remain at Pembina and await the issue of concili-
atory negotiations in the hope of procuring a peaceable
dispersion of the malcontents. I have only to add that,
although this letter proceeds ostensibly from myself, it
embodies the views of the Council of Assiniboia, and
that at a meeting of the Council to-day, held for the
express purpose, it was unanimously adopted as a com-
munication which I should immediately make you,
earnestly hoping that ere long some peaceable solution of
all these difficulties may be arrived at."

Col. Dennis, when he found the task of enlisting the
sympathies of the English-speaking people, in favour of

'• "

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Governor McDougall, a useless one, at once left Winnipeg
by a roundabout way, in company with Mr. Hallutt as a
guide, and joined his chief at Pembina. Before doing so,
however, he despatched a portion of his employees in the
direction of Portage La Prairie, on the ostensible business
of attending to their surveying operations ; but, as it has
since been ascertained, their real object was to act in con-
cert with any other party in the Settlement, should it be
necessary to bring in Governor McDougall by force. It
was bad enough to send in surveyors before their time, but
it was really too bad to turn them into soldiers the first
opportunity that occurred. And all this time the Hud-
son's Bay Company was the ruling pow3r in the land. It
was rebellion on the one hand, when the French half-
breeds obstructed the public highway, and prevented
private individuals from passing to and from the Settle-
ment ; but was it not also rebellion when Col. Dennis
organized his party of surveyors into a small band
of soldiers, for the purpose of carrying on war in a country
which did not at the time belong, or owe allegiance, to
Canada ? Be that as it may, however, Col. Dennis joined
Mr. McDougall at Pembina ; and it was well he did, for
had it not been for his energy and activity the whole
party of Government officials would have remained house-
less and comfortless during their stay on the American
frontier. Col. Dennis succeeded in making Mr. McDougall
and his family as comfortable as possible under the cir-
cumstances ; and then a series of correspondence was
carried on between the would-be Governor and a few
individuals in the Settlement, some of whom had pre-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

sented an address to Col. Dennis, containing 22 signatures,
offering to escort Governor McDougall into the Settle-
ment. We must not forget to mention the fact that,
when Mr. McDougall decided upon remaining at Pembina,
Mr. Provencher, his secretary, and Capt. Cameron, who
had a Government appointment, resolved upon making
an attempt to enter the Settlement. It was a useless
undertaking on their part. Mr. Provencher came first
and was promptly stopped at the barrier, but was allowed
to remain several hours at the Church, before returning
to Pembina. This he did and spent his time in conversa-
tion with Rev. Mr. Richot, Riel, Bruce and others. A
laughable incident occurred, as Mr. Provencher was being
shown the way back to Pembina ; for, just as he came
from the Church, Capt. Cameron hove in sight, driving a
spirited pair of horses. The bold Captain did not appear
to have the slightest particle of fear in his composition,
for, notwithstanding the fact that a number of men pre-
sented their guns at his breast, he (it is said) called out
"to clear away that blawsted fence and let him pass";
nor did he think it worth while to drop his eye-glass in
the excitement. Several men, however, stepped forward,
and, taking the horses by the bridles, they turned their
heads in the direction from whence they came, and Messrs
Provencher and Cameron were escorted back to the Ame-
rican frontier by a guard of 25 or 30 men. This escort
had orders from Riel to see Mr. McDougall and his whole
party across the line into Uncle Sam's Dominion. Ac-
cordingly, when they reached the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany's post at Pembina, the leader of the guards

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

"Mr

(Lepine) notified Mr. McDougall of his intentions and
gave him till nine o'clock the next morning to prepare
for his departure. Mr. McDougall remonstrated, showed
his commission, and at last threatened Lepine with the
consequences that were likely to follow ; but all to no
purpose, for, at the hour appointed for their departure
from the Hudson's Bay Company's post, Mr. McDougall
was obliged to order his horses to be harnessed ; and, soon
after, the whole party were en route for the village of
Pembina. It was at this juncture that the services of
Col. Dennis were found to be so valuable ; for he went to
work with his usual energy and activity in such matters,
and soon had Mr. McDougall and his family as comfortable
as possible under the circumstances. A guard was in the
meantime left by Lepine at the Hudson's Bay Company's
post to watch Mr. McDougall's proceedings, while he re-
turned with the balance to Riviere Sale. There was
about this time a good deal of speculation as to the future
movements of the would-be Governor. Some were of the
opinion that he would return immediately to Canada;
while others thought that he would remain where he was,
awaiting events as they might turn up and also advices
from Ottawa. In connexion with this we give below an
extract from another letter, dated 9th November, from
Governor MacTavish to Mr. McDougall : —

** Towards the end of your last letter, you desire my
opinion as to whether any useful purpose is likely to be
served by your remaining, for any length of time, at
Pembina, and, feeling the importance that may be attached
to any expression from me on that point, 1 have taken

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

care to test my own ideas veivj closely hy the opinions of
the Council. In ooinpliance with your wishes, let me say,
as the substance of our opinion on this point, that we
perceive there is as little chance as ever of these f)eople
receding from opposition to your coming into the Settle-
ment ; that the attempt might be productive of the most
disastrous consequences ; and that, while you remain at
Pembina, the effect, so far as the Settlement is concerned,
is likely to be the perpetuation and possibly even the
aggravation of this state of disturbance and danger. You
can, therefore, yourself judge whether any good purpose
would be likely to be answered by your remaining at
Pembina ; and, perhaps, your own view of the matter will
be such as to prepare you for my adding, as I assure you
I do with a feeling of inexpressible regret, that to the
Council and myself it appears that your early return to
Canada is not only essential for the peace of the country,
but also advisable in the interest of the establishment in
the future of the Canadian Government. It is no doubt
possible that a little more time may change the minds of
the men ; and public meetings are notified which may
somewhat alter the present state of affairs. Your im-
mediate departure ought not therefore, perhaps, to be at
once determined upon. It might be advisable a few days
longer to wait the course of events, or at any rate until I
can again communicate with you ; but at present I confess
I see but little reason to expect the occurrence of any-
thing that is likely materially to change the opinion I
have expressed with regard to your movements."
Had Mr. McDougall followed the advice contained in

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

the above letter, there is every reason to suppose that he
would have saved both himself and the country a great
deal of trouble ; and very probably he would, at this
present day be occupying the position of Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor of Manitoba, instead of being simply, the Hon. Wm
McDougall without office. But the unfortunate would-be
Governor, unfortunately, had friends in Red River, who
consulted their own interests more than they did his ; and
their only salvation was to get Mr. McDougall into the
Settlement by hook or by crook, without considering the
consequences at all. And so they set their he ds together
to concoct measures to bring in the new Governor. It is
now quite certain that Mr. McDougall was entirely misled
by those parties, for they represented a different state of
affairs from what actually existed ; and it is reasonable to
suppose that he, while relying too much on information
from a one-sided source, was induced to lay aside advice
\rhich was meant for his good, and which, had he followed
it, would have saved him a great deal of trouble. When
it was represented to Mr. McDougall that he had many
friends in the Settlement, he actually had very few who
felt the slightest enthusiasm in his behalf It is notorious
that on one occasion an address or petition was got up in
his favour, containing the signatures of school children*
copied from the school registers. Mr. McDougall had
good reason to say — " Save me from my friends." The
fact of the matter was that very few could he found at
that time to come out and openly support Mr. McDougall.
On the contrary, the majority of the people felt that they
had been overlooked, and consequently wronged through

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

the policy proposed "by the new Governor and his party ;
and, although the English-speaking people were not pre-
pared to go the length the French half-breeds seemed to
be doing, yet they did not at all feel well pleased at the
arrangements made for the future government of the
country.

The French now began to carry things with a higher
hand than there seemed to be any necessity for. The
mails were frequently detained ; and parties stopped at
the barrier, who had nothing whatever to do with the
troubles. The detention of the mails affected the whole
Settlement ; and in this way the French gave cause for
many and just complaints on the part of the English-
speaking people, who were not at all concerned in the
rising ; and, in fact, the bitter feeling, which afterwards
became so strong between the two sections of the Settle-
ment, took its rise from this infringement upon the fi'ee-
dom of the settlers generally. In the midst of those
occurrences, Kiel and his followers (for John Bruce, al-
though nominally President, was merely a tool in the
hands of the Secretary) resolved upon the capture of Fort
Garry. One fine afternoon, therefore, the 2nd November,
1869, a number of men in small bands might have been
seen tramping along the road leading from Riviere Sale
to Fort Garry. On being questioned where they were
going, the invariable reply was — " To a meeting in the
town." Their real mission, however, was to take posses-
sion of Fort Garry ; but no one except themselves had
any idea of their intention. It has been said that the
Hudson's Bay Company's officers were aware of the fact

1^ /!

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

beforehand, and could consequently have prevented the
taking of the Fort. The report was not only untrue,
but ridiculous; as it is impossible to see plainly how
the Hudson's Bay Company were to be benefited by
the presence of from 60 to 120 men billeted upon
them.

Riel and his men were met by Dr. Cowan, a chief
trader in the Company's service, and the officer in charge
of the Fort.

" What do you want here with all these armed men ? "
asked Dr. Cowan.

" We have come to guard the Fort," answered Riel.

"Against whom ?" inquired Dr. Cowan.

"Against a danger," was the reply, "which I have
reason to believe threatens it ; but which I cannot explain
to you at present."

Dr. Cowan then protested against Kiel's proceeding;
but the only satisfaction he could get was that nothing
inside the walls would be disturbed, and that the armed
men would leave the Fort in a few days. Those few
days, as we will see, lengthened out into months ; and
Fort Garry remained in the hands of the insurgents from
that day until the arrival of the troops in Red River.
On the 6th of November, Riel and several of his followers
called on Dr. Bown, the editor of the " Nor'- Wester," and
handed him a document, which they requested him to
print. He, in reply, stated that he would have to consult
his friends first, which he immediately left to do ; and,
on his return, he refused to comply with their request.
Kiel's men then took Dr. Bown and kept him in close

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

custody, in one of the rooms of his printing house, with
two men to guard him. They then took possession of
his press and type, and, calling in the aid of two experi-
enced hands, they succeeded in printing off the follow-
ing "Notice," Mr. James Ross being present to correct
proof:

"Public Notice to the Inhabitants of Rupert's

Land.

"The President and Representatives of the French-
speaking population of Rupert's Land in Council (the
invaders of our rights being now expelled), already aware
of your sympathy, do extend the hand of friendship to
you, our friendly fellow-inhabitants; and, in doing so,
invite you to send twelve representatives from the fol-
lowing places, viz. : —

St. John's .,

Headingly

St. Mary's

St. Paul's

St. Clement's

Town of Winnipeg

St. Margaret's

St. James'

Kildonan

St. Andrew's . .
St. Peter's

in order to form one body with the above Council, con-
sisting of twelve members, to consider the present political
state of this country and to adopt such measures as may
be deemed best for the future welfare of the same.
"A meeting of the above Council will be held in the
£

The creation of Manitoba.

Court House at Fort Garry, on Tuesday, the 16th day of
November, at which the invited representatives will
attend.

" By order of the President,

"Louis Riel,

" Secretary.

" Winnipeg, Nov. (ith, 1869."

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

CHAPTER II.

PROGRESS OF THE INSURRECTION — CORRESPONDENCE OP MR. MAC-
DOUG ALL AND THE GOVERNOR OF ASSINIBOIA — CONVENTION OF
DELEGATES — PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNOR MACTAVISH.

RUMOR now reached the ears of the insur-
gents that Mr. McDougall, having brought
with him a quantity of arms from Canada,
intended running them into the Settlement, to be used by
the Canadian party in Red River, for the purpose of
bringing in the Governor by force. On this account an
order was issued by Riel to his followers to stop and search
all carts coming towards Fort Garry at the barrier. This
caused a great deal of ill-feeling amongst the English-
speaking population, as a number of carts belonging to
parties, who were not connected with the rising, were
detained, and packages supposed to contain arms were
broken open. It is customary for the traders to bring in
each spring and fall a quantity of flint locks and double-
barrel shot guns for the use of the fur trade. Now it
happened that a few cases of these arms were discovered
amongst the other merchandise belonging to certain Eng-
lish merchants. Riel, although he was perfectly aware
that they did not belong to the Canadian Government,
saw fit to take possession of those ; and to this day, we

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

believe, the owners have neither recovered them nor their
equivalent in value. This act was not only an unjust one
to the parties doing business in the Settlement, as it pre-
vented their being able to properly outfit their men for
the winter, but it was also a very unfortunate one as it
only added to the ill-feeliug which began to creep in
between the two sections of the people. But, at the same
time, it was still more unfortunate for Mr. McDougall, as
well as an ill-judged act on his part, to bring with him
cases of arms at the outset of his career as Governor of «a
new country — where he was as it were a stranger, and
where the people were strangers to him. He might have
known that the circumstances, when blazed abroad by
the newspapers, would be looked upon with suspicion by
the people of the North-West, even had there been no
opposition to his entrance into the Territory. A regiment
of regular soldiers would have been viewed as only a step
taken to keep up the dignity of the Government, and
protect the settlers, if necessary ; but arms, without the
men to handle them, was certainly a queer method to sus-
tain the dignity of the law. Be that as it may, it was a
very unfortunate occurrence, under the existing state of
circumstances, that those arms were shipped along with
the other baggage of the new Governor. We think that
our readers will see the utter absurdity of the charge
made against the Hudson's Bay Company that "they
allowed Kiel and his men to take possession of Fort Garry,
when they had it in their power to prevent it." In the
first place, it is quite clear that no one, except the insur-
gents themselves, had the slightest idea that they intended

movemen

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

any other movement than that of merely keeping Mr.
McDougall out of the Territory ; and, in the second, it is
very difficult to perceive how the Hudson's Bay Company
was to be benefited by the capture of their own private
property. We will give another extract from Governor
MacTavish's letter of 9 th November, touching on this
point, which explains itself: —

" The occurrence, to which I have alludod in the pre-
ceding paragraph as being serious, is this, that on the
afternoon of Tuesday, the 2nd inst., a number of these
daring people, suddenly and without the least intimation
of their intention to make such a move, took possession
of the gates of Fort Garry, where they placed themselves
inside and outside the gates to the number in all of
about one hundred and twenty, and where night and
day they have constantly kept a pretty strong armed
guard. On being asked what they meant by such a
movement upon the Fort, they said their object was to
protect it. ' Protect it from what ? ' they were asked.
Their answer was — 'from danger.' 'Against what dan-
ger?' they were asked. To this question, they replied
that ' they could not now specify the danger ; but that
they would do so hereafter ;' and obstinately took up the
positions they have since kept in spite of all our protests
and remonstrances at such a bold and high-handed pro-
ceeding. On coming into the Fort, they earnestly dis-
claimed all intention of injuring either person or property
within it; and, it must be allowed, that in that respect
they have kept their word ; but it is an inconvenience,
and a danger next to intolerable, to have a body of armed

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

men, even with professions of peace towards ourselves,
forcibly billeted upon an establishment such as this.
Their intentions, in coming to the Fort, they have never
definitely expressed ; nor have they yet specified the
danger from which their presence was meant to protect
the place. We are therefore left in some measure to con-
jectures ; and by these we are strongly led to bslieve that
you were expected to come to the Fort ; and that, by thus
having previous possession of the gates, they felt that
they would be sure of keeping you out. It is needless to
ask why their presen'^e was submitted to, for I presume
yDU already know enoiigh of the circumstances fully to
understand i,hat it was only borne as being apparently,
with respect to immediate results, the less formidable of
two very serious evils."

Mr. McDougall, in the meantime, had. in his corres-
pondence with Governor MacTavish (limited though it
was) shown a degree of fretfulness and even childishness,
which seems strange in a man of his reported ability;
and, as an example of this, we give the following extract
from his letter of 7 th November : —

" I wrote you two letters, both in one envelope, detailing
the proceedings and position of things here and suggesting
a Proclamation from your Governi ent, explaining the
nature of the change in the Government and warning the
malcontents of the consequences of their acts. I was
disappointed to hear from those who met me that they
had not b?en infoimed by any one in authority that the
change of Government was an Imperial act and had the
sanction of the Queen. I also reminded you and your

■■>=.-, .

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

council that, until the actual transfer and proclamation,
you are the legal rulers and responsible for the preserva-
tion of the public peace. I am surprised to learn, from a
communication brought by the bearer of this, that a few-
rebels have been allowed to take your Fort unopposed by
public protest. Of course I am not in the best position
to judge or advise in such a crisis ; but, in the hope that,
by some means, the people will find out what it is they
are doing, aiid will shrink from the consequences of war
and bloodshed and confiscation which «re sure to follow,
T shall remain here until I hear officially of the transfer
of authority and shall then be guided by circumstances as
to what I shall say and do."

There is one point observable in the above, which is
worthy of mention, namely : that Mr. McDougall was
urging upon Governor MacTavish a course of action,
which afterwards proved his own ruin, and which has
called down upon him the censure of all right-thinking
people. We have reference to his suggestion that Gover-
nor MacTavish should issue a Proclamation explaining
the nature of the change in the Government, before there
was any certainty of that change having taken place. In
fact, the tone of Mr. McDougall's whole correspondence
with, and regarding, the authorities in the Settlement,
was one of irritability, censure and a want of confidence
in their willingness to assist him in his j)redicament.
Instead of writing to Mr. MacTavish in a friendly man-
ner, he saw fit to insinuate that there was no apparent
desire on the part of the authorities to put down the re-
bellion ; and, moreover, he undertook to make suggestions

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

as to what should have been done, under the cinsura-
stances, by Mr. MacTavish, and found fault with what
was done. When it is remembered that William IVIac-
Tavish had spent the greater portion of his lifetime in
the North- West — during a part of which he occupied the
important positions of Governor of the Hudson's Bay
Company and of the Colony of Assiniboia — when we re-
collect that he was a man respected by all classes — a man
of the strictest integrity, and, moreover, thoroughly
acquainted with the people of the country, it must be
admitted that, when Mr. McDougall set himself up as an
adviser to such a man as to how he should act in the
discharge of his duties, he certainly placed himself in a
very ridiculous position. Let any one read the corres-
pondence of the two men and give an impartial judgment.
That of Mr. McDougall's is fretful, irritable, fault-finding,
and altogether aimless in its general details ; while the
letters of Governor MacTavish, although written from a
sick bed, are expressive of deep sorrow at the unfortunate
position of Mr. McDougall, with an earnest desire to as-
sist him, if possible ; but, at the same time, they show
that the good old Governor had no idea of risking a war
of races and religions for the sake of carrying a point by
force which he no doubt felt could ultimately have been
aiTanged in a more peaceable manner, had not Mr. Mc-
Dougall's actions prevented it afterwards. But Mr. Mc-
Dougall, true to his colours, thought proper to consult
other parties besides Governor MacTavish ; and, what is
worse, he believed them in preference to him. Those
individuals, so freely consulted, endeavoured to show that

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

the Hudson's Bay Company were hand and glove with
the insurgents, and therefore unwilling to act again?
them. We will give a few examples of the informntion
derived by Mr. McDougall from those he term loyal
parties in the Settlement, and which, no doubt, influenced
him in the rash conduct of which he was afterwards
guilty :—
"From Friends of Canada (???)—
" The Hudson's Bay Company are evidently with the
rebels, and their present rdle is to prevent your having
any official intercourse with them." (From same letter)
" Our opinion is that the Proclamation should be for-
warded by the bearer, and we will see it placarded here."
The following is said to be from Mr. Snow : —
"Council in deliberation to-day on yourr,. Received
all right. Decision not known. Saddle will fall on right
horse. 'Call' made on the different parishes, by mani-
festo of Kiel, who seized * Nor'-Wester' office, and by
force used the press. English and Scotch parishes will
not respond. Issue Proclamation, and then you may come
fearlessly down. Hudson's Bay Companj'- evidenUy
shaking. By no means leave Pembina."
The following is said to be from Charles Mair : —
" The Company beyond all question are deeply con-
cerned in the matter. Half-breeds themselves declare
that they have received assistance. Insurgents in quasi
possession of Fort Garry, receive their supplies there.
Yours received all right. Council in deliberation to-day.
On no account leave. The English have not risen because
they have not been called upon by the authorities, other-

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

wise they ivould have risen. Issue your Proclamation
and it will be responded to by 500 men."

The latter is a queer contradiction of the statement
made by Col. Dennis a short time before, that 50 men
could not be found to support Mr. McDougall. The fact
is Mr. Mair, as usual, exaggerated the state of affairs, and,
instead of 50, wrote 500. The foregoing extracts will
give our readers some idea of the information and advice
sought after by Mr. McDougall, and to which he, unfortu-
nately for himself, gave too mjch credence. The "Friends
of Canada," in a communication to Col. Dennis, dated
12th November, state as follows : —

" We will have a strong protest in to the authorities
here at once against their inaction and embodying the
suggestions made in the letter." Is it possible that
either Col. Dennis or Mr. McDougall made any suggestions
to be put in this roundabout way to Governor MacTavish?
If so, one feature in the case was adhered to strictly by
those who were prompted to get it up, namely, the round-
about principle ; for the address to Governor MacTavish
was signed by the " Friends of Canada " in the shape of
a " round robin" — no one in the party appearing desirous
of taking the initiative in signing the document. The
address, however, as follows, signed in the way above
described, was sent in to Governor MacTavish. It may
be as well to give it in the sensational shape, in which it
was first presented to the eyes of the Red River public,
in the form of m extra issued from the office of the
" Nor'- Wester" newspaper, viz. ;-—

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

"The Nor'-Wester and Pioneer

*' Extra.

"Winnipeg, Wednesday, November 17th, 1869.

"The Crisis.

"Loyalty Triumphant.

"The Governor's Proclamation.

"On the 12th instant the following address was pre-
sented to Governor MacTavish, signed by a large number
of our most respectable inhabitants ; and on the I7th a
reply was issued, which will be found below ; —

" Town of Winnipeg,

" November 12th, 1869.

" To William MacTavish, Esq.,

" Governor Hudson's Bay Company,
" Fort Garry.

" We, the undersigned residents of the Town of Winni-
peg, and loyal subjects of Her Majesty the Queen of
Great Britain and Ireland, — Beholding with great alarm
the unsettled state of feeling existing in this Territory
and the threatening position assumed by a portion of its
French-speaking population towards the Crown, in the
person of Her Majesty's representative, the future Gover-
nor of this Territory, and believing as we do that this

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

disaflfection or dissatisfaction is the result of various
slanderous interpretations having been from time to time
disseminated among the people by persons unknown;
We do therefore now demand that you, as the representa-
tive of Her Majesty in this Territory, do proclaim among
the people, either by convening a public meeting for that
purpose, or posting in conspicuous places throughout the
country, a full and correct exposition of the nature of the
transfer of this Territory to the Dominion of Canada.
We also request that you will explain, as far as lies in
your power, the policy likely to be adopted by the
Canadian authorities relative to the governing of the Ter-
ritory ; also, that you deny the numerous libellous slan-
ders which are in circulation regarding the purposes foi
which the Territory was acquired. That you warn them
of the danger they are incurring to themselves by persist-
ence in their present violent course, thereby imperiling
the future welfare of the country ; and that you do en-
treat them to lay down their arms and return peaceably
to their homes.

" Here is the Proclamation drawn from Governor
MacTavish on the present state of affairs :" —

Then followed an imperfect copy of the Proclamation,
the fifth clause contained therein having being left out
altogether in the " Nor- Wester " Extra. We will have
occasion further on to give the Proclamation in its correct
form, and will, therefore, proceed to discuss the facts
concerning the above address.

In the first place, it can bt proved, that Governor
MacTavish's Proclamatiuji was alread)? in the hands of

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

his secretary, Mr. Hargrave, when the address from the
" Friends of Canada " reached its destination. The state-
ment, therefore, that the Proclamation was drawn from
Governor MacTavish by the " round robin " address of the
" Friends of Canada," is as false as it is ridiculous. It
was really amusing to see the little editor of the " Nor*-
Wester " hopping about from door to door on the evening
of the 17th November, distributing the " extras " with
his own hands. There, he roared, as he pitched in a few
copies of his " Loyalty Triumphant " at one door, " See
loliat we have done;' and at the next house, " We'll show
you now, what we can do" and so on, in the same strain,
from door to door. People smiled, and wondered if it
was possible that there were many amongst the incoming
Canadians like the little man who was then making
such a fuss about nothing. Let us see now the view
taken by Governor MacTavish, with regard to the propriety
of issuing a Proclamation such as Mr. McDougall seemed
so anxious to have produced. In his letter of the 9th
of November to Mr. McDougall, he says : —

" It appears you are under the belief that a Proclama-
tion from this Government, explaining the late Imperial
Act regarding the Territory, and warning the people of
the consequences of steps tending to impede any action
that might be taken under its provisions, would have a
salutary effect in checking the present unlawful move-
ment on the part of the French population. It is difficult,
if not impossible, to say with any degree of certainty,
how far that measure might have produced such a result ;
but if due consideration be given to the peculiar circum*

» . V

; 3 (

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

stances in which the local authorities here stood, there
will, perhaps, appear to be but little ground for su prise
at a measure of that kind not having been adopted. The
Act in question referred to the prvspective transfer of the
Territor}'' ; hut up to this moment vjg have no official
intimation, from^ England or the Dominion of Canada,
of the fact of the transfer, or of its conditions, or of the
date at which they were to take practical effect upon the
Government of this country. In such a state of matters,
we think it is evident that any such act on the part of
the Red River authorities, as that to which you point,
would necessarily have been marked by a great degree of
vagueness and uncertainty. It was felt that it might
affect injuriously the future as well as the present
Government ; and we deemed it advisable to await the
receipt of official intelligence of the actual transfer of the
country and of all the details which it concerned us to
know. But having every reason to believe from semi-
official sources of information, that the transfer of the
Territory would soon take place, I have not failed to take
every proper opportunity of putting the matter before the
public in that light ; and, although, we have not seen the
expediency of issuing any such Proclamation as that
suggested, yet, we have been incessant in our efforts to
impress upon the leaders of these disaffected people, a just
sense of the illegality and danger of the course upon
which they had entered, and to dissuade them from the
further prosecution of their unlawful purposes."

Governor MacTavish shortly after this, thought proper
to prepare a Proclamation which we will give hereafter,

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

and, although the tenor of it is not as Mr. McDougall
appeared to desire, it seemed to satisfy that gentleman,
as we find from the following extract from a letter written
by him on the 20th November, to Hon. Joseph Howe : —

" I have not yet made any reply to the lengthy and
somewhat extraordinary communication which the repre-
sentatives of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Garry
have thought themselves called upon to address to me,
nor have I made any arrangement with a view to the
' movement ' (the propriety of Mr. McDougall's returning
to Canada) which they recommended in its concluding
paragraph. As the main object of my correspondence
with them has been accomplished, to wit, the issue of a
'Proclamation ' against the insurgents, I shall await
for a few days the effect of this proceeding before deter-
mining upon the course of action -yhich I ought to adopt
myself or recommend to others."

Mr. McDougall's " mania," at that particular period of
his life, seemed to have been " Proclamations." His
friends in Red River appeared to be also troubled with
the same complaint, for they on the one hand were
incessantly urging upon Mr. McDougall the necessity for
a " Queen's Proclamation," while he in return kept asking
for a "Hudson's Bay Company Proclamation." After
events will show that they both got their desire. Gover-
nor MacTavish, to prove that he was desirous of meeting
the wishes of Mr. McDougall, and being aware of the Con-
vention about to take place on the 16th, prepared hia
" Proclamation," which he entrusted to his secretary, Mr.
Hargrave, to have it read before the delegates from the

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

people, when they should meet together as proposed.
The " round robin " address, however, came in too late,
for the document which it desired had already been
prepared, and Governor McTavish replied by letter to the
" Friends of Canada," a fact, however, which the editor of
the " Nor'-Wester " did not see fit to make public.

During the morning of the 16th November, 1869, there
might have been seen about 150 armed men around the
Court House, adjoining Fort Garry. Those were stationed
there by order of E,iel to receive the delegates from the
people, and about noon the 24 members made their ap-
pearance ; and, as they entered the building, a feu-de-
joie was fired by the French half-breeds, and 24 guns
were fired from the walls of the Fort, there being one for
each delegate.

Notwithstanding the assurance to the contrary of Mr.
Snow and others to Mr. McDougall, each parish in the
Settlement sent a representative, as follows : — '

ENGLISH MEMBERS,

«T /.Trr- • ( Henry McKenney,

lownoj Winnipeg { ^^ -r^ r^,^

I H. F. Lone.

Kildonan James Ross.

St. John's Maurice Lowm&n.

St. Paul's Dr. Bird.

St. Andrew's Donald Gunil.

St. Clement's » Thomas Bunn.

St. Peter's......... » Henry Prince

(Indian Chief of the SaUltCux).

St. James' Robert Tait.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES. 65

Headingly William Tait.

St. Ann's Geo. Gunn.

Poiiage-la-Prairie John Garrioch.

FRENCH MEMBERS.

f Frangois Dauphinais.

St. Frangois Xavier ) Pierre Poitras.

( Pierre Lavieller.

St. Boniface W. B. O'Donohue.

. , f Andr^ Beaucheman.

! " (Pierre Paranteau, sen'r.

„ j^ , ( Louis La Serte.

'" ' 1 Baptiste Touron.

, ( Charles Nolin.

(Jean Baptiste Perrault.

John Bruce, President.
Louis Kiel, feretory.

At the openir^ of the meeting, Mr. J. J. Hargrave,
Secretary to Governor MacTavish, presented a letter (the
Proclamation) to Mr. Henry McKenney, with the request
that he should read it before the members present. The
French delegates, however, opposed the reading of the
document, while the English members insisted upon hear-
ing it. This brought about a feeling of antagonism be-
tween the two sides, which continued throughout until
the end of the Convention. A compromise, however, was
at last effected in reference to Governor MacTavish's let-
ter, and it was agreed to by all parties that it should be
read towards the close of the meeting. This being deter-
F

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

mined upon, the council of delegates proceeded to busi-
ness. There, however, seemed to be no union between
the two sides ; the English-speaking members were not
prepared to go in with those on the French side until
they knew their real intentions. On the other hand,
there appeared to be an evident desire on the part of Riel
to conceal the policy of his party from the English-speak-
ing members. In this way there seemed no chance of the
two sides agreeing, and at last the Convention adjourned
till the next day; but before doing so, Mr. McKenney
read aloud the following Proclamation from Governor
MacTavish to the Inhabitants of Red River Settlement :—

" Whereas I, William MacTavish, Governor of Assini
boia, have been informed that a meeting is to be held to-
day of persons from the different districts of the Settle-
ment for the ostensible purpose of taking into considera-
tion the present political condition of the Colony and for
suggesting such measures as may appear to be best
adapted for meeting the difficulties and dangers connected
with the existing state of public affairs : And whereas I
deem it advisable at this conjuncture to place before that
meeting, as well as before the whole body of the people,
what it appears to be necessary for me to declare in the
interests of public order and of the safety and welfare of
the Settlement—

"Therefore I notify all whom it concerns that during
the last few weeks large bodies of armed men have taken
up positions on the public high road to Pembina, and,
contrary to the remonstrances and protests of the public
authorities, have committed the following unlawful acts ;

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

First, they have forcibly obstructed the movements
of various persons travelling on the public highway in
the peaceable prosecution of thf Ir lawful business, and
have thus violated that personal liberty which is the un-
doubted right of all Her Majesty's subjects : Secondly,
they have unlawfully seized and detained on the road at
La Riviere Sale, in the Parish of St. Norbert, goods and
merchandise of various descriptions, and of very consider-
able value, belonging as well to persons coming into the
Colony as to citizens already settled here and carrying on
their business in the Settlement, thereby causing great
loss and inconvenience not only to the owners of those
goods, but, as has formally been complained of, also to
the carriers of the same and possibly involving the whole
Colony in a ruinous responsibility : Thirdly, they have
unlawfully interfered with the public mails, both outgoing
and incoming; and, by thus tampering with the estab-
lished means of communication between the Settlement
and the outside world, have shaken public confidence in
the security of the mails and given a shock to the trade
and commerce of the Colony of which the mischievous
effects cannot now be fully estimated : Fourthly, not
only without permission, but in the face of repeated re-
monstrances on the part of the Hudson's Bay Company's
officer in immediate charge of Fort Garry, they have in
numbers varying from about sixty to one hundred and
twenty, billeted themselves upon that establishment,
under the plea of protecting it from a danger which they
alleged was known by themselves to be imminent, but of
which they have never yet disclosed the particular na-

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

tiirc; they have placed armed guards at the gates < f an
establishment which, every stick and stone of it, is private
property; in spi^e of the most distinct protestations
against such a disregard of the rights of property, they
have taken pos^^es.iion of rooms within the Fnrv , . nd,
nVhruf-h ley a-r here 'is yet committed no direct act
of violence t' I'-'/ion or property, beyond what has been
enumerated, jet b ; '^heir presence in such numbers with
arms for no legitimate purpose that can be assigned, they
have created a state of excitement and alarm within ard
around the Fort which seriously interferes with the regu-
lar business of the establishment : Fifthly, a body of
armed men have entered the Hudson's Bay Company's
Post at Pembina, where certain gentlemen from Canada
with their families were peaceably living; and, under
threats of violence, have compelled them to quit the
establishment at a season of the year when the rigors of
winter were at hand and forced them to retire within
American territory ; — and, in the last place, they have
avowed it as their intention, in all those unlawful pro-
ceedings, to resist arrangements for the transfer of the
Government of this country which have been made under
the sanction of the Imperial Parliament, and thus virtu-
ally set at defiance the Royal authority. Instead of I
adopting those lawful and constitutional means which,
under the enlightened rule of Her Most Gracious Majesty I
our Queen, are sufficient for the ultimate attainment of |
every object that rests upon reason and justice, the per-
sons who have been engaged in committing those unla\vfiil I
deeds have resorted to acts which directly tend to involve

THE RED RTvER TROUBLES.

t' mselvos in consequences of tho gravest nature, and to
I. . ig upon the Colon/ and the country at large the evils
0^ anarchy rid the horrors of /ar; Therefore, in the
ji eresto of law and order, ir behalf of all the securities
you have for life ".nd property — and, in a word, for the
sake of the present and the future welfare of the Settle-
ment and its inhabitants, I again earnestly and emphati-
cally protest against each and all of these unlawful acts
and intents. I charge those engaged in them, before the'
are irretrievably and hopelessly involved, immediately tj
disperse themselves and peaceably to depart to t^i•i;:
habitations or to their lawful business, under the pttir •=;
and penalties of the law ;'and, whatever in other res' ^ects
may be the conclusions of those who meet to delibc-LUje
upon the present critical and distracted state of public
affairs, I adjure you, as citizens having the interests of
your country and your kindred at heart, to ratify and
proclaim, with all the might of your united voices, this
pubhc notice and protest, and so avert from the country
a succession of evils of which those who see the beginning
may never see the end. You are dealing with a crisis
out of which may come incalculable good or immeasurable
evil; and, with all the weight of my official authority
and all the influence of my individual position, let me
finally charge you to adopt only such means as are lawful
and constitutional, rational and safe.

" Given under my hand and seal at Fort Garry, this
sixteenth day of November, 1869.

" W. MacTavish, '

" Governor of Assinihoia."

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

A copy of the above was sent by Governor MacTavish
to the office of the "Red River Pioneer" newspaper the
same evening for publication ; but, in the morning, before
Mr. Coldwell, the proprietor, could get off his proof-sheet,
the " Nor'-Wester," having by some means* obtained an
imperfect copy of the document, brought out the sensa-
tional " Extra" to which we have already referred. That
afternoon, however, Mr. Coldwell issued the " Proclama-
tion" in perfect form, and it was distributed largely
amongst the people. We will defer our remarks on the
effect produced by the " Proclamation " until we have
dealt with some minor matters which ought not to be
overlooked.

* The means used by the " Nor'-Wester" to obtain possession of a copy
of Governor MacTavish'a Proclamation, were as follows :— Mr. Charles
Garrett, happening to be standing near when Mr. Coldwell, sen'r, ot the
"Pioneer" office, was striking off the proof-sheet, seized it and, without
warning, carried it off to the '* Nor'-Wester" printing house. The proof,
however, was imperfect, and hence the reason why the "Nor'-Wester"
Extra left out the fifth clause of the Proclamation. Sharp but not very
honest practice.

THK RED RIVER TROUBLES.

CHAPTER III.

DELIBERATIONS OP THE CONVENTION — DIVERSITY OF VIEWS BE-
TWEEN THE ENGLISH AND PEENUH DELEGATES — SCOTT FINED
FOR AN ASSAULT ON MR. SNOW — MAJOR WALLACE ACTING THB
SPY — PUBLIC MEETING, ETC.

; MONGST the trustworthy information received
by Governor McDougall, while at Pembina, we
find the following in a letter dated 17th No-
vember: —

"Late in the afternoon of yesterday, the MS. of Gov-
ernor MacTavish's Proclamation was handed in to the
Assembly, and much discussion as to the propriety of
doing so preceded its reading."

The fact is, that the document in question was handed
in by Mr. Hargrave between twelve and one o'clock, or
about half an hour after the Assembly met. Some idea,
therefore, can be formed of the reliability of Mr. McDou-
gall's information. The same letter goes on to say : —

"We have no faith in the sincerity of that Proclamation,
but believe that the pressure brought to bear upon them
HERE by the loyal party was such that they could no
longer resist, and their own conviction of the utter help-
lessness and impossibility of further resistance compelled
them to issue it as much for their own safety as for the
continuance of their authority, if any portion remains,"

I' •

THE CREATION OF M.VNITOBA.

Hon. Mr. McDougall then makes the foUowinfj rathor
remarkable statement in his letter of 2()th November to
Hon. Joseph Howe : —

" The confirmed belief of every person I have seen or
whose testimony has reached me (ivhether in the confi-
dence of the rebels — likely story — or friendly to Canada)
is, that the Hudson's Bay Company's employees, with
scarcely an exception, are either actively or tacitly
encouraging the insurrection. It was the prevalence of
this belief that determined me to force the authorities into
a public declaration of some kind that would dispel this
illusion — if such it should prove to be — or compel them to
show their hand as abettors of the insuiTection. The
'appeal' of the loyal inhabitants, who had previoiishj
opened correspondence with me, was the last screw
APPLIED, and seems to have accomplished the purpose
notwithstanding the * peculiar circumstances ' so strongly
insisted upon in the enclosed letter to show that the issue
of such a Proclamation * might affect injuriously the fu-
ture as well as the present Government.' I feel also
bound to state with reference to the ' serious occurrence '
detailed in the 10th and 11th paragraphs of Governor
MacTavish's letter that I have the positive assurance of
Major Wallace, who has just returned from Fort Garry, as
well as the statements of the ' Friends of Canada,' that
the Company's officers in charge of Fort Garry were told
of the intention of the rebels to take the Fort the day
before it occurred, and that the chief constable Mulligan,
who is an old soldier, offered to raise a force, partly com-
posed of * pensioners,' with which he declared he could

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

hold the Fort against all the rebels who would bo likely
to attack it ; but he was told by Dr. Cowan, the ofHcer in
charge, that his services were not wanted."

Now, in the above, Mr. McDougall makes two very
direct misstatements — one knowingly, and the other, it
appears, on the strength of the reliable information de-
rived by him from his friends in Red River. In the first
he says that " he forced the authorities into a public
demonstration," whereas his own letters to Governor
MacTavish show that he merely suggested and desired
the issue of a Proclamation, and immediately afterwards
he declares that in this forcing process the " appeal " of
the (round robin) loyal inhabitants was the last screw
applied. In this latter statement he plainly admits that
he was a party to the roundabout method of drawing out
the Proclamation. But as we have already shov/n the
"appeal " had nothing to do with the matter since it did
not reach Governor MacTavish until after the Proclama-
tion had been determined upon by him, and, indeed, pre-
pared with the assistance of the then legal adviser of the
Hudson's Bay Company Government.

Mr. McDougall, in his letter of 25th November to Hon.
Joseph Howe, states : —

" I have received a private note from Governor MacTav-
ish informing m^ of his having issued a Proclamation,
more, he observes, in deference to my opinion than from
any expectation of a favorable result."

This, indeed, was the fact of the case ; both Governor
MacTavish and Judge Black saw no benefit likely to
result from the course desired by Mr. McDougall, but, on

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

being importuned by him, they decided upon meeting his
wishes, and, knowing that there was to be a meeting of
delegates from all parts of the Settlement on the lOth of
the month, they deemed it best to issue it on that day,
first presenting it to the representatives of the people for
their consideration before making it public. The second
misstatement made by Mr. McDougall, through malinfor-
mation no doubt, was in regard to Constable Mulligan.
In the first place it was not till after the Fort was in
possession of the insurgents that Mulligan and Sergeant
Powers made their appearance and expressed a desire to
raise the British flag and protect it. On being asked how
they proposed accomplishing the latter part of their offer,
one of the two men answered : — " All it requires is ono
man to hoist it, and another below to protect it."

We have no desire to ridicule a sentiment like the
above. Both were old and tried soldiers of Hor Majesty,
and, undoubtedly, felt a just pride in the flag under which
they had fought and bled ; and, we have no hesitation in
saying, that it is our belief, had either of the two men
above mentioned been called upoa, they would have acted
as they spoke, and unhesitatingly sacrificed their lives in
doing so. But, at the time of tKeir offer, the Fort was in
possession of over one hundred men or more. What then
could two persons have done under those circumstances ?
Nothing ; and for that reason their services were not
accepted. The "friends of Canada" and Mr. McDougall
h.ive endeavoured to show that Mulligan, being aware of
the intentions of the insurgents to take the Fort, offered
to protect it, This was not the case, for neither Mulligan

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

nor anyone else, except the insurgents themselves, had
any idea that Rlel intended taking the Fort in the way
he did. It has i iso been ascertained that it was not until
the last moment that Kiel was able to obtain the concur-
rence of his council in the step to be t^ken. At that
time there was no desire on the part of the French to
disturb the then existing authority in the country ; their
sole purpose seemed to be the prevention of Mr. McDou-
gall from entering the Territory. Kiel, therefore, had
great difficulty in persuading the council at Riviere Sale
to agree to the occupation of Fort Garry by the men ; and
it was not until the last moment thac he succeeded in
doing so. How then could ^Mulligan have known the
day before that the Fort was about to be taken, when,
probably, Kiel himself was not sure of it. Yv^e will, how-
ever, proceed with other details, and may mention a
strange case, showing that Mr. McDougall was very apt to
misjudge those who, in reality, had a friendly feeling
towards him. In his letter of November 5th to Mr.
Howe, he says : —

"The furniture, &c., for Government House having
arrived at Pembina from St. Cloud, the person who had
undertaken to deliver it at Fort Garry called upon me to
know if he was to proceed with his freight, suggesting
that it might be stopped on the way, and, perhaps, de-
stroyed. I told him, as he had bargained to deliver it at
Fort Garry, he must complete his contract. I had reason
to believe that he was aware of the designs and move-
ments of the insurgents, and was in their confidence, if
not in their plot. He proposed to buy some of the pro-

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

perty in his charge, the stores especially, in order to save
it from destruction. I declined his proposal, with the
remark that the rebels might as well destroy the stores
as anything else ; but T would hold him responsible in the
first place for their safe delivery at Fort Garry ; and I
thought the farms and cattle of the half-breed settlers
would ultimately be found sufficient to pay any damages
they might inflict on public or private property."

It is really laughable to read the above, when it is
known that the very person referred to by Mr. McDougall
was, and continued to be, one of his staunch supporters in
the Settlement. The store proposition, was no doubt
made in good faith, and it is rather amusing to read of
Mr. McDougall consoling himself that he had not been
frightened by a friendly inhabitant into selling Govern-
ment property at a nominal price. The furniture, &;c.
was afterwards stopped at Rivi5re Sale and taken
possession of by Kiel and his men.

On the 17th November, the delegates from the several
parishes again met. Ten o'clock in the morning having
been the hour aj)poiiited for their meeting, the English-
speaking members were punctual, but it was nearly noon
when the French made their appearance. The whole
time was spent in " doing nothing ;" the only change
observable from the previous day being an apparent
better feeling on the part of the two sides towards
each other — still, no definite result was arrived at.
The French adhered to their seeming desire to conceal
their policy from the other party, and the English would
not commit themselves until they could see their way

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

clear ; in l^act, the hands of the latter were in a great mea-
sure tied, f A they had received certain instructions from
their several parishes, beyond which they could not go.
It was late in the evening when the council broke up,
and, as the 18th was the day appointed for the sitting of
the General ^ Quarterly Court, the meeting adjourned till
Monday, the 22nd instant. The general feeling amongst
the English delegates when they separated on the evening
of the I7th was, that they would be unable to come to
any agreement with the French side. Henry Prince
(Chief of the Saulteux) expressed very great dissatisfaction
at his having been prevented from speaking in the Indian
language on the previous day (IGth), and was with
difficulty prevailed upon to go to the second meeting ; he
also complained of the firing of big guns by the French,
and small arms by the guard at the door of the council
room. " When we hold a council of peace," he said, " we
go without guns in our hands." There is no doubt that
the presence of a number of armed men, standing on guard
at the door of the council room produced a feeling of sus-
picion on the part of the English delegates, and prevented
that openness in discussion so necessary at the time.
The eflfect of Governor MacTavish's Proclamation being
presented to the council, and tlie warm debate which
followed with regard to its being read at all, caused a
feeling of antagonism from the outset between the two
parties. Had no Proclamation been issued there is a
great probability that some agreement would have been
arrived at between the French and English, to treat with
the Canadian Government, either through Mr. McDougall

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

or direct ; but as it was, neither side would give way,
and the consequence was, the whole proceedings were
unsatisfactory, and productive of no good. Kiel, certainly
appears to have been anxious for the co-operation of the
English Settlement in the movement, but he did not take
the right way to secure it. Had he openly, and frankly,
declared his intentions, there is every reason to expect,
that he would have met with a response from the opposite
party — had it been seen that he was working for the
common benefit of the Settlement. There was little
interest then felt throughout regarding the incoming
Government, for it was generally felt, that the people of
tht; country had not been sufficiently acknowledged in
the matter. The great fault, however, with the Englisli
side was, that they did not seem to take any steps to
protest against the injustice ; but tacitly appeared to
concur in it, although; within their hearts, they were
dissatisfied. Kiel, before any rising took place, went
about visiting the English settlers, asking them to take
sou,ti united steps in company with the French, to protest
against the policy proposed by the Canadian Government.
There was nothing illegal nor wrong in this ; but he met
with no encouragement from the English settlers, " one
was too busy about his farm;" another thought "no good
would come out of it ; they had petitioned before and
never had been heard by the Imperial Government :" and
so on, until there is no doubt Kiel, in consequence, adopted
the different and unwise course of trying to force the
English-speaking inhabitants into his views, thereby

THE RED RtVER TROUBLES*

sowing the seeds of disunion and bad feeling which may
take years to eradicate.

The last General Quarterly Court under the Hudson's
Bay Company's Government sat on the 18th and 19th
November, 1869 — Judge Black presiding. One of the
principal cases before the bench was that of Mr. Snow,
Govern! lent Boad Superintendent, vs. his working men.

Governor MacTavish, in a letter dated 12th October,
1869, to W. G. Smith, Secretary, Hudson's Bay Company,
London, England, says : —

" I am sorry to say that Mr. Snow, the Superintendent
on the Canadian road to the Lake of the Woods, has had
a serious disturbance with the people employed on the
road, the most of whom are, however, strangers in the
Settlement The men complain bitterly of their treatment ;
but are, no doubt, in the wrong, as they used considerable
violence in dragging Mr. Snow to a creek, into wh *ch they
threatened to throw him, if he did not pay thom some
few days' wages which they claimed, but which Mr. Snow
considered not to be due them. The sum in question he
eventually paid them under protest. Mr. Snow lai- i
charge of robbery against the men, but the magistr- s
did not consider that the facts justified such a charge uid
committed the men for trial at the November Quarterly
Court for assault."

The reason given by Mr. Snow, for not having pjiid the
men their full wages, was on account of a strike they had
previously made ; and he, therefore, held that he had no
right to pay them for the time during which they refused

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

to work. On the otlier hand, the men complained that
Mr. Snow had been making money out of them in furnish-
ing their supplies ; and, therefore, that he had thereby-
taken an unfair advantage of them. At last they took
the law in their own hands, and seizing Mr. Snow they
threatened to throw him into an adjoining creek if he did
not pay them their wages. The Superintendent there-
upon, acting upon the advice of his assistant, Mr. Hamil-
ton, agreed to their demands. Immediately afterwards,
however, he had the ringleaders arrested and held for
trial. The men had a good case against Mr. Snow;
but it was badly managed through the inexperience of
their counsel (one Coombs), and the result was that two
of those against whom Snow brought liis case were fined
four pounds sterling each, and the Judge allowed them
thirty" days to pay the amounL — Combs, their counsel,
going their security. One of the two men thus fined
(Scott, who was afterwards shot) stated, as he left the
Court room, that it vras a pity they had not ducked Snow,
for then thev would have got their money's worth.

We have already referred to some of Mr. Snow's opera-
tions with the half-breeds who worked under him ; and
here we find him in trouble again with his own country-
men. Surely something must have been wrong ; and by
the way we understand that the Government price allow-
ed for labor on public roads is eighteen dollars per month
to each man. Mr. Snow paid the starving half-breeds
(although he acknowledged them to be as good workers
as ever he had under him) only fifteen dollars. What
became of the three ? query. Surely the Canadian Gov

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

erament had no hand in beating down a starving people
in the price of labour.

On the 19th November, Major Wallace was about start-
ing from the town of Winnipeg to rejoin his master at
Pembina, who had sent him " to spy out the land," when
the French seized two rifles and a shot gun from him,
saying that he was at liberty to leave the country, if he
wished ; but without arms.

Mr. McDougall, in his despatch of 5th November to
Hon. Joseph Howe, says : —

" I have entrusted to one of my party (who got into
the confidence of Stutzman, both being members of the
same secret society, and obtained a pass from him) two
communications addressed to Governor MacTavish, copies
of which I enclose herewith, marked F and G. .• xight
disagreement with this person on the journey'', whi<.'h
caused some talk in our party, had reached Stutsman's
ear, and made him the more ready to take this man into
his confidence."

Then again, on the 25th November, he writes again to
Mr. Howe : —

" I have the honor to forward a confidential report by
Major J. Wallace, of Whitby, Ontario, who was sent from
tliis place on 4th November, on a special mission to Fort
Garry, and who returned on the 22nd instant. He is the
person mentioned in my report of the 5th instant as being
in the confidence of some of the conspirators here — so far
as to obtain a " pass " from them. Major Wallace was
employed by Colonel Dennis in his surveying operations
last summer. He is a shrewd Scotchman ; has been many

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

years a resident of Canada ; and, though a little hot tem-
pered, may be regarded as a trustworthy reporter of what
he saw and heard."

Major Wallace arrived at Fort Garry in due course, and
immediately went to work ingratiating himself with all
parties ; and no doubt thought that, by a course of
scandalous abuse directed against Mr. McDougall, he would
gain the good opinion of those whose confidence he sought;
but he made a very great mistake, for although there was
not certainly any great amount of good feeling for the
would-be Governor, yet no one was prepared to acquiesce
in the foul language which Major Wallace, in his capacity
as spy, thought proper to use in connection with his
master. He sought the society of men in t^.e Settlement,
and became a guest in their houses. He received their
hospitalities ; accepted their kindnesses ; and for what
reason ? — that he might be able to pick up scraps of intelli-
gence to retail to his master at Pembina. What am envi-
abk character forsooth ! It is notorious that Major
Wallace came to the Settlement, and sought by even'
means to place Mr. McDougall in the worst position possi-
ble. He called him overbearing and proud ; vain of his
position ; and ready to assert his superiority over the
people of the country; besides other abuse unmention-
able here. He either followed this course to save himself,
at the sacrifice of his master's reputation, from detection
as an emissary of Hon. Mr. McDougall, or else he did it
under the supposition that he could by that means draw
out or lead people to speak against his master, and thus
furnish him with a budget of news which Mr. McDougall,

IS unnccoss

THE BED RIVER TROUBLES.

unfortunately for himself, seemed too ready to grasp at. It
is unnecessary to give quotations from the report prepared
by Major Wallace. It is sufficient to know that a man,
who could thus pursue such a course of deceit us he did
during his short stay in Red River, is altogether unworthy
of confidence or esteem, and any statements made by
such an individual are totally unreliable. Major Wallace
left the day after the French took his gun and rifles ; and
wo are very sure that the account of his proceedings, whilst
in the Settlement, is not s.ich as to raise him in the esti-
mation of good honest Canadians.

A guard was now kept by Riel in the town of Winni-
peg, day and night, patrolling the streets. This was done
for the ostensible purpose of guarding the property of the
towns-people, but there is no doubt that Riel had another
object in view at the same time — namely, a watch over
the Schultz, Snow, Mair & Co., party who were known to
be holding meetings and devising measures for bringing
in Mr. McDougall, in opposition to the French. A great
deal of discussion was being carried on in the streets — by
the roadside — in the stores and in the private houses —
iisid the general feeling on the English side was that the
itwdson's Bay Company, being still the Government of
ibe country, the people had no right to overthrow it.
Hi*;^ on the other hand, contended that as the Hudson's
Bay Company had sold out their right to the country
the jiJiirggiii m his eyes being a coioplete one as soon as
it was accepted on ml sides by the iioperial, Canadian,
and Hudson's Bay G^rttmnenis), they than ceased to be
the governing power of the North- West, and consequently

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

it rested with the people to look af^er their own interests
in the interim between that time and the actual transfer
of the country. This view of the matter no doubt influ-
enced the French in the course they afterwards adopted
towards the Company ; and it was this point upon which
the French and English could not agree. The latter felt
that they had not been fairly dealt by in the proposed
policy of the incoming Government, but they were not
for that reason prepared to upset the existing one — they
were rather inclined to allow the Canadian Government
to come in, and then in a constitutional manner assert
their rights and seek redress for any wrongs imposed
upon them. The French, however, believed that, were
Mr. McDougall and his party once allowed to enter and
assume the reins of Government, he would, from his
known connexion with parties in the Settlement who had
already attempted the "lording over" process, be very
likely to place those same persons in power; and the result
would be that the people of the country would then be in
their power, and the chance lost for placing the settlers in
their proper position as free thinking, free acting British
subjects. It will therefore be seen by our readers how
entirely different were the two elements of which the
Convention of delegates was composed ; and, for this reason,
the meeting on the 22nd was looked forward to with
interest by all parties. Another element, however, sought
to, and did, interfere with the council — and this was the
so-called " Friends of Canada" party. In one of their
despatches to Mr. McDougall, dated 17th November, they

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES,

say — " Can we inspire delegates in regard to what is pos-
sible ? — reply by bearer." It was well known that the
partizans of Mr. McDougall were tampering with several
of the English delegates, and it was also well known that
Dr. John Schultz was at the head and bottom of it all —
a man who had been chief amongst those who had staked
out the country in claims — who had been interested with
Snow and Mair in their unjust proceedings — who had
vaunted that half-breeds would have to fly before the
face of civilized Canadians — who had defied the laws of
the country from time to time — and who it was reported
had such influence with the Can.idian Government that
his friends would be well provided for — the same man
who hoisted or caused to be hoisted the flag which caused
so much injury to the cause of Canada — the one who, it
was said, had already been promised the Shrievalty under
the incoming Government. When it was known, there-
fore, that the party headed by this man were tampering
with the English delegates, it put the French " upon
their mettle" and made it much more difficult for the
two sides to come to any agreement.

It is curious, at this stage, to look back on an adver-
tisement that appeared in the " Nor'-Wester" (Schultz's
organ) of July 24th, 1869, as follows : —

" Notice.

" We hereby give notice that a meeting will be held at
the Court House, at Fort Garry, to consider the affairs of

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THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

the Settlement, on Thursday next, 29th inst., when we
hope all the natives will be present.

"William Dease,
"Pascal Breland,
"Joseph Genton,
"William Hallet."

And in the same paper, which contained the above
advertisement, the following significant paragraph appears
in an editorial : —

" The question is, * To whom does the unoccupied land
of the Colony belong?' " Then followed a long argument,
the substance of which was that the rightful owners were
the Indians. The next issue of the " Nor'-Wester" con-
tained, as we will show, an erroneous report of the pro-
ceedings at the meeting. We give the report as it ap-
peared in print : —

" The Public Meeting.

'* Pursuant to a notice, signed by Messrs. William Dease,
Pascal Breland, Joseph Genton, and William Hallet, and
published in the * Nor'-Wester,* a meeting of the natives
of the country was held in the Court House, on Thursday
the 29th ult. The room was filled to overflowing ; and a
large number had to be content with learning so much of
the proceedings as could be gleaned through the open
doors and windows. At about two o'clock, the gentlemen
signing the notice took seats on the Bench, being accom-
panied by Mr. Bannatyne. Mr. Dease stated that the
object of their assembling there to-day was to consider

THE UED RIVER TROUBLES.

the recent transfer of the country by the Hudson's Bay
Company to the Canadian Government, and to call in
question the right of the Company to dispose of any ter-
ritorial claims without the consent of the natives of the
country. The Company had received .£300,000 for the
country ; and they were to consider whether this belonged
to the Company or to the natives. He stated that, so far
as regards this Settlement of Red River, the Hudson's
Bay Company had bought it from Lord Selkirk, who had
power from the English Government to barter with the
Indians for it. But Lord Selkirk did not buy the Settle-
ment — he merely borrowed it for a term of years from
the Indians, paying them an annuity for it while he oc-
cupied it. Mr. Dease further contended that it was
necessary for the Company, before selling their rights, to
have the consent of the half-breeds, as they were natives
of the soil and were descended from the original posses-
sors, and had families to provide for. The half-breeds
wanted proof of the rights of the Company to sell the
country.

" Mr. Hallet, being requested to address the meeting,
stated that they had merely to consider whether the
lands belonged to the Company or to the half-breeds and
Indians. The consideration of the question he would
leave to the meeting. On suggestion of Mr. Dease, it was
agreed that Governor MacTavish should be requested to
attend the meeting in order to explain the action of the
Company. On the arrival of Mr. MacTavish, he was
asked in substance the questions contained in Mr. Dease's
speech. The Governor rei)lied that the Company had

fHE CREATION OP MANiTOfi^

received from the English Government a charter of the
country, and that the late sale embraced only the rights
contained in that charter, whatever they were. Mr.
Dease quoted from the report of the Canadian delegates
to England to the effect that the territorial rights of the
country had been disposed of The Governor stated that
it was not true ; he further stated that this Settlement
had been bought from Lord Selkirk, who had bought it
from the Indians.

" Chief Pa-bat-or-kok-or-sis was requested to explain
what he knew of this purchase by Lord Selkirk. Reply-
ing through an interpreter, he stated that the land was
not sold, but leased for a number of years. Governor
MacTavish asked him why the Company now paid him
an annual gratuity ? The Chief replied that this was for
work in procuring furs ; and that the land was only sold
for 22 years.

" An Indian stated that, when a boy, his grandfather told
him that the land was not sold but only lent to Lord
Selkirk to trade in for a period of 21 or 22 years ; and his
grandfather requested him to state this, in case of dis-
pute. Mr. Hallet mentioned that he had information to
the same effect from chiefs whom he knew in his younger
days. The Governor having retired, it was understood
that no further proceedings should take place until the
arrival of the Canadian Government."

Now, what was the real object of that meeting ? First, —
To endeavour to quash the payment of £300,000 to the
Company and place it in the pockets of the natives.
Secondly, — It was proposed at that meeting (which Dr.

The red river troubles.

Bown, the editor, saw fit to conceal) that the half-breeds
should seize upon the public funds of the Settlement and
then set up an independent government of their own to
treat with Canada or any other country. Thirdly, — It
was brought about by the very men who then, and after-
wards, staked out large tracts of country in the Settle-
ment, thinkiog that their claims would hold good by the
payment of a nominal sum to liquidate the right of the
settlers or Indians — as they termed them — to the land.
This movement was suggested and urged by the very
men who have since termed themselves the "loyal party"
of the Settlement. Mr. Wm. Dease, afterwards known as
the " loyal French half-breed," was the prime mover in
the concern, although he was prompted by others to do it.
He thought to increase his own popularity thereby, but
he unfortunately took too rash a measure to gain his
point. The people were not willing to go into the whole-
sale robbery proposed ; neither were they prepared to up-
set in such a peremptory manner the only Government
then in the country ; and Mr. Dease (a magistrate, for-
sooth) found that he had lost the confidence of his own
people, — we may say he has never since regained it
completely. We mention the above as a curious incident
in connexion with the troubles which afterwards followed.
The "Nor'- Wester" endeavoured, by that meeting, to
show to the world that the people of the country were
then agitated by the land question against the Hudson's
Bay Company ; but the people gave the lie to it by not
countenancing the meeting at all. Pascal Breland, one of
the finest French half-breeds in the country—an old man

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

of known integrity — declared that he had never given his
signature to the notice that appeared in the " Nor'-
Wester." The fact was that the fears of the people were
raised entirely by the large tracts of land claimed by Dr.
John Schultz and others, many of whom were entire
strangers in the country ; and it was feared that the
natives in that way were not going to have fair play in
the future. We will now, however, proceed with the
subject with which we have to deal more directly at
present.

A petition was handed round for signature by Dr.
Bown, on the morning of the 22nd, the principal object
of which was the upsetting of Mr. H. McKenney* and
H. F. O'Lone, as delegates for the town of Winnipeg.
On its being presented to Mr. A. G. B. Bannatyne, he
refused to sign it, and afterwards wrote the following
letter which he sent to the council of delegates, to be
read aloud before them. It was, however, suppressed at
the council, and as it has some bearing on [the questions
involved at the time, we give it below : —

" A petition, written apparently by Dr. Schultz, signed
principally by a number of strangers, and others, in the
Settlement, and headed by James Stewart, has just been
brought me by Dr. Bown, with a request I should sign
it. I have refused to sign this document, because those
engaged in getting it up have been, to a very great extent,
the cause of all our present troubles. The course they
have adopted, in their relations with the Canadian

Dr. Schultz'a half-brother with whom he was not on good terms.

THE RED mVER TROUBLES.

Government and its officials, is well known to all here ;
and tlieir connection with the latter has not been fruitful
of good to the country. The petition has been written
by one who has broken our laws ; headed by one who has
broken our laws ; and handed me by one who has broken
our laws. I could not consent to mix myself with such
people, and have on these grounds refused to sign it.
Keports have of late been industriously circulated, reflect-
ing both on my private and public character as Post-
master. It has been said I have tissisted to raise the
French half-breeds to resist Mr McDougall, and assisted,
by providing provisions and otherwise, to maintain the
prevailing excitement among them. The'truth of these
slanderous rumours I totally deny. I coincide with the
party of action, so far as they endeavour to obtain their
and our rights ; — that I ever advised or encouraged them
in any way to take up arms or to perform any illegal
act, is false, and the man who utters such statements is
false too. With regard to my character as Postmaster,
the statements made against me are groundless, and any
man who professes to have proof to the contrary should
now come forward and produce it. I can solemnly swear
that no letters have been tampered with, so far as my
Post Office is concerned ; and, although the mail bags were
detained a couple of times, for an hour or two, no man's
letters were tampered with. My earnest wish is, that
the Canadian Government should be established as early
as possible ; only let us have our elective and other
acknowledged rights. I have tried for this from the first,
and will continue to do so. My own desire is that the

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

French portion of the Settlement should now speak out
their minds, on what they deem justly due them, in the
new order of government. This once obtained by the
Settlement generally, and found to be what every free
people has a right to expect, my belief is, that those who
have, as it were, fought our battles (although, perhaps, in
a different way than we have done) will have the thanks,
hereafter, of the people in the Settlement and their
posterity ; and that their wishes will be the wishes of the
rest of the Settlement ; and that all will combine in
demanding our rights — the unassailable rights of a free
people, worthy of having a thorough and complete voice
in the management of their own affairs.

" A. G. B. Bannatyne.

"Winnipeg, November 22nd, 1869."

Another petition followed, said to have been started by
D. A. Grant, on Col Dennis' staff, to the effect that the
signers were willing to arrange matters, and conciliate all
parties as much as possible, and recommended the French
to lay down their arms. Neither of those petitions were
read ; but the fact of their being handed in to the Conven-
tion had an injurious effect, for it was not the time for
outsiders, mostly strangers in the country, to interfere
with matters which they only looked upon from a one-
sided point of view.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

CHAPTER IV.

ARREST, BY THE INSURGENTS, OF THE GOVERNOR AND OFFICIALS

OF THE Hudson's bay company — confiscation of the custom

HOUSE papers and EFFECTS — SEIZURE OF GOVERNMENT STORES
—BILL OF RIGHTS — QUEBN'S PROCLAMATION.

jN the 22nd November the council of delegates
again sat ; and, after debating nearly all day
on the advantages and disadvantages of a
connexion with Canada, nothing definite was arrived at.
Towards the end of the meeting, Mr. Thos. Bunn arose
and said that the three days which they had spent
together had been productive of no good, so far as he
could see. The two sides of the Convention were then as
far apart as they had been at the commencement of their
sittings. He proposed that the French should lay down
their arms; and that then both sections of the Settlement
would be on an equal footing to discuss the political state
of the country. He also spoke in favour of allowing Mr.
McDougall to enter the Territory, so that the settlers
could then place their grievances before the new Governor
personally and seek redress.

Rial, upon this, arose and excitedly declared for his own
part, and on behalf of the French people, that Mr. Mc-
Dougall would never enter into the Settlement, either as
a private individual or as Governor of the country.

This broke up the council for that day. It was agreed,

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

however, to meet again on the morrow. The effect of
the day's proceedings was to cause a wider breacli tlmn
ever between the French and English ; and very little hope
now existed of their being able to come to an agi'eemont.
The French up to this time had not declared their policy ;
and the English were consequently pretty much in the
dark as to their intentions.

Col. Stutzman, of Pembina, who (although an American
citizen living in the United States) took an active part
in advising and otherwise aiding the insurgents, arrived
from Pembina on the 22nd ; and, during the most of the
day, remained in deep consultation with the leaders on
the French side, when they were not in attendance at the
council. This man having no stake in the country, and
not being allied in any way with the natives of Red River
Settlement, took upon himself the task of ** adviser" to
the French in arms ; and there is no doubt that he did
much harm by his culpable and unwise counsel. It was
he who concocted the following address on behalf of the
Indians around Pembina, which he wished them to pre-
sent to Mr. McDougall on his arrival at the International
line. The Indians, however, concluded not to take Mr.
Stutzman's advice, and consequently the document we
give below was never made use of : —

" English Territory, near Pembina,
" Sept. 26th, 1869.

" His Excellency, Governor McDougall.

" Sir, — The undersigned, representing the Chippewa
Indians, who own and occupy a large portion of the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

country known as tho Hudson's Bay Company's Territory
or Rupert's Land, take tho liberty to inform your Excel-
lency that we have been delegated to meet your Excel-
lency; to remain for a few days at or near the fort of tho
Hudson's Bay Company (near Pembina), in order to afford
our people the opportunity to meet your Excellency in
general council ; that we may learn from your Excellency
the intention of the Government you represent respecting
our people and lands. We have heard that the said
Government has purchased certain interests of the Hud-
son's Bay Company ; but we have never been informed
what interests — said interests could not have been lands,
for the simple reason that said Company (according to
the statement of old men) obtained only a right to occupy
for a limited time a certain district of country. White
men, said to be sent from the Government you represent,
have commenced to divide our territory into small lots
for the purpose, as we have been informed, of selling them
to white people ; — and all this is being done without con-
sulting us — without any treaty stipulations — and as
though these lands belong to your Government ; hence do
we insist upon a general council and a full and satisfac-
tory understanding before your Excellency, in the name
of your Government, assumes possession of the Territory.
Our people greatly prefer to maintain friendly relations
to your Excellency and the Government you represent ;
and we well know that this can only be done by a
thorough and amicable adjustment of our respective
rights by a written treaty. We know that we have
rights, and we are united as one man in the determination

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

to defend them at all hazards ; and for the sake of our
people, as well as for the best interests of your Excellency
and the Government you represent, wo trust that our
rights will be fully respected ; anc? that we may be able
to extend to you the right hand of friendship. On our
own behalf, as well as the people we represent, we beg
that your Excellency will accept our kindest regards.

"Pie-Wasch.

" Cha-Wa-We-Ash."

On the morning of the 23d November, news was
brought to the town of Winnipeg by the son* of Rev.
Geo. Young, who had escaped over the walls of Fort
GaiTy, that Governor MacTavish, Dr. Cowan, and all the
other Hudson's Bay Company's officers were taken prison-
ers by orders of Kiel, and that the Fort was in full pos-
session of the insurgents. It was also stated that the
books and records of the Colony of Assiniboia had been
seized, under threats of violence, from J. H. MficTavish,
the accountant. This unexpected turn in affairs, greatly
exaggerated as it was at the time, made people feel very
uneasy. The English delegates were at first undecided
whether to keep their appointment with the French,
fearing lest an attempt might be made on their personal
liberty and thus jeopardize the peace of the whole Settle-
ment. They, however, decided upon attending the
council as if nothing unusual had happened ; and, between
ten and eleven o'clock in the morning, they met the
French at the Court House for the fourth time.

Employed at the time by the Hudson's Bay Company as a clerk.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

The proceedings resulted in the French membera de-
claring their intentions to form a Provisional Government
for the purpose of treating with Canada for the future
government of the country, and at the same time they
asked their English brethren to join them. As the Eng-
lish delegates were not prepared to act in this emergency
without first consulting the peo})le whom they repre-
sented, it v/as decided that the Convention should bo
adjourned till Wednesday, the 1st December.

Riel and his followers, up to this time, had professed to
respect the Hudson's Bay Company as a governing power;
and had also, with the exception of what we have already
described, refrained from any very serious act of trespass
on public or private property. They now, however, un-
dertook to overthrow the existing Government at one
sweep; and, in seizing the books and records of the
Colony, were interfering with the rights and privileges of
the rest of the Settlement. It had been customary to
keep a register of all lands sold by the Hudson's Bay
Company to settlers, and all transfers of the same from
one individual to another. This register was then in the
hands of the French ; and, had it been destroyed, the
title deeds to over one-half of the farms in the Settlement
would have been lost. This, then, was considered by the
English as a very serious trespass on the part of the
French, and assisted in fanning the flame of bad feeling
which was rapidly springing up between the two sections
of the Colony. Riel took a very strange way to effect a
union with the English — one which rather tended to
separate than unite — and the closing of the gates of Fort
H

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

Garry to all ingoers or outcomers made matters still
worse. The English delegates, before the end of the
fourth day, had decided upon not pressing the question
as to the propriety of allowing Mr. McDougall to enter
the Settlement; but they went back to their several
parishes, very much dissatisfied with the proceedings of
the Convention, as far as they had gone ; and, at the same
time, they were quite opposed to the formation of any
Government in the place of the Hudson's Bay Company
until arrangements had been made with Canada.

On the 24th, Kiel sent a guard to the house of Mr.
Rodger Goulait, the Collector of Customs under the Hud-
son's Bay Company's rule, and demanded all the papers,
cash and due bills connected with the department under
his care. These Mr. Goulait was obliged to deliver up ;
and, when we explain that it had been customary to ac-
cept notes from merchants for the amount of their duties
when it was not at times convenient for them to pay the
cash, it wUl be seen that the act of seizing those notes,
along with the other papers, looked very much as if the
French were going to take the law in their own hands,
whether the English liked it or not. Riel, all through
the troubles, went step by step, and this was only a pre-
lude to what was to follow ; but therein lay the great
mistake of the leaders on the French side. While doing
their utmost to induce the English settlers to join them,
they at the same time committed acts that drove them
farther apart.

On the 24th November the last issue of the " Nor-
Wester," in an entirely new form, appeared — (it only

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

wore its new dress once, for it was shortly afterwards
suppressed by the French) — and thought proper to find
fault with the Proclamation of Governor MacTavish, say-
ing that many things had been left out which ought to
have been there ; and furthermore stated that the omis-
sions complained of had been willingly made. It pitched
into the Toronto " Globe" as having been one of the direct
causes of the trouble in Red River ; whereas it ought to
have looked into the private office of its own editor. It
also took upon itself to speak (apparently without any
authority) of the intentions of the incoming Government;
and altogether, as usual, made a mess of matters — ^but it
was the last dying gasp of the little sheet which had sown
so much trouble and disunion amongst the people of the
North- West, for it never appeared again in public. It
was reported, on the 24th, that Riel had seized or
attempted to seize the Canadian Government puvisions
in the warehouse of Dr. Schultz ; and, on the strength of
that, emissaries were sent down the Settlement by the
" Friends of Canada" to raise the people to defend those
stores. It was said in St. Andrew's parish, by some of
those emissaries, that a large number of men were waiting
in Kildonan (when such was not the case) to join in the
movement, but the English settlers saw through the trick
in time and did not answer to the " call." The pork
question, however, was made to answer a purpose, which
eventually caused a great deal of misery to the whole
Settlement.

The following is the statement of Mr. D. A. Grant,
in a letter to Mr. McDougall, which plainly shows that

100

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

a mountain had been made out of a mole-hill, to serve a
purpose :—

" To-day, about 4 p. m., we got information that the
Government stores in Dr. Schultz's were being seized.
Captain Boulton, Mr. Codd and self, proceeded imme-
diately to ascertain the truth of the matter. We found
Kiel and an armed guard coming out of the back store
with Dr. Schultz. I went up and asked what particular
business was going on ? The Doctor said, ' Mr. Riel is
taking an inventory of the stores.' I replied, looking at
Riel, * They are the Queen's property.' He turned about
and stamped, exclaiming angrily, ' the devil's property,'
moving away at the same time. On enquiring about the
matter, the Doctor told us that his carts had been stopped
at the Fort and he went down to see about them. Saw
Riel, who said that it was * merely a matter of form,' but
he wished to know * if the duties had been paid,' and
' there were no arms in the cases.' The Doctor answered
* No, there were no arms.' Riel, however, accompanied
the Doctor to his store, for the purpose of examining
them. On entering the store Riel said, ' Are these all your
goods V Doctor replied ' No, Government property.' Riel
then said ' By-the-by, that reminds me I may as well
take an inventory of them, in case any parties should
remove any portion and it would be laid to us.' In the
meantime an armed guard of four men had come up (as
Dr. S. says, ' a sly mode of getting access to the store ').
Riel put two of them in charge and went off intending to
return."

The letter then goes on to show how Riel did not take

an mven

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

101

an inventory on being resisted by Dr. Schultz, and after
stating a proposition to remove the stores, Grant says : —

" If we meet opposition we will defend the stores, and
remove them against all comers. This will have the
effect, perhaps, of precipitating matters." A postscript
is added as follows : —

" P. S. — It is understood that, if we act in this matter,
we act upon our own responsibility. Not wishing to
compromise authority, we only desire to have advice."
The advice of Mr. McDougall was to refrain from bringing
on a collision with or between the settlers. Riel did go
to the store of Dr. Schultz with the view of taking an
inventory of the Government provisions ; for as he said,
" We (the French) being the party in arms, it will be said,
should anything happen to those provisions, or should
any of them be removed, that we, or some of us, did it.
1 wish to know what is in the store, and then I will be
able to answer for my men." Mr. Grant, however, plainly
shows that this step on the part of Riel was construed by
Dr. Schultz and his party into another meaning altogeth-
er, so that matters might be precipitated and a row ensue.
In fact, the Proclamation ])lan not having answered their
purpose, Mr. McDougall and his friends seemed to have
turned their attention altogether towards getting up a
row, as they called it. Mr. McDougall, in his despatch to
Hon. Joseph Howe, on 29th November, says (speaking of
the provisions) : —

" They cannot eat them up at once, and if the measures
I have taken to organize an armed force to seize Riel and
his colleagues and disperse the rank and. file of his

102

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

followers should prove successful, the provisions will soon
again be in our possession." We w^ll, however, leave the
provision question for a time as we will have occasion to
turn our attention to it again. Still, we cannot help
saying, that it was made use. of by the "Friends of
Canada," to effect their purposes, and there is no doubt,
that in it lay the commencement of many of the serious
consequences that afterwards followed.

About this time an effort was made i induce the
French to consent to a medium course, which it was
considered ought to satisfy all parties. It was this : —

First, that the Hudson's Bay Company should continue
on in its government of the country, until the settlers
came to some arrangements with Canada : Secondly, that
a committee should then be formed of members chosen
from amongst the people, to treat with Mr. McDougall on
behalf of the Canadian Government, or with the Dominion
direct. It was thought that this plan would answer all
the purposes and allay the ill feeling existing amongst
the settlers. The proposition was first made to the
French party, and on its being favorably entertained by
them, messengers were sent to the English parishes to
sound them on the subject ; and it was found that they
heartily concurred in the idea. Matters looked very
promising at that time towards a settlement of the diffi-
culties, and great hopes were entertained that the country
would be saved any further serious trouble. The English
settlers had made up their minds not to send representa-
tives to the Convention appointed for the 1st December ;
but, on the foregoing plan being placed before them, they

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

103

agreed, once more, to send delegates to see what could be
done in the matter. About this time, it was observed
that Dr. Schultz was removing a large quantity of goods
from his store to different parts of the Settlement — some
towards Portage LaPrairie and others in the direction of
the Stone Fort, or Lower Fort Garry. A good deal of
speculation was rife amongst the neighbours as to the
meaning of this move on the Doctor's part ; but after
occurrences told the tale, and showed plainly that he and
his party had it in view to make his store (or as it was
afterwards misnamed Fort Schultz) a stand-point against
the French.

Dame rumour now began to use her power, and it
must be said that she added greatly to the complications
of the time. Reports began to fly about in all quarters
and on all subjects ; and it was greatly owing to this that
the excitement was kept up to such an extent as it was.
One of those injurious reports, circulated about this time,
was to the effect that the Canadians in Winnipeg were
going to make a dash upon Fort Garry, and take it out
of the hands of the French. There was no foundation
for this rumour ; but the consequence of its being afloat
caused the French to be more on the alert, and to have
suspicions of those who had not joined them, and tended
to widen the breach then existing between the two sides
of the Settlement.

That our readers may have some idea of the state of
feeling around Fort Garry, we may here give a short
description of a couple of meetings that took place, about
this time, in the town of Winnipeg. On the evening of

' ^ •!

104

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

26th November, a meeting was held in the engine house,
town of Winnipeg, for the purpose of hearing the reports
of the delegates, and, also, to determine on the future
action of the citizens, in reference to the then political
state of the country. The meeting was packed by Dr-
Schultz, with a number of men mostly hailing from
Canada, very few of whom had any stake, whatever, in
the country ; a portion of them having been working on
the Lake of the Woods road, under Snow. The
object of the Doctor seemed to be to break up the meeting ;
and, as there were a large number opposed to him (both
sides being armed with revolvers), it looked very much as
if the meeting would end in a free fight. Riel, towards
the middle of the meeting, made his appearance and spoke
for some time to those present. He said, that the idea of
having a provisional government was, because the
Hudson's Bay Company's rule was too weak, and, perhaps,
biassed as matters stood; that the movement was altogether
a French one, and that they merely invited the English
side to join them. They did not intend to attempt
coercing anyone into their views, neither was it their
intention to interfere with any person's rights in the
Settlement. This was the substance of his speech.

Soon afterwards he left, and other speakers took his
place, but nothing definite was arrived at, as it seemed
quite evident that Dr. Schultz and his party were deter-
mined to break up the meeting. The opposite side, there-
fore, on the excuse that the chairman of the meeting, Mr.
Bannatjme, had been insulted, ran in the engine, and thus
dispersed the members in every direction. The next day

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

105

invitations, as follows, were sent to all the householders
in the town ; and this plan was adopted, so that parties
having no stake in the town might be excluded. The
following is a copy of the notice : —

" Sir, — You are respectfully requested to attend a meet-
ing of householders of the town of Winnipeg, to decide
the question before the meeting of last evening as to who
are to be considered as entitled to vote. The meeting
will be held at Geo. Emerling's Hotel, at 3 o'clock p. m.

. "A. G. B. Bannatyne,

" Chairman.
"Town of Winnipeg, Nov. 27, 1869."

At the second meeting, Dr. Schultz had not the same
chance to interfere, although he tried hard to carry a
motion to the effect that a three weeks' resident might
have the right to vote. This was lost, and the following
motion carried : —

" That all householders, property owners, and seven
months' residents, be allowed the right to vote."

About this time, it was rumored that the Queen's Pro-
clamation had arrived, and some said it was in the hands
of Governor MacTavish ; but this was not generally
believed. On the 30th November, it was found that the
French would not agree to the proposition to allow the
Hudson's Bay Government to remain in power, and form
a committee of members from the people to treat with
Canada. The gentlemen, therefore, who had interested
themselves amongst the English settlers in the matter,
were placed in a very awkward position, especially as

■(,«

106

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

they had been instrumental in bringing the English dele-
gates together to meet the French on the subject. On
the 1st December, therefore, when a number of the Eng-
lish delegates were assembled together, it was intimated
to them that their trip to Fort Garry was likely to turn
out a useless one, as the French would not agree to the
proposition which they (the English) had come prepared
to agree to. And now, during all this time, what was Mr.
McDougall doing at Pembina ? An extract from a letter,
dated 29th November, from him to Hon. Joseph Howe,
gives some light upon the subject : —

" Sir, — I have the honour to report that I am still at
Pembina, in the territory of the United States (Messrs.
Richards, Provencher and Begg, being with me), and un-
able, in consequence of the continued occupation of the
road by armed men, to proceed to Fort Garry. I have
further to report that I have not received any instructions
for my guidance on and after the day of the transfer of
the Territory to Canada, nor any notice of the Order in
Council, which has no doubt been passed to effect it. In
these circumstances, I am compelled to act upon the
general powers and directions of my commission, and of
the Acts of Parliament, Canadian and Imperial, which
seem to bear upon the case. / have accordingly prepared
a Proclatnatioriy to be issued on the first day of December,
reciting so much of the several Acts of Parliament as
seemed necessary to disclose the requisite authority ; and
stating, by way of recital, the fact of surrender by the
Hudson's Bay Company, acceptance by Her Majesty ami

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

107

Transfer to Canada from and after the 1st December,
A.D. 1869. These facts / gather from the newspapers;
from a private letter to me of the Deputy-Governor of
the Company ; and my own knowledge, before I left Ot-
tawa, that the 1st of December had been agreed upon as
the date of the transfer. In the present state of affairs
in the Settlement, it is of the utmost importance to
announce the transfer of authority in the most authentic
and solemn manner possible, in order to give confidence
and the protection of legality to the acts of the loyal and
well-disposed, and to put the malcontents and their
American advisers and sympathisers publicly and techni-
cally in the wrong," &c., &c.

In strange contrast with the above action, on the part
of Mr. McDougall, we find the following extract from
his letter of instructions, dated 28th Sept., 1869 : —

" Sir, — As you have been appointed Lieutenant-Gover-
nor of the North-West territories, in anticipation of the
formal transfer of those territories by Her Majesty to the
Dominion of Canada, and as it is expected that such
transfer w'Xl he made within the course of the next two or
three months, I have the honour, by command of His
Excellency the Governor-General, to inform you that it
is desirable that no time should be lost in making the
necessary preliminary arrangements for the organization
of the government of the temtories.

" 2. With this view, I am to instruct you (at Mr. Mc-
Dougall's own request) to proceed with all convenient
speed to Fort Garry, in order that you may effectually

1 .«

* !

108

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

superintend the carrying out of the preliminary arrange-
ments indicated in the preceding paragraph, atic? he ready
to assume the government of the territories ON their

ACTUAL TRANSB'ER TO CANADA."

Mr. McDougall seems to have been once more seized
with his mania for Proclamations, as we read the follow-
ing in his next letter, of 2nd December, to Mr. Howe :—

" I enclose (paper B) copy of a second Proclamation,
which I deemed it my duty to issue."

At the same time he appears to have had doubts, re-
garding the propriety of the course he was pursuing, for
he adds : —

" I hope I am right in using the name of Her Majesty
as prominently as I have done."

The English delegates, being assembled together, were
discussing the change in the feelings of the French, in
having refused to agree to the plan of allowing the Hud-
son's Bay Company to remain in power, when word was
brought in that Col. Dennis had arrived from Pembina,
at the Stone Fort, with the Queen's Proclamation in his
pocket, and that it would be issued during the course of
that day. Mr. Robert Tait (one of the delegates) soon
after came in and gave the startling, but at the same time
welcome, information that he had in his possession a copy
of the important document, which had been entrusted to
him to be made public at the first opportunity. Here, then,
seemed a solution at last of all their difficulties — no one
present, with the exception of Mr. McKenney, doubting
the genuineness of the document. The French council

THE RED riveh troubles.

109

being then in session, it was resolved that some one
should be sent to place the said copy of the Proclamation
before them; and Mr. Bannatyne was selected as the
proper person to do this. Tliat gentleman, therefore,
proceeded alone to Fort Garry, having the Proclamation
with him ; and, when he reached the council chamber of
the French, he at once made known his mission and ear-
nestly entreated them to consider well before taking any
further steps in the movement which they had under-
taken. The greater part of the French council seemed
inclined to regard the Proclamation favourably ; and Mr.
Bannatyne thought that, if the English delegates were to
meet them, the whole aflfair could be arranged satisfac-
torily and an end put to the troubled state of the country.
He therefore addressed the following note to the English
delegates, who had remained behind in the town of Win-
nipeg to await the effect produced on their French
brethren by the Proclamation. The note read as follows : —

" To Dr. Bird, Mr. Bunn, Messrs. W. & R. Tait, Mr.

Gunn, and all the English delegates. I have shown the

Proclamation to all the French delegates who are here

now; they will be glad if you come up ; all are quiet and

pleased, and I believe much good can be done by coming

here at once.

" Yours sincerely,

"A. G. B. Bannatyne."

The English delegates, in accordance with the above
note, immediately proceeded to Fort Garry, where they
remained in council with the French until 4 p.m. The

110

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

latter then asked to be allowed to deliberate among.st
themselves for a couple of hours — so the meeting ad-
journed till 6 o'clock. In the meantime, huge copies of
the Proclamation in English and French had been written
out by the clerks in Col. Dennis' office ; and these, being
certified to by D. A. Grant, were posted up on the several
store doors in the town — Dr. Schultz' doors being literally
covered with them. It certainly did not reflect much
credit upon those who wrote these copies, for more miser-
able daubs could hardly have been produced.

At 6 o'clock, p.m., the French and English delegates
again met according to appointment, when the former
presented the following Bill of Rights, v;hich, after being
discussed by both sides, was finally agreed to on nearly
every point by all parties present. There was, of course,
some difference of opinion in regard to one or two of the
clauses ; but, on the whole, there was only one part of the
Bill which met with any decided opposition from the
English side. The following is a copy of the Bill of
Rights as it was then presented to the council of dele-
gates : —

" 1st. The right to elect our own Legislature.

" 2. The Legislature to have power to pass all laws,
local to the Territory, over the veto of the Executive, by
a two-thirds vote.

" 3. No Act of the Dominion Parliament (local to this
Territory) to be binding on the people until sanctioned by
their representatives.

" 4. All sheriffs, magistrates, constables, &c., &c., to be
elected by the people — a free homestead pre-emption law.

THE RED niVER TROUBLES.

Ill

" 6. A portion of the public lantJH to be appropriated
to the benefit of Hchools, the building of roads, bridges,
and parish buildings.

" 6. A guarantee to connect Winnipeg by rail with the
nearest line of railroad — the land grant for such road or
roads to be subject to the Legislature of th(^ Territory.

" 7. For 4 years the public expenses of the Territory,
civil, military and municipal, to be paid out of the
Dominion Treasury.

" 8. The military to bo composed of the people now
existing in the Territory.

" 9. The French and English language to be common
in the Legislature and Council, and all public documents
and Acts of Legislature to be published in both languages.

" 10. That the Judge of the Superior Court speak
French and English.

"11. Treaties to be concluded and ratified between the
Government and several tribes of Indians of this Territory,
calculated to insure peace in the future.

" 12. That all privileges, customs and usages existing
at the time of the transfer, be respected.

" 13. That these rights be guaranteed by Mr. McDougall
before he be admitted into this Territory.

" 14. If he have not the power himself to grant them,
he must get an Act of Parliament passed expressly
securing us these rights ; and, until such Act be obtained,
he must stay outside the Territory.

" 15. That we have a full and fair representation in the
Dominion Parliament."

It was then proposed sending delegates from the coun-

112

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

•■■I

cil, consisting of two from the French side and two from
the English, to confer with Mr. McDougall at Pembina.
Kiel, however, arose and said that the rights demanded
had to be secured to the people of the country by an Act
of Parliament; and that until Mr. McDougall could
show such an Act, he would not be permitted to enter
the Territory ; and, furthermore, that no verbal or written
promise, that the said Act would be granted thereafter,
be accepted from him. This at once put an end to the
idea of sending the delegates, for the English said it
would be a useless mission on the terms proposed by Kiel
— Mr. McDougall having no power to produce an Act of
Parliament [Note by author — although he had concocted
a Queen's Proclamation] at a moment's notice ; nor could
he give any guarantee that such an Act would be passed
at all. The meeting then broke up, and thus ended the
1st Convention. The English delegates afterwards met
together and discussed at length the propriety of sending
delegates to confer with Mr. McDougall; but they finally
agreed that there would be no use in doing feo, and sepa-
rated to go to their several homes, feeling that their time
had been so far spent uselessly, and impressed with a
keen sense of the difficulties before the settlers of Red
River generally. It was currently believed that Stutz-
man, from Pembina, had a gi-eat deal to do with framing
the foregoing Bill of Rights ; and the fact of there being
Americanisms in its composition plainly shows that par-
ties having predilections in favour of Uncle Sam had at
least something to do with it. Until this time, however,
the Americans in the Settlement, with the exception of

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

113

one or two, had not come out openly in the movement,
although it was well known that Stutzman was interest-
ing himself greatly behind the scenes. It will also be
observed that there was no word as yet on the part of
the French with regard to a land grant to the natives of
the country ; but there is every reason to suppose that
it was being held as a point in reserve for a future day.
When Mr. Bannatyne went down to the French council,
at the request of the English delegates, with the Procla-
mation, the most of the members then sitting were in-
clined to receive and respect it as coming from and with
the sanction of Her Majesty ; but Riel, from the first,
doubted its genuineness. If, however, it is the Queen's
Proclamation, he said to his French associates, I would
advise you to be careful how you act ; at the same time
we have rights which, even allowing that the transfer of
authority to Canada has been accomplished, we are in
duty bound to try for. We will now give a copy of the
document, prepared by Mr. McDougall and hoisted upon
the settlers as a veritable Queen's Proclamation, but
which, as we have already shown by his own letter, was
nothing more nor less than a creation of his own brain : —

" William McDougall.

L. S. 1 " Victoria, by the Grace of God,

"The North West > of the United Kingdom of Great
Territories. ) Britain and Ireland, Queen, De-
fender of the Faith, &c., «Sz;c., «Sz;c.

" To all to ivhom these presents shall come,

Greeting :
I

114

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

" PROCLAMATION.

" Whereas by the ' British North America Act, 1867,'
it was (amongst other things) enacted, that it should be
lawful for Her Majesty, by and with the advice of Her
Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, on address
from the Houses of Parliament of Canada, to admit
Rupert's Land and the North Western Territory, or either
of them, into the Union or Dominion of Canada, on such
terms and conditions as are in the address expressed,
and as Her Majesty thinks fit to approve : And
whereas for the purpose of carrying into eftect the
said provisions of ' The British North America Act,
1867,' 'The Rupert's Land Act, 1868,' enacted and
declared, that it should be competent for ' the Governor
and Company of Adventurers of England, trading into
Hudson's Bay,' to surrender to ' Her Majesty and for Her
Majesty, by any instrument under Her sign manual and
signet, to accept a surrender of all or any of the lands,
territories, powers, and authorities whatsoever granted,
or purported to be granted, by certain Letters Patent of
His late Majesty King Charles the Second, to the said
Governor and Company within Rupert's Land, upon such
terms and conditions as should be agi'eed upon by and
between Her Majesty and the said Governor and Com-
pany': Aiid whereas by the 'Rupert's Land Act, 1868,' it is
further enacted that, from the date of the admission of
Rupert's Land into the Dominion of Canada as aforesaid,
it shall be lawful for the Parliament of Canada to make,
ordain, and establish, within the Land and Territory so
admitted as aforesaid, all such laws, institutions and

ordinan<
may be :
ment oi
And wh
that, unt
Canada,
several <
Land ar
magistral
limits, si:
And wh(
surrender
a surrend
liberties,
purportec
certain te
Her Maj(
And whe
of Her Mf
an Addres
Canada, ii
section of
declared i
Tenitory ;
year of Oi
nine, be ac
of Canada,
the said 1
♦ind Kupei
tory are a
part of t]

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

115

ordinances, and to constitute such courts and officers as
may be necessary for the peace, order, and good govern-
ment of her Majesty's subjects and others therein:
And whereas it is further provided by the said Act,
that, until otherwise enacted by the said Parliament of
Canada, all the powers, authorities and jurisdiction of the
several courts of justice now established in Rupert's
Land and of the several officers thereof, and of all
magistrates and justices now acting within the said
limits, shall continue in full force and effect therein:
And whereas the said Governor and Company have
surrendered to Her Majesty and Her Majesty has accepted
a surrender of all the lands, territories, rights, privileges,
liberties, franchises, powers and authorities granted, or
purported to be granted, l)y the said letters patent, upon
certain terms and conditions agi'eed upon by and between
Her Majesty and the said Governor and Company :
And whereas Her Majesty, by and with the advice
of Her Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, and on
an Address from both the Houses of the Parliament of
Canada, in pursuance of the one hundred and forty-sixth
section of * The British North America Act, 1867,' hath
declared that Rupert's Land and the North Western
Tenitory shall, from the first day of December in the
year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-
nine, be admitted into and become part of the Dominion
of Canada, upon the terms and conditions expressed in
the said Address of which Her Majesty has approved,
and Rupert's Land and the said North- Western Terri-
tory are admitted into the TTnion, and have become
part of the Dominion of Canada accordingly : And

116

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

whereas the Parliament of Canada, by an Act en-
titled *An Act for the Temporary Government of
Rupert's Land and the North Western Territory when
united with Canada/ enacted that it should be lawful
for the Governor by any order or orders to be by him
from time to time made with the advice of the Privy
Council, (and subject to such conditions and restrictions
as to him should seem meet) to authorize and empower
such officer as he may from time to time appoint as
Lieutenant Governor of the North West Territories, to
make provision for the administration of justice therein,
and generally to make, ordain, and establish, all such
laws, and institutions, and ordinances, as may be neces-
sary for the peace, order, and good government of Her
Majesty's subjects and others therein:

"Now KNOW YE, that WE have seen fit by Our
Royal Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-
ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, to appoint
the Honourable William McDougall, of the City
of Ottawa, in the Province of Ontario, in our Do-
minion of Canada, and member of our Privy Council
for Canada, and Companion of Our most Honourable
Order of the Bath, on, from, and after the day to be named
by us for the admission of Rupert's Land and the North
Western Territory aforesaid, into the Union or Dominion
of Canada, to wit : on, from, and after the first day of
December, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and sixty-nine, to be, during our pleasure, the
Lieutenant Governor of the North West Territories ;
And we did thereby authorize, and empower, and

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

117

require, and command him in due manner to do and to
execute in all things that shall belong to his said com-
mand and the truth we have reposed in him, according
to the several provisions and instructions granted or
appointed him by virtue of Our said Commission, and
the Act of the Parliament of Canada herein before recited,
and according to such instructions as have been, or may
from time to time be given to him, and to such laws as
are or shall be enforced within the North West Territor-
ies. Of all which our loving subjects of our said
Territories, and all others whom these Presents may
concern, are hereby required to tako notice and to govern
themselves accordingly.

"Tn Testimony whereof, we have caused these
Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal
of our said North-West Territories to be hereunto
affixed. Witness, our Trusty and Well Beloved William
McDoTJGALL, member of Our Privy Council for Canada,
and Companion of Our Most Honourable Order of the
Bath, Lieutenant-Governor of our North- West Territories,
&c., &c., &c., at the Red River, in our aforesaid North-
West Territories, the first day of December, in the year
of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty -nine,
and in the thirty-third year of Our Reign.

" By Command.

" J. A. N. Provencher,

" Secretai'y.
" God Save the Queen.

" Winnipeg, December 1st, 1869.

" Certified a true copy.

" D. A. Grant."

118

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

On the 2nd December, tLe Proclamation mood seems
to have been still upon Mr. McDougall, for we find hiin
issuing the following document, supplanting Governor
MacTavish in a very unceremonious manner : —

" The North-West Temtories.

((

Proclamation

By His Excellency the Honourable William McDougall,
a member of Her Majesty's Privy Council of Canada, and
Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath,
Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories, &c.,
&;c., &c.

" To all to whom these presents shall come —

Greeting :

"Whereas Her Majesty the Queen, by Letters Patent
under the Great Seal of the Dominion of Canada, bearing
date the twenty-ninth day of September, in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in
the thirty-third year of Her Majesty's reign, has been
graciously pleased to constitute and appoint me, on, from,
and after the day to be named by Her Majesty for the
admission of Rupert's Land and the North- Western Ter-
ritory into the Union or Dominion of Canada, to be
Lieutenant Governor in and over ' The North-West
Territories' during Her Majesty's pleasure, and did
thereby authorize and empower and require and command
me, on, from, and after the day aforesaid, to do and
execute uW things in due manner that shall belong to my
said command and the trust reposed in me, according to

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

119

the several powers and instructions granted or appointed
me by that Her Majesty's Commission and of the Act of
Parliament passed in the tliirty-second year of Her
Majesty's reign, intituled ' An Act for the Temporary
Government of Rupert's Land and the North-Western
Territory when united with Canada/ and the instruc-
tions given me with such Commission, or by such further
instructions as may hereafter be given me in respect of
the North- West Territories and the Government thereof
by Her Majesty's Governor-General in Council, under his
sign manual, or through one of Her Majesty's Privy
Council of Canada, and according to such laws as are
now and shall hereafter be in force in the said North-
West Territories : And whereas Her Majesty has de-
clared and named the first day of December instant as
the day for the admission of Rupert's Land and the
North-Western Territory into the Union and Dominion
of Canada : And whereas, by virtue and in pursuance
of ' The British North America Act, 1867,' * The Ru-
pert's Land Act, 1868,' the said ' Act for the Temporary
Government of Rupert's Land and the North-Western
Territory when united with Canada,' and the said Decla-
ration and Order of Her Majesty, Rupert's Land and the
North-Western Territory have been admitted into union
with and have become and are now part of the Dominion
of Canada, and are henceforth to be styled and known as
'The North- West Territories :'

" Now Know Ye that I have thought fit to issue this
Proclamation, to make known Her Majesty's said ap-
pointment to all officers, magistrates, subjects of Her

J.'-

120

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

Majesty, and others within the said * The North-West
Territories ;' and I do hereby require and command
that all and singular the public officers and functionaries
holding office in Rupert's Land and the North- Western
Territory at the time of their admission into the Union as
aforesaid, excepting the public officer or functionary at
the head of the administration of affairs, do continue in
the execution of their several and respective offices
duties, places and employments, until otherwise ordered
by me, under the authority of the said last-mentioned
Act ; and I do hereby further require and command that
all Her Majesty's loving subjects, and all others whom it
may concern, do take notice and govern themselves ac-
cordingly.

" Given under my hand and seal-at-arms, at Red River,
in the said Territories, this second day of December, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-nine, and in the Thirtj^'-third year of Her Majesty's
Reign.

"Wm. McDougall.
" By Command.

" J. A. N. Provencher,

" Secretary"

his formi
events, ai

Mr. Mc
for such a
(see his U
comraittei

"Off w

Mr. McDougall adds the following postscript to the
above when forwarding a copy of the document to Hon.
Jos. Howe — said postscript, however, did not appear in
public to the settlers of Red River : —

" I have asked Mr. Provencher to sign, as Secretary,

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

121

his formal appointment depending upon the course of
events, and the requirements of the Act.

"Wm. McDougall."

Mr, McDougall, having employed his spare moments
for such a length of time in abusing Governor MacTavish
(see his letters), no doubt at last became desperate and
committed the foregoing outrageous blunder, exclaiming —

" Off with his head — so much for MacTavish."

122

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTER V.

APPOINTMENT OP COL. DENNIS AS DEPUTY-GOVERNOR — SUPPRESSION
OP THE "nOR-WESTER" AND "RED RIVER PIONEER" — ENROL-
MENT OP SETTLERS, BY ORDER OF GOVERNOR MCDOUGALL, TO
OPPER ARMED RESISTANCE TO THE HALF-BREEDS — GARRISON AT
STONE FORT.

[N the 2nd December, there were two rumours
in circulation about the Settlement, the first
of which was to the effect that Col. Dennis
had been appointed Deputy-Governor until Mr. Mc-
Dougall should arrive ; and the second was, that the new
Governor was actually in the Settlement.

Three French half-breeds, named Augustin Nolin,
Francois Nolin, and one Perrault, called on Mr. A. G. B.
Bannatyne, on the same morning that these rumours were
rife, and asked his advice and opinion regarding the state
of affairs. Mr. Bannatyne pointed out to those men that
the course Kiel was pursuing would very likely bring
the country into serious trouble ; and, further, that an
Act of Parliament was a tedious thing to obtain. He
recommended them to accept a guarantee from Mr. Mc-
Dougall that the claims of the people would be respected,
and that he would use his influence in their behalf. The
Nolins and Perrault, on the strength of Mr. Bannatyne's
advice, declared that they would support the plan of
sending delegates to see Mr. McDougall; and that, if he

(Mr. McD

right, the;

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Mr. Banna

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Proclamat:

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going on i

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newspaper

Kiel, and a

THE IIKI) RIVER TROUBLES.

123

(Mr. McD.) would satisfy them that everything would be
right, they would guarantee to bring him into the Settle-
ment in safety.

In the midst of their conversation, Mr. Bannatyne
received a message from the French council, saying that
they wished to see him ; and, hoping to do some good,
he placed a copy in French and one in English of the
Proclamation in his pocket and went down immediately
to Fort Garry, where he remained till evening endeavour-
ing to induce Kiel and his associates to send delegates
with their Bill of Rights to Mr. McDougall. He suc-
ceeded so far, towards evening, that the council were
inclined to adopt his views ; and a communication to Mr.
McDougall, to be sent him by the delegates, was suggested.
Mr. Bannatyne returned to the town, feeling hopeful that
a settlement of the difficulties was not far off; and,
before leaving the Fort, he left the English copy of the
Proclamation with Governor MacTavish, who, strange to
say, had not as yet seen the document. The same night
a party of the Canadians from the town started down in
sleds towards the Stone Fort for the purpose of joining
Col. Dennis there ; and, as Kiel had a strong guard in the
town, it was feared that a collision would take place
between the two parties. The fact of this movement
going on only tended to strengthen the hands of Kiel;
for several French half-breedc, who had until then kept
aloof from the insurgents, now came forward and joined
them. The " Nor'- Wester " and ''Red River Pioneer"
newspapers were about this time stopped, by orders of
Kiel, and a guard placed in each of their printing offices.

124

THE CUEATION OF MANITOBA.

As the "Red River Pioneer" never appeared in public,
we will give a few extracts from one of the few copies
printed, but which were not allowed to be circulated in
the Settlement: —

"General Quarterly Court.

" This Court sat in the Court House, Upper Fort Garry,
on the 18th and 19th inst., — Judge Black presiding, witli
Dr. Cowan and Mr. Robert McBeath aa associates.

"Selling Liquor to Indians.

"Judge Black, in opening the proceedings, said tliat
he had received a letter from Mr. Hall (who had not put
in an appearance), relative to n case of appeal which had
been fixed for that court. He had been charged with
having infringed the local law which prohibits the fur-
nishing of intoxicating liquors to Indians, and judgment
was given against him in the Petty Court. Mr. Hall,
continued ^^e Judge, subsequently wrote to me on the
subject, desiring a re-hearing of the case. I informed
him by letter that I had made the inquiry into his case
which he had proposed, and had decided that the proper
course would be for him to appear before the General
Court on the 19th August, and there make application,
stating the grounds of appeal. The Court would thus be
in a proper position to determine whether the case should
be heard at the November Court, or whether the applica-
tion ought to be dismissed. In the meantime, execution
of the Court was stayed. I think it is necessary here to
refer to one or two points in connexion with this case.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

125

Mr. Hall urged that, as he supplied the liquor to Indians
while he waa in the employ of Dr. Schultz, he (Hall) was
exonerated from responsibility. He also urged that,
according to the law of Canada in such cases, the em-
ployer and not the employee was held liable. It is very-
clear that no such distinction is regarded by cur local
laws. The law does not inquire whether the act has
been done in one capacity or another. It says, ' Any
person' furnishing intoxicating liquors to Indians shall
bo punished. With regard to the law of Canada being
so and so, it is only necessary to state that we are not
under the law of Canada, but our own laws and the laws
of England, except in so far as they are altered by local
enactment. • * * * ^

" Mr. Hall stated, in regard to it, that, if he were allowed
a little time, he would be enabled to bring witnesses to
show that all the evidence was not true ; he has now the
opportunity he asked for ; but, instead of coming for-
ward, he writes to me, saying that ' Owing to the present
unsettled state of the country, I trust you will not think
it disrespectful in me not to appear to-day. While such
is not my wish, I feel satisfied, no matter how well dis-
posed your worship is, that justice, under existing cir-
cumstances, be meted out. I trust to your clemency not
to have that unpleasant case against me called till it can
be done with a prospect of fairness to all concerned.'
Now, I know nothing in the circumstances of the country
to make it unlikely, much less impossible, that justice
should be done to Mr. Hall; and I cannot see why he
should be so apprehensive of injustice.

126

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

The Court then affirmed the judgment of the Petty Court,
and ordered payment of the line, £20 15s. 6d. and
costs."

" Past — Present — Future.

" Events have succeeded one another so rapidly oi late
that we hardly know how to chronicle them. The armed
rising of the 22nd October, when 1 20 French half-breeds
barred the entrance into the Settlement of the Hon. Mr.
McDougall, has been followed by occurrences unlooked-
for, even in a frontier section such as this. Upper Fort
Garry is garrisoned by Frenchmen ; the public documents
were seized, and a French Provisional Government pro-
claimed. All this has been done in order to secure cer-
tain rights and liberties, of which our French-speaking
fellow-settlers believed they were about being unjustly
deprived. A convention of English and French delegates,
which met at Fort Garry to take into consideration the
present state of political affairs, sat for four days without
being able to agree on any common platform ; and now
the entire English-speaking population of the Settlement
are arming for self-defence. They state that they will
not join in the Provisional Government, but that they
desire to continue under the Hudson's Bay Company's
Government until another is legally appointed. What is
to be the upshot of the present state of things, who shall
tell?

"As we go to press, the French Provisional Government
is about to meet ; and the Queen's Proclamation, declaring
Rupert's Land and the North-West Territory annexed to
the Dominion of Canada, had arrived in the Settlement.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

127

late

The first inst. (to-day) is fixed as the date of annexation.
The date of the Royal Letters Patent, appointing Hon.
W. McDongall, C. B., Lieutenant-Governor of this Terri-
tory, is the 29th September."

"Official Protest.

" We direct attention to the very important Proclama-
tion, signed by Governor MacTavish, which will be found
in our advertising columns to-day. Coming from such a
source and at such a time, it deserves the most careful
and respectful attention. An incomplete and imperfect
copy, surreptitiously obtained and prefaced by remarks
altogether unwarranted, has been printed in the office of
our contemporary ; and unfortunately for its reputation,
even this introduction, brief as it is, contains a mis-state-
ment. The protest, our contemporary Sciys, was 'drawn
out' of the Governor by a petition presented to him by
several towns-people a few days previously. That this
was not the case, our contemporary knows perfectly well.
The truth is, that the Governor had some time before
determined on sending this letter ; and not only so, but
the deputation were distinctly informed of this."

The following is reported as having been the portion
of the newspaper objected to by Riel, and the cause of
his stopping the issue thereof : —

"We, the inhabitants of St. John's and Kildonan
p.irishes, being loyal to our Queen's Government and
throne, and being desirous in all things to respect the
laws of the land ; therefore,

" Resolved, That we cannot approve of the course of

128

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

our French -speaking fellow-settlers in resorting to arms
to resist the establishment of Canadian authority in this
country, as such authority has the sanction of the Queen
and the Imperial Parliament ; that we regard the exist-
ing Government of the Hudson's Bay Company as the
only legal Government in this country at present ; and,
as law-abiding subjects, we cannot be parties to the for-
mation or carrying on of any Provisional Government
intended to supplant it ; that it is inexpedient to seiid
any delegates to communicate these views, but that they
be made known in writing, and that the signatures of the
people of these parishes be appended to the document
transn-'tted; that the course pursued by our delegates,
Messrs. Maurice, J. G. Lowman, and James Ross, at the
recent Conference, is hereby cordially approved, and our
thanks are tendered for their faithful discharge of duty
as our delegates.

"Mr. John Matheson, seconded by Mr. Selkirk McKay,
moved the adoption of the following letter to Governor
MacTavish. The motion was carried unanimously. The
letter set forth that, at a public meeting of the two
parishes, it was unanimously resolved to make known to
you (the Governor) * that the said inhabitants sincerely
tender you their sympathy and support in the present
critical condition of public affairs, and that tliey deem the
Governor and Council of Assiniboia as constituting the
only legal and responsible Government in the country ;
and will therefore hold the said Governor and Council —
acting in behalf of the Hudson's Bay Company, and with
the sanction of the Imperial authorities — responsible for

any loss
place.' "

On th
Fort Gar
sitting c
favourab
communi
in course
the Cana
settlers, t
all the g(
tality of
council 1
and start
walls of
men. M
vinced th
ment of i
up the 65
of the in1
by the rel
night to
and then
until the
coramitte
less chan
meeting
of Canad
ment wi
working
J

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

129

any loss of property or injury to person that may take
place.' "

On the 3rd December, Mr. Bannatyne again visited
Fort Garry on invitation of the French, and attended the
sitting of their council. He found the members still
favourably inclined towards sending delegates ; and the
communication, to be forwarded to Mr. McDougall, was
in course of preparation, when word was brought in that
the Canadian party, assisted by a number of the English
settlers, were going to attack Fort Garry. Like a flash,
all the good that had been done, through the instrumen-
tality of Mr. Bannatyne, was entirely frustrated — the
council broke up in confusion — Kiel mustered his men
and started out towards the town with a guard, while the
walls of Fort Garry were manned by over two hundred
men. Mr. Bannatyne returned to his home, fully con-
vinced that no good could be done in the way of a settle-
ment of the difficulties, so long as the Schultz party kept
up the excitement by such demonstrations. The rumour
of the intended attack turned out to be a false one, caused
by the return of the men who had gone down the previous
night to join Col. Dennis. It appears he enrolled them,
and then sent them back with instructions to remain quiet
until they heard from him. The evil, however, had been
committed ; the opportunity was lost ; and there appeared
less chance than ever of persuading Riel to consent to a
meeting with Mr. McDougall. In this way the " Friends
of Canada" stepped between the chances for an arrange-
ment with the very ma:i whom they professed to be
working for. In the first place, Mr. McDougall was
J

. 1:

130

THE CREATIOIT OP MANITOBA.

knowingly overstepping his power, and his friends in the
Settlement were exceeding the bounds altogether by
attempting to further what he desired to initiate, namely
— a civil war in the Territory.

During the night on which the party started for the
Stone Fort to join Col. Dennis, Riel, with a guard, went
round and searched a number of houses for the purpose,
as it was stated at the time, of finding one George Klyne,
who was supposed to have brought in despatches from
Mr. McDougall. In the course of their search, they
entered the house of Dr. Schultz, and unwarrantably dis-
turbed the privacy of his home. This act on the part of
Riel was not only an unwise one, but also a trespass on
everything right and just. The capture of despatches
from Mr. McDougall was not a sufficient reason for
invading the sanctity of a man's home, at the probable
risk of seriously disturbing the peace of his family. Dr.
Schultz was not at home during Kiel's visit, which made
the matter appear still worse. '

The following is the Commission given to Col. Dennis
by Mr. McDougall, under which so much folly was com-
mitted, and which, after all, was the cause of so much
misery and trouble in Red River Settlement : —

'The North-West Territories.

}

r " By His Excellency, the Honourable William
"^"^^ McDougall, a Member of Her Majesty's

Privy Council for Canada, and Companion of the Most
Honourable Order of the Bath, Lieutenant-Governor of
the North-West Territories.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

131

"To John Stoughton Dennis, Esq.,

" Lieutenant- Colonel, Military Staff, Canada,

"GreetiiIgj

"Whereas large bodies of armed men have unlawfully
assembled on the high road between Fort Garry and
Pembina, in the Colony or District of Assiniboia ; and
have, with force and arms, arrested and held as prisoners
numerous private and official persons, and preventing
them from proceeding on their lawful journey and busi-
ness, and have committed other acts of lawless violence,
in contempt and defiance of the magistrates and local
authorities; And whereas William MacTavish, Esq.,
Governor of Assiniboia, did, on the sixteenth day of
November last, publish and make known to these armed
men, and all others whom it might concern, that the law-
less acts aforesaid, and which were particularly set forth
in his Proclamation, were * contrary to the remonstrances
and protests of the public authorities,' and did therein
himself protest against each and all of the said unlawful
acts and intents, and charged and commanded the said
armed persons to immediately disperse themselves and
peaceably to depart to their habitations or lawful busi-
ness, under the pains and penalties of the law ; and
whereas, since the issue of the said protest or Proclama-
tion, certain of the armed men aforesaid have taken pos-
session of the public records and papers at Fort Garry,
and have seized and held as prisoners the public officers
or persons having charge of the same ; and, as I am
credibly informed, still keep unlawful possession of the
-said records and public property, and with force and

132

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

» -.)■

arms continue to obstruct public officers and others in the
performance of their lawful duty and business, to the
great terror, loss, and injury of Her Majesty's peaceful
subjects, and in contempt of her Royal authority ; And
whereas Her Majesty, by Letters Patent under the Great
Seal of the Dominion of Canada, bearing date the twenty-
ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, has been gra-
ciously pleased to appoint me to be, from and after the
first day of December instant, Lieutenant-Governor of the
North- West Territories, and did authorize and command
me to do and execute all things in due manner that shall
belong to my said command :

"Know You, that reposing trust and confidence in your
courage, loyalty, fidelity, discretion and ability, and under
and in virtue of the authority in me vested, I have nomi-
nated and appointed, and by these presents do nominate
and appoint, you, the said John Stoughton Dennis, to he
my Lieutenant and a Conservator of the Peace in and for
the North-West Territories, and do hereby authorize and
empower you as such to raise, organize, arm, equip and
provision a sufficient force within the said Territories;
and, with the said force, to attack, arrest, disarm or dis-
perse the said armed men so unlawfully assembled and
disturbing the public peace ; and for that purpose, and
with the force aforesaid, to assault, fire upon, pull down,
or break into any fort, house, stronghold, or other place
in which the said armed men may be found ; and I do
hereby authorize you, as such Lieutenant and Conservator
of the Peace, to hire, purchase, impress and take all
necessary clothing, arms, ammunition and supplies, and

THE llED IIIVER TROUBLES.

133

all cattle, horses, waggons, sleighs or other vehicles which
may be required for the use of the force to be raised as
aforesaid; and I further authorize you to appoint as
many officers and deputies under you, and to give them
such orders and instructions from time to time as may be
found necessary for the due performance of the services
herein required of you, reporting to me the said appoint-
ments and orders as you shall find opportunity for con-
firmation or otherwise ; and I hereby give you full power
and authority to call upon all magistrates and peace
officers to aid and assist you, and to order all or any of
the inhabitants of the North- West Territories, in the
name of Her Majesty the Queen, to support and assist
you in protecting the lives and properties of Her Majesty's
loyal subjects, and in preserving the public peace, and for
that purpose to seize, disperse or overcome by force the
said armed men and all others who may be found aiding
or abetting them in their unlawful acts; and the said
persons so called upon, in Her Majesty's name, are hereby
ordered and enjoined, at their peril, to obey your orders
and directions in that behalf; and this shall be sufficient
warrant for what you or they do in the premises, so long
as this Commission remains in force.

"Given under my hand and seal-at-arms, at Red River,
in the said Territories, this the first day of December, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-nine, and in the 33rd year of Her Majesty's Reign.

" By Command.

"William McDougall.

"J. A. N. Provencher, Secretary y

134

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

" By virtue of the above Commission from tlie Lieu-
tenant-Governor, I now hereby call on and order all loyal
men of the North- West Territories to assist me by every
means in their power to carry out the same, and thereby
restore public peace and order and uphold the supremacy
of the Queen in this pai-t of Her Majesty's dominions.

" Given under my hand, at the Stone Fort, Lower
Settlement, this sixtii day of December, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.

" J. S. Dennis,
" Lieutenant and Conservator of the Peace
in and for the N.- W. Territories''

Had Mr, McDougall, in the first place, been wise enough
to refuse to ally himself to any party in the Settlement,
and had he also refused to be guided by their views in
regard to issuing a Proclamation at the time he did, and
had he not afterwards given Col. Dennis the foregoing
Commission, there is every reason to believe that the
misery and troubles which followed would never have
taken place ; and had the " Friends of Canada" refrained
from taking vne steps they did, where would have been
the cause for trouble ? It is well known chat the English
settlers were resolved to merely stand on self-defence in
case the French should endeavour to act on the aggressive ;
and it is also well known that they repeatedly refused to
take up arms in order to bring either Mr. McDougall or
the Canadian Government in. They said, what was very
true, that, if Mr. McDougall or the Canadian Government
wished to rule in the country, they ought to establish

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

135

themselves without asking the aid of others to do it for
them. They would not, however, put any obstacle in the
way of the new Governor nor new Government, and wcro
ready to support them as soon as they wore established.
Under these circumstances, and when it is also considered
that many amongst the French were favourably inclined
towards meeting Mr. McDougall, it will be seen how
unfortunate it was for the fortunes of that gentleman that
he allied himself to the party he did in Red River Settle-
ment. Had the Schultz party remained quiet, and
refrained from keeping up an excitement between the
French and English sections of the Settlement, it would
have followed that Riel, without opposition, would never
have been the Riel he turned out to be. The French are
naturally order-loving people, and would have insisted
upon Riel coming to some arrangement before long ;
and the Act of Parliament plan would have been laid
aside in the meantime. We say this from our know-
ledge of the character of the French half-breeds. Mr.
McDougall can therefore well exclaim, " Save me from
my friends."

Had he followed his instructions from Ottawa, instead
of listening to the advice of interested parties whose very
existence seemed to rest upon his assuming the reins of
government, he would never have compromised himself
with his own Government; and the probability is that he
would be the Lieutenant-Governor of the North -West
Territories at the present day, instead of being, as he is,
"left out in the cold." '

There was no direct opposition ou either the French or

13G

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Englwh side — only a desire for better arrangements than
had been proposed for the " temporary government of
the country." There was a general feeling that, under
that temporary government, certain men in the Settle-
ment (who had boasted thereof beforehand) would bo
raised above their fellows, through the partiality of Mr.
McDougall, to the detriment of the country generally;
and there is no doubt had that been done, a great deal
of dissatisfaction would have followed amongst a large
class of the settlers, which might have resulted in a more
general, and therefore worse, rebellion than the one which
did take place. Had the people been satisfied that such
would not have been the case, and that the future Govern-
ment would have been conducted for the benefit of all
])arties, there would have been no opposition to Mr.
McDougall , and, had that gentleman and his friends not
acted in the way they did, there is reason to suppose that
the difficulties of his position might have been got over.
Instead of seeking, as he ought to have done, an inter-
view with the malcontents, in order to explain to them
the position of affairs, and, if possible, remove their pre-
judices, Mr. McDougall stood on his dignity and issued
an illegal Pioclamation, under which he proclaimed a
course of war and destruction against those opposed to
him, sufficient, of itself, to damn him in the estimation of
all right-thinking men. About this time the following
poetical effusion appeared in the Settlement — its circula-
tion,^however, being chiefly amongst the French : —

THE RED IIIYER TROUBLES.

137

CHANSON

DEa TllIBULATIONa d'uN ROI MALUEUKEUX.

Est il rien sur la terro

Do plus inturessant
Quo la tragiquo histoiro

Do McDougall ot ses gens 1
Jo vous la conterai ;
Veuillez bien in'ecouter.

Sur notre territoiro,

Devenu ses Etats,
II vonait ce bon pfere,

Regner en potentat ;
Ainsi I'avait r6gld
Le Ministre Cartier.

Le cceur gros d'esp6rance,

Partant du Canada,
II dit, J'ai coniianco

Qu'on vivra bien Ik-bas.
Ah ! quel bonheur ! ! ma £oi !
Jo Buis done enfin Roi !

I I

Comptant sur les richesses
Qu'il trouverait chez nous,

II out la maladresse
Do no pas prendre un sou,

M6me pour traverser

Un pays stranger.

Le Juif errant, plus sage,
En portait cinq au moins

Dont il faisait usage
Dans un cas de besoin.

C'etait mieux fait, on dit.

Que de prendre k credit.

Mais trbve de remarques,
Allons droit au plus court,

Suivons notre Monarque
Entoure de sa Cour ;

Ce bon roi Dagobert

TraY<irsant le desert.

138

THE CKEATION OF MANITOBA.

II parait que I'orage,
Dans son gouvernmont,

Durant tout lo voyage,
Eclata fort souvent.

L'union qui rend plus fort

Etait loin do ce corps.

Maia, malgre la tompote,

Cameron h, son bord
Voulait decrire la feto

Qui I'attendait h. port ;
Et la voir imprimee
Avant qu'elle fut passtJo.

Co ministro fiddle
Etant loin do prevoir

Qu'elle no serait pas telle
Qu'il avait cm la voir —

Funeste illusion !

Qu'elle d6ception ! !

D6jh, do son roi aim6

Lo sol il va toucher,
Quand tout-a-coup un homme

Lui defend d'avancer,
Lui disant " Mon ami
Cost assez loin ici."

Etonn^ de I'audace
De ces hardis mortels,

II empioie les menaces
Pour vaincre ces rebels ;

Mais cela fut en vain,

II ne put gagner rien.

Oblige de reprendre

La voie du Canada,
II lui faudra attendro

De I'argent pour cela ;
Car, pour manger ici,
II prend tout k credit.

Aujourd'hui sa couronne
Est un songe pass6 ;

Le trone qu'on lui donne
Est un tronc perce ;

Mais il dit qu'k present

II est bien suffisant.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

Morale.

Adion, Chaioaiix d'Espngne

Deji\ si bion Mtis ;
Bcaxi pays do Cocagno

Achote h grand i)rix ;
II faut laissur lus plans
Tires depuis longtonips.

Trouver do riches minus,

Ouvrir un long choniin
Pour penbtror on Chino

Et voir memo au Toncpiin
Etait pour tous cos gons
Do potits joux d'enfaut.

Aujourd'hui quo va dire
Monsieur lo Gouvernmont ?

Sera-t-il noir de rire
Quand il verra sos plans

D6J5, tous culbutes

Par tous les *Bois-brule8 ?

139

Wo will now give a few extracts from the report of
Col. Dennis, showing his movements after his arrival in
the Settlement as Conservator of the Peace : —

Record of Proceedings under Commission, from Lieu-
tenant-Governor McDougall, dated Ist December,
1869 :—

" Arrived at Mr. William Halle t's, on the Assiniboino,
at 5 o'clock, a.m; sent messengers for Mr. James McKay
and Mr. Robert Tait, with whom and Mr. Hallet dis
cussed the present situation of affairs in the Settlement ;
read them the Proclamation of 1st December, and my
Commission ; explained to thorn that my orders from Mr.
McDougall were to ascertain the state of feeling at the

* Mem.— "Bois-brulSs" is the French term for " half-breed."

.» M

140

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

present time among the loyal people ; and, should it be
found such as to warrant the belief that an appeal with
the view of organising a force to put down the mal-con-
tents would be responded to in such a manner as to leave
little or no doubt of a favourable issue, I was to make
such an appeal, organise a force, and put down the out-
break ; on the other hand, should there be any doubt in
mind as to the result, I was not to make any call but
return to Pembina and report accordingly. Learned that
the English-speaking delegates were to attend a meeting
of the French councxx called for to-day to make known
the result of a reference to the several parishes, of the
French proposition to form a Provisional Government.
It was said this result would show a majority of some
hundreds over the party. Mr. Tait said he intended
being present at the meeting, and I gave him a copy of
the Proclamation, with the understanding that he would
have it read on the occasion. Mr. Hallet was decided
in his opinion that the English-speaking people would
now eagerly turn out to put down the ^meute. The other
two gentlemen agreed with him that the people were not
disposed to tolerate any longer the rule of that party, but
feared the result of any appeal to arms would be certain
ruin to men of property, whose crops, stock, &;c., the
French would be sure to destroy. They admitted, at the
same time, that there would be no other course open if
the French insisted upon establishing their Provisional
Government."

[Messrs. Tait and McKay, in the following words, after-
wards denied having counselled as above : —

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

141

" We beg, through the medium of your journal (* New
Nation'), to declare to the public, in the most emphatic
terms, that this assertion of our having counselled an
appeal to arms is a downright falsehood. If Col. Dennis
has the smallest particle of sound brains, he must remem-
ber that we, on the contrary, pressed upon him, in the
clearest and most express terms, to abandon the idea of
an appeal to arms, advising him, moreoT er, that a resort
to arms would be nothing but madness, and insisting
upon his leaving the Settlement forthwith and remaining
quiet. Though always inclined to give hospitality to
strangers, and though we had already done so to Col.
Dennis, under other circumstances, we felt ourselves bound
at this juncture to refuse him hospitality, knowing his
hare-brained design. We half-breeds feel it very keenly
that strangers, after having endeavoured to brii?g ruin on
our country, should try to blacken our character before
the public by attributing to us acts and intentions of
which they themselves alone are guilty.

" We are, Sir, faithfully yours,

"Robert Tait,
"James McKay."]

■Record Resumed. — " The interview at Mr. Hallet's
over, Mr. Tait drove me down to the town of Win*
nipeg. I found Dr. Schultz and the rest of the loyal
party in the village in a condition of much anxiety
in regard to the immediate future. The French party
liad a day or two previously pointed two six-pounder
guns on Dr. Schultz's house, and the men stood with

142

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

port fires lit, ready to fire into his premises, in con-
sequence of the Doctor's refusal to hand over to Kiel's
possession the provisions in his charge, belonging to the
Canadian Government. Kiel, however, thought better of
it ; and, finding the Doctor was not to be intimidated,
withdrew the guns/'

[Strange to say, there is a difference of opinion as to
whether the guns, as stated above, were really pointed at
Dr. Schultz's house. Some say they were, while others
state that they were not. It seems, improbable, however,
that a number of men would be ready to sacrifice their
lives and their property for the sake of protecting a few
barrels of pork, worth a few hundred dollars, unless, as
it has been said since, it was the principle of the thing.
There is no doubt whatever that the Schultz party made
\She provisions an excuse to form a nucleus for the English
settlers to gather around in the expected rising against
the French ; and it was probably thought, should the
latter make a demonstration against the defenders of the
provisions, that it would result in arousing the English
settlers to arms. — Author.]

" Public feeling was in a very excited state. Both the
printing offices had been seized and were in possession of
Kiel's party. Mr. Grant, however, of my office, aided by
a number of other Canadian gentlemen, made a lot of
manuscript copies [of what ?] which were distributed dur-
ing the afternoon and evening — some being despatched to
Prairie Portage, and others posted up in the town of
Winnipeg. * * * i learned that Major Boulton, of
Mr. Hart's surveying staff", has been in communication

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

143

with these ^gentlemen ; that men had been enrolled and
had commenced to drill at several places in the Settle-
ment. Both these gentlemen (Mr. Ross and Rev. Mr.
Black) had previously given proof of a strong desire to
assist in bringing in and establishing the Government,
their opinion agreeing with those previously expressed ;
and, furthermore, having had the assurance from Mr.
William Dease, who represented the loyal French, at
whose house I spent a couple of hours last evening on
my way to Fort Garry, that over ninety men of that
party could be relied on to fight alongside of the loyal
English and Scotch for the establishment of order, I
concluded it to be a duty, under my Commission, to make
the call, satisfied that there was every prospect that it
would be generally responded to. I may say here that,
in answer to my question, Mr. Dease informed me that
he did not think the reliable men in Riel's party would
exceed three hundred in number. Under the conviction
that the insurgents would seize upon the Stone Fort so
soon as my arrival in the Settlement and the nature of
my orders became known, I proceeded on to that point,
arriving about six o'clock, p.m. A guard was raised for
the night, through the exertion of the clergyman last
named, together with a few other loyal people who sent
messengers through this part of the Settlement. The
locality, considering the short notice, turned out very
well, the parish of St. Peter's particularly, in which the
people consist, for the most part, of civilized and christian-
ized Indians, under the Revs. Archdeacon Cowley and

* Bishop, Archdeacon McLean, Mr. James Ross, Rev. Mr. Black,

144

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Mr. Cochrane, and who acknowledge Henry Prince as
their Chief, were prompt in responding. By the morning,
there were about 120 men in the Fort, a majority of
whom came from below. A number of young men —
some forty in all — had been in the habit, for several days
back, of assembling for drill in one of the Company's
stores here, the drill instructor being Mr. Wm. Durie, a
military school cadet, also of Mr. Hart's surveying party,
who had been working in this part of the Settlement.
These men also had remained in the Fort for the night.
I read the Proclamation, having assembled those in the
Fort for the purpose, which was well received, and also
explained the object of the present call upon them, and
desired that they should make the same known as widely
as possible. Despatched a messenger to Mr. Hart and
party to cease surveying operations and join me to assist
in organizing. Reported my arrival and occupation of
the Stone Fort to Governor MacTavish, mentioning the
object of such occupation and enclosing him also a copy
of my Commission. Communication with the officer
named is with much difficulty effected, as no letters are
permitted, if known, to pass in or out of Fort Garry.
Some twenty-one Canadians reported themselves in a
body from the town of Wirmipeg this evening, and en-
rolled their names. They tell me the Canadians in the
town number about thirty, and are all anxious to serve.
I have therefore instructed Dr. Lynch, a military school
cadet, to enrol a company in Winnipeg, to be made up of
Canadians and other men in the vicinity. As the Cana-
dians are all more or less acquainted with drill, I directed

u ■ •

THE BED RIVER TROUBLES.

145

s are
arry.

in a
d en-
n the
serve.

chool
up of
Cana-
rected

Dr. Lynch simply to organize, and then let the men
remain quietly in their usual lodgings until further orders.
Their presence there in that way, having fully instructed
them to avoid being any cause of offence to the French,
it seemed to me could be no cause of irritation ; and the
knowledge that they were there might tend to prevent
any outrage on person or property of loyal people in the
town."

We will have occasion to refer again to the ivport of
Col. Dennis ; but, in the meantime, will pass on to other
matters regarding which it does not appear to make
reference.

146

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTER VI.

SHAWMAN AND THE SIOUX INDIANS — THE SETTLEMENT ALARMED AND
ARMING — GOVERNOR MCDOUGALL TAKES POSSESSION OP RUPERt'.S
LAND AS PART OF THE DOMINION — FORT GARRY PILLAGED — SCOTT
AND OTHERS ARRESTED — CANADIANS IN SCHULTZ'S HOUSE BE-
SIEGED — AFTER PARLEY, THEIR SURRENDER AND IMPRISONMENT.

jN the 3rd December, a rumour was current in
Eed River that " Shawman," alias George
Racette, jun., a French half-breed and des-
perate character, was on the way into the Settlement,
at the head of eleven hundred Sioux Indians, to take
part against the insurgents. This report was the more
readily believed, as it was well known that Racette,
before he left for the Plains, had been in frequent con-
sultation with Dr. Schultz ; and it was feared that he had
been induced to raise the Sioux warriors, over whom he
professed to have great influence. Racette, shortly before
his departure for the Plains, had been heard repeatedly
to threaten that he could and would bring back with him
a large enough band of Indians to lay waste the whole
Settlement. These threats, at the time, were not regarded
in a serious light, and no steps were taken to have the
rascal punished for using them ; but, when the report was
brought in that the Sioux were actually on the way, the
words of Racette were remembered, and consequently
caused a good deal of anxiety. This man " Shawman "

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

147

had been known for several years as a reckless and des-
perate character. At one time a good hunter and trader,
he allowed the influence of liquor to ruin him, until he
became worthless and a man not respected amongst his
fellows. No merchant would trust him with goods to
trade with the Indians, knowing that the proceeds were
ahnost sure to be spent in liquor. Whenever he arrived
in the Settlement, it was certain to be the signal for all
the worst characters in the neighbourhood to assemble
round him, and then came several days — perhaps weeks —
of drinking, fighting and rioting, to the terror and annoy-
ance of the peaceable inhabitants of the place. In this
way Racette gave a great deal of trouble to the authori-
ties, who were obliged on several occasions to punish him ;
and for this reason he was a sworn enemy of the Hudson's
Bay Company, and therefore adopted by the Schultz
party as a friend to their cause. This, strange to say, was
the man whom Col. Dennis frequently employed or con-
sulted while carrying on his surveying operations; and
this also is pretty well known to be the same individual
who is referred to as follows, in the report of 27th
October, to Mr. McDougall : —

" I may say further that I sent * * *, a man of
influence among the French half-breeds, but favourable
to our cause, up to the French Settlement on the ' White
Horse Plains,' on the Assiniboine, yesterday, to use his
influence to prevent the people there from coming down
to help the insurgents. He returned to-day, and the
result of his mission is given in the annexed paper.

"J. S. Dennis."

148

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

. 1

When it was known that such a character as the one
we have described was in the confidence of Col. Dennis
and the Schultz party, is it to be wondered at if people
dreaded, with feelings of indignation, the employment of
such a man ? It is well known now that Racette did go
out amongst the Plain Sioux and endeavour to excite
them; but, fortunately, he found that his boasted influence
over them was not equal to that of other and better dis-
posed traders in the neighbourhood. • The Sioux were
kept quiet through the instrumentality of the majority of
the plain hunters, who saw with dismay what would be
the result of bringing the cruel savages upon the scene
of action."* Whether Racette acted upon his own respon-
sibility, or at the instigation of others, is a matter of
conjecture ; but it is quite certain that Col. Dennis had
no hand whatever in the matter, and did not by any
means authorize ''Shawman" to tamper with the
Indians. There is no doubt the man was foisted upon
Col. Dennis as an influential man, and on that account
he probably was used in obtaining information for the
surveying operations ; and this is only on? of the many
cases where both Mr. McDougall and Col. Dennis were
misled by the men who professed to be thei .' friends in
the Settlement, When the news arrived that the Sioux
were on the war path, a number of the townspeople in
Winnipeg, knowing that if they came they would be no
respecters of persons, met together for the purpose of

* The Sioux are '■he same blood-thirsty tribe of savages who, in 18G1-2,
committed those dreadful massacres in the State of Minnesota — at the very
mention of which, to this day, the frontier setUers shudder with horror.

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THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.-

149

forming a company to act in defence of the town. About
24 names were enrolled at the Hrst meetint;, and subse-
quently a number of others joined, until the company-
amounted to over fifty men. On the 4th, further intelli-
gence was received (which afterwards proved false) that
the Sioux, in large numbers, were quite near the Settle-
ment; and, consequently, a good deal of excitement was
caused thereby. All the old and new guns in the town
were raked together and placed in the hands of the
enrolled men ; and it was rather amusing to ^"^e the stand
of arms thus collected. Old-fashioned rifles, that appa-
rently had not been used for years — shot-guns, which
looked as if they would burst with the first discharge,
and other fire-arms equally as bad — were amongst the
number, but it did not seem to make any difference to the
impromptu soldiers, so long as they had something in
their hands possessing a lock, stock and baiTel.

We will now leave the Indian excitement for the pre-
sent, to take a look at other matters which were going on
at the "ame time ; and, in the first place, would beg our
readers to take another glance at the report of Col.

Dennis : —

"Sunday, Dec. 4th.

"Received a note from Dr. Schultz this morning, in
which he states that a number of the enrolled Canadians
and others collected at his house last evening — it is pre-
sumed on his request — anticipating a ]30ssible attack on
his 2^voperty BJid the Government provisions in his charge;
tliat, in the course of the night, bodies of men of the
French party repeatedly made their appearance around

..^

150

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

the outside of his house and premises, evidently inviting
attack from the party inside ; that they repeatedly ad-
journed for liquor to O'Lone's saloon ; that they were
there harangued by Kiel ; — finally, that they came to the
front of his house, went through various manoeuvres,
detaching parties to the rear, &c., and then went off to
the Fort, leaving the Dr. and his party between one and
two o'clock, a.m., unmolested. From the occurrences of
last night, it is evident to me that a very critical condition
of affairs exists at Winnipeg. A single shot, which may
be fired by either party, would precipitate possible deplo-
rable results."

It is quite evident from the above that the Schultz
party directly disobeyed the orders of Col. Dennis to
remain quiet, and it is inconceivable how they induced so
many men to congi'egate together as they did in a lath
and plaster house, a mere shell in the way of defence.

The unfortunate provision affair was not only again
brought up by Dr. Schultz as a reason for assembling the
men, but also that which must not be lost sight of — the
protection of his own property. And now one word in
regard to the men who thus imperilled their lives for the
sake of another man's property. We wish to be explicit
at the same time in distinguishing two distinct parties.
The Schultz party consisted of a few members ; while
there were quite a number of Canadians concerned in the
unfortunate affairs we are describing. The first were
composed of those who were evidently acting on the
principle of self-interest ; the latter were men who con-
sidered that the honour of their native country was at

tub: llED RIVER TROUBLES.

151

stake— who, in fact, believing the Queen's Proclamation
as well as the Commission to Col. Dennis to be genuine,
offered themselves to do what no doubt thev considered
to be their duty. On this account, while we condemn the
attitude they assumed at the time, we respect those
Canadians who, from a sense of duty, enrolled themselves
as soldiers in defence of their country's honour. It is
quite evident they were misled, as many others were,
regarding the actual position of afRiirs ; and who was to
hlame therefor ? It was now reported that Dr. Schultz's
house was barricaded inside, and that the men within
intended to make a stand against the French. Riel con-
sequently placed guards around the house to watch their
movements. We must say that Col. Dennis appears to
have not been directly responsible for the course pursued
by the Canadian'.' in Winnipeg; for, in the first place, he
distJpctly ordered them to remain in their lodgings until
further orders, not to give any cause of offence to the
French ; and then, after he found that they had
assembled in a body together, and by that means
offering a sort of menace towards the insurgents, he
ordered them to v/ithdraw, as will be seen by the follow-
ing memo, and letter : —

"Memorandum of Orders for the Enrolled Canadians
in the Town of Winnipeg : —

" These men are not in a position where they can bo
supported by any force of which I am at present aware,
should they be attacked by the rioters under Riel, which
seems to me likely to occur. I am convinced the object

162

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

of the Latter is now to i)rovoke them beyond endurance,
and so precipitate a collision in which ho would try to
show that the Canadians were the aggressors, with the
hope that, in such case, he might obtain the aid of the
rest of the French party. I have therefore to request that
the Canadians will withdraw from the village and come
down to the Scotch Settlement, where I will meet them
and establish them in defensible quarters, in which they
will serve as an outpost, and under circumstances where
they can be readily reinforced, if necessary.

" They had better come down this evening and report
to me, or to Major Boulton, at the Rev. Mr. Black's.

" J. S. Dennis,

"Lieut. Colonel."

" Stone Fort, Dec. 4th, 1869.
" Dr. ScHULTZ, Winnipeg :

"My Dear Dr. Schultz, — From the occurrences of
last night, the anxiety of Kiel is evident to have the
Canadians draw the first blood, which latter would be
anything but desirable just now. I have come to the
conclusion that they nmst be withdrawn, and have there-
fore ordered it hy hearer. I shall go up and meet them
at the Scotch Church, and establish them there as an
outpost, under Major Boulton. I see no other course for
you to pursue but to send Mrs. Schultz to a friend's house,
as you propose. Shut up your premises, and let the
property take its chance. As to the Government provi-
sions, should the guard be still over them, I shall not, as
representing the Government, require them to remain

THE RET) RIVER TROURLES.

153

there any longer. They had better, therefore, lock up
the place and leave. I would be glad to have them come
down with the others and enrol in the force at the out-
post ; but will leave that to themselves. Were my force
organized, I would not allow Canadians to be used as you
have been there ; but I am not at all in a position to act,
and regret to say things move but slowly here. You
apeak of enthusiasm. I have not seen it yet with anybody
but * Prince's' men.

" In haste, truly yours,

"J. S. Dennis."

In reply to which we quote the following from the
letter of Major Boulton to Col. Dennis, dated 4th Dec. : —

"Lieutenant-Colonel Dennis :

" Sir, — I bave the honour to inform you that I have
received your communication containing ir^'no. to the
Canadians. Dr. Lynch, Mr. Snow, Dr. Schullz, and
myself, have consulted together and have come to Jie
conclusion that, under the circumstances (that we have
■^ 70 men and 65 good arms on the premises), we have a
strong position and could resist successfully a strong
attack. It is now nine o'clock, and the men are all posted
and the rebels know it. There are no men moving about
and no indications of any attack, and a retreat would or
might inspire the rebels with more confidence than they
appear at present to possess.

" Your memo, to the Canadians says, ' they had better
come down this evening j' which apparently leaves us the

154

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

opportunity of using our own judgment under existing
circumstances, &c., &c., &c.

« C. W. BOULTON."

From the above it appears that Messrs. Lynch, Snow,
Schultz and Boulton, took the responsibility of remaining
in the house, deliberately construing Col. Dennis's orders
to the contrary, so as to meet their own views of the
matter. One thing is worthy of notice in Col. Dennis's
letter to Dr. Schultz, namely, the clause where he says —
" You speak of enthusiasm — I have not seen it yet with
anybody but ' Prince's ' men."

This evidently shows that Dr. Schultz had been en-
deavouring to persuade Col. Dennis that the people of
the Settlement were enthusiastic over Mr. McDougall's
coming government and ready to assist in bringing it in ;
whereas it will be seen ^y our readers that there was
nothing of the kind. It was statements such as this,
from the so-called " Friends of Canada," which evidently
misled both Mr. McDougall and Col. Dennis, and induced
them, no doubt, to pursue the ruinous course they did.

We must not forget Mr. McDougall, however, at Pembina;
and, in order to see what he was doing during the occur-
rences we have been describing, wo take the following
extract from his letter of 2nd Dec, to Hon. Joseph Howe :
" Yesterday evening, after finding that the road was clear,
I took with me Messrs. Kichards and Provencher, and
four others of my party, and proceeded to the Hudson's
Bay Company's Post, near Pembina, and, in order to exe-
cute on British soil, and so far in a public manner, the
Proclamation and other documents which are to take

mill*

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

155

effect within the Territory. I have resolved to do no
official act on American soil, and have made arrange-
ments to occupy the Hudson's Bay Company's Post,
and, if necessary, repel by force the attack of any
such party as the one that drove us from it on the
3rd of November, It is surrounded by a high fence ;
and, with a little improvement, may be defended
against a considerable force by a few resolute men with
breech-loading rifles. Fortunately, we have with us a
few such rifles and a small supply of ammunition. We
number about a dozen, and are all good shots. T shall
not openly take this position and attitude unless I hear
from Col. Dennis that he has a force in the field, and is
thus giving Riel and his party something to do at Fort
Garry. In the meantime, we go to and from the ' Post,'
well armed and prepared against surprise."

The above description is not only ridiculous, but laugh-
able ; and, unless we knew that Mr. McDougall actually
wrote it, we would be very much inclined to doubt its
authenticity. It is nevertheless true that, on the evening
of the 1st December, Mr. McDougall did, in the presence
of one or two of his own party, proclaim to the vast
prairie that it, as part of Rupert's Land, under the British
North America Act, and so forth, had been transferred to
the Dominion of Canada, when it had not. There were
not many there, however, to believe him, so that his pro-
claiming the falsity did not result in any serious harm.
On the evening of the 4th, the French committed their
first decided act of pillage on the Hudson's Bay Company's
stores. It appears that, being in need of " pemmican"

156

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

and ball, they made a demard on Dr. Cowan for the same,
but that gentleman refused to give them what they
wanted, the consequence being that a party of the French
in the Fort broke open the doors of the warehouse and
helped themselves. That same day Mr. James McKay,
in company with Mr. Nolin, one of the French councillors,
went down to the Stone Fort with the " List of Rights,"
which they had orders to lay before Col. Dennis and
ascertain whether they could be granted by Mr. Mc-
Dougall. Col. Dennis mentions this fact in his report as
follows : —

" Towards evening, Mr. James McKay and Mr. Nolin,
a French half-breed, arrived, bringing a copy of the French
"List of Rights" — the first I had seen — and stating that
their object was, as individuals, anxious to see peace
restored, to ascertain how far I could put them in a
position to assure the French party that these rights
wo\ild be granted by Mr. McDougall. I explained to
them that I could give no assurance whatever ; that I
could only say that some of those ' Rights,' as they were
called, I had reason to believe it was the Governor's
intention to have embodied in his policy ; but that others
of them could not, in my opinion, be allowed."

Riel was not satisfied, however, with this answer, aiul
thus ended the last attempt on the part of the French at
sending a delegation to either Mr. McDougall or Col.
Dennis. The ranks of the French were by this time
filling up rapidly, chiefly on account of the attitude taken
by the party in Schultz's house, and the likelihood of a
fight between the two sections of the Settlement. About

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

157

this time the " List of Eights " in printed form was cir-
culated amongst the English settlers, in the following
form, which, it will be seen, differs somewhat from the
Bill presented to the delegates on the 1st December : —

"List of Rights.

" 1. That the people have the right to elect their own
Legislature.

" 2. That the Legislature have the power to pass all
laws local to the Territory, over the veto of the Execu-
tive, by a two-thirds vote.

" 3. That no Act of the Dominion Parliament (local to
the Territory) be binding on the people until sanctioned
by the Legislature of the Territory.

"4. That all Sheriffs, Magistrates, Constables, School
Commissioners, &c., be elected by the people.

" 5. A Free Homestead and Pre-emption Land Law.

" 6. That a portion of the public lands be appropriated
to the benefit of Schools, the building of Bridges, Roads
and Public Buildings.

"7. That it be guaranteed to connect Winnipeg by
Rail, with the nearest line of Railroad, within' a term of
five years; the land grant to be subject to the Local
Legislature.

" 8. That, for the term of four years, all Military, Civil,
and Municipal expenses be paid out of the Dominion
funds.

" 9. That the Military be composed of the inhabitants
now existing in the Territory.

" 10. That the English and French languages be com-

158

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

mon in the Legislature and Courts, and that all Public
Documents and Acts of the Legislature be published in
both languages.

" 11. That the Judge of the Supreme Court speak the
English and French languages.

" 12. That treaties be concluded and ratified between
the Dominion Government and the several tribes of In-
dians in the Territory, to ensure peace on the frontier.

" 13. That we have a fair and full representation in the
Canadian Parliament.

" 14. That all privileges, customs and usages, existing
at the time of the transfer, be respected.

" All the above articles have been severally discussed
and adopted by the French and English representatives,
without a dissenting voice, as the conditions upon which
the people of Rupert's Land enter into Jonfederation.
The French representatives then proposed, in order to
secure the above rights, that a delegation be appoin.^J
and sent to Pembina to see Mr. McDougall and ask him
if he could guarantee these rights by virtue of his Com-
mission; and, if he could do so, that then the French
people would join to a man to escort Mr. McDougall into
his government seat ; but, on the contrary, if Mr. Mc-
Dougall could not guarantee such rights, the delegates
request him to remain where he is, or return, till the
rights be guaranteed by Act of the Canadian Parliament.
The English representatives refused to appoint delegates
to go to Pembina to consult with Mr. McDougall, stating
they had no authority to do so from their constituents,

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

159

upon which the council was dissolved. The meeting, at
which the above resolutions were adopted, was held at
Foit Garry, on Wednesday, Dec. 1st, 1869.

" Winnipeg, December 4th, 1869."

The effect caused by the distribution of the above (ac-
cording to Col. Dennis's report) was to entirely frustrate
the attempt to raise a force amongst the English settlers
to attack t;;o French. We will give the Colonel's own
statement regarding the matter : —

"I expressed a conviction that some agency was at
work which had produced a change in the feelings of the
people; and the gentlemen present, agreeing with me,
remarked that it might probably be accounted for by the
distribution through the parishes during yesterday of the
French ' List of Rights.' It was stated that, up to the
time of dissemination of this document, no one but them-
selves knew what the demands of the malcontents were;
and now that they had been published, some of them
proving reasonable in their character, and the whole
accompanied by expressions of a willingness to send a
deputation to Pembina to treat with the Lieutenant-
Governor, it might easily be conceived that the effect on
the rest of the people would bo to make them less jealous
of French domination and more hopeful of seeing peace*
brought about by other means than by a resort to arms."

The fact of the matter was, that no gi-eat desire was felt
on the part of the English settlers to attack their French
brethren, with whom they had lived for so many years in
terms of amity ; and it was only the representations of

160

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

what may be called outsiders that succeeded for a time
in arousing them. This state of feeling was not from a
want of loyalty on their part, but because they were not
clear as to the real position of affairs, and could not see
why they should be called upon to fight in order to cram
a distasteful policy down their neighbours' throats. Col.
Dennis found this out when it was too late. Cowardice
has been repeatedly ascribed as the reason why the Eng-
lish settlers did not rise in answer to the call of Col.
Dennis : see the following extract from a communication
sent Mr. McDougall on the 8th Dec. : —

" However, if the people were willing, they could mus-
ter arms enough to put down tho h-^^f-breeds, but they
won't do it. The fact of the ma.tter is, they are cowards,
one and all of them. Although they are my countrymen,
I must speak the truth about them."

We can assure our readers that such is not the case :
the English or Scotch settlers are no cowards ; but they
felt, as any other people would do, a repugnance (which
strangers could not participate in) at shedding the blood
of people allied to them by ties not only of consanguinity,
but also long-standing friendship. Efforts were now
being made by several gentlemen for the purpose of
inducing the party in Schultz's house to disperse, in
which, however, they were not successful, as the house
was now so closely watched that no person was allowed
either ingress or egress to or from the place, and matters
began to look very serious indeed. It was reported, also,
that the party thus besieged were in want of both pro-
visions and water.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

161

About this time (Gth December), the French arrested
iind imprisoned Mr. Thomas Scott, Mr. A. McArthur and
Mr. Wm. Ha] let. Mr. Scott, it appears, had been one of
the party assembled in Schultz's house, but had after-
wards left ; and no other reason for his arrest is known,
except his having enrolled under Col. Dennis. Mr. Mc-
Arthur, was, it is said, confined on suspicion of acting
secretly on behalf of Mr. McDougall ; and Mr. Hallet, for
Ills activity in assisting and advising Col. Dennis.

On the 7th of December, Kiel harangued his men in
front of Schultz's house ; and, in the course of his speech,
he produced a copy of Col. Dennis's Commission, which he
read aloud, and then, throwing it on the ground, he tramp-
led it under his feet. The number of the French on
guard in the town and around the besieged house, was
much larger than usual, on the same day that Kiel tramp-
led Dennis's Commission ; and this gave rise to the report
that an attack was about to be made against the Cana-
dians. Upon hearing this, several of the townspeople,
comprising most of the merchants and others in business,
met together in order to see what was best to be done,
under the circumstar ces, to prevent blood being spilt. At
the meeting it was determined that all should proceed in
a body to the Doctor's house, and endeavour to persuade
him to leave the premises if possible, as he was endanger-
ing the safety of the whole settlement, by the position he
had assumed. And should that fail, they resolved upon
placing themselves between the French and those in the
building, in case of an attack by the former, hoping there-
by to be able to stay hostilities. Before this, however,
L

1G2

THE CllEATION OF MANITOJiA.

Mr. Bannatync, in company with Mr. )hn Burke, an
English settler, and one Baptiste Morin, u French half-
breed (who had not up to that time joinc i Rio1), went to
Fort Garry to see if an arrangCxnent ct ad be made be-
tween Kiel and the Oanadiaiis. Kiel, however, hau lo-
fused to listen to any other proposition, than a suiTender
of the whole party. When the deputation from the town
vTere on their way to see Schultz, they perceived a largo
body of men with Kiel at their head, coming from the
direction of Fort Garry. On this, the mediators hastened
their steps, and instead of going towards Schultz's house,
they passed on to meet Kiel. Mr. Bannatyne, who was
spokesman for the party, informed Rie^ of their mission,
and asked to be allowed to see Schultz. Kiel, thereupon,
said he was willing to agree to this, and stated that if
the party would surrender, he would not attack the
house, and the lives of every person inside would be safe;
and, at the same time, asked who would volunteer to carry
that message to the Canadians. Mr. Bannatyne then
said that he would go, and immediately, in company with
another of the party from the town, started on the mis-
sion, and, as soon as they had entered the house, they had
a consultation with those inside. Dr. Schultz wished to
make certain conditions in regard to the surrender, which
Mr. Bannatyne told him to put in writing, and that he
would hand them to Riel, and bring back his answer.
Kiel would not entertain the Doctor's propositions, and
gave the party fifteen minutes to surrender. Mr. Banna-
tyne, therefore, once more entered the house and stated
the case as it stood. At last Dr. O'Donnell, who had his

THE RED llIVEll TIIOUHLES.

1G3

wile .iiid children with him in the house, spok' )ut and
said that, in his opinion, they ought to give in, i at they
lind got into a trap, and the best thing they couij do was
to get out of it ; and he for one was willing, and there-
upon signed the terms of surrender. As soon as D^,
O'Donnell had written his name down, the others follow-
ed one by one, until all had signed.

In the meantime, there were from two to three hundred
armed French half-breeds, ^ . ^^ell as a number of look-
ers-on, around and outsirV- tl building; and it is said
that a couple of mourl'^d. cannon (six pounders) were
drawn outside the wall-^ of i. ort Garry, ready to be used
in case of an assault ui n the besieged premises.

"When all those in tue house had signed, and the sur-
render handed to Kiel, he said that there were two signa-
tures not on the list which ought to be there — and which
he insisted upon having. These were the names of James
Mulligan and Charles Garrett. A guard from the French
party was therefore sent to hunt up those two men ; and
in a short time they returned with the individuals they had
been in search of. As soon as this had been done, the
prisoners were taken out and marched to Fort Garry ; and
the following ladies, who, during the siege, had nobly re-
solved upon remaining by the side of their husbands, also
insisted upon accompanying them to Fort Garry.

The following are the names of the ladies: — Mrs.
Schultz, Mrs. Mair, Mrs. O'Donnell ; and as the first
named lady was ill, probably from the excitement of the
past few days, a sleigh was procured, and Dr. Schultz
himself drew her along in it, behind the rest of the pris-

1G4

THE CllEATlON OF MANITOBA.

oners. When they reached Fort Garry, Mr. J. H. Mac-
Tavish, accountant in the Hudson's Bay Company service,
kindly offered to give up his private quarters for the use
of the married men and their families, and thus made
things more comfortable for the ladies.

As the French marched into Fort Garry with the pris-
oners, they fired off a volley into the air, with their small
arms, and it is said the spent bullets came down like rain
immediately afterwards.

The following is a copy of the terms of surrender, with
the signatures attached : —

"Communication received this 7th day of December,
18C9. Dr. Schultz and men are hereby ordered to give
up their arms and surrender themselves. Their lives will
be spared should they comply. In case of refusal, all
the English half-breeds and other natives, women and
children, are at liberty to depart unmolested.

"Louis Riel.

" Fort Garry, 7th December, 1869.

" The surrender will be accepted at, or 15 minutes
after, the order."

Joseph Lynch, M.D.
John Schultz, M.D.
Arthur Hamilton.
G. D. Mc Vicar.
R P. Meade.
Henry Woodington.
W. J. Allen.
Thomas Langman.

George Fortney.
Wm. Graham.
Wm. Nimmons.
Wm Kitson.
John Ferguson.
Wm. Spice.
Thos. Lusted.
James Stewart.

•'I

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

ICo

ac-

D. U. Campbell.

J. M. Coombs.

ice,

John O'Donnell, M.D.

A. R. Chisholm.

use

W. F. Hyman.

John Eccles.

ado

James Dawson.

John Ivy.

W. J. Davis.

F. G. Mugridgo.

ris-

J. B. Haines.

Geo. Nicol.

nall

H. Werghtman.

Geo. Millar.

•ain

L. W. Archibald.

Jas. H. Ashdown

C. E. Palmer.

A. W. Graham.

»rith

Geo. Bubar.

D. Cameron.

Mathew Davis.

J. H. Stocks.

ber,

A. Wright.

James Mulligan.

jivo

P. McArthur.

Charles Garret.

will

Robert R. Smith.

T. Franklin.

, all

James C. Kent.

45 persons in jill

and

utes

lOG

THE CREATION OF MANITODA.

CHAPTER VTI.

PECXARATION OF THE INSURGENTS— SNOW AND DR. BOWN FORCED
TO LEAVE THE SETTLEMENT — FAILURE OF THE ATTEMPT TO FREK
THE PRISONERS — LETTERS OF BISHOP MACHRAY, HON. JOSEPH
HOWE AND COL. DENNIS.

)T may be inicagined that the events described
in the foregoing chapter caused a great deal
of excitement amongst the people living in
the neighbourhood where they took place.
Business was entirely put a stop to, and the settlers from
other parts of the Settlement evaded the town altogether.
Several of the townspeople, immediately after the sur-
render, collected all the provisions, and 'even delicacies,
which could be procured on short notice, and took them
down to the Fort for the use of the prisoners. Mr. Snow,
road superintendent, who had not been captured in
Schultz's house, owing to his having left it previous to the
surrender, for the purpose of endeavouring to arrange terms
with Kiel, on behalf of the besieged party, made arrange-
ments for a regular supply of provisions to be sent to tl
prisoners while they were confined in Fort Garry. Kind
friends went about collecting reading matter for them in
the shape of newspapers and books, which, however, had
to pass through the hands of Riel before reaching them.
At first the capture of the Canadians was not looked
upon as a serious matter (no blood having been shed in

THE RKD RIVKR TROUnLES.

1G7

accoinitliHliin;^ it), as it was gciiemlly l.clieved that tliey
would bo kept in prison only for a few days, and then
set at liberty ; but as the days lengthened into weeks,
and weeks into months, without there being any word of
their release, it began to assume the appearance of tyranny
more than anything else.

On the 8th December Kiel issued the following, printed
in English and French, which was freely circulated
throughout the Settlement : —

"Declaration of the people of Rupert's Land and the

North-West

" Whereas it is admitted by all men, as a fundamental
principle, that the public authority commands the obedi-
ence and respect of its subjects. It is also admitted that
a people, when it has no government, is free to adopt one
form of government in preference to another, to give or
refuse allegiance to that which is proposed. In accord-
ance with the above first principle, the people of this
country had obeyed and respected that authority, to
which the circumstances surrounding its infancy com-
pelled it to be subject.

" A company of adventurers, known as the ' Hudson's
Bay Company,' and invested with certain powers, granted
by His Majesty (Charles II.), established itself in Rupert's
Land and in the North- West Territory, for trading pur-
poses only. This company, consisting of many persons, re-
quired a certain constitution ; bat, as there was a question
of commerce only, their con'^titution was framed in refer-
ence thereto. Yet, since Uiere was, j.t that time, no
government to see to the interests of a- people already

168

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

existing in the country, it became necessary for judiciii'
affairs to have recourse to the officers of the Hudson':.
Bay Company. This inaugurated that species of govern-
ment, which, slightly modified by subsequent circum-
stances, ruled this country up to a recent date.

" Whereas that government, thus accepted, was far
from answering to the wants of the people, and became
more and more so as the population increased in numbers,
and as the country was developed and commerce ex-
tended until the present day, when it commands a place
amongst the colonies ; and this people, ever actuated by
the above mentioned principles, had generously supported
the aforesaid government, and gave to it a faithful alle-
giance ; when, contrary to the law of nations, in March,
1869, that said government surrendered and transferred
to Canada all the rights which it had, or pretended to
have, in this territory, by transactions with which the
people were considered unworthy to be made acquainted ;
and whereas it is also generally admitted that a people
is at liberty to establish any form of government it may
consider suitable to its wants, as soon as the power to
which it was subject abandons it, or attempts to subju-
gate it, without its consent, to a foreign power, and main-
tained that no right can be transferred to such foreign
power. Now therefore —

" 1st. We, the representatives of the people in council,
assembled at Upper Fort Garry, on the 24th day of No-
vember, 1869, after having invoked the God of nations,
relying on these fundamental moral principles, solemnly
declare, in the names of our constituents, and in our own

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

169

names, before God and man, that, from the day on which
the government, we had always respected, abandoned us,
b}'' transferring to a strange power the sacred authority
confided to it, the people of Rupert's Land and the North-
West became free and exempt from all allegiance to the
said governmcMt.

"2nd. That we refuse to recognize the authority of
Canada, which pretends to have a right to coerce us, and
impose upon us a despotic form of government, still more
contrary to our ri^^hts and interests, as British subjects,
than was that government to which we had subjected
ourselves through necessity, up to a recent date.

" 3rd. That by sending an expedition, on the 1st No-
vember, ult., charged to drive back Mr. William McDou-
gall and his companions, coming, in the name of Canada,
to rule us with the rod of despotism, without a previous
notification to that effect, we have but acted conformably
to that sacred right, which commands every citizen to
offer energetic opposition to prevent his country being
enslaved.

" 4th. That we continue, and shall continue, to oppose,
with all our strength, the establishing of the Canadian
authority in our country under the announced form.
And in case of persistence on the part of the Canadian
Government to enforce its obnoxious policy upon us by
force of arms, we protest beforehand against such an
unjust and unlawful course ; and we declare the said
Canadian Government responsible before God and men
for the innumerable evils which may be caused by so un-
warrantable a course. Be it known, therefore, to the

170

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

world ill general, and to the Canadian Government in
particular, that as we have always, heretofore, successfully
defended our couutry in frequent wars with the neigh-
bouring tribes of Indians, who are now on friendly re-
lations with us, we are firmly resolved in future, no' less
than in the past, to repel all invasions from whatsoever
quarter they may come. *

" And, furthermore, we do declare and proclaim, in tlie
name of the people of Rupert's Land and the North >
West, that we have, on the said 24th November, 186.9,
above mentioned, established a provisional government,
and hold it to be the only and lawful authority now in
existence in Rupert's Land and the North -West, which
claims the obedience and respect of the people.

" That, meanwhile, we hold ourselves in readiness to
enter into such negotiations with the Canadian Govern-
ment as may be favourable for the good government and
prosperity of this people.

" In support of this declaration, relying on the protection
of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge ourselves on
oath, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour, to
each other.

" Issued at Fort Garry, this 8tli day of December, in

the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and

sixty-nine.

"John Bruce, President.

"Louis Riel, Secretary."

There ai'e evident marks of Americanism in the above.

A guard of about forty men were despatched by Riel,

immediately after the surrender of the Canadians, with

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

171

orders to occupy Pcmbiiica Post, and prevent Mr. Mc-
Doiigall, or any of his party, from entering it.

About this time, Mr. Snow, road superintendent, re-
ceived two weeks' notice from Riel to arrange his business
matters and leave the Settlement ; and Dr. Bown, the
editor of the " Nor- Wester," having left the town of
Winnipeg in disguise, turned up at the Stone Fort, from
which place (after the departure of Col. Dennis for
Canada) he went farther into the interior, to a post called
" Eagle's Nest," belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company,
where he remained during tlie balance of the winter,
Hving most of the time at the expense of the very parties
ho had so long abused in his newspaper.

Soon after the surrender of the Canadian party, mat-
ters quieted down very rapidly, and a great many of the
French half-breeds returned to their homes. In the
meantime we will see what Col. Dennis was doing all this
time in his capacity of " Conservator of the Peace ;" and,
judging from the following extracts taken from his report,
it is quite plain that, although he did his best, in order
to raise a force to rescue the party in Schultz's house, he
was unsuccessful in his attempt.

" She (Mrs. Black) brought a verbal message from Dr.
Schultz to me, as he told her he was afraid to trust a
letter, to the effect that some forty Canadians were in a
state of siege in his house ; that they could not go out
either to get food, wood or water, and begged for help.
This, it is clear, luould not have occurred had my pre-
vious orders, repeatedly given, for the Canadians to
Jmce the toivn, been obeyed. My force in the Settlement

172

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

msssfr.m^

■H^j

^ :"■ ^^'.«i ' ■,■"

^P'W^'^it^

■m^

was not as yet organized ; and not having heard so fur
from Captain Webb, I felt that the crisis was one involv-
ing very great consequences.

" Thinking, however, on the moral effect of the object
I had in view, should the Canadians be captured, it
seemed a duty to relieve them, if possible ; and believing,
as Mrs. Black said, the French in the town were not
more than fifty in number ; that on the appearance of a
considerable body of men coming up from the direction
of the Lower Fort, the French guard would fall back on
Fort Garry, and so leave time for the besieged party
to come out and return with us; and that the relief could
be effected in this w?y without necessarily having a col-
lision, I determined on that course.

" About forty men of the company, the head quarters of
which are at Stone Fort, were drilling at the time, and
expressed their readiness to go, and I then got a sleigh
and drove up the Settlement to gather, if possible, sixty
additional volunteers from among the enrolled men, believ-
ing that I should have little or no difficulty in getting
that number in St. Andrews. I found, however, that the
requisite force would not be forthcoming. Indeed there
appeared to me to be an entire absence of the ardour
which existed previously, and it became evident that the
project for the relief of the Canadians must fall to the
ground.

" Sent off at 3 a.m. a verbal message, to be conveyed,
if possible, to the besieged party, telling them of my
inability to relieve them, and that, if obliged to surrender,
they must only get the best terms they could."

THE RED lUVEll TROUBLES.

173

And then, after hecaring of the capture of the party,
he says, " As regards this unfortunate affair, there was no
force with which the party could have been relieved, and,
the French party being in overpowering numbers, there
was no alternative but to surrender. Indeed it was an
act of folly their remaining there to be made prisoners of,
as I have reason to believe they could have made their
eacaioe a fevj hours jjveviously without danger or diffi-
cidtyy

This seems to prove conclusively 'that the object of
Schultz and Lynch must have been to bring on a general
fight, and that, after all, the 'provisions and property was
a secondary object altogether. And at the same time it
is strange, when we remember that, before Schultz
assembled the men in his house, he removed a large por-
tion of his own goods to distant parts of the Settlement.

On the 8th December, Col. Dennis received the ToUow-
ing from Bishop Machray, which throws a gou(f deal of
light on the feeling of settlers generally a,t the time : —

" Bisi s Court, Dec. Gth, 1869.

'' Dear Colonel Denni I grieve to say that the state
of things is assuming dail; i graver aspect. I am greatly
disappointed at the manifestations of loyalty and a deter-
mination to support th government of Mr, McDougall,
on the part of the English population. Instead of a
breaking down of the forct of the insurgents, I feel certain,
from my observations at Fort Garry to-day, and from
information from Mr. MacTavish, and others I can fully
rely on, that over 600 men are now in arms, and they are

174

THE CKKATION OF MANIT013A.

well armed. I see no reason to depend on want of coin-
age or determination on the part of these men. In addi-
tion to this strong exhibition of force, there is a belief,
apparently on good authority, of a determination to
avenge loss of life, if they are attacked, by house to house
massacring, or at any rate, by individual assassination.

" I feel, therefore, that success in an attack with siieli
forces as you can bring together, with nothing of the
common action the insurgents have, is very problematical,
and that the warfare is likely to be such, that a victory
will only be less fattd to the Settlement and the interest
of the Canadian Government than a defeat.

" You must not suppose that this comes from one who
is t'morous ; though I never said it before, I went to the
first meeting of the Council of Assinniboia, prepared to
recommend a forcible putting down of the insurrection,
and when you came in I hoped that the exhibition of
force would be sufficient ; but the force of the insurgents
has only grown with opposition, and is now, I believe,
quite a match for all that can be brought together against
them. I would earnestly advise, therefore, the giving up
of any idea of attacking the French position at Fort
Garry at present, and also any idea of seizing, by stealth,
on any rebel. Put away such counsel, for a time at least.
I feel that the result to be anticipated would be very
disastrous. I see everything to be gained by delay ; at
any rate there would be some opportunity, perhaps, of
brinjxinfr about some direct communication between Go-
vernor McDougall and thu disafiected people. I think
you should on every account bring that about. Further,

it would
mind of
of settlh

TO THE ]

am at t
the chan
I do not
the Quee
managen
there is i
is what i
setting f(
meeting,
by the di
to Canad
whole gr:
" This
is a grav
I would
present
feasible,
be made
enter in
attack.
do this, J
luas to c(
thing mc

T1[E RED RIVER TROUJJLES,

175

it luould be well not to act till you ascertain clearly the
mind of the Canadian Ministry and 'people, on the luay
of settling this affair, and I think something is due

TO THE people FROM GOVERNOR McDoUGALL. I for one

am at this moment perfectly ignorant of any detail of
the character or policy of this government. Personally
I do not care for this. I am not only fervently loyal to
the Queen, but I have unquestioning confidence in the
management of Canada. I know all will be right ; still
there is not less a great want, a very conciliatory attitude
is what is wanted from Governor McDougall, and a plain
setting forth of how the government is to be conducted,
meeting, as far as possible, any of the wishes expressed
by the disaffected verons, and perhaps referring others
to Canada, but promising a generous consideration of the
whole grievances.

" This may not be altogether palatable, but tho crisis
is a grave one for Canada, and much wisdom is needed.
I would not so write did I not feel certain that, if the
present numbers of insurgents keep up, an attack is not
feasible, and did I not also feel that some attempt should
be made by those having authority and knowledge to
enter into explanations with, them before making any
attack. The late Government of Assinnihoia could not
do this, for it had no information, all that could he done
ivas to counsel loyal obedience ; but at this time some-
thing more is called for than that.
" With kindest regards,

"I am, &c., -^

*'R. RuPERi's Land."

170

THE (JUEATION OF MANI'l'OBA.

The above letter needs no comment ; it clearly shows
that Mr. McDougall, instead of waiting for orders from
Ottawa, as he had been instructed to do, went deliberately
to woik to proclaim war on the people, upon the strength
of his illegal Proclamation and Commission to Dennis,
and that, too, without any attempt on his part to seek
for a more peaceful solution of the difficulty with the
disaffected persons. It shows also the absurdity of all
the buncombe asserted by Mr. McDougall, regarding the
complicity of the Hudson's Bay Company, for it is plainly
acknowledged by Bishop Machray (a member of the Coun-
cil of Assinniboia") that the authorities had no informu-
mation on which to base their actions in the matter.
And it is quite perceptible that, had the Hudson's Bay
Company made a call upon the English settlers to put
down the French, it womld most likely have not been
answered ; and, if it hac, Mr. McDougall would, in all
probability, have come in to reign over a country laid
waste, or else a settlement (from the mode of warfare,
spoken of hy Bishop Machray, as likely to have been carried
on) of assassinators and murderers.

We will now refer once more to tlit /--iport of Col. Den-
nis, and see the great change which had come over the
" spirit of his dream :" —

"Having become convinced that it is xamleHH to entertain
any expectation of being enabled t« get * iHfSMh foree
with which to put down the party in arms, deeided t-
abandon the call upon the English-speaking people, and
take [advantage of the disposition of the French, as ex-
pressed by them, to send delegates to the Lieutenant Gov-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

177

tertain
fore-

>le, and
as ex-
it Gov-

ernor, and so withdraw from a situation which the change
in sentiment, during the last few days, has rendered a
false one. I, therefore, this morning, issued a notification
marked ' P,' sending a manuscript copy early in the day
to Mr. Bannatyne, at Winnipeg, with a note (see copy
marked K 5), asking him to lay it before the French
council."

That same evening (9th), Mr. Bannatyne received the
note mentioned by Col. Dennis, which read as follows : —

"Lower Fort Garry, Dec. 9th, 18G9.

" A. G. B. Bannatyne, Esq.,

" Winni'pec) :

"Dear Mr. Bannatyne, — I hope the enclosed will satisfy
the French party of my desire not to see the country
made desolate upon a question, which, I am convinced,
admits of a peaceful solution.

" Be good enough to make it known to the parties in
arms. If I can contribute in any way to bring about a
settlement, I shall be glad to do so. The paper will be
printed and distributed to clay.

" Believe me, dear Sir,

" Yours, &;c.

" J. S. Dennis." •

We l»vc it to our readers to judge how far Col. Den-
nis was sincere in writing as above. For wlien it is re-
membered tfcat, only a few days previous, he hud beon
doing i..is utmost to raise a force amongst the settlers, for
tlte |Hi*fyr)He of burning and destroying, it must seem

178

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

strange to find him writing immediately afterwards (when
his warlike intentions had been frustrated), that he had
no desire to see the country made desolate. The follow-
ing is the paper referred to in the note to Mr. Bannatyne,
and which was afterwards circulated throughout the Set-
tlement by Col. Dennis, in printed form. It is known in
the Settlement as the —

PEACE PROCLAMATION.

"Lower Fort Garry,

" Red River Settlement.
" Dec. 9th, 1869.
" To all whom it may concern :

" By certain printed papers of late put in circulation
by the French party, communication with the Lieuten-
ant-Governor is indicated, with a view to laying before
him alleged rights on the part of those now in arms. I
think that course very desirable, and that it would lead
to good results. Under the belief that the party in arms
are sincere in their desire for peace, and feeling that to
abandon, for the present, the call on the loyal to arms
would, in view of such communication, relieve the situ-
ation of much embarrassment, and so contribute to bring
about peace, and save the country from what will other-
wise end in ruin and desolation, I now call on and or-
der the loyal party in the North West Territories to cease
further action under the appeal to arms made by me ;
and I call on the French party to satisfy the people of
their sincerity, in wishing for a peaceful ending of all
these troubles, by sending a deputation to the Lieutenant-
Governor at Pembina, without any unnecesKsary delay.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

179

"Given under my hand, at the Lower Fort Garry, this
9th day of December, 1869.

" J. S. Dennis,
"Lieut, and Consei'vator of the Peace,
" in and for the North- West Terntorles."

The issuing of the above resulted in nothing — no-
body believed in it.

It may be interesting to our readers to ascertain the
Hght in which the Canadian Government viewed the pro-
ceedings of Mr. McDougall and Col. Dennis, and on this
account, we give below a few extracts from a letter writ-
ten to Mr. McDougall, by the Hon. Joseph Howe, on the
24th of December : —

" As it would appear, from these documents, that you
have used the Queen's name without her authority — at-
tributed to Her Majesty acts which she has not yet per-
formed — and organized an armed force within the Terri-
tory of the Hudson's Bay Company, without warrant or
instructions, I am commanded to assure you that the
grave occurrences, which you report, have occasioned here
great anxiet3^ ♦ * * # *

But as the organization, and use of such a force by you,
was, under the circumstances, entirely illegal, the Gover-
nor General and Council cannot disguise from you the
weight of responsibility you have incurred.

** Acting on the belief that the country would be quietly
transferred with the general assent of the inhabitants,
all the preparatory arrangements were made, as you were
aware, in anticipation that on or about the 1st December,

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PhotDgraphic

Sciences

Corporation

33 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, NY. 14580

(716) •72-4503

180

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

itjcl

the Territory would be surrendered by the Company to
the Queen; and that thereupon Her Majesty would issue
Her Proclamation fixing a day for the union of the coun-
try with Canada.

"The Proclamation, when officially communicated to
you, would enable you under the Commission and author-
ity given in anticipation of that event, to enter legally
upon the appointed day, on the discharge of your official
duties as Governor of the North-West.

"In the Commission issued on the 28th September,
you were empowered to enter upon the duties of govern-
ment only, " on, from and after the day to be named" in
the Queen's Proclamation ; and in the instructions han-
ded to you with the Commission, you are directed to pro-
ceed to Fort Garry, and be ready to assume the govern-
ment of the Territories on their actual transfer to Can-
ada. *****

" I wish I could inform you, that this report had en-
tirely relieved the Governor General and Council from the
anxiety already expressed. It is true that no blood had
been shed up to the 6th, and you had not carried out
your intention of occupying the stockade, near Pembina,
with an armed party ; but the proceedings of Col. Dennis,
as reported by himself, are so reckless and extraordinary
that there can he no relief from solicitude here, while an
ofUcer so imprudent is acting under your authority."

"Had the inhabitants of Rupert's Land, on the breaking
out of the disturbances, risen and put an end to them, or
had Governor MacTavish organized a force to occupy his
forts and maintain his authority, all would have been

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

181

Lny to
. issue
coim-

:ed to
uthor-
egally
official

ember,
;overn-
iied" in
ls han-
to pro-
jovern-
,0 Can-

ad en-
•om the
►od had
ed out
mbina,
Dennis,
:dinary
>hile an

ty."

reaking
hem, or
upy his
^e been

well ; and Kiel and his people would have been responsi-
ble for any bloodshed or property destroyed. But Col.
Dennis, with no legal authority, proceeds to seize the fort
not in possession of the insurgents, but of the Hudson's
Bay Company, and to garrison it with a mixed force of
whites and Indians, and proposes to give battle to the
insurgents, should a junction be formed with some forces
which he has ordered to be drilled on the Assinniboine.
He appears never to have thought that the moment war
commenced, all the white inhabitants would be at the
mercy of the Indians, by whom they are largely outnum-
bered, and divided as they would be, might be easily
overpowered.

" It is impossible to read the Colonel's account of his at-
tempt to persuade Judge Black to aid him in proclaiming
martial law, without strong feelings of regret, that you
should have been represented in the Settlement by a per-
son of so little discretion. It is no wonder that Judge
Black was * frightened' at the proposal, as ho must have
known that Col. Dennis would have to answer, at the bar
of justice, for every life lost by such an assumption of
authority ; and that the illegal seizure of an American
citizen would at once provoke interference in the quarrel
and lead to very serious complications.

" I have, &;c.

"Joseph Howe."

182

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTER VIII.

ARRESTS CONTINUE — DEPARTURE OP COL. DENNIS — HON. MR.
MCDOUOALL's letter TO RIEL — HIS COMMUNICATION TO GOV.
MACTAVISH — HON. MR. MCDOUOALL AND PARTY LEAVE PEM-
BINA.

■■i

►lEL and his party continued to arrest suspected
persons, until they had over sixty prisoners in
Fort Garry ; and a search was also made by
the French guard, in several houses, for arras.
These precautions were said to be taken in order to pre-
vent any attempted rescue of the men imprisoned. On
the 10th December, the French provisional flag was hoist-
ed for the first time in Fort Garry, amidst the shouts of
the men assembled to witness it. The flag consisted of a
white ground, on which was worked a representation of
the fleur de lis and shamrock combined, the latter being
in honor, it was said, of W. B. O'Donohue, a young man
who, having thrown off the soutane, left the college of St.
Boniface, where he had been studying for the priesthood,
and joined the insurgents. He was an Irishman by birth,
having lived, however, for some time in the city of New
York, and was suspected of possessing strong Fenian pro-
clivities. He afterwards became a leading spirit in the
insurrection, and we will often have occasion to speak of
him in connection with some of the most important actions
of the insurgents. As the flag was hoisted on the pole, a

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

183

volley was fired in its honor, and the band from the Col-
lege of St. Boniface being present played several tunes,
the French, in the meantime, cheering lustily ; after which
Kiel made a speech to the crowd.

As this was going on, the prisoners were peering out
upon the scene from the windows of the rooms into which
they had been crowded, — indeed, there were so many of
the prisoners confined together, that fears at last began to
be felt lest sickness might creep in amongst them. On
this account, about one-half of those confined in Fort
Garry were removed outside the walls to the old jail, or
court house, adjoining.

The French now, with the exception of about sixty
men, returned to their homes, on the understanding that
those remaining in the fort were to be relieved at regular
periods. Riel, therefore, on the 12th Dec. (Sunday), made
a call at the church door, at St. Boniface, for a fresh guard
to take the place of the men then on duty. This was
promptly responded to from amongst the French ; and
Riel stated that he intended, in this manner, to guard
Fort Garry till the spring, unless circumstances should
occur to require a larger body of men.

During all this time, Governor MacTavish, who was in a
decline, remained very ill in his house, being only able at
times to move from his bed ; and the events occurring in
the Settlement tended to make him a great deal worse
than he otherwise might have been.

On the 11th Dec. (the day after the hoisting of the pro-
visional flag). Col. Dennis left the stone fort for Pembina,
in order to rejoin his superior, Mr. McDougall. In his re-
port he says : —

184

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

'.,1

" Having received, on the evening of the 10th instant,
a message from Mr. Sutherland, to say that there was no
prospect of getting the French leaders to agree to a meet-
ing, I decided to leave the following day to report to you
in person, in accordance with my instructions, and com-
pleted the necessary arrangements, engaging a guide,
&;c., &c.

" During the night, a report reached me that a body of
Sioux, said to be 500, were on their way to the Settlement,
and had gone as far as Poplar Point, bent upon commenc-
ing war * upon their own hook.'

" Believing that matters in the Red River Settlement
were sufficiently complicated, without adding in a raid
from the Sioux ; and fearing that, should the report have
had good foundation. Major Boulton, who left at 4 a.m.,
on the 10th instant, might not meet the ' war party,' as
he was to go straight through to the Portage by the
'Grosse Isle,' I decided to investigate the matter, and, if
the report proved true, to use my best endeavours to turn
the Indians back, and thus prevent a calamity in which,
probably, French and English might be involved. I
therefore left the fort at 2 a.m., changed horses at the
Town of Winnipeg, and drove through, without meeting
interruption of any kind, to Poplar Point, arriving at Mr.
George Taylor's about 1 p.m.

" The report which has reached the Settlement, as to
the Sioux, was entirely without foundation. They as-
serted themselves as on the Government side, but said they
had had no intention of 'making war' w^ithout being first
asked to do so by the Governor."

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

185

d they

Col. Dennis afterwards reached Pembina on the 15th,
having had a very hard trip over the Plains. In the mean-
time, Kiel was using his utmost endeavours to prevail
upon the English settlers to join in with the Provisional
Government, but with very little success. They wished
first to be acquainted with the intentions of the French,
in thus setting up a temporary government ; and, as Kiel
did not properly satisfy them upon that point, they de-
termined to have nothing to do with it. Matters, there-
fore, remained in a very unsettled state, — one side of the
Settlement professing to have a government of its own,
while the other section had no head, no law, and no order ;
and, at the same time, it was fully expected that some
cause for open disagreement would follow such a dis-unit-
ed state of affairs. The Americans in the Settlement
about this time seemed to be interesting themselves a
good deal in the affairs of the country, and this gave rise
to the report that Kiel and his council had in view annex-
ation to the United States. The project of starting a
newspaper, in the interests of the insurgents, was also
spoken of, with Major Robinson, an American citizen, as
editor and manager of the same. These things tended the
more to keep the English settlers at a distance, and was
only another proof that Kiel, while endeavouring to in-
duce them to join him with one hand, was pushing them
off effectually with the other. Stutzman, of Pembina,
was also spoken of as likely to be Major Robinson's part-
ner, and there is little doubt that at one time it was so
intended, but after-occurrences took place to prevent it,
to the salvation, probably, of the Settlement. About this

186

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

time, President Bruce was said to be very ill, and did not,
therefore, appear in public. It was currently reported,
however, at the same time, that he was only feigning
sickness, so as to have a plea to resign his position amongst
the insurgents — a thing which he soon afterwards did, in
favour of Riel.

A party of Indians, somewhere about the 17th or 18th
of December, broke into the storehouse belonging to the
works on the Lake of the Woods road, at Oak Point, and
threatened the man in charge that if he did not give them
some of the provisions, they would help themselves with-
out his leave. Mr. Snow thereupon appealed to Riel, and
the latter immediately started for the scene of the trouble,
and succeeded in quieting the Indians, and satisfied Mr.
Snow that he need have no further fears for the safety of
the provisions, they having been, in the meantime, stored
in «ome of the neighbouring houses for better protection.

Mr. McDougall now began to entertain the idea of re-
turning to Canada ; but, before quite making up his mind
to that course, he thought proper to address the following
note to Riel, it being the only attempt (as far as we know)
on his part to communicate with the insurgents, and find
out the true cause for their grievances : —

" (Private.)

" Pembina, Dec. 13th, 1869.
"Louis Riel, Esq.

" Sir, — I hear from the Hudson Bay Post that you are
expected to arrive there from Fort Garry to-night. I send
this note to inform you that I am anxious to have a con-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

187

versafcion with you before answering despatches which I
have recently received from the Dominion Government.
I have not yet had any communication from you, or from
any one else, on behalf of the French half-breeds who
have prevented me from proceeding to Fort Garry, stating
their complaints or wishes in reference to the new govern-
ment. As the representative of the Sovereign to whom
you and they owe, and, as I am told, do not wish to deny
allegiance, it is proper that some such communication,
should reach me. It will be a great misfortune to us all,
I think, if I am obliged to return to Canada, and hand
over the powers of government here to a military ruler.
This will be the inevitable result, unless we find some so-
lution of the present difficulty very soon.

" I have full powers from the Government, as well as
the strongest desire personally, to meet all just claims of
every class and section of the people. Why should you
not come to me and discuss the matter ?

" I beg you to believe that what occun*ed will not afffect
my mind against you, or those for whom you may be au-
thorized to speak. The interview proposed must be with-
out the knowledge or privity of certain American citizens
here who pretend to he en rapport with you. I trust to
your honor on this point.

" Very faithfully yours,

"William McDougall."

Mr. McDougall waited in vain for the interview. Riel
did not accept the proposition ; it had come too late in
the day, and had been preceded by too many unmistak-

188

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

able proofs that the man seeking the meeting was alt'^^
gether unfit to govern with either impartiality or moder-
ation. The disappointed would-be-governor, therefore,
took up his pen, and vented his spleen upon the head of
the man at Fort Garry, whose authority he had so wan-
tonly and utterly destroyed. It is not only curious, but
highly absurd, to read what Mr. McDougall wrote to Gov-
ernor MacTavish on that occasion, as follows : —

" I observe, by a paragraph in the Montreal Gazette,
that the Dominion Government have telegi'aphed their
agent in London to withhold payment to the Hudson's
Bay Company of the purchase money agreed to be paid
to them for the transfer of their rights in Rupert's Land.
I have no official confirmation of this statement, but will
not be surprised if it should prove true. Under these cir-
cumstances, it becomes important to consider carefully the
legal position of all parties in the present crisis. I ven-
ture to submit my view of the c«ase, as it stands, in the
North-West Territories.

" If, in consequence of the action of the Dominion Gov-
ernment, the surrender and transfer of the country did not
take place on the first day of December, as previously
agreed upon, then you are the chief executive officer as he-
fore, and responsible for the preservation of the peace, and
the enforcement of the lav). [Note. — How easy it appears
now-a-day : to take a man's head off", and plaster it on
immediately afterwards.] If, on the other hand, the
transfer did take place on the first day of December, then,
I take it, my commission came into force, and the notice,
in the form of a proclamation, issued by my authority on

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

189

L3 alt'-
moder-
erefore,
lead of
5 wan-
US, but
io Gov-

Qazette,
i their
udson's
56 paid
\ Land,
ut will
lese civ-
illy the
I ven-
in the

n Gov-
did not
viously

as he-
ce, and
appears
' it on
nd, the
sr, then,

notice,
irity on

that day, correctly recited the facts, and disclosed the le-
gal status of the respective parties."

Then follows an attempted justification of his conduct
in having supplanted Governor MacTavish, and sent Col.
Dennis into the country in the way he did. The plain
English of the above is, that if the transfer had not taken
place on the 1st December, then Mr. MacTavish was gov-
ernor, and responsible for all the troubles and hubbub
caused by Mr. McDougall and his emissary. Col. Dennis>
in the country, as well as the acts of the French, in re-
sisting them ; but if, on the other hand, the transfer had
taken place, then Mr. McDougall was governor, and every-
thing that had been done was right. So that, whether
the transfer had or had not taken place, Mr. McDougall
had done no wrong, and Mr. MacTavish had, — that was
Mr. McDougall's view of the case. He does not seem to
have considered that there was anything out of the way
in having issued a proclamation to the people that their
chief was no longer at the head of affairs (when such was
not the case) ; and he apparently saw no harm in having
issued another proclamation, in the shape of a commission,
calling upon the people to rise in civil warfare, and thus
destroy all hopes of a more peaceful arrangement with the
French. Those acts were nothing at all, so long as Mr.
McDougall was governor (that being his plan for subject-
ing the people) ; but, if Mr. MacTavish was governor, then
the responsibility rested upon him for having allowed
either Mr. McDougall or Col. Dennis to usurp such au-
thority. Our readers will no doubt admit that all this is
" very funny," say the least of it ; but we can assure them

190

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

» .•

it was very serious for the Red River Settlement. And yet,
in the face of all this, the opponents of the Canadian Gov-
ernment see fit to endeavour to screen Mr. McDougall (he
having joined their ranks), at the expense of his late col-
leagues, to belie the Red River authorities, and to tra-
duce the Red River people for the acts of one whom, hav-
ing adopted, they seem bound to protect at any risk.

Mr. McDougall, having bestowed his parting benedic-
tion upon Governor MacTavish, sat down and wrote to the
Hon. Joseph Howe as follows : —

" Events have occurred since that despatch was written,
which, when the account of them reaches you, will justify,
I think, the decision which I have arrived at, to return as
far as St. Paul, and communicate with you from that
point."

Accordingly, in a couple of days afterwards (18th Dec),
Mr. McDougall and his party, having procured sleds,
packed up their baggage, and left Pembina for St. Paul
via Abercrombie. Captain and Mrs. Cameron left some
time after, in company with Dr. Tupper, member of the
Dominion Parliament, who came to bring them back
(Mrs. Cameron being his daughter) ; and we may mention
here that Dr. Tupper had occasion to visit Fort Garry, in
order to procure Mrs. Cameron's luggage, which had been
seized along with Mr. McDougall's government property,
&;c. ; and, while on that mission, he was obliged to call and
see Riel, with whom he had a short interview, the result
of which is not properly known ; but it is said that it re-
ferred principally to the baggage which Dr. Tupper
wished to have released. About the time of Mr. Mc-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

191

Dougall's departure from Pembina, it became pretty gen-
erally known throughout the Settlement that the procla-
mation which he had isaued ns coming from the Queen
was a false one, and it was strange to perceive the com-
plete revulsion of feeling that took place amongst the
settlers generally. If there was one thing more than an-
other that assisted to strengthen the hands of Kiel, it was
that. People who professed to be supporters of the in-
coming government, at once cooled in their ardor, and this
led the way, more than anything else, to place Riel in the
position which he afterwards held.

The prisoners in Fort Garry felt themselves, to a great
degree, sold, especially when they heard that Col. Dennis
had fled from the country ; and the settlers generally could
hardly credit the reality of the position in which the
country had been placed. T!ie English settlers felt more
than ever at a loss what to do, and thus Mr. McDougall,
having sown the seeds of disunion and ill-feeling, left the
Settlement, figuratively speaking, in a state of chaos, out
of which the way did not seem at all clear. There was,
notwithstanding, a feeling of relief experienced by all par-
ties when he did leave the borders, as it was plainly seen
that so long as he remained there, the likelihood of an ar-
rangement of the difficulties was not at all probable. He,
however, left the dregs of future trouble behind him,
which developed themselves after his departure, but
which, it is true, might have lain dormant had not Riel
and his associates pursued a course and committed acts
which brought them to life with renewed vigor.

We may from this time date the wise policy adopted

192

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

. *:

V'-:

by the Canadian Ministry, — a policy, in fact, which has
saved the country, and placed it, at the present day, in as
prosperous and promising a position as any other part of
the Dominion.

KIEL

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

193

CHAPTER IX.

KIEL LEVIES A REQUISITION ON THE HUDSON BAY COMPANY —
o'dONOOHUE and the FENIANS — INDIAN SCARE— THE SIOUX IN
COUNCIL ASSEMBLED— GRAND VICAR THIBAULT AND COL. DE
SALABEBRY ARRIVE AS COMMISSIONERS — LETTER OF INSTRUC-
TIONS FROM HON. JOSEPH HOWE.

|NE fact is noticeable in the history of the
troubles, that Kiel never deviated from his
plan of forming a provisional government ;
and, in order to make this a success, his whole
aim seemed to be to induce or compel the English settlers
to join it. This idea, apparently, was that, were the
settlers once united under a government which i »ey
could call their own, they would be in a proper position
to demand those rights which were felt to be necessary
for the happiness and future prosperity of the country
There is no doubt that, had Mr. McDougall come in with
the powers he was possessed of, the result would have
been a general dissatisfaction and discontent ; so much
so that it might have led to serious troubles, and would
have at all events prevented the progress of the country,
by placing men in power who would have served their
own ends and disregarded the interests of the people com-
pletely. It may be said, in defence, that such things
always regulate themselves. In this case it was different,
-—the trouble would have commenced from the outset,
and the seeds of future ill-feeling would have been sown.
It would have taken some time to repair the injury done;

194

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

and many yeara would have elapsed ere the evil effects of
a bad commencement would have been entirely eradi-
cated. Under these circumstances it is as well, perhaps,
that Mr. McDougall left for Canada, not to return as
Governor, for he could not have been popular, except
amongst the few " friends," who were to be benefitted by
his getting into power, and who therefore felt so much
zeal in his behalf (as well as their own) that they entirely
fiiistrated the end they were aiming at, and proved the
ruin of the very man who was to be their benefactor.

Matters in the Settlement had quieted down very much
since the capture of the Schultz party, and the departure
of their master, Mr. McDougall, from Pembina, especially
as it was generally believed that the prisoners confined in
Fort Garry were likely to be released. But day after
day elapsed and still no word of the expected release,
until a bitter feeling sprang up amongst the English, at
what seemed to them such unnecessary cruelty. It was
here again that Riel made a great mistake. Had he liber-
ated the men captured in Schultz's house on their parole,
that they would not again interfere with the affairs of
the country, it is most probable that he would have com-
manded the respect of the English settlers ; and it is also
more than certain that, had Schultz or any of that party
attempted to create further disturbance amongst the set-
tlers, they would not have been successful. It appears,
however, as if Riel intended to make use of the capture
of the prisoners in order to bring about a union of the
people, and therein he failed ; for although a union did
afterwards take place, it was neither a sincere one, nor
one that would have lasted for any time.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

195

We will now proceed to describe occurrences as they
took place in order.

On the 22nd of December, a bargain was arranged
between Major Robinson and Mr. Cold well, the proprietor
of the " Red River Pioneer " newspaper, for the purchase
of the press and plant, &e., belonging to the same. Mr.
Cold well had gone to a good deal of expense in bringing
in the necessary material for starting a first-class journal ;
but, before he could issue the first copy, he was stopped
by Riel, and therefore the property was, as it were, dead
on his hands. He therefore had no other alternative left
than to sell out at the first opportunity; and, conse-
quently, closed with Robinson for £550, sterling. Stutz-
man, by this time, had given up the idea of coming to
live in the Settlement, and, therefore. Major Robinson re-
solved upon carrying on the affair on his own account.

That same afternoon, Riel went to Governor MacTavish
and demanded the loan of a large amount of money from
the Hudson's Bay Company, — two thousand pounds of
which he required to be paid down at once. This Gov-
ernor MacTavish promptly refused ; and, thereupon, Riel,
in company with O'Donoghue and an armed guard, with
fixed bayonets, entered the public office of the company,
and demanded the contents of the safe from the account-
ant, J. H. MacTavish. This rather peremptory procedure
decidedly startled the clerks in the office ; but, more so,
when Riel, upon MacTavish 's refusal to comply with the
demand, ordered the guard to advance, to prick, to pierce
him if he would not open the safe. Mr. MacTavish still
refused, and, thereupon, O'Donoghue stepped forward and

.•,;|

196

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

said that he would be under the necessity of searching
him for the keys. This MacTavish could not prevent ;
but, when the keys were discovered, he still refused to
show them how to open the door of the safe — the lock
being a curious and difficult one to manage. O'Donoghue
then tried to overcome the difficulty, — but, for a long
time, did not succeed — Kiel, in the meantime, walking up
and down, and, just as he w*as losing patience a the de-
lay, O'Donoghue accidentally hit upon the secret of the
lock. The money was then taken out and counted, and
Mr. MacTavish was obliged to make a memorandum of
the amount, after which the guard walked off with the
safe and its contents to the office of Mr. Riel, in another
part of the Fort.

It was a singular coincidence that the above should
have taken place on the afternoon of the same day on
which Major Robinson made the bargain with Cold well
for the printing press. It was currently reported at the
time that the money seized from the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany was intended to pay for the printing press of the
" Pioneer," — the newspaper to be conducted in the inter-
est of the French party. Be that as it may, the money
was not paid over to Coldwell till after the seizure. This
occurrence of taking the Company's cash -box created some
excitement among the English settlers, and was the means
of causing Riel to lose several of the best men among his
councillors, — they not being prepared to go to such
lengths.

On Christmas Eve, the French soldiers were paid for
their services in goods taken from the Hudson's Bay

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

197

arching
nevent ;
used to
,he lock
anogliue

a long
iking up

the de-
st of the
[ted, and
ndum of
with the

another

e should
e day on
Coldwell
d at the
lay Com-
ss of the
,he inter-
le money
ire. This
^ted some
he means
mong his
to such

paid for
ion's Bay

Company's store. In fact, Riel now had no hesitation in
taking what he wanted inside the Fort, although an ac-
count was kept up to this time of everything thus
seized.

Midnight mass was celebrated as usual in St. Boniface
Cathedral ; but it was observed that there were very few
men present, the bulk of the congregation being females.
At twelve o'clock, p. m., on the 24th, a salute of 18 guns
was fired from the walls of Fort Garry, thus ushering in
Christmas in true military style, and, for some reason, Dr.
Schultz, about the same time, was separated from his
wife and confined with the rest of the prisoners. It is
said that the parting between the Doctor and Mrs.
Schultz was a very trying scene, and that Riel had some
difficulty in pei'suading his men to take part in it. Cer-
tainly it must have appeared as if something serious was
about to happen. The men in the Fort were at the time
running out the guns, and a good deal of noise and
hubbub arose from doing so ; and, just at that moment,
Riel and his guard appeared to take the Doctor to his
other quarters. It was enough to make a stout heart
quail, and the bosom of a wife to be torn with apprehen-
sion for her husband. There was no intention, however,
on the part of Riel to harm Dr. Schultz, — only, it is said,
fearing lest he might escape through the instrumentality
of his wife, he had him removed into what was consid-
ered more secure quarters.

At this stage, several rumors were afloat in the Settle-
ment regarding O'Don .^hue, and his connection with the
Fenians, — one being that he was about to start for

r :•

198

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Chicago and New York, in order to organize a regiment
of those men and bring them to Red River to take part
in the troubles on the side of the French. It was also re-
ported that a portion of the money seized from the Hud-
son's Bay Company was to go towards paying O'Dono-
ghue's expenses to the States. It is not known, however,
whether O'Donoghue had any real intention of leaving the
Settlement at the time or not, as he never went on the
expected trip ; but it is quite certain that the report of
his wish to raise the Fenians caused a good deal of
anxiety and trouble in the Settlement, and served in pre-
venting the chances of a union between the English and
French settlers. In fact, amongst the latter there was a
very strong feeling against this seeming inclination to
bring strangers into the quarrel. From this time the
probability of an agreement between the two sides of the
Settlement appeared to diminish every day, — the English
settlers now feeling that they could not join hands with
those who, in their eyes, were committing such barefaced
robbery as that which was being practised every day on
the Hudson's Bay Company. It is unaccountable why
Riel pursued this course, when he must have known that
a different one was far more likely to secure for him suc-
cess in his project ; and there is no doubt that the union
of the whole Settlement was the paramount object by
which to obtain that success.

Christmas Day brought with it the resignation of
President Bruce, as the head of the French provisional
government, and the exaltation of Riel to that position.
The ex-president, however, still retained a place amongst

' ^ .ip!

, *Hr:

THE RED UIVER TROUBLES.

199

regiment
take part
is also re-
the Hud-
O'Dono-
however,
aving the
tit on the
report of
I deal of
id in pre-
glisli and
3re was a
nation to
time the
es of the
5 English
nds with
3arefaced
y day on
ible why
own that
him suc-
,he union
bject by

lation of
ovisional
position,
amongst

the councillors. Christmas Day also brought news that
Grand Vicar Thibault was hourly expected to arrive, in
the capacity of a Commissioner, from Canada ; his com-
panion. Col. de Salaberry, having remained at Pembina,
till it could be ascertained whether he would be allowed
to enter the Settlement. Stutzman, at Pembina, endea-
vored to persuade Riel to hold the conference with these
Commissioners on the frontier, in case Grand Vicar Thib-
ault, who was very much beloved by a large class of
the French half-breeds (having at one time resided a num-
ber of years in the Settlement), might succeed in influ-
encing them against him (Riel).

Riel, however, did not listen to this counsel, but
allowed the Grand Vicar to enter the Settlement, and also
sent oif a party of men to bring in Col. de Salaberry. It
was on the 2Gth December when Grand Vicar Thibault
arrived at Fort Garry, and we will quote his own words,
from his report to the Government at Ottawa, to describe
his reception : —

" In compliance with instructions furnished to us, by
the Canadian Government, Lieut.-Col. de Salaberry and
myself left Ottawa on the 18th December, f^v Red River.
About midway between Georgetown and Pembina, we
met the Hon. Wm. McDougall, '"rho had left the latter
place some days previous, and who was on his way to
Canada. "We immediately handed him papers which we
were directed to give him, and we informed him, in a few
words, of the object of our mission, which did not pre-
vent him from continuing his journey. The circumstances
of his departure changed almost entirely the nature of our

200

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

mission, which was to endeavor to procure his admission
into the country, by pacifying the people. We, neverthe-
less, continued our journey, and arrived in Pembina on
the 24th December. We there found the people full of
distrust against all persons coming from Canada — in fact
oven against us, notwithstanding that they had been for
a long time aware of our entire devotion to the interests
of the country. It is probable that orders had already
been given to arrest us on the frontier, for we had trouble
in finding a guide to conduct us to St. Boniface. In view
of these manifestations of feeling, and, in accordance with
the sound advice of Messrs. Cameron and Provencher, we
decided that it would be more prudent were Col. De Sala-
berry to remain there with all the papers with which the
Government had entrusted us, and I entered alone into
the territory.

" Accordingly, at 10 o'clock at night, I started on my
journey, with an employe of the provisional government,
who accompanied rae as far as St. Norbert, where I met
Kiel and some of his employes. As I was much fatigued,
having travelled night and day in a very uncomfortable
vehicle, I obtained permission, but not without difficulty,
to sleep at the house of the curS of St. Norbert, and to
present myself next day. I at once informed the presi-
dent that I was sent by the Canadian Government, with
Col. de Salaberry, and that I wished to know at once
whether that hon. gentleman would be permitted to enter
Red River. After some moments' reflection, and in view
of the assurance that I gave him, that his integrity might
be relied on, I was told that he would be sent for, and

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

201

that he might enter as soon as possible ; and, accordingly,
on the 6th of January, I had the pleasure of welcoming
my companion."

Both Grand Vicar Thibault and Col. de Salabeny re-
mained at the Bishop's palace, St. Boniface, and did not,
at the express desire of Riel, visit among the people for
some time after their arrival.

It was now generally feared that the Americans in the
Settlement, in connection with those at Pembina, had a
great influence over the French party ; and annexation to
the States was freely discussed as likely to be the next
move. Riel, however, declared that he had no such in-
tentions, and that the American party had not and never
would have any influence over his actions. And it certainly
appeal's now as if he had only been making use of them
to answer his own purposes; but it would have been
better if he had kept aloof from them altogether.

On the 27th of December, Donald A. Smith, in com-
pany with Mr. Hardisty, of the Hudson's Bay Company
service, arrived at Fort Garry, and were met at the gate
by Riel, who demanded to see their papers before he
would admit them. Mr. Smith, having left his principal
papers at Pembina, showed those he had in his possession,
which were found to have little, if any, connection with
the affairs of the country ; and, on declaring that these
were the only documents he had with him, he was ad-
mitted into the Fort. It was not until some time after-
wards that it became known that Mr. Smith was a Com-
missioner from Canada, although Riel had some idea that
he knew more than he would disclose, and therefore kept

202

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

W'.^^, .■JT '

a strict watch over his movements, ami would not allow
him outside the Fort walls.

Mr. Bannatyne, about this time, consented to carry on
the Post office, and did so from a feeling that, should it
be taken from him and placed in the hands of another,
it might entail a great deal of trouble and ill-feeling.
The private correspondence, between the English settlers
and their friends abroad, would, in that case, have to pass
through the hands of the French ; and the result would
have been that no one, in the excited state of the coun-
try, would have felt his letters safe. Mr. Bannatyne had
kept the Post office for years under the Government and
Council of Assinniboia, and, with the exception of a few
grumblings on the part of some certain parties who were
antagonistic to him personally, there was no feeling of
dissatisfaction with him in his position. He, therefore,
retained the office during, and after, the change in the
affaiis of the country, for the sake of peace and security
to all parties. Another consideration, inducing Mr. Ban-
natyne the more readily to retain the position, was this —
it was well known that certain Americans in the Settle-
ment were endeavoring to induce Kiel to put them in
places of power, and the Post office was one of the de-
partments desired by them. Kiel, however, had no wish
to see any foreigner in the place which belonged by right
to a British subject ; and had he given the office to an
American, the Settlement, generally, would have been at
the mercy of the Pembina clique, and there is no saying
what would have been the result. Mr. Bannatyne, there-
fore, resolved to hold on to the Post office, and, by doing

THE RED RIVER TROUIJLES.

203

SO, prevented a great deal of trouble and complication
that would, most assuredly, have arisen ; and when he
did this, he was perfectly well aware that he was giving
his enemies a weapon to use against him thereafter. Be-
fore taking the stop, however, Mr. Bannatyne went to
Mr. MacTavish, and ])laced the matter before tliat gentle-
man. The Governor told him that, if ho thought it would
do any good, each and every man ought to do all in their
power, to keep peace amongst the people ; and under the
circumstances, as the Council of Assinniboia had been
rendered powerless, he did not see that &.ny harm, but
perhaps much good could result from holding on to the
office, although it was a delicate step to take at that
time, for he said, while your motives may be good, it is
doubtful whether the world will give you that much
credit.

Frequent threats were now being made amongst the
English settlers, to set the prisoners at liberty by force,
if Riel did not do it very soon ; and this helped to keep
up the fever of excitement, for it was known that, as
soon as any attempt of the kind was made by the Eng-
lish, the French would join Riel to a man to resist it, and
the result would have been a general fight. .

The reports, regarding Sioux Indians again began to
circulate, and the uncertainty as to the truth of those
rumors, made people extremely anxious and watchful.
About the same time, the following was issued by Riel,
to the several saloon keepers in and around the town of
Winnipeg : — •*

.♦

204

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

" Fort Garry, 27th Dec. 1869.

" Mr.

" Sir — I do hereby respectfully pray you to let no-
body have any liquor at your place, from this date up to
the tenth of January next. In so doing, you will grant
the country a great favor, and very likely preserve it
from great misfortune.

" Yours very respectfully,

"Louis Riel."

The above, in connection with the Indian and other
rumors, caused a good deal of conjecture as to the mean-
ing of the order, and led people to think that some move-
ment was on the tapis. On the 30th December, Pierre
Laveiller came into the town, and reported that about
fifty Sioux Indians were on the road down from Portage
La Prairie, and that a larger number were coming on be-
hind them ; and further, that they had been met and ad-
vised to turn back, but they insisted upon coming as far
as the town. When this became known, and also, that
the Indians were well armed, and refused to give a pro-
per account of themselves, it produced quite an excite-
ment in Winnipeg. A meeting of the towns-people was
held in the engine-house, and every man able to shoulder
a gun was armed. Officers were appointed, and then the
men were dismissed to their homes, with instructions to
be ready at a moment's warning to turn out. The next
day, the reports regarding the Indians were confirmed,
and immediately the volunteers were called out. Scouts
were sent to reconnoitre ; and it was resolved that if the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

205

Indians peruisted in coming farther than a inilo from the
town, they would have to fight for it. Several of the
scouts went as far as Silver Heights, the intended resi-
dence of Governor McDougall, which is about five miles
from Fort Garry, and there remained all day on the look
out. Towards evening, the advance party of three Sioux
made their appearance, and stopped at the residence of
Mr. James McKay, who is said to exercise a good deal of
influence over them. There a number of Biel's council-
lors were in waiting to meet the Indians, and find out
their intentions. When the three Sioux entered the
house of Mr. McKay, he asked them where the rest of
the band were ; but, Indian like, they endeavored to con-
ceal the truth, and answered that they were camped some
distance up the road, where they intended to remain till
next day. Hardly had they finished speaking, when the
house was surrounded, and Mr. McKay, singling out the
chief, immediately proposed a grand council. This wiis
agreed to ; and while Mr. McKay was clearing out his
large dining room, the chief took a seat in the parlor
and handed his pipe to one of his braves, who filled and
lighted it, and then returned it to his leader. The chief
then smoked some time in silence, until Mr. McKay hav-
ing invited all, or as many of the Indians as could crowd
into the room, pronounced the council ready to proceed
with business. Riel's councillors then ranged themselves
along the wall on chairs, while the Indians squatted be-
fore them on the floor, as closely as they could pack them-
selves ; the chief, however, occupying a chair. A num-
ber of speeches were then made by the French councillors.

206

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Mr. James McKay acting as interpreter, in which they
told the Indians, that, as there was trouble amongst the
whites in the Settlement, they had better keep away and
not mix themselves in it. The chief then arose, and
taking the ornaments from his head, he placed them in
the hands of one of his braves, and then spok* as fol-
lows : — " That he and his warriors had no wish to hurt
their white brethren in the Settlement ; that they were
merely on their way to pay their annual visit to Fort
Garry, in order to obtain their New Year's presents ; and
that they would go back — but they did not wish to do
so empty handed." While speaking, the chief pointed
to a large silver medal having the Queen's head upon it,
which he wore suspended from his neck, and under which
he said both he and his band had received protection
during the last eight years. When the chief sat down,
Mr. McKay gave him a quantity of tobacco and other
things ; and Kiel, about this time, made his appearance,
and also handed the chief some more tobacco ; telling
him, at the same time, that the people of the Settlement
wished to remain on good terms with all Indians, and
advised him not to go towards the town, but turn back
from Mr. McKay's, as there was danger of their getting
into trouble if they did not do so.

The Indians now appeared to be well pleased with
their treatment, and in order to show their gratification,
they cleared the centre of the room, and danced for over
half an hour, to the music of a drum and the ginints of
two braves. Mr. McKay, for the sake of a little merri-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

207

;h they
gst the
ay and
58, and
hem in
! as fol-
to hurt
jy were
to Fort
bs ; and
li to do
pointed
ipon it,
r which
)tection
i down,
[ other
laranee,
telling
ilement
ns, and
:n back
getting

d with
ication,
or over
'unts of
merri-

nient, then produced a galvanic battery, and gave several
of the Indians shocks from the same. One of them, being
in ill health, fainted from the effects, which caused for a
time some excitement as well as suspicion amongst the
other savages. When the council was over, the Indians
repaired to their camp, and Riel and his councillors re-
turned to Fort Gany. Thus ended the last Indian scare
of the season. Two of the same band, however, came
as far as the town that night, determined to see for them-
selves, and report to their companions. After which, the
whole party of Indians returned to Portage La Prairie.

The people in the town now disbanded their company,
and the men returned to their homes, thankful that the
whole affair ended only in a scare.

On the 2nd of January, a prisoner named William
Nimmons, escaped from Fort Garry ; and on the 3rd, six
or seven were released on the strength of the promise
contained in the orders issued on the 27th, ult. ; the bal-
ance having been set at liberty a few days afterwards.

Another effort was made about this time, to unite the
French and English, in order to hear the Commissioners
from Canada. It was contended by Riel, that the set-
tlers, when united, would be in a better position to place
their rights before those gentlemen for their considera-
tion. If they were authorized to guarantee what the
people demanded, then an arrangement could at once be
made for the Canadian Government to come in without
delay. If, however, the Commissioners could not grant
the bill of rights, then the duty of the people would be

' 1.

■ r

208

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

illiP'

to send them back to Canada, with a proposition from the
Red River settlers to the Canadian Government; and,
during the interval, until an answer could be received
from the Dominion, the people of Rupert's Land could
form a provisional government for the protection of law
and order in the Settlement.

This plan found favor in the eyes of a great many of
the settlers. It was felt that, should the Commissioners
go back to Canada, without being able to come to any
terms with the people, a very important opportunity
would be lost to arrive at a solution of the difficulties ;
and, at the same time, it was quite plain that the Com-
missioners could not deal with one section of the Settle-
ment, and neglect the other; so that a union of the
whole people seemed absolutely necessary for the success
of any negotiations with Canada.

Thus matters stood ; a favorable impression having
been made upon a number of the settlers who had here-
tofore stood aloof, and the prospects of a union of the
whole Settlement never appeared better. When the news-
paper, edited by Major Robinson, came out for the first
time under the name of the " New Nation," brimful of
annexation ideas — the result of which was to once more
throw the English settlers back ; and, in one day, the
hope entertained of a speedy union of the Settlement
was almost totally destroyed.

We will merely give the headings of a few of the arti-
cles contained in the number of the paper we have refer-
ence to :—

) success

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

" CONFEDERATION !

209

The British American Provinces. — Proposed Annex-
ation TO THE United States, &c., &c."

« ANNEXATION !
" British Columbia Defying the Dominion ! "

"Annexation our Manifest Destiny!"

The above is enough to show which way the wind
blew ; and, although Riel stated that the paper would
change its views before very long, still the fact of its
having expressed them at all in favor of Uncle Sam,
while professing to be the organ of the French party,
was sufficient to damn them in the eyes of the English
settlers. Col. de Salaberry having arrived on the even-
ing of the 5th January, we will continue our quotation
from the report of the Grand Vicar Thibault : —

" We immediately communicated our instructions to
the President and his council, and they were taken into
consideration. Some days afterwards, we were invited
to appear before the council, and the President then said
he was soiTy to see that our papers gave us no authority
to treat with them ; but that they would, at the same
time, be very glad to hear us, trusting that we had only
good news to tell them. * Since you have done us the
honor of hearing us,* said we to them, 'we will commence,
by telling you, that we are in truth, bearers of good
news ; and we are enabled to assure you, that the inten-
o

!■!' ■ . . '

210

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

1
*

tions of the Government, who have sent us, are altogether
those of peace and good will. It desires to respect your
persons and your rights ; to labor for the improvement of
your country, by making a road in order to communicate
more easily with Canada, &;c. It admits that it may have
been mistaken in its choice of employSs, whose extrava-
gant conduct may possibly have compromised it in this
territory ; but, it strongly condemns the arbitrary acts of
such emjdoySs as have wantonly abused its confidence.'

" At the close of this conference, which lasted some
hours, during which we were listened too with much at-
tention and respect, we ventured to take upon ourselves
to propose a delegation, as being the surest means of ar-
riving most speedily at a conclusion satisfactory to both
parties. Then the President, after thanking us very
courteously, without, indeed, giving us any official assur-
ance, gave us to understand that we were likely to arrive
at a satisfactory settlement ; telling us he would look
into the matter with his council ; which also had seemed
well disposed throughout our interview; and that he
would give us an answer later. What contributed, not a
little, to inspire us with hope, was a few words which the
President whispered to Col. de Salaberry, as he was leav-
ing the hall. — * Colonel,' said he, 'don't be in a hurry to
leave, I think of charging you with a commission, which
can't but be agreeable to you."

It may interest our readers to read a copy of the in-
structions given to Grand Vicar Thibault and Col. de
Salaberry, as Commissioners ; and for that reason, we
annex the letter of Hon. Joseph Howe, in relation to
them : —

THE BED RIVER TROUBLES.

211

"Ottawa, Dec. 4th, 1869.
" The Very Reverend Grand Vicar Mr. Thihaidt.

" Sib, — Referring to the conversation held with a Com-
mittee of the Privy Council, yesterday, and to your kind
consent to undertake the delicate task of representing, in
conjunction with Col. de Salaberry, the views and policy
of this Government to the people of the Hudson's Bay
Territory, I am commanded by His Excellency, the Gov-
ernor General, to convey to you, in the form of instruc-
tions for your guidance, the grounds of hope entertair J
here, that your mission of peace and conciliation will be
entirely successful.

" You will not fail to direct the attention of the mixed
society, inhabiting the cultivated borders of the Red
River and Assinniboine, to the fact which comes within
your daily knowledge and observation, and is patent to
all the world, that in the four Provinces of this Domin-
ion, men of all origins, creeds, and complexions, stand
upon one broad footing of perfect equality, in the eye of
the Government and the law ; and that no administration
could confront the enlightened public sentiment of this
country, which attempted to act in the North West, upon
principles more restricted and less liberal than those
which are firmly established here.

" So far as you may have intercourse with the Indian
chiefs and people, you will be good enough to remind
them that, while bloody and costly Indian wars have
raged often for long periods in different sections of the
United States, there has been no war with the Indians in

212

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

any of the Provinces of British America, since the con-
quest. For more than a century, the Micmacs, of Nova
Scotia, have lived in peace; while the rights of the Mili-
cetes, of New Brunswick, have been respected. Every-
where within the Canadas, the progress of settlement,
while it furnished new employments to the Indians, was
rendered practicable by treaties and arrangements, mutu-
ally satisfactory, that have formed the secure basis of the
sympathy and co-operation which have distinguished the
Canadians and Indians, not only since the Treaty of
Paris, but from the earliest exploration of the country.

" It may fairly be assumed that the just and judicious
treatment of the Indian tribes forms the brightest page in
the history of British America. Canadians cannot afford
to sully it by any ungenei'ous treatment of the Indians
in the North West. That the disturbances which have
taken place at and around Winnipeg and Fort Garry,
have grown out of vague apprehensions of danger, incident
to the transition state of things, which the action of the
Imperial Government and Parliament rendered inevitable,
there is no reason to doubt ; but it is quite apparent that,
underlying what is natural and pardonable in this move-
ment, there have been agencies at work, which loyal sub-
jects cannot countenance ; and that artful attempts have
been made to mislead the people by the most flagrant and
absurd misrepresentations. Had the Queen's Government,
or the Government of the Dominion, imitated the rash
and reckless conduct of some of those who have taken
part in this disturbance, there would, ere this, have been
bloodshed and civil war in Rupert's Land, with the pros-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

213

the con-
)f Nova
he Mili-
Every-
tlement,
ms, was
3, mutu-
s of the
ahed the
:eaty of
Lintry.
udicious
b page in
ot afford
Indians
ch have
Garry,
incident
n of the
evitahle,
•ent that,
is move-
)yal suh-
3ts have
rant and
ernment,
the rash
,ve taken
ave been
the pros-

pect of the flame spreading along the frontier, as the fire
spreads over the prairie. Fortunately, calmer counsels
have prevailed, both in England and at Ottawa. The
Proclamation of the Queen's representative, with copies
of which you will be furnished in French and English,
will convey to her people, the solemn words of their Sov-
ereign, who, possessed of ample power to enforce her au-
thority, yet confided in their loyalty and affectionate
attachment to her throne.

" The instructipns issued to Mr. McDougall on the 28th
of September, long before there was any reason to appre-
hend serious opposition on the Red River, will show how
utterly groundless were the suspicions and apprehensions
of unfair treatment which have been wddely circulated in
the North- West, and to which, unfortunatly, some of the
Canadian newspapers, for party purposes, at times gave
the mischievous color of their authority.

" You will perceive that at no time was the absurd idea
entertained of ignoring the municipal and political rights
of the people of the North-West ; that the only two per-
sons that Mr. McDougall was formally instructed to call
to his aid were Governor MacTavish and Judge Black,
who were known to be universally respected ; and, that
any subsequent selections were to be first reported here,
with grounds of his belief that they stood equally high
in the confidence and afiections of the people.

" All the Provinces of the British Empire which now
enjoy representative institutions and responsible gov-
ernment have passed through a probationary period till
the growth of the population and some political training
prepared them for self-government.

!l . •

214

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

li;M''

" In the United States the Temtories are ruled from
Washington till the time arrives when they can prove
their fitness to be included in the family of States, and,
in the halls of Congress, challenge the full measure of
power and free development, which American citizenship
includes.

" It is fair to assume that some such training as human
society requires in all free countries may be useful, if not
indispensable, at Red River ; but of this you may be as-
sured that the Governor-General and his Council will
gladly welcome the period when the Queen can confer?
with their entire approbation, the largest measure of self-
government on her subjects in that region, compatible
with the preservation of British interests on this conti-
nent, and the integrity of the Empire.

" I think it unnecessary to make more than a passing
reference to the acts of folly and indiscretion attributed to
persons who have assumed to represent the Dominion and
to speak in its name, but who have acted on their own
responsibility, and without the knowledge or the sanction
of this Government.

" In undertaking, at this season of the year, so long a
journey in the public service, you display. Venerable Sir,
a spirit of patriotism which, I am commanded to assure
you, is fully appreciated by the Queen's representative
and by the Privy Council.

" I have the honor to be,

" Your most obedient servant,
"Joseph Howe,

" Secretary of State"

THE RED mVER TROUBLES.

215

We will again have occasion to refer to the mission of
Grand Vicar Thibault and Col. de Salaberry ; and, in the
meantime, we will pass on to other events happening
about this time.

On the 9th January, a number of the prisoners escaped
through a window of the Court House, where they were
confined. Amongst others, Mr. Charles Mair, who had
neither cap nor coat when he got away; he, however,
procured the necessary articles at the house of a friend,
Mr. Wm. Drever, and started out again in the direction of
Portage La Prairie, where he said the rest of the escaped
prisoners intended to go also.

As soon as the absence of those men was discovered, a
guard of Frenchmen started in pursuit ; and, as the night
was cold, thus preventing the prisoners from travelling
as well as they might otherwise have done, some of them
were overtaken and captured the next day. One of those
thus re-taken, Mr. W. F. Hyman, had his feet so badly
frozen when he was caught, that it was feared that he
would lose the use of them. It was at this time also that
Mr. Thos. Scott escaped from prison, and was not re-taken
till some time afterwards.

Stutzman again made his appearance in the Settlement,
on the 10th January ; and, on this occasion, it was re-
ported that he intended to remain and take up his resi-
dence in Red River ; but, as will be seen, this expectation
was afterwards frustrated. His arrival, however, was the
signal for renewed efforts, on the part of the Americans,
to get into power, which, happily, did not succeed.

It was about this time that two correspondents of

210

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

ili^

Canadian newspapers arrived at Fort Garry, — Mr. Robert-
son, of the Toronto " Telegraph," and Mr. Cunningham,
of ** The Globe." They were at once taken into custody,
and were not allowed to go at large, except on one occa-
sion, when Major Robinson, of the "New Nation," inter-
ested himself on their behalf, and obtained permission to
show them some hospitality in the town of Winnipeg,
which he did in regular editorial style.

A new move, about this time, was made by a few per-
sons, in favor of forming the Settlement into a " Crown
Colony;" but it died a natural and sudden death, as
nothing important was ever afterwards heard about it.

Messrs. Cunningham and Robertson received orders
from Riel to leave Red River on the 14th January; and,
accordingly, they hired men to take them ^o Pembina, and
left not at all well pleased with the treatment they had
received.

Matters were in such a confused state at the time that
strangers coming into the country were looked upon with
suspicion ; and Riel, doubtless, felt that the correspond-
ence of Messrs. Cunningham and Robertson, at that period
of the troubles, might tend to do more harm than good —
at least such is the only reason that can be offered for his
peremptory orders to them to leave the country.

Rumors were now afloat that a good deal of ill-feeling
existed amongst Riel's councillors towards each other;
and, that general dissatisfaction was felt by a large num-
ber of the French towards Riel. It is certainly the case,
that several of his supp'^rters left him about this time, and
matters looked very dubious, as far as he was concerned.

THE RED UIVER TROUBLES.

217

In the meantime, the idea of a union of French and
English was still being entertained in the Settlement, by
parties on both side ; but nothing definite was done re-
garding it, as there was a feeling of want of confidence in
the future intentions of Kiel. And what added not a little
to this opinion, was his reputed complications with the
Americans, as well as the reported disunion in his coun-
cil. At this stage, Donald A. Smith stepped upon the
scene as a Commissioner from Canada; and, as it was
really the turning point of the Red River troubles, we
will devote a chapter to its recital.

218

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA,

m '

CHAPTER X.

MR. DONALD A. HMITH PRODUCES HIS CREDKNTIALH AS COMMISSION-
ER — RIEL ATTEMPTS TO OBTAIN THEM BY FORCE — A MASS-MEET-
ING IS HELD, WHEREAT LETTERS OP INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE
GOVERNOR-GENERAL AND HON. JOSEPH HOWE ARE READ — DELE-
GATES TO BE APPOINTED FROM EVERY PARISH IN THE SETTLEMENT.

iiil

H'l

iiiiiii^-5

JE have already mentioned that Mr. Donald A.
Smith left his papers behind him at Pembina
on entering the Settlement. It now appears,
that, while in Fort Garry, he was watched so closely by
Kiel and his men, that he almost gave up hope of being
able to make use of the documents, entrusted with him
by the Canadian Government, in such a way as to com-
municate their contents to the English as well the French.
At last he had a. Interview with Kiel, who expressed a
desire to see his credentials and instructions from Canada.
Mr. Smith stated that they were at Pembina ; but that, if
he would allow him to send a friend for them, he would
produce the papers, and place before him and his people
the views of the Imperial and Canadian Governments.
Kiel then agreed that Mr. Hardisty should be sent for the
documents, but insisted at the same time that one of his
men should accompany him. It is said that Riel prom-
ised Mr. Smith to deal fairly with him in his capacity as
Commissioner. The papers had been left with Mr. Pro-
vencher, at Pembina, with instructions not to give them

THE RED RIVEU TROUBLES.

219

up to any person, except Mr. Hardisty or Mr. Smitli
himself. Mr. Hardisty, therefore, left Fort Garry with a
guard, and set out on his important mission. They had
not gone far, however, when Governor MacTavish, on
hearing of the departure of Mr. Smith's messenger, and
fearing, from certain circumstances, that Riel intended
foul play with the papers, mentioned his doubts to Mr.
Angus McKay, and })roposed that a party should stiirt off
in pursuit, and get possession, if possible, of Mr. Smith's
papers, for the purpose of having them placed in that
gentleman's hands, to be made public to the whole people.
Mr. Pierre Laveiller and Mr. John F. Grant, two influen-
tial settles, volunteered to accompany Mr. McKay in this
undertaking ; and so the three hardy and courageous men
started off with fleet and powerful horses, to carry out
Governor MacTavish's ideas. They travelled as fav as
Scratching River, and there they resolved upon lying in
wait for the parties they were watching for. Towards
midnight Mr. Hardisty and the man accompanying him
came along, and immediately Mr. Angus McKay demand-
ed the papers from him. At first he appeared surprised,
but ultimately gave up the documents, on being assured
that they would be placed in Mr. Smith's hxnds as soon
as they reached Fort Garry. The man who had been
sent with Mr. Hardisty now endeavored to escape ; but
Grant, levelling his pistol at him, declared that if he
should move a step he would shoot him down. This
brought the individual to a stand-still, and he afterwards
remained a passive spectator of the movements of the
party. As soon as they had obtained a little rest at

'0.

220

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Scratching River, the party of five persons proceeded on
towardfs Fort Garry, and that night they stopped at the
house of one Laboncan Dauphinais, where a dance was
going on at the time, and where they had supper. Some
time after they had finished their meal, and while they
were enjoying a smoke, a loud knock came to the door,
and a couple of men appeared, who demanded the man
they bad taken prisoner. Pierre Laveiller, hearing the
altercation, went to the door to find out the meaning of
it, and on seeing the two men, he asked them who sent
them. " The Council ! " was their reply ; but on being
pressed by Pierre Laveiller, who knew that such could
not be the case, they answered, "Riel!" "Then go back,"
they were told, " and say to Kiel, that Pierre Laveillei-
has Hardisty and the papers, as well as the guard, and
that if he (Riel) wants them let him come and take
them."

Upon this the door was shut in the faces of the two
men, and, as it turned out afterwards, on Riel's also, for,
it appears, he was standing in the gloom at a distance of
only a few feet from the door, pistol in hand, and a
listener to the whole of Pierre's conversation with the
two men. During all this time dancing and merrymaking
continued in the house as if nothing important was going
on, and the prisoner (Hardisty's guard) requested leave to
join in the festivities, which was granted, and, imme-
diately forgetting that he was a captive, he became as
merry as a guest.

The next moining, word was sent round to the well-
disposed amongst the neighbors, to collect together and

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

221

eded on
I at the
nice was
. Some
lile they
he door,
the man
ring the
aning of
irho sent
on being
ch could
ro back,"
Laveiller
iard, and
md take

the two
also, for,
stance of
d, and a
with the
ymaking
vas going
I leave to
d, imme-
lecame as

the well-
ither and

accompany the party to Fort Garry. Messengers were
also sent ahead to notify parties along the road, and the
consequence was, that a long train of sleighs followed
Messrs. McKay, Laveiller and Grant which continued to
swell in numbers as they approached the end of their
journey. Soon after they left Laboncan Dauphinais'
house, Riel made his appearance in a cutter, and endeav-
ored to pass the party, putting his horse at full gallop in
the attempt, but he was prevented from accomplishing
his object, as Laveiller, who was foremost in a sleigh with
Mr. Hardisty beside him, would not allow him to do so.

Before reaching Riviere Sale they met Rev. M. Richot,
who stopped Laveiller, and endeavored to reason with
him, but all to no purpose — the rev. gentleman was told
to stand to one side, and the cavalcade passed on. At
Riviere Sale an altercation took place between Laveiller
and Riel, when the latter wished to go on ahead to Fort
Garry — the result of this was, that, in a scuffle which
ensued between the two men, Laveiller drew a pistol,
and, had not Grant and several others stepped in between
them, Riel would doubtless have been shot on the spot,
Riel, however, threw wide his arms, declaring that he
was unarmed, and consented to follow as one of the party.
They then moved on in line, I^aveiller and Mr. Hardisty
still leading the way ; and when they had reached within
a short distance of Fort Gar /, Riel managed to get in
first, and summoned his mc^ to the gate. After a little
parleying, however, Riel ordered the guard to admit
Laveiller and the rest of the party, and the papers were
then handed to Mr. Smith. Judge Black, who was pre-

222

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

*'"''■ -m

sent at the time, opened the papers, while Riel was having
an interview with Mr. Smith.

At this period Kiel's position was a very doubtful one ;
his council was split into two parties, and a strong oppo-
sition had risen against him amongst his own people.
Important papers had been put into the hands of Mr.
Smith, evidently against his (Kiel's) wishes, and the
opposition insisted upon their purpo fc being made known
to the whole Settlement.

In the meantime, messengers were despatched all over
the country, calling upon the people to assemble the next
day at Fort Garry, to hear the papers read ; and Laveiller
and his part^ insisted upon remaining in the Fort, as a
bc-iy-guard to Mr, Smith until this should be done.
Accordingly the next day, 19th January, a grand mass
meeting of the inhabitants of the Settlement, including
all classes, was held at Fort Garry. So many were pre-
sent, that the assembly had to be held in the open air,
and this when the thermometer stood at about 20 deg
below zero. The meeting lasted some five hours.

On motion of President Kiel, seconded by Pierre
Laveiller, Mr. Thos. Bunn was called to the chair.

In opening the meeting the chairman expressed it as
his opinion that this was the most important meeting
ever held in the Settlement. The most vital interests
were at stake, and he, therefore, hoped that the utmost
order and good humor would prevail.

Mr. Kiel was elected interpreter ; and, on the motion
of Mr. Angus McKay, seconded by Mr. O'Donoghue,
Judge Black was appointed secretary to the meeting.

Col. de Salaberry was present both days.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

223

The Chairman introduced to the meeting Mr. Donald
A. Smith, who came forward and read the following
document, which, he said, had been handed to him in
Canada : —

Ottawa, Dec. 10th, 1869.

" Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that His Excel-
lency, the Governor-General, has been pleased to appoint
you Special Commissioner to inquire into and report on
the cause and extent of the armed obstruction offered at
Red River, in the North-West Territoiy, to the peaceable
entrance of the Hon. W. McDougall, the gentleman
selected to be Lieut.-Governor of the Territory, and to
bring a,bout its union with Canada : also to inquire into
and report on the cause of the discontent and dissatisfac-
tion at the proposed changes which now exist there :
also, to explain to the inhabitants the principle upon
which the Government of Canada intend to govern the
country, and remove any misapprehensions which may
exist on the subject : and also, to take such steps, in
concert with Hon. Mr. McDougall and Governor Mac-
Tavish, for effecting the peaceable transfer of the Govern-
ment from the Hudson Bav authorities to the Government
of the Dominion.

" You are to consider this communication as a letter of
appointment as Government Commissioner. With this
letter you will receive a copy of the letter of instructions
given to Mr. McDougall on leaving Ottawa, dated the
28th September ; also a copy of a further letter to Mr.
McDougall, dated the 7th inst.; and a copy of a proclama-
tion issued by His Excellency, the Governor-General,

224

THE CIIEATION OF MANITOBA.

.;'*'

' .«''

addressed to the inhabitants of the North-West Territory,
by command of Her Majesty.

" You will proceed with all despatch to Pembina, and
arrange with Mr. McDougall as to your future course of
action, and then go on to Fort Garry, and take such steps
as, after such consultation, may seem most expedient.
You will, of course, consult with Governor MacTavish
and endeavor to arrange one concerted scheme between
Mr. McDougall, the Hudson Bay authorities, and your-
self, for the pacification of the country.

" As the information coming here is necessarily imper-
fect, and the circumstances at Red River are continually
changing, it is not considered expedient to hamper you
with more specific instructions.

" You will, therefore, act, according to the best of your
judgment, with Mr. McDougall, and keep me fully
informed as to the progress of events there. You will
also offer suggestions as to the best mode of dealing with
the Indian tribes in the country.

" I have the honor to be, &c.,

" Joseph Howe,
" Secretary of State for the Provincesy

Mr. Riel translated the letter into French.

Mr. Smith then read the following letter sent by the
Governor-General of Canada, to him (Smith) personally.
It was handed to him at Ottawa : —

Ottawa, 12th Dec, 1869.

" My Dear Mr. Smith, — 1 learn with satisfaction that
you have placed your services at the disposal of the

THE llED IIIVER TROUBLES.

225

Canadian Government, and that you are proceeding to
Red River to give the parties that are at variance the

benefit of your experience "

Mr. RiEL — " Is that letter public or private ? "
Mr. Smith — " It is a letter to me as Commissioner."
Some confusion ensued, several people spoke at the
same time, and ultimately the Chairman ordered silence,
and said that the document was public and ought to be
read.

Mr. Smith continued the reading of the letter : — " Give
the parties that are at variance the benefit of your
experience, influence and mediation.

" In my capacity as Her Majesty's representative in the
British North American possessions, I have addressed
letters to Gov. MacTavish, the Protestant Bishop of
Rupert's Land, and the Vicar- General, who acts in lieu
of the Roman Catholic Bishop, during his presence in
Rome. I have sent them copies of the message received
by telegraph from Her Majesty's Secretary of State,
which forms the staple of the proclamation addressed to
her subjects in the North-West Territory. You will
observe that it calls upon all who have any complaints to
make, or wishes to express, to address themselves to me
as Her Majesty's representative. And you may state
with the utmost confidence that the Imperial Govern-
ment has no intention of acting otherwise — or permitting
others to act otherwise — than in perfect good faith
towards the inhabitants of the Red River district of the
North-West.
" The people may rely upon it that respect and protection

22G

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

|i; '

hi :'!

will be extended to the different religious persuasions —
(loud cheers) — that titles to every description of property
will be perfectly guarded — (renewed cheers) — and that all
the franchises which have existed, or which the people
may prove themselves qualified to exercise, «hall be duly
continued or liberally conferred.

"In declaring the desire and determination of Her
Majesty's Cabinet, you may very safely use the terms of
the ancient formula, that 'Right shall be done in all
cases.'

" Wishing you a prosperous journey and all success in
your mission of peace and good will,

" I remain, faithfully yours,

"John Young."

Mr. Kiel— " It is not signed ' Governor.' "

Mr. Smith — " It is written and signed ' in my capacity
as Her Majesty's representative.' "

Mr. Riel translated the letter into French.

Mr. Smith then asked Vicar-General Thibault for some
letters from the Government of Canada to Gov. MacTavish
and the Bishop of Rupert's Land, which had been confided
to his (the Vicar- General's) care in Canada. " F," said Mr.
S., "have been authorized by Gov. MacTavish to make
this request. The document I ask for is an officical
one, addressed by the Governor-General of Canada to Mr.
MacTavish. In explanation I would say, that the Vicar-
General and Colonel de Salaberry preceded me from
Canada by a few days. It was intended that we should
have had communication on the way ; and that being the

THE RED RIVEIl TROUBLES.

227

asions —
property
I that all
3 people
be duly

L of Her
terms of
ae in all

luccess in

^'OUNG."

\j capacity

t for some
^acTavish
n confided
," said Mr.
to make
im official
da to Mr.
|the Vicar-
me from
we should
being the

case, for convenience sake, the letters were given to the
Vicar-General. The letter to Mr. MacTavish is explana-
tory of the views of the Canadian Government, and shows
what the Queen wished to say to her faithful subjects
here."

Mr. RiEL — " I do not want the documents to be read."
(Cries of " We will have it," and cheers.)

Chairman — " Silence."

Judge Black protested against the document being
withheld from the meeting.

A VOICE — " Who has the documents ? " (Cheers.)

Another voice — " Mr. O'Donoghue has them." (Cheers.)

Chairman — "The Vicar-General states that Mr, O'Dono-
ghue seized them, and has got them."

A VOICE — " We want them." (Cheers.)

Mr. RiEL — " I ask the Vicar-General if either of the
letters alluded to belong to Mr. Smith ? "

The Vicar-General—" No."

Mr. Smith — " Mr. MacTavish authorized me to ask for
his letter."

Bishop Machray — "I will ask my letter from Mr.
O'Donoghue, and I think he will give it."

Judge Black urged the production of the letters.

Mr. Riel replied that the Judge was out of his role as
secretary in addressing the meeting.

Judge Black said he had no idea that Mr. Riel could
teach him his duty.

The Chairman addressed the meeting, and Mr. O'Dono-
ghue protested.

228

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA,

Judge Black — " If business is not allowed to proceed
regularly I will resign."

Mr. O'Donoghue complained that the Chairman would
not allow him to address the meeting.

The Chairman said he had no objection to Mr. O'Dono-
ghue doing so, when in order.

Mr. Bannatyne — "is a Red River settler I ask the
Chairman to put the question to the meeting as to whether
Mr. O'Donoghue is to be requested to produce the
letters."

The Chairman put the question in the form of a resolu-
tion, and it was carried amid cheers.

Mr. Bannatyne, in the name of the people of Red River,
then demanded of the Vicar-General that he should a^k
Mr. O'Donoghue for the letters.

Mr. Riel seconded the demand.

The Vicar-General made the required demand.

Mr. O'Donoghue — " Since the demand is made in its
present form, I may say that I took the letters by order,
and delivered them to Secretary Schmidt."

Some debate er.^ued as to whether it would not do to
hunt up these letters next day. But ultimately Mr.
O'Donoghue and Pierre Laveiller went in search of the
documents to the secretary's desk, and found them. He
then delivered them up at the meeting.

Before reading any additional documents, Mr. Smith
said he wanted one which was in Mr. MacTavish's posses-
sion, and had been sent for.

Mr. Riel moved that any other documents Mr. Smith
had to produce should be read in the meantime.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

229

Bishop Machray moved in amendment that, if it diil
not suit Mr. Smith to proceed with the reading, iie bo
allowed to wait the anival of the document he wanted.

Rev. Mr. Black seconded the amendment.

Mr. Smith — " The paper I want is a proclamation from
the Governor-General, copies of which came into the
Settlement, but where they are T do not know."

Archdeacon McLean said that, if Mr. Smith was willing,
it might be well to hear what he had to read at once.

Mr. Smith — " One of the documents I have is a copy
of a paper delivered to me. It is a communication from
the Queen, our Sovereign. It is the telegraph message
referred to in one of the papers addressed to me, and
which was put into my hands in Canada, very shortly
after being received from England. It is a message from
Earl Granville to Sir John Young, dated ' Nov. 26.'

" ' Make what use you think best of what follows : —
'The Queen has heard with surprise and regret that
certain misguided persons have banded together to oppose
by force the entry of the future Lieut.-Governor into our
territory in Red River. Her Majesty does not distrust
the loyalty of her subjects in that Settlement; and can
only ascribe to misunderstanding or misrepresentation,
their opposition to a change planned for their advantage.

" ' She relies on your Government to use every effort to
explain whatever misunderstandings may have arisen, —
to ascertain their wants, and conciliate the good will of
the people of Red River Settlement. But, in the mean-
time, she authorizes you to signify to them the sorrow
and displeasure with which she views the unreasonable

230

THE CHKATION OF MANITUIJA.

i'i

"7^"

■ 1

•« 'm'v

and lawless proceedings which have taken place ; and her
expectation that if any parties have desires to express oi"
complaints to make, i-especting their condition and i)r(is-
pects, they will address themselves to the Governor-
General of Canada.

" ' The Queen expects from her representative that as he
will be always ready to receive well-founded grievances —
so will he exercise all the power and authority she
entrusted to him, in the support of order and the sup-
pression of unlawful disturbances.' " (Cheers.)

On motion of Mr. Robt. Tait, seconded by Mr. Mercer,
the meeting adjourned till ten o'clock the following day.

At the close of the meeting Mr. Burke jumped up, and
demanded the release of the prisoners. Kiel, in answer
cried out, " Not just now ! " Somebody in the crowd then
shouted, " Yes ! yes ! " Upon this Kiel's men flew to
their arms, and, as the other party were unarmed, the
matter dropped without any further trouble, and the
assemblage dispersed.

At noon the following day a still larger assemblage
gathered at Fort Garry, further to hear Mr. Commissioner
Smith.

Mr. Thomas Bunn was again called to the chair.

Messrs. C. Nolin, Grant, Jose Milien, Toussaint Lucie,
Vermet, C. Leronce, Xavier Paget and C. Lafontaine were
appointed to keep order in the crowd.

Mr. Kiel moved that Judge Black resume the office of
secretary.

Judge Black declined.

THE KED IIIVEU TROUBLES.

231

On motion of Mr. R. McBeatli, seconded by Mr. A.
Dahl, Mr. A. G. B. Bannatyne was appointed .secretary.

Father Lcstanc came forward and said, amid clieers —
" We have been good friends to this day in the whole
Settlement ; and I want to certify here that we will be
good friends to-nij^ht."

Mr. Riel translated the remarks into French, and Rev.
Hy. Cochrane into Indian.

Mr. Smith again came forward, to finish reading the
documents. This, he said, is a letter from the Governor
General to Mr. MacTavish : —

" Government House, Ottawa,

Dec. C, 1869.

" W. MacTavish, Esq., Governor of Assinniboia.

" Sir, — T had the honor to address you in my capacity
as representative of the Queen and Governor-General of
Her Majesty's British North American possessions, and
enclosed for your information a copy of a message received
from Earl Granville, in reply to the account which I sent
officially of the events occurring in Red River Settlement.
The message conveys the mature opinion of the Imperial
Cabinet. The proclamation I have issued is based on it ;
and you will observe that it refers all, who have desires
to express or complaints to make, to refer to me, as
invested with authority on behalf of the British Govern-
ment. And the inhabitants of Rupert's Land, of all
classes and persuasions, may rest assured that Her Majes-
ty's Government has no intention of interfering with, or
setting aside, or allow others to interfere with the
religions, the rights, or the franchise hitherto enjoyed, or

232

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

'tfll

..|i|ii!iiiiej^

to whicli they may licrcafter prove themselves e(iual,
"Make what use you think best of this communication,
and of the enclosed.

" I have the honor to be,

" Your most obedient and humble servant,

"John Young."

Mr. Smith — " The roxt document I will read is a com-
munication from Mr. Howe to Mr. McDougall. I read it,
not because I have any connection with Mr, McDougall,
but because it is referred to in my commission : —

" * Office of the Secretary of
" ' State for the Provinces,

" ' Ottawa, Dec. 7, 1869.

" ' Sir, — I had the honor to address to you despatches
addressed to you on the 19th and 20th of November, but
for fear they have miscaiTied I duplicate them to you. I
have the honor also to send you an Order in Council,
passed this day, on the subject of customs duties.

" * You will now be in a position to assure the residents
of the North-West Territories —

" * 1. That all their civil and religious liberties will be
sacredly respected.

" ' 2. That all their properties, rights and privileges of
every kind, as enjoyed under the Government of the
Hudson Bay Company, be continued.

" ' 3. That in granting titles to land now occupied by
the settlers, the most liberal policy will be pursued.

" ' 4. That the present tariff of customs duties will be
continued for two years from the 1st of January next,

THE IlKD lUVEIl TROUHLES.

233

t'xce[)t in the case of sj)intiK)iiH Hfjuors, as specified in the
Order in Council above alluded to.

*"5. That in forming your Council the Governor-General
will see that not only the Hudson Bay Company, but
the other classes of the residents are fully and faiily
represented.

" * G. That your Council will have the power to establish
municipal self-governnient at. once, and in such manner
as they may think most beneficial for the country.

" ' 7. That the country will be governed, as in the past,
by British law,and according to the spirit of British justice.

" ' 8. That the present government is to be considered
as mei oly provisional and temporary ; and that the
Government of Canada will be prepared to submit a
measure to Parliament, granting a liberal constitution, so
soon as you, as Governor, and your Council, have had the
opportunity of repoi-ting fully on the wants and require-
ments of the Territoiy.

"'You had, of course, instructions on all the above
mentioned points, except the tariff, before you left
Ottawa. But it has been thought well that I should
repeat them to you in this authoritative form.

" * Trusting that before long you may be enabled to
carry these liberal propositions into practice, in adminis-
tering the affairs of the North-West,

' " * I have the honor, tfec,

" ' Joseph Howe,
" ' Secretary of State for the Provinces.
" ' Hon. W. McDougall, Pembina.' "

Mr. Kiel translated the above.

234

THE CUEATION OF MANITOBA.

■ I

Mr. Smith said — "As reference has repeatedly been made
in these papers to Mr. McDougall, I may say, that neither
with that gentleman nor any of his party have I any,
even the slightest, acquaintance, having never seen him
nor any of his people, save for a few minutes on the road
from Pembina to Georgetown — (Cheers) And at this pre-
sent moment I have not written a single word either to
him or any of his party. My commission is simply, alone,
from the Government of Canada. Though personally
unknown to you, I am as »nuch interested in the welfare
of this country as others. On both sides I have a number
of relations in this land — (cheers) — not merely Scotch
cousins, but blood relations. Besides that, my wife and
her children are natives of Rupert's Land — (Cheers).
Hence, though I am myself a Scotchman, people generally
will not be surprised that I should feel a deep interest in
this great country and its inhabitants — (Cheers). I am
here to-day in the interests of Canada, but only in so far
as they are in accordance with the interests of this
country — (Hear, hear, and cheers). Under no other cir-
cumstances would I have consented to act — (Cheers). As
to the Hudson Bay Company, my connection with that
body is, I suppose, generally known ; but I will say that
if it could do any possible good to the country, I would,
at this moment, resign my position in that company. I
sincerely hope that my humble efforts may, in some
measure, contribute to bring about, peaceably, union, and
entire accord among all classes of the people of this land."
(Cheers).

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

235

)een made

it neither

,'e I any,

seen him

. the road

,t this pre-

either to

3ly, alore,

personally

e welfare

a number

ly Scotch

wife and

-(Cheers).

generally

nterest in

5). I am

in so far

of this

other cir-

ers). As

vith that

say that

I would,

pany. I

in some

nion, and

lis land."

Mr. Smith next road the following document, which
was printed in English and French : —

" Office of the Secretary of

State for the Provinces.

"Sir, — As you have been appointed Lieut -Governor of
the North- West Territories, in anticipation of the formal
transfer of these Territories by Her Majesty to the
Dominion of Canada, and as it is expected that such
transfer will be made v/ithin the course of the next two
or three montas, I have the honor, by command of His
Excellency the Governor-General, to inform you that it is
desirable that no time should be lost in making the neces-
sary preliminary arrangement for the organization of the
Government of the Territories. ,

" 2. With this view I am to instruct you to proceed
with all convenient speed to Fort Garry, in order that
you may effectually superintend the carrying out of the
preliminary arrangements indicated in the preceding
paragraph, and be ready to assume the government of the
Territories on their actual transfer to Canada.

" 3. On your arrival at Fort Garry, you will place
yourself in communication with Mr. MacTavish, the Gov-
ernor of the Hudson Bay Company, and notify him of
your appointment. You will, at the same time, offer
seats in your Council to Mr. MacTavish and to Mr. Black,
or other chief judicial officer of the Hudson Bay Com-
pany now in the Territory. And, should either or both
of these gentlemen decline to accept office, you will sub-
mit, for the consideration of His Excellency, the names of

336

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

one or two other officers of the Company whom you
consider eligible to act as members of the Council. You
will at the same time submit the names of several of the
residents, and of their character and standing in the Ter-
ritory, unconnected with the Company, qualified to act as
councillors, giving partictdars respecting them, and stating
their comparative merits.

" 4. You will have the goodness to report with all
convenient speed, for the information of His Excellency,
on the state of the laws, now existing in the Territories,
transmitting copies of any laws, ordinances or regulations
of the Company now in force there, together with a full
report as to the mode of administering justice, the organ-
ization of the courts, number and mode of appointment of
Justices of the Peace, and the plans, arrangements and
means adopted for keeping the peace there.

" 5. In preparing the report on the matters referred to
in the preceding paragraph, it will be well that you meet
and confer with the chief judicial officer of the Company
in the Territories.

" 6. You will have the goodness to report also upon the
system of taxation, if any, in force in the Territories, the
system of licensing shops, taverns, &c., the mode of regu-
lating or prohibiting the sale of wines, spirituous and
malt liquors. Further, as to the mode of keeping up the
roads ; and, generally, on the municipal organization, if
any, existing in the Territories.

" 7. You will also make a full report upon the state of
the Indian tribes now in the Territories, their names, num-
bers and claims, the system heretofore pursued by the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

237

Hudson Bay Company in dealing with them, accom-
panied by any suggestions you may desire to offer with
reference to their protection and the improvement of their
condition.

" 8. You will have the goodness to report also on the
nature and amount of the currency or circulating medium
now employed in the Territories, and of the probable
requirements of the Territories in that respect for the
future.

" 9. You will also report on the system of education, if
any, which obtains in the Territories.

" 10. You will also please to report as to such lands in
the Territories as it may be desirable to open up at once
for settlement, transmitting a plan of such survey as may
be necessary, with an estimate of the cost of survey, a
statement of the condition of grants of land and settle-
ment. The plan should show the number of townships it
is proposed to lay out at once, the size and position of the
townships, and the size of the lots, marking the necessary
surveys for churches, schools, roads and other purposes.

"11. You will also report upon the regulations at
present existing between the Hudson Bay Company and
the different religious bodies in the Territories.

" 12. You will also report as to the number of officers
now employed by the Hudson Bay Company in the
administration of their Government of the Territories,
stating the duties and salaries of such oiKcers, and speci-
fying those who should, in your opinion, be retained.
You will also report as to the number of persons whom it
will be necessary hereafter to employ in the adminis-

238

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

'A'

tration of the Government ; and you will report generally
on all subjects connected with the welfare of the Terri-
tory, upon which it may seem to you desirable to com-
municate with the Government of the Dominion.

" 13. It is desirable that you should take immediate
measures for the extension of the Telegraph system from
the Territories to Pembina, and for its connection at that
place with the system of the American Telegraph Com-
pany or Companies, making any provisional arrangements
for that purpose which may be necessary, and forwarding
a copy of such arrangements to this Department for con-
firmation by His Excellency.

" I have the honor to be, &c.,

"E. A. Meredith,

" Secretary of State.

" Hon W. McDougall, C.B., Ottawa."

After the reading of this document an adjournment for
half an hour was proposed and adopted.

Business being resumed, Mr. Kiel, seconded by Mr.
Bannatyne, moved that 20 representatives shall be elected,
by the English population of Red River, to meet 20 other
representatives of the French population, on Tuesday,
the 25th inst, at noon, in the Court House, with the
object of considering the subject of Mr. Smith's commis-
sion, and to decide what would be best for the welfare of
the country. — Carried.

Cheers were then given for Father Lestanc, Bishop
Machray, Father Richot, Mr. Riel, Mr. O'Donoghue, and
the Commissioners.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

239

A VOICE — " That resolution seems to cast a doubt on Mr.
Smith's commission. We do not doubt it."

Mr. RiEL and Mr. O'Donoghue — " We accept the com-
mission as genuine, and are merely to consider what is to
be done under it."

On motion of Judge Black, seconded by Mr. O'Dono-
ghue, it was resolved that a committee, consisting of
Thos. Bunn, Rev. J. Black, the Bishop of Rupert's Land,
John Sutherland, and John Frazer, be appointed to meet
and apportion the English representatives for the different
parishes in the Settlement, and to determine the mode of
election. Committee to meet to-morrow, at noon, at the
Bishop's.

Father Richot said — "That he was glad to be present,
with the Bishop of Rupert's Land, and the clergy of various
denominations. All, he believed, came there with the
best interests of the people at heart. They came there to
see that order and good feeling prevailed, and to influence
people as far as they could in the direction of what was
right and just — (Loud cheers). The clergy were also
citizens, and, as such, they were glad to be present and
promote those objects." — (Cheers).

Bishop Machray was sure that every one would heartily
respond to the kind feeling expressed, and do what was
possible to promote union and concord — (Loud cheers).
The rights of all present were the same, and on all reason-
able propositions, there could not be very much difference
of opinion — (Cheers). For his part he had the greatest
hope that their coming together on that occasion, and
their gathering next week, as proposed, would lead to a

240

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

' «■■

• ' ■■■'

happy settlement of public affairs — (Cheers). And, there-
fore, he hoped we would be as united in the future as we
had been in the past — (Loud and repeated cheers).

Mr. RiEL then [addressed the meeting as follows : —
" Before this assembly breaks up, I cannot but express my
feelings, however briefly. I came here with fear. We
are not yet enemies — (loud cheers) — but we came very
near being so. As soon as we understood each other, we
joined in demanding what our English fellow-subjects in
common with us believe to be our just rights — (Loud
cheers). I am not afraid to say our rights ; for we all
have rights — (Renewed cheers). We claim no half rights,
mind you, but all the rights we are entitled to. Those
rights will be set forth by our representatives, and, what
is more, gentlemen, we will get them." (Loud cheers).

The meeting then adjourned.

Immediately after the close of the proceedings on the
second day, the utmost good feeling appeared to exist
amongst all classes towards each other. Caps were
thrown in the air, cheers after cheers were given.
French and English shook hands over what was then
considered the happy prospects before the country, as
most parties looked upon the difficulties as next thing to
being settled. Certainly, the 20th January, 1870, was a
happy day in the Red River Settlement ; but, alas ! that
happiness was destined to be of short duration.

On the 21st, the gentlemen appointed for the purpose
met at Bishop Machray's residence, to make the allotments
of members to each parish in the Settlement, on the
English side, and the following is the result : —

11^ I

id, there-
re as we

(Hows : —
press my
ear. We
ime very
other, we
ibjects in
s — (Loud
)r we all
Etlf rights,
0. Those
,nd, what
cheers).

;s on the
to exist
aps were
re given,
was then
untry, as
thing to
JO, was a
tlas ! that

e purpose
allotments
t, on the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES. 241

Town of Winnipeg 1 delegate.

St. John 1

Kildonan 2 "

St. Paul's 1

St. Andrew's 3 "

St. Clement's 2 "

St. Peter's 2

St. James' 2

Headingly 2 "

St. Ann's 2 «

St. Margaret's 1 "

St. Mary's 1

20 delegates.

Kiel had promised to disband the most of his men in
Fort Garry, but Dame Rumor again indulged in one of
her pranks, which so often did harm during that eventful
winter. On this occasion a report reached the ears of the
French that the English and Scotch settlers were coming
up, in force, to release the prisoners. Now, no such idea
was in existence ; but the rumor, in connection with the
demonstration made at the close of the first day of the
mass meeting, had the effect of increasing, instead of
decreasing, the number of armed men in Fort Garry.

Kiel now bestirred himself to such a degree anion o-st
the French half-breeds, that he succeeded in getting the
men he wished to be elected as representatives at the
approaching convention, and, by that means, he once
more regained the power he had lost, and, at the same
time, defeated La.veiller's party.
Q

242

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

On the 22nd January, Kiel committed another act of
trespass on the Hudson's Bay Company, by taking pos-
session of the mess room and adjoining apartments, and
Dr. Cowan, who resided in the building, was obliged to
move to other quarters.

As there are several incidents connected with the
elections of the English delegates to the approaching
convention, which are deserving of notice, we will deal
with them in the following chapter.

■i '

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

243

CHAPTER XI.

AMERICANS MEETING AT WINNIPEG — THEIR RESOLUTIONS — ELECTION
OF DELEGATES — PROCLAMATION OP THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL —
MEITTING OF THE DELEGATES — LIST OP RIGHTS — STORMY DISCUS-
SIONS THEREON.

HE " New Nation " still continued its advocacy
of annexation, and the consequence was that
a large number of copies were returned to the
office by many of those to whom they had
been sent ; and, in fact, the newspaper was generally un-
popular throughout the Settlement.

In the paper of the 21st January, there appeared the
following paragraph, more in the shape of news than a
formal notice : —

" The primary meeting, for the election of the delegate
from Winnipeg, will be held at the engine-room on Satur-
day evening, the 22nd inst."

On account of this, a large number of the inhabitants
of the town did not attend the meeting on the day men-
tioned, although it was held as proposed, and was densely
packed, chiefly by Americans. Major Robinson was
chosen chairman, and Mr. Cold well, secretary ; and then
Mr. R. C. Burdick arose and presented the following
resolutions for the consideration of the parties present : —

" Whereas, the present state of affairs that now exists
in our colony is not one that is calculated to insure public

244

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

confidence and prosperity, and, for the purpose of devis-
ing some measure to restore the same, a council of forty
delegates from diiTerent portions thereof is to assemble
on Tuesday, the 25th instant :

" And, whereas, we learn that Mr. Smith is empowered,
upon the part of Canada, to make to this people certain
concessions, or guarantee to us certain rights which we
ask, and which we hope will be conceded : and, whereas,
we, the individuals comprising the meeting, fully believe
that in these concessions being made, upon the part of
Canada, lies all our hope for a speedy relief from the pre-
sent existing state of confusion, and looking to a proba-
bility of the council deciding that Mr. Smith's promises
may not be such as will warrant the possession immedi-
ately of this country by the Canadian Government, in
which event it will be necessary for that council to decide
upon some form of government to administer the execu-
tive during the time intervening between this and the
ultimate adoption or rejection by Canada of our offers :

" And, whereas, it being the opinion of the individuals
comprising this meeting, that the restoration by the
public of Governor MacTavish to the executive, to be
aided by a council, elected by a popular vote ; therefore
be it resolved, —

" The delegate, who shall be chosen by the meeting to
represent us in that council, be instructed to use all
honorable means, that may lay in his power, to bring
about the result above mentioned."

A division of the house was then made on the above,
and on account of the preponderance of the American

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

245

party, they were lost ; but Mr. H. McKenncy then moved,
in addition to the above resolutions given, that, —

" In the event of that object being unattainable, that
our delegate be instructed to use his best j'xdgment in
obtaining such other form of government as may be, in
the meantime, effective in maintaining peace and good
order in the Settlement, and the restoration of its pros-
perity."

This answered the views of the American party ex-
actly, and the consequence was that the resolutions, with
McKenney's addition tacked on, were adopted by a ma-
jority.

Mr. Alfred H. Scott was then proposed as the delegate,
and, in amendment, the name of Mr. A. G. B. Bannatyne
Wiis put forward. The former, however, had a majority
amongst ^he parties present, although the whole proceed-
ings were protested against, as no regular notice had
been given of the meeting, except to the American party
in the town.

The friends of Mr. Bannatyne afterwards obtained the
signatures of most of the responsible men in Winnipeg,
desiring him as their delegate ; whereas Mr. Scott showed
a much smaller number of names, composed chiefly of
parties who had little, if any, stake in the country, and
most of whom owed allegiance to Uncle Sam. Yet, in
the face of this, the convention afterwards decided against
Mr. Bannatyne, because that gentleman, for the sake
of peace, preferred not having another election, as there
was every probability of a serious row, should one take
place.

24G

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

r^i

I! M

In this way the American party, at that time, carried
mattera with a high hand in the town.

The following were the views of the Bishop of Rupert's
Land on the subject : —

"Dear Mr. Bannatyne, — In claiming the seat for
Winnipeg, it would be well to demand that it be settled
by the English representatives, or by the committee ap-
pointed to determine the mode of election. The com-
mittee coulu meet and examine the votes tendered for
the candidates in a disputed election, hold security, and
reject or receive any votes as may seem to them just.

" I am,

" Very sincerely yours,

"R. Rupert's Land."

On Sunday night, the 23rd January, Dr. Schultz suc-
ceeded in making his escape from prison, by opening his
window and letting himself down with strips of buffalo
hide, which he had cut from the robes that constituted
his bed. He then managed to climb the wall, and, ob-
taining the use of a horse and sleigh from a friend, he
fled in the direction of the Stone Fort. The next day a
party of Frenchmen were sent off in pui'suit of him, but
did not succeed in finding him.

On Tuesday, the 25th January, the first meeting of
the convention took place ; but, as all the French coun-
cillors were not present, it was adjourned till half-past
three o'clock in the afternoon, when it was again post-
poned till one o'clock the next day for a similar reason.

That evening Mr. Thos. Spence, one of the delegates

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES. 2t7

from tho Parish of St. Peter's, was arrested for somo
reason or another by Riel, but soon afterwards liberated.
This was an unfortunate occurrence at tho time, and pro-
duced an evil effect.

On tho next day, at the hour appointed, tho French
and English delegates, as follow, met for dispatch of
business : —

French Representatives.

St. FauVs Pierre Thibert.

Alex. Pagee.

Magnus Birston.
St. Frangois Xa we?*.... Xavier Pagee.

Pierre Poitras.

St. Charles Baptiste Beauchemin, took his

seat afterwards, as the election
was contested.
St. Boniface W. B. O'Donoghuc.

Ambroise Lepine.

Jos. Genton.

Louis Schmidt.
St. Vital Louis Riel.

Andr^ Beauchemin.
St. NorheH Pierre Parranteau.

Norbert Caronce.

B. Touron.
Foinie Coupee Louis Lascerte.

Pierre Delorme.
Oah Foint. Thos. Harrison.

Charles Nolin.
Fointe a Gvouctte George Klyne.

. I'

248 the creation of manitoba.

English Representatives.

St. Peter's Rev. Henry Cochrane.

Thos. Spence.
St. Clement's Thos. Bunn .

Alex. McKenzie.
St, Andrew's Jud^e Black.

Donald Gunn, Senr.

Alfred Boyd.

St. Paul's Dr. Bird.

Kildonan „. John Fraser.

John Sutherland.
St. John's.... ....... .......James Ross.

St. James' Geo. Flett.

Robert Tait.
Headingly ...John Taylor.

Wm. Lonsdale.

St. Mary's Kenneth McKenzie.

St. Margaret's Wm. Cummings.

.*^t. Anne's Geo. Gunn.

D. Spence.
Winnipeg Alfred H. Scott.

On the motion of Riel, Judge Black was appointed
chairman, and then the meeting selected Mr. Coldwell as
secretary on the English side, and Louis Schmidt on that
of the French.

It was then agreed, as the room in which they had
met was a smal? one, that only the clei'gy and newspaper
reporters should be allowed access to the convention, it
being deemed sufficient that the public should learn the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

249

ippointed
)ldwell as
t on that

they had
ewspaper
ention, it
learn the

result of each day's proceedings through the columns of
the newspaper.

The next question brought up, was that of the con-
tested elections, which were ultimately decided against
the following parties : —

John F. Grant.
Angus McKay.
A. G. B. Bannatyne.

Mr. Smith's papers were then sent for, and, after some
discussion, these were placed in the hands of Louis
Schmidt, for the purpose of translating them into French.

This closed the second day's proceedings, and the meet-
ing adjourned till the next morning.

Governor MacTavish, having occasion to send some
letters to the Stone Fort, entrusted them to a messenger,
who succeeded in leaving Fort Garry with them without
being detected. He had not gone far, however, when a
guard from Kiel overtook him and brought him back.
Riel then demanded the papers from the man, and, on
receiving them, returned them to Governor MacTavish,
unopened. This circumstance shows how strictly the
doings of the Hudson's Bay Company, as well as other
parties, were watched ; in fact, it seemed, at that time,
almost impossible to do anything without the fact being
immediately afterwards communicated to Riei. Spies
were everywhere, and no man felt sure of even his
dearest friend. The revolutions in France hardly offer a
parallel to the state of affairs then existing in the neigh-
borhood of Fort Garry.

About noon on the 27th, the convention again sat, and

250

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

m 1

Mr. Smith's papers were read and liscussed, during which
the following document was called for by Mr. Ross ; but,
as it could not be found, having gone astray, or been
designedly put away by some party or parties, it was
passed over and never afterwards appeared in public in
Red River.

The paper thus called for was a proclamation, issued
on the 6th December, based on the cable telegram sent
by Earl Granville to Sir John Young, Governor-General
of Canada : —

"PROCLAMATION.

" By His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir John
Young, Baronet, a member of Her Majesty's Most
Honourable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of
the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Knight
Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of
St. Michael and St. George, Governor-General of
Canada.

" To all and every the loyal subjects of Her Majesty
the Queen, and to all to whom these presents shall come
Greeting :

. " The Queen has charged me, as her representative, to
inform you that certain misguided persons in her Settle-
ments on the Red River have banded themselves together,
to oppose, by force, the entry into her North- Western
Territories of the officers selected to administer in her
name the government, when the Territories are united to
the Dominion of Canada, under the authority of the late
Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom ; and that

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

251

those parties have also forcibly, and with violence, pre-
vented others of her loyal subjects from ingress into the
country. Her Majesty feels assured that she may rely
upon the loyalty of her subjects in the North -West, and
believes those men, who have thus illegally joined to-
gether, have done so from some misrepresentations. The
Queen is convinced that, in sanctioning the union of the
North- West Territories with Canada, she is promoting
the best interest of the residents, and, at the same time,
strengthening and consolidating her North American
possessions, as part of the British Empire. You may
judge, then, of the sorrow and displeasure with which
the Queen views the unreasonable and lawless proceed-
ings which have occurred.

" Her Majesty commands me to state to you, that she
will always be ready, through me, as her representative,
to redress all well-founded grievances ; and that she has
instructed me to hear and consider any complaints that
may be made, or desires that may be expressed, to me, as
Governor-General. At the same time she has charged
me to exercise all the powers and authority with which
she has entrusted me, in the support of order, and the
suppression of unlawful distiu'bances.

" By Her Majesty's authority, I do therefore assure you
that, on the union with Canada, all your civil and reli-
gious rights and privileges will be respected, your pro-
perties secured to you, and that your country will be
governed, as in the past, under British laws, and in the
spirit of British justice.

** I do further, under her authority, entreat and com-

252

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

S.. 'm

mand those of you who are still assembled and banded
together, in defiance of law, peaceably to disperse, and
return to your homes, under the penalties of the law, in
case of disobedience.

" And I do lastly inform you that, in case of your im-
mediate and peaceable obedience and dispersion, I shall
order that no legal proceedings be taken against any
parties implicated in these unfortunate breaches of the
law.

" Given under My Hand and Seal-at-Arms at Ottawa,
this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord, one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, and in the thirty-
third year of Her Majesty's reign.

/- , — " — > ^ " By Command,

I Seal. I » John Young."

" H. L. Langevin,

" Secretary of State.''

The reason that the production of the above document
was not insisted upon was, that it might prevent a har-
monious action of the two sides of the convention, and
result in destroying the chances of settlement between
them.

Mr. Smith was, shortly afterwards, requested to attend
the meeting, and, upon his doing so, and after having
been formally introduced to the delegates, he stated that
Canada was prepared to respect the people of the country,
and grant them everything that was fair.

It was then proposed that the original list of rights
should be handed to Mr. Smith, so that his views might

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

253

d banded
)erse, and
be law, in

your im-
on, I shall
ainst any
hes of the

it Ottawa,

Lord, one

bhe thirty-

Young."

document
rent a har-
jntion, and
it between

i to attend

ter having

tated that

le country,

it of rights
iews might

be obtained as to the likelihood of their being granted
by Canada. As that list, howevei', necessarily was im-
perfect, having been framed without sufficient considera-
tion, it was deemed proper that a committee should be
appointed to frame a new list, to be first presented to the
convention, as a body, for their approval or alteration ;
and, when finally agreed upon by the majority of the 40
delegates present-, to be then laid before Mr. Smith, and
his views taken upon it; and then the extent of his power
to grant or guarantee the several clauses in it could be
ascertained.

Mr. Smith having then retired, the following gentle-
men were appointed to form a committee, for the purpose
of framing the proposed new Bill of Rights : —

Louis Kiel, Louis Schmidt, Charles Nolin. — -French.

James Ross, Dr. Bird, Thos. Bunn. — English.

The above committee was formed altogether of natives
of the country, it having been so desired by the general
voice of the meeting.

The convention did not again meet for business until
the 29th, so as to allow the committee sufficient time to
frame their list of rights.

Li the meantime an interesting individual arrived in
the Settlement, who is bound to figure rather conspicu-
ously in the after events of this history. The following
paragraph, which appeared in the " New Nation," will
throw some light on the subject: —

"Arrival. — Capt. J. E. Gay, R.S.C., from Paris, France.
The captain comes to tl .is country simply as a sight-seer,

254

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

and proposes visiting the various interesting localities in
these parts."

Now the captain arrived in rather a mysterious sort of
manner ; his residence in the Settlement was of rather a
mysterious character; and the mode of his departure from
Red River was still more difficult to comprehend ; but,
as we will frequently have occasion to mention the gen*
tleman hereafter, we will pass him over for the present,
merely stating that, on his arrival, he was, immediately,
taken prisoner b}'^ order of Riel, who, shortly afterwards,
however, released him ; and the gay captain, having ob-
tained his liberty, succeeded in raisin^ "/U sorts of con-
jectures amongst the people, as to who he could be, and
what was his errand at that particular time- -some hav-
ing it that he was a Canadian spy ; others, that he was
an emissary from Bishop Tach^, and others, that he was
a gentleman of means in search of adventure. All this,
however, afterwards dwindled down to a report that he
was merely a schoolmaster in search of something to turn
up. What was he ? Query ?

The " New Nation," about this time, began to change
its tone in regard to its annexation views ; and did not
come out so strong in that respect, as it did at the com-
mencement of its career.

Americans, generally, began to feel that they were
losing ground amongst a people who, in reality, felt no
desire to change their allegiance as British subjects.

Our ;eaders must not imagine that we are at all in-
clined to censure the American people generally, or even
all the American residents in Red River, for the acts of

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

255

a few who, residing in a foreign country, thought proper
to interfere in matters which neither concerned them nor
their nationality ; on the contrary, there were Americans
living in Ked River, and also at Pembina, who did not
agree with the doings of their fellow-countrymen ; and
had the acts of the few, whom we have reference to, been
known in the United States, they would have met with
universal condemnation ; and, for this reason, we are not
disposed to place them in any other light than the per-
nicious effect of the acts committed upon the oft attempted
settlement of the Red River difficulties.

While the convention of delegates was in session, a
rumor was circulated that Bishop Tach^ was on his way
from Rome, to use his influence in bringing about some
peaceful solution of the troubles ; and, it is needless to
say, that all classes earnestly hoped that it might prove
true, as it was believed that his influence would have
great weight in restoring order and harmony amongst
the people generally.

The committee on the list of rights finished their
labours on the 29 th ; and the convention then discussed
the articles of the Bill, one by one, taking until the 3rd
February to do so.

It is unnecessary to give the debates that accompanied
the consideration of the bill of rights, it will be suffi-
cient to give our readers the complete list as it passed in
the convention : —

"List of Rights*
" 1st. That, in view of the present exceptional position

256

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

of the North- West, duties upon goods impoi 'd into the
country shall continue as at present (exce}>^ in the oaf- ;
of spirituous liquors) for three years, and for ich larther
tii^e as may elapse, until there t' a imtorn-pted railroad
cr 1 imuni ;ation between Red River Settlement and St.
Paul, and also steam commuri 'nation between Red River
Sei^^ement and Lake Superior.

"2nd. As long as this country remains a territory in
the Dominion of Canada, there shall be no direct taxation,
except such as may be imposed by the local legislature,
for municipal or other local purposes.

" 3rd. That, during the time this country shall remain
in ^he position of a territory, in the Dominion of Canada,
all military, civil, and other public expenses, in connec-
tion with the general government of the country, or that
have hitherto been borne by the public funds of the
Settlement, beyond the receipt of the above-mentioned
duties, shall be met by the Dominion of Canada.

" 4th. That while the burden of public expense in this
territory is borne by Canada, the country be governed
under a Lieutenant-Governor from Canada, and a Legis-
lature, three members of whom, being heads of depart-
ments of the Government, shall be nominated by the
Governor-General of Canada.

"5th. That, after the expiration of this exceptional
period, the country shall be governed, as regards its local
affairs, as the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec are now
governed, by a Legislature by the people, and a Ministry
responsible to it, under a Lieutenant-Governor, appointed
by the Governor-Genelral of Canada^

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

257

into the
the ca>:-!

I larther
railroad
and St.

ed River

ritory in
taxation,
gislature,

II remain
' Canada,
n connec"
y, or that
Is of the
aentioned

ise in this
governed
a a Legis-
)f depart-
(d by the

iceptional
s its local
c are now
Ministry
appointed

" 6th. That there shall be no interference by ti' -> Do-
minion iarliament in the local affairs of this territory,
other than is allowed in the provinces, ard that this
territory shall have and enjoy, in all respects, the same
privileges, advantages and aids in meeting the public
expenses of this territoiy, as the provinces have and
enjoy.

"7th. That, while the Nort^ T." t remains a territory,
the Legislature have a right ' "^ pr all laws, local to the
territory, over the veto of *^' e T.leutenant-Governor, by
a two-thirds vote. •

" 8th. A homestead and ' ^-e^nption law.

" 9th. That, while the North-West remains a^territory,
the sum of $25,000 a year be appropriated for schools,
roads and bridges.

" 10th. That all the public buildings be at the expense
of the Dominion Treasury.

"11th. That there shall be guaranteed uninterrupted
steam communication to Lake Superior, within five j'-ears ;
and also the establishment, by rail, of a connection with
the American railway as soon as it reaches the interna-
tional line.

" 12th. That the military'- force required in this country
be composed of natives of the country during four years.

[Lost by a vote of 16 yeas to 23 nays, and consequently
struck out of the list.]

" 13th. That the English and French languages be com-
mon in the Legislature and Courts, and that all public
documents and Acts of the Legislature be published in
both languages.
R

258

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

I-

" 14th. That the Judge of the Supreme Court speak
the French and English languages.

"loth. That treaties be concluded between the Do-
minion and the several Indian tribes of the country, as
soon as possible.

" 16th. That, until the population of the country en-
titles us to more, we have three representatives in the
Canadian Parliament ; one in the Senate, and two in the
Legislative Assembly.

" 17th. That all the properties, rights and privileges, as
hitherto enjoyed by us, be respected, and that the recog-
nition and arrangement of local customs, usages and
privileges be made under the control of the Local Legis-
lature.

" 18th. That the Local Legislature of this territory have
full control of all the lands inside a circumference having
Upper Fort Garry as a centre, and that the radius of this
circumference be the number of miles that the American
line is distant from Fort Garry.

" 19th. That every man in the country (except uncivil-
ized and unsettled Indians) who has attained the age of
21 years, and every British subject, a stranger to this
coTintry who has resided three years in this country, and
is a householder, shall have a right to vote at the election
of a member to serve in the Legislature of the country,
and in the Dominion Parliament ; and every foreign sub-
ject, other than a British subject, who has resided the
same length of time in the country, and is a householder,
shall have the same right to vote, on condition of his
taking the oath of allegiance, it being understood that

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

259

this article be subject to amendment exclusively by the
Local Legislature.

" 20th. That the North-West Territory shall never be
held liable for any portion of the £300,000 paid to the
Hudson's Bay Company, or for any portion of the public
debt of Canada, as it stands at the time of our entering
the Confederation ; and if, thereafter, we be called upon
to assume our share of said public debt, we consent only,
on condition that we first be allowed the amount for
which we shall be held liable."

As soon as the last article had been carried, Kiel pro-
posed that, as they had fully discussed the terms upon
which they would become a territory in the Dominion of
Canada, the delegates ought now to consider the advan-
tages of entering Confederation as a province. This ques-
tion was accordingly fully discussed during Friday, Feb-
ruary 4th, and resulted in the opinion of the meeting
being in favour of becoming a territory.

It was then proposed that Mr. Smith should be re-
quested to attend the meeting on the next day, when
Kiel rose and said that he had still another clause which
he wished to be added to the list of rights, and which he
would proceed to place before the delegates, for their
consideration, namely : —

" That all bargains with the Hudson's Bay Company,
for the transfer of this territory, be considered null and
void ; and that any arrangements, with reference to the
transfer of this countiy, shall be carried on only with the
people of this country."

The next day, after Kiel's proposition had been dis-

200

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

cussed at some Icngtli, it was finally put in the form of a
motion, and lost, by 17 yeas and 22 nays.

Kiel, when this result was ascertained, jumped up, and,
with great warmth, while marching up and down the
council room, said : —

" Tho devil take it : we must win. The vote may go
as it likes ; but the measure, which has now been defeated,
must be carried. It is a shame to have lost it ; and it
was a greater shame, because it was lost by those traitors"
— pointing to Nolin, Klyne and Harrison.

Mr. Nolin jumped up and said, with indignation, in
French — " 1 was not sent here, Mr. Riel, to vote at your
dictation. I came here to vote according to my consci-
ence. While there are some things for which we blame
the Company, there is a good deal for which we must
thank them. I do not exculpate the Company altogether;
but I say that, in time of need, we have often been in-
debted to them for assistance and kindness."

Mr. Riel. — " While I say this matter must be carried,
I do not wish to speak disrespectfully to the convention.
But I say it will be carried at a subsequent stage. You
must remember," he added, angrily, " that there is a pro-
visional government, and, though this measure has been
lost by the voice of the convention, I have friends enough,
who are determined to add it to the list, on their own
responsibility." Turning to the French section of the
convention, he said, speaking rapidly, and with great
vehemence, and pointing threateningly to those he ad-
dressed — " As for you, Charles Nolin, Tom Harrison, and
Geo. Klyne — two of you relatives of my own — as for

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

201

rm of a

up, and,
wn the

may go
iefeated,
; and it
,raitors"

ition, in
at your
Y consci-
7Q blame
we must
ogether;
been in-

) carried,
ivention.

. You
is a pro-
has been

enough,
heir own
n of the
th great
se he ad-
ison, and
I — as for

you, your inHuence, as public men, is finished in tliis
country. Look at the position in which you huvo placed
yourselves. You have lost your influence," he added,
emphatically, " forever."

Mr. NoLiN. — " Let mo tell Mr. Riel that I was sent
here by my parish. I never sought the position, and,
personally, if I am lost to public affairs, I would be rather
glad of it. You, Mr. Riel, did what you could to prevent
my coming hero, and failed ; and, if it suited my pur-
])Ose to come back again, I would come at the call of my
parish, in spite of you."

The meeting then broke up in some confusion, it hav-
ing, at one time, appeared as if there would have been a
serious row. An adjournment was arranged till the next
day, when it was proposed that the convention should
hear Mr. Smith's views on the list of rights.

On the evening of the 4th February, just after Riel
had made his proposition, to annul all bargains with the
Hudson's Bay Company, for the transfer of the country,
he entered the sick chamber of Governor MacTavish, and,
it is said, abused him in harsh terms, for some reason or
another that is not known.

This act, to say the least of it, was cruel, since it was
directed against a man enfeebled by sickness ; probably
it proceeded from excitement on Riel's part, over an ex-
pected opposition, the next day, to liis proposition, in-
tended to prevent, if possible, the paymeu'i of the
£300,000 to the Hudson's Bay Company.

262

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTER XII.

KIEL ARRESTS GOVERNOR MACTAVISH ; IMPRISONS DR. COWAN ; AND
THREATENS MR. BANNATYNE, WHO WISHED TO VISIT THE PRISON-
ERS — MEETING Ol THE DELEGATES AND COMMISSIONERS— LIST OF
RIGHTS DISCUSSED — FORMATION OF A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT —
RIEL IS ELECTED AND PROCLAIMED PRESIDENT.

jN several occasions, it appeared as if Riel was
attempting to force his views upon the conven-
tion, and this report, being circulated amongst
the people, caused a good deal of dissatisfac-
tion. Coupled with this, the non-release of the prisoners
excited feelings amongst the English settlers not at all
friendly towards Riel and his party, especially when it
became known that Mr. Wm. Hallet had been put in irons
for some breach of his prison discipline. We must say
that, under the circumstances, it was a piece of unneces-
sary cruelty, placing a captive in irons when there were
so many men in the Fort for the purpose of guarding the
prisoners. It should have been remembered that Mr.
Hallet had a family living in the Settlement, who, doubt-
less, would feel very anxious regarding his fate, on hear-
ing of the extreme rigor of his position. Although (as it
was reported), a few of the prisoners may have created a
disturbance, and, by doing so, irritated their guards al-
most beyond patience, that of itself was no excuse for the
harsh measures inflicted upon William Hallet.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

263

^AN ; AND
B PRISON-
— LIST OF
*,NMENT--

iliel was
conven-
amongst
satisfac-
)risoners
it at all
when it
; in irons
mst say
unneces-
sre were
ding the
ihat Mr.
), doubt-
on hear-
th (as it
reated a
lards al-
je for the

Riel, at that time, seemed to be constantly in a state of
extreme excitement. His tret^.tment of Governor Mac-
Tavish — denouncing and quarr&iling with Nolin — and
putting Wm. Hallet in irons — all tended to show that an
undue influence was being exercised over his better judg-
ment.

About this time, it became known that Mr. Jos. Monk-
man, bearing a commission from Mr. McDougall, was on
his way to the interior to treat with the Indians. Mr.
Monkman had been a firm, friend and supporter of Dr.
Schultz for some years. Is it, then, to be wondered at if
people attributed his appointment as an Indian commis-
sioner pro tern, to the influence Dr. Schultz professed to
have with Mr. McDougall. Mr. Monkman had orders
from the expectant governor to the officers in charge of
the several Hudson's Bay Company's posts along his route,
to supply him with provisions or other necessaries. This,
say the least of it, was cool, especially when we consider
Mr. McDougall's want of authority in the matter. Mr.
Monkman found, however, that Mr. McDougall's word, as
far as the procuring the requisite necessaries was con-
cerned, vras not quite as good as his bond, and ascertain-
ing that Governor MacTavish's order was the only one
that would be taken in the matter, Mr. Monkman return-
ed to the Settlement without having fulfilled any part of
his mission — a fortunate thing, as it turned out after-
wards, both for the sake of the Dominion as well as of
Red River.

On Saturday night, the Gth Feb., Riel, after having been
defeated in his measure to make null and void all bargains

2C4

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

with the Hudson's Bay Company, entered the sick cham-
ber of Governor MacTavish, and, it is said, used very harsh
and abusive language towards him. He then placed
guards in the house to prevent any one from going in or
coming out of it ; and thus actually held the inmates as
prisoners. Dr. Cowan was next taken, and placed in the
same room with Wm. Hallet. The effect of such acts as
those, on the part of Riel, can hardly be imagined ; it in
fact, at one sweep, counteracted any good that may have
been attained, and left the English settlers and their re-
presentatives still more distrustful of Kiel's intentions.
No other reason can be found to account for this strange
conduct on the part of the leader of the French party, un-
less it was, if possible, to overawe the English delegates,
and force them into the course laid out by Riel. On the
evening of this outrage on Mr. MacTavish and Dr. Cowan,
Mr. Hargrave, the Governor's private secretary, hurried
to Mr. Bannatyne, and informed him of what had taken
place. That gentleman immediately took steps to find
out how far the safety of the families in the Fort was im-
perilled ; and meeting Riel, was ordered by him not to go
near the Fort, Mr. Bannatyne, however, feeling still more
anxious from this circumstance, determined, if possible, to
gain access to Mr. MacTavish's residence, and that night
had so far accomplished his design, that he was in the act
of climbing over the Avail of Fort Garry, and just dropping
down on the inside, when he was perceived by one of the
guards, and the next moment a heavy stick of wood flew
past his head. Mr. Bannatyne then, finding himself dis-
covered, and knowing that it would be useless to attempt

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

2G5

k chain-
ry harsh
L placed
ig in or
aates as
d in the
acts as
d ; it in
ay have
their re-
tentions,
strange
arty, nn-
ielegates,
On the
Cowan,
hurried
d taken
to find
was im-
Lot to go
till more
ssible, to
at night
n the act
Iropping
[le of the
ood flew
.self dis-
attempt

carrying out his purpose, resolved upon waiting till the
next morning. Accordingly, the following day (Sunday),
in company with Mr. Henry McDermott, Mr. Bannatyne
went to the Fort, and succeeded in passing the guards,
and obtained an entrance into the Governor's house.
Til ere he found Mrs. MacTavish in a dreadful state at the
condition of her husband. In the meantime, however,
several of the French in the Fort, having perceived Mr.
Bannatyne enter the gate, ran across the river on the ice
to St. Boniface, where Kiel was attending church, and in-
formed him of the fact. Kiel thereupon immediately re-
turned in haste to Fort Garry, but found that Mr. Banna-
tyne and Mr. McDermott had left on their return to the
town. A guard was at once sent after them, and they
were brought back. Kiel then, walking up to Mr. Banna-
tyne said, —

" Did I not tell you that you v*'ere not to enter this
Fort?"

Mr. Bannatyne replied that he had done so, and would
do so again if necessary.

Kiel then said that he was to consider himself a pris-
oner, and accordingly he was placed under arrest, Mr. Mc-
Dermott, however, being set at liberty. About the same
time, it was rumored that Kiel purposed taking Charles
Nolin prisoner ; and, on that account, a number of men,
amongst others, Nolin's brothers, determined to defend
him. A guard did leave Fort Garry to carry out Biel's
intentions in this matter, but, meeting one of the Nolin's,
accompanied by some friends, a scuffle ensued, during
which the enraged man (Nolin) snapped his pistol once or

2G6

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

twice in the face of one of his antagonists, and, finding
the weapon useless as a fire-arm, he used it as a club, giv-
ing several ugly cuts with it, and finally wound up by
running the barrel into the mouth of the individual he
was struggling with, endeavouring at the same time to
fire it off. The guard then returned to Fort Garry, on
finding that Nolin's friends were gathered in force to re-
sist them. Two of Kiel's men, the next day, endeavored
to interfere with the mail as it was entering Winnipeg,
but were prevented by several inhabitants of the town.

It may be imagined that times were somewhat lively
around Fort Garry during this stage of the troubles. As-
suredly they were ; and Kiel's life was never in so much
danger as during the last few days of the convention,
which fact he was evidently aware of, as will be seen by
the following incident : —

One evening (7th Feb.,) Kiel went out, and called upon
a brother of Charles Nolin, it is said, for the purpose of
explaining matters, and to effect a recon.ciliation, if possi-
ble. While he was sitting in the house eating supper, a man
having a gun passed the window ; upon which Kiel sud-
denly threw down his knife and fork, and declared that
he was about to be shot. Nolin answered that he never
would be shot in his house, and immediately went out to
see who the man was. It appears that he was an Indian,
seeking the way to a comrade's lodge, and perfectly inno-
cent of any attempt on Kiel's life. Almost immediately
after this occurred, about forty men from the Fort arrived,
and accompanied Kiel back to his quarters. It is quite
evident that the leader of the French party was in a fear-

id, finding
a club, giv-
ind up by
[ividual he
le time to

Garry, on
oree to re-
endeavored

Winnipeg,
the town,
ivhat lively
)ubles. As-
in so much
convention,

be seen by

called upon
purpose of
ion, if possi-
apper,aman
;h Kiel sud-
clared that
at he never
went out to
IS an Indian,
rfectly inno-
immediately
ITort arrived,
It is quite
vas in a fear-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

2G7

ful state of excitement, as not long afterwards he was
threatened with an attack of brain fever.

On Monday morning the English delegates were
undecided whether to attend the convention after the
occurrences which had taken place, and which we have
already described — but finally they resolved to go.
Grand Vicar Thibault, Colonel de Saiaberry, and
Mr. D. A. Smith, having been requested to attend,
were present, and spoke in regard to their powers as
Commissioners, from which it appeared that the two
former gentlemen were sent merely as peace messengers,
which has already been shown, and that the latter was
invested with a little more authority to deal with the
difficulties. Riel thereupon pressed Mr. Smith to give a
guarantee that the list of rights, or even a part thereof,
would be granted by Canada, which, however, that ,^en-
tleman did not feel sufficiently authorized to do. The
result of this was that the bill of rights was reviewed
clause by clause by Mr. Smitl^ and his opiiuons taken
upon the several articles coi. aed in it, so fai aj the
probability of their being _ anted by Canada v/as
concerned. This took up the whole of that day, and
resulted in an invitation on the part of the three Com-
missioners that two or m tc delegates should be sent
by the people of Red River oo Canada to confer with the
Government at Ottawa as to ^he best plan to be pursued
for the future government of the country. The next day
the question as to whether the invitation of the Com-
missioners should be accepted or not was brought up.

2G8

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

and, after some discussion on the subject, it was re-
solved : —

" That inasmuch as the Canadian Commissioners
invited delegates from this country to Canada to confer
with the Canadian Government as to the affiiirs of this
country, and as a cordial reception has been promised to
said delegates, Be it therefore resolved that the invitation
be accepted, and that the same be signified to the Com-
missioners." -

Messrs. Tait and Laronce were then appointed to
convey the resolution to the three Commissioners. It
may be here mentioned that Colonel de Salaberry, on
behalf of the Canadian Government, had agreed that the
Dominion Aould pay the expenses of the delegates to
Ottawa.

This being settled, Kiel's all-important point, which he
had never lost sight of throughout the different stages
of the troubles, was brought up, namely, the formation of
a Provisional Government.

The English delegates were not prepared to take any
decided steps in this matter without first consulting the
people who sent them to the convention. It must here
be said that the limited powers vested in their delegates
by the English and Scotch settlers was the cause of a
gi'eat deal of trouble, misunderstanding, and want of
harmony in the convention, and to say the least of it,
was a singular method of sending representatives to take
part in any matter concerning the popular welfare.

When they decided upon sending delegates it would
have been far better, and, at all events, more complimen-

<iii 1

was re-

aissioners
to confer
L's of this
)mised to
invitation
the Corn-
Dinted to
3ners. It
iberry, on
I that the
legates to

which ho
ent stages
[•mation of

take any
ulting the
must here

delegates
3ause of a
, want of
east of it,
'^es to take
fare.

it would
omplimen-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

269

tary to the honesty and ability of those elected to
represent them, had they given them full powers to act
as they thought best for the interests of the country.

Instead of this they were told to go and watch pro-
ceedings, and then come back to report. When, therefore,
any question was brought up they felt their hands tied,
and, although tliey voted on all the motions put forward,
still it was done at the risk of their actions being after-
wards repudiated by the people. At the two conven-
tions, therefore, which took place, the French on the one
side were united and empowered to act, while on the
other hand the English hardly knew what to do, and
were consequently oppre^^^^d by a timidity which other-
wise they would not ha^v^ leit, and this state of affairs in
reality made Riel stronger than he otherwise would have
been ; for most assuredly he must have realized the as-
cendancy which the undecided position of the English
delegates gave him, and the facts prove that he took
advantage of it. During the discussion which took place
on the Provisional Government question, it was deemed
advisable to consult Governor MacTavish on the subject.

For i/hat purpose Messrs. Sutherland and Eraser pro-
ceeded to his residence and had an interview with him,
the result of which is as follows : —

Mr. Sutherland, on returning from his visit to the Gov-
ernor, said : " In order to clear away my own doubts, I
went with Mr. Fraser to see Gov. MacTavish ; I asked his
opinion as to the advisability of forming a Provisional
Government. He replied, ' Form a government for God's
sake, and restore peace and order in the Settlement.'"

^jRB'

270

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Mr. Fraser — " Another question we put to him was,
— Will you delegate your power as Governor to another ?
He answered, ' I will not delegate my power to any one.'"

Mr. Kiel — "I would like to ask Mr. Fraser whether
Mr. MacTavish declared himself the Governor ? "

Mr. Fraser—" He did not."

Mr. RiEL {hastily.) — "It is well he did not, as out of
this convention I would have formed a council of war;
and we would have seen the consequences."

The English delegates at last consented to the formation
of a Provisional Government, and the following motion
was carried : —

" That the Committee previously appointed to draw up
the list of rights be reappounted to discuss and decide
on the basis and details of tke Provisional Government
which we have agreed is to be formed for Rupert's Land
and the North-West Territory, '

Carried, with the substitution of Mr. O'Donoghue for
Mr. Schmidt, who was absent. The result of the above
was as follows : —

" 1. That the Council consist of t)iH(([|^our members,
twelve from the English and twelve ftni the French
speaking population.

" 2. Each side decide as to the appointmo.t of its own
members of Council.

'*3. That Mr. James Ross be Judge jf ttjif. llbpMMV
Court.

" 4. That all Justices of the Peace, Petty Magistrates,
Constables, &;3., retain their places, with the exception of

him was,
) another ?
any one.'"
r whether

, as out of
;il of war ;

} formation
ing motion

to draw np
and decide
rovernment
Dert's Land

noghue for
the above

r member.s,
the French

of iis own

id; Sh^weaoie

Id^agistrates,
exception of

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

271

Wm. Dease, J. P., whose place shall be taken by Norbert
Laronce.

" 5. That Henry McKenney, Esq., be Sheriff as before.

" G. That Dr. Bird be Coroner, as before.

" 7. That the General Court be held at the same times
and places as formerly, and that the Petty Court be held
in five d 'stricts : — Lower, Middle, Upper, St. Ann's
(Point de Chene), and St. Margaret's (Laprairie).

" 8. That Mr. Bannatyne be continued Postmaster.

" 9. That John Sutherland and Roger Goulet be Col-
lectors of Customs.

" 10. That the President of the Provisional Government
be not one of the twenty-four members.

"11. A two-thirds vote to override the veto of the
President of the Provisional Government.

" 12. That Mr. Thomas Bunn be Secretary to the Pro-
visional Government, and Mr. Louis Schmidt, Under-
Secretary.

" 13. That Mr. W. B. O'Donoghue be Treasurer."

The next question which was brought up was that of
" Who should be President .?" When the proceedings
reached this stage, it was late in the evening of the
9th February. The inhabitants of the town were in a
state of feverish excitement to learn the final decision, as
it was l»e]ie\ed that therein lay the probability of the
release or non-release of all the prisoners confined in
Fort Garry.

A stormy diwcussion accompanied the presidential
que8ti€«), f»»ut at last the friends of Riel carried their

272

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

t, V *

point, and he was duly elected as the head of the new
Government.

It was now near midnight, and as soon as the decision
of the convention was known the guns of Fort Garry
thundered out the news, which was answered by a few
parties in the town in the shape of bonfires and fireworks
— the latter, curious to say, were those intended for the
celebration of Mr. McDougall's entrance into Red River,
and it may therefore be imagined that the individuals
who made use of them on the occasion we have been
describing w^ere very well pleased with the results of
the convention. Governor MacTavish, Dr. Cowan, and
Mr. Bannatyne were released that same night, and a
promise was given that the rest of the political prisoners
would be set at liberty soon afterwards. Once more the
difficulties seemed in a fair way to be settled, but, alas !
the hope was a delusive one, as the two next chapters
will show. In this way the Provisional Government of
Rupert's Land was inaugurated, and the "New Nation"
thus describes its formation on that eventful night : —

" Last Acts of the Convention. — Formation of the
Provisional Government of Rupert's Land. — Louis Riel,
President. — Thos. Bunn, Secretary of State. — Louis
Schmidt, Assist. Sec. State. — W. B. O'Donoghue, Sec.
Treasury. — James Ross, Chief Justice. — Council of the
people to be elected."

And speaking of the exaltation of Riel to the Presi-
dency, it says : —

" The confirmation of Louis Riel as President of the
Provisional Government of Rupert's Land by the con-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

273

vention, was announced amid salvos of artillery from the
Fort, and the cheers of the delegates. The town wel-
comed the announcement by a grand display of fireworks
and the general and continued discharge of small arms.
The firing and cheering were prolonged until late in tlie
night, every one joining in the general enthusiasm. As
a result of the amicable union of all parties upon one
common platform, a general amnesty to political prisoners
will shortly be proclaimed, the soldiers remanded to their
homes to await orders, and everything be placed upon a
peace footing."

Then, true to its annexation principles, it winds up the
article with the Republican motto of —

*'VlVE LA RePUBLIQUE."

,.'^..

IMAGE EVALUATION
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33 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

4^ 4S

274

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTER XIII.

APPOINTMENT OP DELEGATES TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA —
MASS-MEETING OP ENGLISH SETTLERS AT KILDONAN SCHOOL-HOUSE
— MISS MACVICAR AND MR. BANNATYNE OBTAIN THE RELEASE OF
THE PRISONERS — SUTHERLAND IS MURDERED BY PARISIEN — WM.
GADDEE IS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN KILLED IN GAOL — THE
PORTAGE PARTY ARE CAPTURED AND INCARCERATED.

\l '

lit •■ '

5HE convention, however, had not finished its
labors. The question of " who were to be the
delegates, and how they were to be appointed?"
had to be settled. And in this case Riel com-
mitted a very great blunder, by nominating the men, and
afterwards pushing their appointment to such a degree
as to secure it.

Amongst those named, and afterwards elected, was Mr.
Alfred H. Scott, a young man with little, if i^^ny, stake in
the country, and who, in fact, represented only the small
party of Americans in the town of Winnipeg. Certainly,
it was not following out a consistent course, by placing
such a man, allied, as he was, to foreigners, in a position
which affected so deeply the common interests of the
Settlement. It would have been far better had Rev. Mr.
Richot and Judge Black been the only ones chosen, — this,
at all events, would have shown a firmness that other-
wise was not shown to be the case. As it stood, there
were, in reality, two delegates from the French and one
from the English, as Mr. Scott proftised, openly, to be in

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

275

CANADA —

lOOL-HOUSE

RELEASE OF

ISIEN — WM.

GAOL — THE

nished its
5 to be the
ppointed?"
Kiel com-
3 men, and
1 a degree

d, was Mr.
y, stake in
T the small
Certainly,
by placing
a position
ists of the
d Rev. Mr.
>sen, — this,
hat other-
tood, there
•h and one
[y, to be in

the confidence and on the side of the former party. The
appointments, however, were made and confirmed; but
subsequent events, as will be shown, prevented their de-
parture for Canada till some time afterwards.

Towards the end of the convention, Kiel stated that the
English members would not be held responsible for any
previous acts of the French party. He also declared Dr.
Schultz to be an exile, and liable to be shot, wherever
found inside the limits of the country ; his property was
confiscated, and the proceeds were to be used in paying
his debts. He also repeated his assurance that the pris-
oners would shortly be released.

In regard to Dr. Schultz, it was felt, amongst the Eng-
lish settlers, that the course pursued towards him was
unnecessarily harsh; and, although it was well known
that the Doctor had tended very considerably, by his un-
authorized attitude towards the French, to excite them,
still, in the face of the late arrangements, it was deemed
not only tyrannical, but contrary to all justice, to de-
nounce him as Kiel did. The English delegates were
told, however, that they were not asked to share any re-
sponsibility in the action taken regarding Schultz, — it
being the last act of the French provisional government.

This ended the convention of delegates that ushered
into existence the Provisional Government of Rupert's
Land, — Riel's long-looked-for aim and object, out of which
so much good was to arise.

The English delegates, before leaving for home, ar-
ranged that the following should be the proportion of
delegates from each parish to make up the twelve : —

270

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

St. Peter's 1

St. Clement's 1

St. Andrew's 2

St. Paul's 1

Kildonan 1

St. Margaret's 1

St. John's, and

Town of Winnipeg 1

St. James' 1

HeadiDgly 1

St. Ann's 1

St. Mary's 1

On the 10th February, the report was circulated that
from fifty to one hundred men had come down as far as
Headingly, from the Portage, with the avowed purpose of
liberating the prisoners by force, — and this too before the
delegates sent by them to the convention had returned to
their homes.

Kiel, however, so far kept his word, notwithstanding
this apparent breach of good faith, on the part of the Eng-
lish, that he liberated sixteen of the prisoners on the 12th
February, amongst whom was Mr. Wm. Drever, who had
been arrested, for some reason or another, only a few d&ys
previous. While these prisoners were being released, a
young man named Davis succeeded in effecting his escape,
by mixing in with those who had been set at liberty as
they were leaving the Fort.

Intelligence having been received by Kiel that a move-
ment was on foot in connection with the party from the
Portage, to raise the English portion of the Settlement,
as well as part of the French, a guard was sent off on the
strength of information obtained, and six prisoners were
captured in the house of Wm. Dease — ^amongst others,
Wm. Gaddee, of whom we will have more to say here^
after. Scouts were sent out to watch the proceedings of

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

277

£»•• • • •

ated that
I as far as
purpose of
before the
jturned to

ihstanding
f the Eng-
1 the 12th
, who had
I few days
released, a
his escape,
liberty as

at a move-
Y from the
settlement,
off on the
oners were
gst others,
say here*
jeedings of

the party at Headingly, and thus every exertion was
used by Riel to prevent or frustrate an attack on the
Fort, — and, at the same time, a large number of French
continued to arrive, armed and ready to take part in any
fray that might occur.

In the meantime, all the prisoners, except twenty-four,
were released ; those remaining having, from some mis-
understanding, refused to sign or take the oath not to
take up arms against the Provisional Government.

While all these occurrences were taking place, Riel
began to furnish and arrange Dr. Cowan's house, inside
the Fort, as a government-house ; and, for that purpose,
removed a large quantity of the furniture belonging to
Dr. Schultz to Fort Garry.

Rumors were now continually being heard, regarding
the movements of the Portage party, and their intentions.
One of their delegates, Mr. McKenzie, a sensible and good
man, met them and strongly advised them to turn back,
as they were liable to cause a great deal of trouble, if
they continued on their course. He also told them that
the prisoners were being released, or about to be so. Not-
withstanding this good counsel on the part of a thor-
oughly honest and reliable man, they persisted in holding
on their way, their strength increasing as they went, un-
til they numbered somewhere about one hundred men.
To say the least of it, their taking the step they did was
not only uncalled-for, at the time, but one that risked the
peace of the whole Settlement, to serve their own motives
of revenge. We cannot look upon it in any other light,
as it is well known that they started upon their expedi-

, • '

278

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

P '

tion before the return of the delegates they had sent to
the convention. They ought to have heard their report
first concerning matters, before rushing rashly into an un-
dertaking which was likely to cause ruin and desolation
to so many homes in the neighborhood of Fort Garry.

We do not seek to palliate Kiel's course in having de-
tained the prisoners as long as he did. On the contrary,
we condemn it altogether ; but, at the same time, we are
as ready to censure the acts of the Portage party for their
hastiness in doing as they did.

While they were camped at Headingly, it was reported
that Schultz was raising a force in the neighbourhood of
the Stone Fort, to co-operate with them; and it was
said that the Indians were to be once more called upon
the scene of action.

All this had the effect of collecting together large
bodies of armed men on the French side, especially when
it became known that the English people had repudiated
the acts of their delegates at the convention, and were
gathering for the purpose of releasing the prisoners by
force, and overthrowing Kiel and the Provisional Govern-
ment.

What a change from only a few days previous ? Then
there were sounds of rejoicing at the prospect of peace ;
now there was naught spoken of but war.

Early on the morning of the 15th February, the Port-
age party passed through the town of Winnipeg, on their
way towards the Stone Fort. They were in sleighs, and
had with them, it is said, ladders to scale the walls of
Fort Garry. Kiel and his men were watching them from

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

279

\ sent to
sir report
to an un-
lesolation
jiarry.
aving de-
contrary,
le, we are
f for their

s reported
►urhood of
nd it was
tiled upon

ther large
ally when
repudiated
and were
Lsoners by
al Govem-

bs? Then
of peace ;

the Port-
g, on their
leighs, and
e walls of
them from

the walls of the Fort, and the leader of the French had
the greatest difficulty in keeping his soldiers from break-
ing out and attacking the party. He succeeded at last
in quieting the men, telling them that it would be time
enough when the others came to attack the Fort.

In the meantime, the Poi*tage party stopped at a house
in the town occupied by Henry Cotu, where Kiel had
been in the habit of staying overnight sometimes, and
demanded to know if he was there. The inmates
answered that he was not ; but the party outside insisted
upon searching the house, which they did, without suc-
cess — the man, they were seeking for, being at that very
time in Fort Garry, urging his influence to restrain the
French from attacking their party. The night was cold,
and they had driven far; they therefore must have
been chilled through, and could not have been in a pro-
per state to defend themselves as far as loading and
firing their guns was concerned. On the other hand,
the French, who, it has since been learned, knew of
their coming long before they came in sight of Fort
Garry, were warm, and, at the same time, more accus-
tomed to handle guns in cold weather ; they also would
most likely have attacked on horseback, and the Portage
party, being in sleighs, would have been almost at their
mercy. The latter, as soon as they had ascertained that
Kiel was not at hand, moved on down the Red River,
and camped at Kildonan school-house, where they raised
a flag, and messengers were despatched to raise the set-
tlers in every direction. Almost every hour, reports were
received in the town of the numbers of men collecting at

280

THE CllEATION OF MANITOBA.

, »

I •

h ■'''

!*►

Kildonan from all parts ; and, at the same time, small
squads of French were seen driving furiously into Foi't
Garry.

At last it was said that between six and seven hundred
men were gathered together around the Scotch church,
and that their intention was to make a descent on Fort
Garry that night, the 15th February. It was also re-
ported that about five hundred French were inside the
walls of the Fort, so that a lively time was fully ex-
pected.

As a proof that the whole aflfair was a preconcerted
plan, we may say that the party from the Portage only
passed through the town on the morning of the 15th, and,
that same night, over six hundred men collected together
at Kildonan school-house, from all parts.

Agents must have been at work for some time ; and
foremost amongst those were Dr. Schultz and Mr. Charles
Mair. The former was either refused a command, or he
would not accept one in the expedition, as he was only
known as a private soldier in it. He, however, made
himself very conspicuous in driving about, exciting the
people, and taking an active part in the several councils of
war that took place, — at one of which it was proposed to
bum down the town.

And, now, let us say one word in regard to the conduct
of the men who engaged in this expedition.

In the first place, the movement did not originate with
the settlers themselves ; but, being urged, by a few fire-
brands, to rush, without forethought, into an undertaking
which was likely to destroy, at one sweep, their labors of

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

281

years in the Settlement, they forgot their homes, their
families, and their better judgment, to plunge prematurely
into a civil war. The prisoners were being released — that
was well known; and, although the process, it is true,
was slow, much slower than it should have been ; yet the
movement amongst the English was sufficient to stop at
once the liberty, and even jeopardize the lives of the
prisoners, had Riel thought proper to accept the challenge
and give battle. So far as the excited gathering of armed
men is concerned, we feel that the worst dispositions of
an otherwise calm and peaceful people were aroused by
designing men ; and, for the time being, calm, deliberate
judgment gave place to blind, excited passion. But there
is one point in which we feel that the English settlers
did not act in a proper nor discreet manner, and that is
this : — At the mass-meeting, it was agreed between all
parties, seconded by the most influential men in the Set-
tlement, that a convention of twenty French and twenty
English delegates should assemble for the purpose of
making arrangements for the entrance of the Canadian
Government. Twenty delegates were accordingly F^nt
by the English settlers ; but they were vested with little
power, if any, to act. That showed no wish to mtet the
French on a fair footing, and gave Riel the opportunity
to have it pretty much his own way in the convention.
Then, when the English representatives returned to their
several parishes, their acts were repudiated. The days
spent at the convention were rendered fruitless; and, at one
sweep, the Settlement was thrown back in a worse posi-
tion than it was before the mass-meeting took place. It

282

THE CllEATION OF MANITOBA.

must not bo forgotten, at tho same time, that tho Englisli
had learned to place little, if any, confidence in Riel and
his party, by the acts committed by them on several oc-
casions, and by tho rough, overbearing manner in which
affairs had been conducted on tho French side. Yet, in
the face of all this, would it not have shown better judg-
ment had the English said, — " The interest is a common
one ; we will fairly and squarely contend with the French
at the council-board ; we will not allow ourselves to be
brow-beaten, but will send our representatives, with full
powers to act on our behalf, and, to tho best of their abil-
ity, uphold our dignity." Tho result of this would have
been that, by a united and dignified action on the part of
the English delegates, at the convention, the views of
both sides of tho Settlement would have had a fair hear-
ing, and the Provisional Government would have been
formed without all tho heart-burnings which it after-
wards occasioned. This was not done, however; and
the consequence was, that such men as Schultz and
Mair, and others of that stamp, stepped upon the scene,
took advantage of the position of affairs, and, for the
second time, nearly succeeded in desolating the Settle-
ment.

The Portage party movement was tho last of the evil
effects occasioned by tho rash conduct of Messrs. McDou-
gall and Dennis. Nay, not the last ; for since then there
have been jealousies, bad feelings, hatred and strife of
every description engendered between and amongst all
classes in the Settlement, — the whole originating from
the doings of the " Conservator of the Peace," his master

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

283

and his " friends " in the Settlement. We may add, in con-
nection with this, that the Portage movement was ar-
ranged first, and carried out principally by members of
Col. Dennis' surveying party, who had been left behind
by the Conservator when he started back with Mr. Mc-
Dougall for Canada.

We will now resume our description of the exciting
events that took place in connection with the rising
amongst the English.

On the evening of the 15th February, Miss McVicar, a
young lady from Canada, whose name ought to be ever
remembered in Red River with respect and admiration,
nobly came forward for the purpose, if possible, of pre-
venting bloodshed. Her first step was to call upon Mr.
A. G. B. Bannatyno, whom she asked to accompany her
to Fort Garry to see Riel, and endeavor to persuade him
to release the prisoners, and thus prevent a collision be-
tween the two sides. Mr. Bannatyne accompanied the
lady to the Fort, and gaining admission within the walls,
had an interview with Riel, who told them that he had
given the prisoners an opportunity to be released, but
that, for some reason, they would not sign the agreement
he had prepared. Mr. Bannatyne having asked permis-
sion to see the prisoners, it was granted, upon which he
went to them and spoke in favor of their signing any
reasonable paper, to keep the peace, as by doing so, their
being set at liberty would likely be the means of pre-
venting a great deal of trouble. He then returned to
where Riel was, and the prisoners, one by one, were
brought in. The first one, on being asked to sign the

284

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

"■fe.;:

agreement, asked if all the rest of his comrades in prison
were to be allowed the same privilege. This showed that
some compact existed amongst the twenty-four prisoners,
that they would stick together, and what one refused to
do, all would refuse. Mr. Bannatyne, however, put the
pen in the man's hand, and told him to sign — saying that
both he and Miss McYicar would stay till the last, and
see fair play to the rest. The man then signed and was
liberated immediately. The two next prisoners brought
in spoke in the same way as the first one ; but ultimately
they also signed, and after that, there was no difficulty
with any of them.

It was observed that when the men hesitated to sign,
Riel lost patience with them ; and it is doubtful whether
they would have been released as they were, had not
Miss Mc Vicar and Mr. Bannatyne been present. Be that
as it may, all the prisoners were released ; one of them
(Hyman), who had his feet injured by frost in his attempt
at escape, was taken away in a sleigh. Miss Mc Vicar and
Mr. Bannatyne returned to the town, and the former
drove down in company with Mr. William Drever, to an-
nounce the fact of the prisoners being released, to the
party congregated at Kildonan school-house. In the
meantime, prisoners had been taken by both sides, on
suspicion of being spies. One by the French, and three
by the English ; and amongst the latter, was one Parisien,
who had been dodging about the Lower Settlement for
some time.

The chances for peace now appeared to be good ; when
the next morning information was received, that changed,

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

285

es m prison
ihowed that
ir prisoners,
) refused to
'er, put the
saying that
he last, and
led and was
ers brought
t ultimately
10 difficulty

ted to sign,
ful whether
re, had not
it. Be that
ne of them
his attempt
Ic Vicar and
the former
ever, to an-
ased, to the
e. In the
ih sides, on
1, and three
ne Parisien,
)tlement for

^ood; when
at changed.

for a time, the whole aspect of affairs — namely, that
young Sutherland had been shot by Parisien ; who, hav-
ing succeeded in escaping from his guard, and meeting his
victim riding along the river on the ice, fired on him,
wounding him in^ the wrist. Young Sutherland then
partly fell from his horse, when Parisien again fired at
him, this time i.itlicting a moital wound. The object of
the murderer must either have been to obtain the horse
to facilitate his escape, or else he must have been actuated
by a dread that Sutherland intended to intercept him ;
whereas the young man was merely riding down to the
English camp, to see what was going on ; he never having
mixed himself up in any way in the rising on either
side. The avengers, however, were soon on the track of
the murderer, for hardly had he fired at young Suther-
land the second time, and before he could cr^-pture the
horse, his pursuers from the English camp, were close
upon him. Parisien, on seeing this, darted into the
woods, but was soon afterwards overtaken, and, in the
struggle that ensued, he received injuries from which he
died some days afterwards.

Mr. Fraser from Kildonan, went up at once to see Riel
about what had happened ; but, it appears, was not re-
ceived very cordially, being told that Parisien, as a pris-
oner escaping, had a right to fire upon his pursuers.
While Mr. Fraser was in Fort Garry, Mr. Norquay, a
messenger from the English party arrived, bearing a let-
ter, in which it was stated that the English portion of
the Settlement tvould not recognize the Provisional Gov-

28G

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

ernment ; and also referred to the shooting of young
Sutherland. Kiel, on receiving this epistle, became very
much excited, and tore up the letter in pieces ; at the
same time turning to Mr. Fraser, who was present, he
said : ** Go back to your people and tell them what you
have seen." Norquay was then detained as a prisoner,
and Mr. Fraser left the fort, but did not act as Kiel had
desired him, for he knew that it would only tend to excite
those assembled around Kildonan school-house. Mr.
Sutherland, the father of the boy who had been shot,
now sent word to the English camp, that it was his ear-
nest desire that no blood should be shed on account of
what had happened to his boy, as it would only make
his bereavement the harder to bear, if, through it, other
innocent lives should be lost.

In the meantime the excitement around Fort Garry,
became intense. Shops were shut — men on horseback
were riding here and there. O'Donoghue, at the head of
about fifty men, searched every place for powder and
ammunition of all kinds ; and succeeded in obtaining a
large quantity. Horses were pressed into service where-
ever found ; and, altogether, everything took a war-like
appearance. The walls of Fort Garry were crowded with
arroed men, and scouts were flying in and out of the
gates continually, while every moment fresh squads of
French half-breeds were arriving. While this was going
on, the English were holding councils and deliberating on
the course they were to pursue. They received the fol-
lowing letter from Riel : —

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

287

" Fort Garry, Feb. IGth, 1870.

"Fellow Countrymen:

" Mr. Norquay came this morning with a message, and
even he has been delayed. He will reach you time en-
ough to tell you that for my part I understand that war,
horrible civil war, is the destruction of this country ; and
Schultz will laugh at us, if after all, he escapes. We are
ready to meet any party ; but peace, our British rights,
we want before all. Gentlemen, the prisoners are out —
they have sworn to keep peace. We have taken the
responsibility of our past acts. Mr. William MacTavish
has asked you, for the sake of God, to form and complete
the Provisional Government. Your representatives have
joined us on that ground. Who will now come and de-
stroy Red River Settlement ?

"Louis Riel."

Norquay was liberated at the same time. The English
party continued to go on with their preparations to attack
Fort Garry. They levied provisions from the neighbor-
ing houses, and endeavored to form some sort of order
amongst the people collected around the church. On the
evening of the 16th, however, it was decided to disperse
to their homes ; it being aiTanged that Henry Prince, and
fifty of his Indians, should remain at the Stone Fort to
guard it ; and the disbanding of the English party once
more placed matters on a peace footing.

A horrible rumor now was ciraulated to the effect
that William Gaddee, the prisoner, a noted brave man,
had been murdered at Fort Garry in his cell ; and all

288

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

ii ' '

sorts of versions of the deed were retailed from mouth to
mouth. At last it was felt to a certainty that the man
had been killed, and great fears were felt as to the effect
the news would have on the English half-breeds ; and
also, on the Indians at the Portage, by whom Gaddee was
very much liked. Nothing authentic could be learned as
to the manner of his death; and thus it remained for
some time, a horrible mystery to all outside, as well as
most of those inside Fort Garry.

Another event happened about this time, which served
to attract attention from the Gaddee affair, and that was
the capture of the Portage party.

On the m5ming of the 17th, word was received that
the English settlers had disbanded, and were returning to
their homes. Soon after this, a small party of men —
some in sleighs and others on foot, were seen to verge off
across the prairie, from St. John's school-house, appearing
as if they wished to avoid the town. As soon as this
party was discovered, a body of horsemen emerged from
Fort Garry, and started out for the purpose of intercept-
ing them. People in the town, crowded every available
spot overlooking the prairie. Faces thronged the win-
dows. Wood piles and fences were crowded with sight-
seers, all expecting to behold a miniature battle. When
the Portage party discovered the French coming out of
the Fort they halted, and appeared to hold a consultation;
after which, they moved slowly on — the depth of snow
impeding their progress. The Fi*ench, at the head of
whom was O'Donoghue, continued to gallop over the snow
drifts, halting nc ■.i' and again foi* stragglers* At last the

THE llED RIVER TROUBLES.

289

mouth to
i the man
the effect
jeds ; and
iddee was
learned as
aained for
IS well as

ich served
1 that was

eived that
etuming to
of men —
,0 verge off
, appearing
on as this
erged from
' intercept-
y available
i the win-
with sight-
ble. When
ning out of
)nsultation;
h of snow
he head of
jr the snow
At last the

two parties met, but instead of a fight, they mixed to-
gether for some minutes, and then they all started in the
direction of Fort Garry.

They have been taken prisoners, was the conclusion by
the lookers-on, and so, indeed, it turned out to be.

Several of the Portage party refused at first to give up
their arms ; but ultimately they consented to do so, and
were all taken to Fort Garry, where they were imprisoned
in the same rooms which had only recently been vacated
by the first lot of prisoners. It is said that the Portage
party gave themselves up, on the understanding that Kiel
merely wished to speak to them and explain matters. If
this is the case, they were not justly dealt by, for imme-
diately upon their amval at Fort Garry, they were put
in prison, and Major Boulton, their leader, placed in irons.
What a singular change in affairs this occasioned; —
twenty-four prisoners liberated on the 1 5th, — forty-eight
prisoners taken on the 17th. The following are the
names of those captured in the way we have described :

Major Boulton.
John McLean.
Robert McBain.
Wilder Bartlett.
James McBain.
Dan Sissons.
A. Murray.
W. Farmer.
Lawrence Smith.
Charles McDonald.

R. Adams.
J. Paquin.
M. McLeod.
Archibald McDonald.
James Jock.
Thomas Scott.
James Sanderson.
George Wylds.
D. Taylor.
A. Taylor.

290

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

John Switzer.
H. WiUiams.
Alexander McPherson.
W. G. Bird.
Alexander McLean.
Joseph Paqnin.
William Paquin.
George Sandison.
J. Dillworth.
William Dillworth.
Thomas Baxter.
John Taylor.
John McKay.
G. Parker.

George Newcomb.
H. Taylor.
J. B. Morrison.
W. Salter.
Magnus Brown,
N. Morrison.
W. Sutherland.
Robert Dennison.
Joseph Smith.
Charles Millan.
Alexander Parker.
Sergt. Powers.
John Ivy.
One name unknown.

Kiel, after the capture of the Portage party, sent out
about twenty men to reconnoitre down the English Set-
tlement, but they found everything quiet. Parisien, the
man who shot young Sutherland, was taken to the Stone
Fort, from which he was afterwards removed to his own
house, and where he died in a short time of his wounds.

This ended this mad-like expedition from the Portage ;
the immediate results of which were the loss of two lives
and the capture by the French of forty-eight prisoners.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

291

Dmb.

7n.

CHAPTER XIV.

id.

lison.

an.

Parker.

rs.

.nknown.

rty, sent out
English Set-
Parisien, tLe
to the Stone
d to his own
his wounds,
the Portage ;
of two lives
prisoners.

MAJOR BOULTON IS TRIED, CONDEMNED TO DEATH, BUT SUBSEQUENT-
LY PARDONED — COMMISSIONER SMITH AND ARCHDEACON m'lEAN
PACIFY THE ENGLISH SETTLERS AND INDUCE THfiM TO RECOGNIZE
THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT — ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE DR.
SCHULTZ — HIS DEPARTURE FOR CANADA — THOMAS SCOTT IS SHOT
BY ORDERS OF RIEL — GREAT INDIGNATION IN THE SETTLEMENT.

I OUBTS were now beginning to arise regarding
the fate of Gaddee. It was said that he was
confined in one of the bastions of the Fort in
order to keep him out of the way of some of
the French half-breeds who had a spite against him and
wished to kill him. Others declared that he had escaped
— no one, however, could tell apparently what had become
of him. To add to the feeling of horror which this mys-
terious affair occasioned amongst the community gene-
rally, it became known that four of the prisoners taken
the day before had been condemned to death. This
created a good deal of excitement, and would have caused
more had people believed it ; but there were many who
said that Kiel would not dare to commit such an act —
others, however, feared lest he might be in earnest, and
consequently steps were taken to turn him, if possible,
from his purpose.

Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland, the father and mother of the
young man who was sh ot, went to Fort Garry to plead

292

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Al'i

, «

4
t

for the lives of the condemned men. Riel granted- the
lives of three, but Major Boulton, he said, would have to
die that night. It now began to look very serious.
Archdeacon M'Lean was called upon to attend the con-
demned man during his last moments, and a feeling of
oppression was felt by all at the thought of a human
beins: to be thus sent to his last account on such short
notice, at midnight, too (the hour appointed for the
execution) — midnight — the very thought of a man being
brought out in the stillness of the night to be shot like a
dog was horrible in the extreme. Still there were no
lack of interceders, although little hope was now enter-
tained of Major Boulton being spared. People retired to
their homes that evening with mingled feelings of hope
and uncertainty, mixed with horror at the deed about to
be committed. And how was the prisoner during all
this time ? Calm and resigned to his fate. After writing
a few lines to his friends in Canada, he called for a basin
of water and a towel with which to wash his face and
hands, and a glass of wine to prevent him, if possible,
from shivering when passing into the cold night air, in
case people might attribute it to fear. He spoke quietly
and calmly of the fate before him, and acted altogether
as a soldier should do in the face of death. In the mean-
time the French councillors were sitting in deliberation
on Boulton's sentence, the result being that his life was
spared. This was communicated at once to the prisoner,
who received the information as calmly as he had done
the sentence of death, but no doubt his heart leaped with
joy at the glad tidings of hope that he might live to see

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

293

;ranted- the
lid have to
ry serious,
id the con-
\ feeling of
)f a human
I such short
i,ed for the
I man being
} shot like a
jre were no
now enter-
le retired to
ngs of hope
3ed about to
r during all
Lfter writing
i for a basin
his face and
, if possible,
night air, in
Doke quietly
d altogether
In the mean-
deliberation
his life was
the prisoner,
he had done
b leaped with
live to see

his friends and relatives once more on earth. The news
of Major Boulton's life having been spared spread like
wildfire the next morning, it seemed as if a heavy cloud
had been lifted from the public mind — all parties felt re-
lieved, and from gloomy thoughts men's minds were
i-aised to those of thankfulness. Had Kiel known the
bitter feeling that was felt towards him by people
throughout the length and breadth of the land, he would
have trembled for his owq life, but so great was the
sudden change from gloom to brightness in the morning
that people were almost ready to bless him.

The " New Nation," about this time, fell under the dis-
pleasure of Kiel, having given a burlesque description of
the capture of the Portage party; and the consequence
was that the issue of the paper was stopped on that oc-
casion, and it was ordered that none should leave the
country. We give the following rather laughable extract
from the suppressed paper : —

"CHARGE, CHESTER, CHARGE!

"Winnipeg was all excitement once again. On the
house-tops, in the road, at the windows, on the fencing —
everywhere — the townsmen, and those who happened to
be in town at the time — watched intently the two
parties as they closed. Our office became completely de-
moralized for the fourth or fifth time this week — devils,
printers, reporter and editor — all — having rushed out to
see the fight. From a wood-pile we viewed the collision.
The horsemen swept over the plains furiously until thej''
headed off the English brigade. The latter cocked and

294

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

presented their guns. The cavalry prepared to return
the salute. But just as we expected the carnage to
begin, — it didn't. The guns were lowered. Nobody
was hurt; but the calling was tremendous — for the
Portage detachment was 'gobbled up.' They were dis-
armed and escorted as prisoners to the Fort. What is to
be done with them, we have not yet heard. The flag
brought down from the Portage was among the trophies
of this engagement,"

Then here is another to be found in the same paper
written upon the capture of the party, amongst whom
was William Gad dee, in the house of William Dease : —

** WILLIAM LE ROL

"Ze Roi est mort; vive le Roi. The end has come.
The kingdom of Point Coupee has evaporated. The
King has retired over the back road and his subjects are
gobbled. The new leggings are confiscated, and the flag
of the empire is made into a stair carpet. And this is
Point Coupee, that sat upon her level plain, and from her
throne of beauty (didn't) rule the world. Poor "William !
no more shall thy vassals assemble at the call of thy tin
horn, nor thy edicts be paramount to the Papal Bull.
How have the mighty fallen ! Thy Prime Minister is
masticating the pemmican of the Provisional Govern-
ment, and thy subjects are private soldiers thereof. True,
thou hast embalmed thyself in history, and wrapped thy-
self in the mantle of immortality. It happened thusly : —
On Sunday last, President Riel sent a squad of men to
surround, capture, gobble, and otherwise deprive of liberty

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

29o

tlie 'loir subjects of that warlike empire. The squad
took possession of the kitchen of the Dease mansion,
whereupon William retreated into the dining room and
barricaded the door. Ex-President Bruce, one of the
besieging party, endeavoured to hold a parley with him,
but the valiant William pointed a pistol at his head and
fired. His arm, however, being thrown up at the
moment of firing, the bullet only damaged the ceiling.
After this sanguinary attempt, the royal personage took
to the timber in the rear of his house and made good his
escape. Most of his party were captured, but were
liberated after taking the oath of allegiance. * Sic
transit gloria regis.'*'

The whole tone of the paper, and who can wonder at
it after reading the above, displeased Kiel, and the con-
sequence was his edict against it.

About midnight on the 19th, a squad of nearly fifty
men on horseback, under charge of Lepine and Isiore
Goulait, were sent by Kiel down the Settlement to search
for Dr. Schultz, but they returned the next morning
without having been successful, bringing with them,
however, Mr. John Tait, on suspicion of knowing where
the Doctor could be found.

It seemed about this time as if Kiel was anxious to
bring on a civil war instead of preventing one, by the
course he pursued in sending bodies of armed men
amongst the people who had disbanded and returned
to their homes, and were, therefore, not in a position to
resist an attack, but who might have been easily ex-
asperated to rise again.

!■:

2!)G

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

The men inside Fort G.arry, about this period of tlie
troubles, seemed to have become completely demoralized.
Liquor, seized from the Hudson's Bay Company, was
freely supplied to them by their leaders to such a degree
that it was handed round in buckets and tin pails, and,
consequently, a large quantity was wasted — pity it
hadn't all been.

The keys of the Hudson's Bay Company's warehouses
had been forcibly taken from the Company's officers and
the goods freely used, whether required or not ; in fact,
the pillage went on to such an extent that the account
kept at first of the goods taken had at last to be
abandoned, and finally no regular record was kept.
The French now appeared to be extremely bitter against
Schultz, and vowed that they would have him dead
or alive, if he was in the Settlement. We have already
mentioned one expedition down the Settlement in
search of the Doctor; and now we have to record
another, which took place on the 22nd February — Kiel
this time accompanying the party. They took with
them Mr. John Tait, whom they restored to his home,
and then they went as far as the Stone Fort, which they
searched throughout nearly every nook and corner for
the man they wished to find. Henry Prince and his
Indians had left the Fort some time previous ; and, there-
fore, there was no resistance to the entrance of Eiel and
his band. These expeditions down the Settlement tended
greatly to embitter the minds of the English settlers, as
it looked more like a defiance to them after the late
rising against the French.

THE RED niVER TROUBLES.

297

otl of the
moralized,
pany, was
h a degree
pails, and,
I — pity it

ivarehouses
ifficers and
)t; in fact,
,he account
last to be
was kept,
iter against
! him dead
we already
element in

to record
niary — Kiel

took with
> his home,
which they

corner for
Lce and his

and, there-
of Riel and
nent tended

settlers, as

er the late

During all this time the Commissioners were remaining
idle, their hands being completely tied, and little hope of
their mission resulting in any good. It was an important
epoch in the hist ry of Red River ; and a false step taken
was as likely to cause the loss of the country to Canada
as it was to desolate the Settlement itself. Every one
felt it important that delegates should be sent to negotiate
with the Dominion ; and it was also admitted that, unless
both sides of the Settlement would agree, this could not
be done satisfactorily. The prisoners had been the stick-
ing point on previous occasions, and they were now likely
to be the same in the future. It was therefore desirable,
nay, it was necessary, that all classes of the settlers should
agree on some common platform, so as to bring about
peace and open negotiations with Canada. Riel still in-
sisted upon the Provisional Government plan, and at last
it was deemed best for all parties to agree to it.

Mr. D. A. Smith then consented to act as a pacificator,
in order to obtain the release of all prisoners, to bring
about peace, and unite the people ; so that some definite
result could be arrived at to effect a peaceable union with
Canada. He therefore started down the Settlement on
his mission ; and, through his exertions, the English settlers
agreed to send councillors to take part in the Provisional
Government. Archdeacon M'Lean accompanied Mr. Smith
up the Assiniboine River, and the result was that the
whole Settlement agreed to join in the government as
agreed upon at the last convention. At the same time
Judge Black was pressed by the people to go to Canada

208

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

as a delegate, which for a long time lie refused to consent
to do.

Stories arising in connection with the late Portage
party, regarding Indians, were now freely circulated to
the effect that they intended to make a descent upon the
Settlement; and, in consequence, a i)arty of men were
stationed at Lane's Fort on the Assinniboine River by
Kiel, in order to afford protection to the inhabitants in
the neighborhood. These men had also instructions to
stop all passengers to and from Portage La Prairie, unless
funiished with a pass from Riel.

Several parishes had now elected their representatives
for the Provisional Government ; and, at a meeting held in
the school-house, Mr. A. G. B. Bannatyne was elected for the
parish of St. John's and town of Winnipeg. Archdeacon
M'Lcan occupied the chair at that meeting and stated
that it was the best course to join in with the Provisional
Government, which, after all, was but a temporary matter,
to secure peace and order in the country, and facilitate
the incoming of the Canadian rule. On the 25th, men
and horses were sent off to bring in Bishop Tachd, whose
arrival in the Settlement was anxiously looked forward
to by all parties.

One of Major Boulton's guards, who was sleeping in
his room, died suddenly about this time, and was the
only death in the Fort known to h.ave taken place since
the commencement of the troubles.

The prisoners taken in the Portage affair were much
more rigorously dealt by than those captured in Schultz's
house, and no one, with the exception of Rev. George

THE RKD RIVER TROUBLES.

291)

Young, was admitted to sco tlicin; in fact, Riel carried
matters with a high hand, and even went so far as to say
that Bishop Tachd, unless he recognized the Provisional
Government, would be held as a prisoner on his arrival
in Red River.

Not only had tlie keys of the warehouses in Fort Garry
been taken possession of, but Riel now began to kill the
cattle belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company, in order
to feed his men both at Lane's Fort as well as Fort
Garry. Word was also sent out to the winterers not to
sell their provisions, such as pemmican and dried meat, to
the Hudson's Bay Company, as the Provisional Govern-
ment would buy it; and they were also told to come in
prepared to take part with their brethren in the
Settlement.

Matters certainly looked very gloomy in Red River at
this juncture, notwithstanding that the English had con-
sented to join in the Provisional Government. No word
was heard of the delegates leaving for Canada ; no council
was called j Bishop Tache did not arrive as it was expected
he would ; nothing, in fact, seemed to be tending towards a
settlement — everything appeared at a stand-still, and a
deep gloom rested upon people's minds. Reports were
constantly being heard legarding the hardships of the
prisoners, and the common exclamation was, " God knows
where all this is going to end ! "

Was it a forerunner of the terrible deed which was
afterwards committed ? Was it the foreshadowing of an
act which inseparably plunged the whole Settlement into
distress — that almost wiped out any good and made the

300

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

*l
•

bad still more prominent in the occurrences that had
taken place ? It seemed like it. It felt at that time as
if a terrible! storm was brewing, and a deep oppression
rested upon the public mind. On the 1st of March,
Thos. Scott was put in irons for some misunderstanding
with his guards, in which, being a passionate man when
once aroused, he became very violent.

While all this was going on — while people outside were
full of dread regarding the future, Riel had his quarters
in Fort Garry sumptuously furnished, Mr. M'Dougall's
government furniture being used for the purpose.

It was now reported as a certainty that Dr. Schultz
had left the country for Canada by way of Lake Superior.
Mr. Charles Mair also left Portage La Prairie bound for
the Dominion — indeed, a large number of Canadians,
principally those who had been imprisoned, spoke of
leaving the Settlement, and old settlers declared that
they would remove to the United States early in spring,
rather than remain longer in the state of insecurity they
had for some time experienced.

On the 4th of March a deed was committed that struck
horror into the minds of all classes in the Settlement —
an act of cruelty tliat can offer no palliation for its com-
mittal, and one which suddenly plunged the whole
community into mourning. Nothing transpired to pre-
pare the minds of people for what was going to take
place — rumor, generally so ready to make use of her
pliant tongue, was in this instance silent ; the deed was
as sudden as it was horrible. No time was given to allow
of any steps being taken to prevent it. A human being

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

301

that had
it time as
oppression
of March,
srstanding
nan when

itside were
is quarters
rDougall's
se.

)r. Schultz
e Superior,
bound for
Canadians,
, spoke of
clared that
J in spring,
[jurity they

that struck
jttlement —
for its com-
the whole
red to pre-
ing to take
use of her
le deed was
ven to allow
uman being

was tried at night, told to prepare for death the next
morning, and shot at twelve o'clock that day. Oh !
shame on the spirit that prompted such an act ; was
Mercy blind ? Had Justice fallen asleep and Wisdom
turned her back upon the men who thus so unhesitatingly
steeped their hands in blood ? -

On the morning of the 4th of March it was reported,
but not credited, that Thos. Scott had been condemned
to death, and was to be shot that day at twelve. Few
believed that the execution would take place ; although
there were others who held that, as Boulton had been
spared, Scott was likely to suffer. This latter idea proved
to be a correct one. Several interceded for the life of the
unfortunate man, and none more so than Mr. Smith, but
all to no purpose. Kiel seemed determined this time,
and accordingly at twelve o'clock, a large crowd having
assembled outside the Fort, Scott was led out, his eyes
being bandaged, and he was told to kneel at a spot a few
yards distant from the postern gate. Before coming out
he had bidden his comrades in prison a long good bye,
and had written, it is said, letters to his friends in Canada.
Until shortly before the hour of his execution, it appears,
that he did not believe that he would be shot; but, when
the guards came to lead him out, he began to realize the
terrible position he was placed in ; yet he did not shrink,
but acted in every way as one not afraid to meet death.
It is horrible to think of the feelings the unfortunate
man must have experienced — away from his friends — in
the prime of life to be thus suddenly cut off — never again
to see those he loved on earth. Oh ! why did not Pity

302

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

I* »

and Charity strike into the hearts of those who were thus
wantonly destroying his life.

It has been said that he was violent — that he had
threatened the life of Riel if ever he escaped from prison ;
was it not well known that he was a passionate man
when aroused, and that probably his tongue got the
better of his judgment while in that state. It has also
been said that he had exasperated the guards to such a
degree that they were becoming uncontrollable, and were
liable to break out upon the prisoners ; even then, was
there no other method of quieting him than by taking
his life ? Why was he not kept strictly under guard,
and removed from the rest of the prisoners ? That treat-
ment might have been called severe ; but to kill him, as
was done, in cold blood, was a wanton act of cruelty, and
one that made every honest heart in Red River shudder
at the thought of it.

When Scott had knelt, a firing party of six men having
been picked out, the signal was given, and immediately
afterwards the unfortunate victim fell, pierced in one or
two places, but not killed outright. One of the men then
advanced, and drawing his revolver, shot the quivering
man throuojh the head. The rude coffin was then brought
out, and Scott, still breathing, was placed in it and carried
into the Fort.

Some of the men who had been detailed as part of the
firing party withdrew the caps from the nipples of their
guns and therefore did not fire upon the condemned man.
All, however, were more or less under the influence of
liquor, and hardly knew what they were doing.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

303

Frightful stories regarding the dying moments of Scott
were now circulated around the Settlement, some of them
almost too honible to mention ; the whole matter, how-
ever, was so much involved in mystery, after the body
had been carried into Fort Garry, that people hardly knew
what to think of it : many believed, in fact, that Scott
had not been killed but merely wounded, and would yet
turn up alive. So strong, indeed, was this feeling amongst
some that all sorts of rumors in support of it were afloat.

Bishop Machray went to Kiel on the 5th and asked for
the body of Scott, that it might be interred in a Christian
manner; but the request was refused, and that same day
a grave was dug in the court-yard of Fort Garry, and a
cofiin supposed to contain the remains of the unfortunate
man was buried in it. This, it has since been found out,
was only a sham burial, the corpse having been made
away with ; and it is now generally believed that it was
dropped into the river; but all is surmise as it is not
known, except amongst those immediately concerned in
the affair, where Scott's body was placed.

Thus ended this dreadful tragedy, and with it was lost
all hope of a sincere union between the French and
English ; from that day, also, Kiel's power amongst his
own people decreased gradually, until at last he was left
almost alone ; and he could not have taken a surer step to
give his enemies a victory over him, than when he caused
Scott to be shot. The feeling of horror at the deed was
as strong amongst a large portion of the French as it was
with the English ; and it must not be thought that it was
the desii-e of the French people that Scott should suffer,

S04

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

for such was not the case. One can hardly imagine the
degree of indignation which swept over the Settlement
when news of the deed spread abroad. The feeling to a
great extent was subdued, but not the less strong on that
account. Men gathered together, and with gloomy-
countenances conversed on the terrible event. Those
who had been in prison almost feared to remain in the
neighborhood of Fort Garr}'', and a number left for
distant parts of the Settlement where they could feel safe.

Kiel, who professed to be working for the good of his
country, had in cne day brought a curse upon it — a dread-
ful blot on the name of his countrymen, and a lasting
disgrace upon himself. Had he but refrained from blood-
shed — had he followed out the course to the last which
he commenced, that of peace, and not allowed himself to
be led by the dictates of passion, he would, instead of
being an exile to-day, have been a man of high standing
amongst his people and respected by all classes.

Although there were many acts committed during the
course of the troubles that are to be condemned, still they
were not so heinous that they could not be forgiven; but
the crime of taking a man's life, especially in the way it
was done, is one that can command no other sentiment
than that of horror.

The "New Nation" contained an account of the
execution, but it was not permitted by Riel to be sent
out of the Settlement. A new issue of the paper,
having the tame date, but containing no reference to the
shooting of Scott, was printed and distributed for trans-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

305

magine the
Settlement
feeling to a
•ong on that
ith gloomy
ent. Those
nain in the
)er left for
uld feel safe,
good of his
it — a dreacl-
id a lasting
from blood-
e last which
i himself to
d, instead of
gh standing
es.

during the

ed, still they

jrgiven; but

the way it

sr sentiment

mission abroad. Wm. Gaddee, whcsc fate caused so niucli
conjecture in the Settlement, turned up safe and sound,
as it will be seen hereafter.

Thus ends this chapter of horrors, the blackest page
in the history of the Red River troubles.

lunt of the
1 to be sent
the paper,
jrence to the
id for trans-

300

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTEK XV.

WINNIPEG — LETTERS OF INSTRUCTIONS FROM HON. JOSEPH HOWE TO

, I-

BISHOP TACHE — THE BISHOP S ADDRESS TO THE COUNOIL-
PARTURE OF DELEGATES TO CANADA WITH INSTRUCTIONS.

-DE-

HE following was printed and circulated, by
orders of Riel, on the day of the shooting of
Scott : —

OFFICIAL ORDERS.

"It is hereby ordered that the town of Winnipeg be,
and shall be, hereafter, the Capital of the North- West.
That the bounds of said town be as follows : — The As-
.sinniboine River on the south ; Red River on the east ;
McDermott's Creek on the north ; and, on the west, by
Spencer's Creek.

"In response to a petition, from the citizens of the
town of Winnipeg, asking for a separate representation
in the Provisional Government, and protest against hav-
ing said town consolidated with St. John's Parish ; That
the said town of Winnipeg be entitled to a representa-
tion by two members in the Provisional Government ; and
that the election for said members be held at the engine-
house, between the hours of three and five o'clock p. m.,
on Saturday, March 5th, 1870.

" By order of the President.

"Louis Schmidt,

" Assistant Secretary."

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

307

>H HOWE TO
JUNOIL— DE-

•NS.

ulated, by
ihooting of

innipeg be,
[orth-West.
:— The As-
n the east;
le west, by

zens of the
)resentation
igainst hav-
arish; That
representa-
ament; and
he engine-
clock p. ni)

The above proved that the American party had been
successful at last in their endeavors to obtain two repre-
sentatives for the town (i. e. themselves) ; and, accord-
ingly, a meeting was held the same evening, at the place
appointed^ Few men of responsibility attended; and,
therefore, H. F; O'Lone and Alfred H* Scott were elected as
councillors. This step on the part of Kiel, in giving way to
the Americans, caused a good deal of dissatisfaction to all
parties, and showed an undeniable wish to secure a ma-
jority in the council on the part of the French ; as, in fact,
Messrs. O'Lone and Scott both openly declared their sym-
pathies to be against the English.

Captain Gay now began to take an active interest in
affairs at the Fort, — remaining most of his time within
the walls. A good deal of speculation was, therefore,
afloat regarding him and his errand to Bed River.

Charles Nolin was kept a prisoner, about this time, for
several days at Fort Garry, on account of his opposition
to Riel at the last convention ; but at last, on account of
his many powerful friends amongst the French, he was
released.

Rumors were also afloat that another of the prisoners
was likely to suffer as Scott had done, on account of vio-
lent behavion

The non-arrival of Bishop Tachd now caused a good
deal of anxiety, as it was feared if he did not come soon
that Riel might be tempted to use other extreme meas-
ures ; and it was felt, at the same time, that, with Bishop
Tach^'s presence in the Settlement, a more moderate

Secretary'

308

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

course would at least have been pursued by the leader of
the French.

At last, on the evening of the 8th March, word was
brought in that his Lordship was at Riviere Sale ; and,
immediately afterwards a number of people went to meet
him — in all about two hundred persons — who accom-
panied him to the cathedral first, and then to his palace.

For some days after his arrival Bishop Tachd did not
appear in public, which gave rise to the report that he
was kept as a prisoner in his own house by Riel.

The following notice now appeared in the " New
Nation": —

" A meeting of the Council of the Provisional Govern-
ment of Rupert's Land is hereby ordered to be held at
Fort Garry, on Wednesday, 9 th inst.
" By order of the President.

"Louis Schmidt,

" Assistant Secretary ."

- ^

And, accordingly, on the day appointed, those of the
representatives who had seen the notice attended at Fort
Garry ; but, as there were very few of the English pres-
sent, the meeting was adjourned until the 15th inst., im-
mediately after the following speech had been delivered
by Riel : —

" Gentlemen, — We have been assembled in this cliam*
ber on several occasions, having been sent here by the
people to deliberate on the political state of the country,
and to adopt such measures as would secure the pros-
perity of the present and future generations. But all

3 leader of

word was
Sale; and,
nt to meet
ho accom-
lis palace,
h^ did not
jrt that he
el
the "New

lal Govern-
1 be held at

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

309

icretary.'

hose of the
ded at Fort
Qglish pres-
,h inst., im-
!n delivered

this cham*

lere by the

the country,

•e the pros^

As. But all

that has been done so far has resulted only in what wo
have to-day. Yet that only is a very comprehensive
word. It includes your work during that period — the
work of the people in fact. We have worked here in the
past in anxiety and fear. But we have worked conscien-
tiously. That the majority, at least, have done so, I fully
believe. One result of our labors is, that the people gene-
rally now have, for the first time in the history of this
land, a voice in the direction of public affairs. They have
here a full representation. Herein we may congratulate
ourselves that our work has been a good one ; and, indeed,
it may almost be said to be the only result we have ar-
rived at as yet. At present, we are not, perhaps, in a
position to proceed to business. But, at the same time,
we have arrived at that stage when there is some public
security. Let us then see to it that the public are no
more allowed to rush together, on one side or the other,
in such a manner as they have gathered of late. Let us
be friends, and let our friendship be hearty and sincere.
On many occasions, since last fall, I have heard profes-
sions of friendship in this chamber, and I must say, I
was sorry to hear those professions, for I knew they were,
as they afterwards proved to be, insincere. There
was too much of fear and estrangement to allow of that
friendship being hearty. But now that we have come
together once more, I believe we are actuated by such
feelings as will lead to a thorough union. We have
come here to decide on that which we believe to be
our duty, and will do it honestly. We are here as the
public authority. We are here to act in that capacity.

I-.

310

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Some of you were in the old government of the country,
and are familiar with the conduct of public proceedings.
You have your ideas of what is best for the public. The
councillors, as a body, have their ideas on the same sub-
ject. Well, then, let us act, — that is our motto. Let us
not confine ourselves to thinking or speaking. We must
act inside this chamber, as well as outside. The work is
urgent, — is one of the utmost consequence to ourselves
and our people. In this council, and outside, that work
awaits us, and we will not be faithful to ourselves or our
country if we shirk it. As to the business before us, I
may say that, in the first place, the government must be
completed as soon as possible. This must be done in order
to promote union in the Settlement, and give that feeling
of security which will encourage our business men to
start afresh and infuse new vigor into the community in
general. We must help the country at this crisis ; and,
if we do so in the way I have pointed out, I feel that we
will secure general sympathy and support. The people
will support us if we support them. There are, I know,
some diflferences between the residents of different locali-
ties — and perhaps the easiest way to dispose of them
would be that each side would concede something. A
spirit of concession, I think, ought to be manifested on
both sides ; and if it is, we will be cordial and united.
If we were so united, — as was said long ago, — the people
of Red River could make their own terms with Canada.
We ha%'e had already three commissioners from the Do-
minion ; and now, perhaps, we have another come amongst
us, in the person^of His Lordship the Bishop of St. Boni-

U' .' \ (

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

311

he country,
)roceedings.
ublic. The
e same sub-
tto. Let us
We must
rhe work is
bo ourselves
3, that work
jelves or our
; before us, I
ent must be
lone in order
; that feeling
a ess men to
)mmunity in
crisis ; and,
feel that we
The people
are, I know,
ferent locali-
►ose of them
mething. A
anifested on
and united.
, — the people
vith Canadca.
from the Do-
ome amongst
of St. Boni-

face, one who is generally beloved and esteemed in the
land, and to whose mission, I doubt not, the highest at-
tention will be paid. For my part, I would certainly
like to see, in the person of His Lordship, a Commissioner
invested with full power to give us what we want.
But we have to be careful ; for we do not know what
that power is ; and we must not rush blindly into the
hands of any commissioners. Let us act prudently —
that is all I urge ; if wo do so, we will be safe enough.
This, gentlemen, is all I have to say. You cannot, of
course, do anything to-day, in any way, even if all the
members were present. Before we separate, let me say
one word. Let us try to be more friendly. Why not ?
We are not going to fight any more — not at all. And I
cannot, in this connection, but express regret at hearing
unpleasant rumors from the Portage. These rumors
cause fear all the time at the White Horse Plains. The
])cople there are led to believe that they are going to be
crushed some day or other. There is a want of assur-
ance among our people, which has led to a guard being
stationed in that qui^rter. I hope the Portage people will
be able to disavow any such intentions, and give such
assurances as will lead to a better state of things. If it is
not fully according to the mind of the people, let not any
one from that section deny the rumors. But if, on the
contrary, the Portage people do not harbor the designs
attributed to them, I hope it will be stated, so that a feel-
ing of tranquillity and security may be diftused."

It will be observed that no allusion was made by Kiel,
in the above speech, to the shooting of Scott, — in fact it

312

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

is pretty certain that the deed liad hardly been committed
when it was repented of, and the serious consequences it
miglit lend to were seen.

John F. Grant and Angus McKay were next taken
prisoners, it is supposed, on account of their action in pre-
serving Mr. Smith's credentials as Commissioner. It is
certain, however, that Kiel never forgave the part they
took in that affair ; but it was a short-sighted policy ar-
resting them at that time, as it only tended the more to
retard than to forward a settlement of the difficulties.

On the 9th March, the following was sent round in the
shape of printed notices to the several councillors on the
English side : —

"M.

"You are hereby summoned to attend a meeting of
the Council of the Provisional Government, to be held at
Fort Garry, on Tuesday, 15th inst "t 10 o'clock, a. m.
" By order of the President.

" Thos. Bunn,

"Secretary.
"Headquarters Provisional Government,
"Fort Garry, 9th March, 1870."

The position of Bishop Tache, as a Commissioner from
Canada, was much discussed amongst the people, and
there was some word of getting up another mass meeting
to hear him ; but this was abandoned, as it was thought
best to wait until the 15th to see what would be done in
the council on that day.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

313

Lot lis now SCO what wore tho views of the Canadian
Government, as transmitted to Bishop Tachd, in u letter
from Hon. Joseph Howe, dated IGth February : —

" The Very licverf.nd the Bluhop of St. Boniface :

" My Lord, — I am commanded by His Excellency tho
Governor-General, to acknowledge and thank you for tho
promptitude with which you placed your services at the
disposal of this Government, and undertook a winter
voyage and journey that you might, by your presence
and influence, aid in the repression of tho unlooked for
disturbances which had broken out in the North-Wost.

(Here follows a memorandum of enclosures).

" Copies of the proclamation issued by Mr. McDougall,
at or near Pembina, and of the commission issued to
Colonel Dennis, having been printed in the Canadian
papers, and widely circulated at tho Red River, are, it is
assumed, quite within your reach, and are not furnished ;
but it is important that you should know that the pro-
ceedings by which the lives and properties of the people
of Rupert's Land were jeopardized for a time, were at
once disavowed and condemned by tho Government of
this Dominion, as you will readily discover in the de-
spatch addressed by mo to Mr. McDougall, on the 24th
of December, a copy of which is enclosed.

" Your Lordship will perceive in these papers the policy
which it was, and is, tho desire of the Canadian Govern-
ment to establish in the North-West. The people of
Canada have no interest in the erection of institutions in
Rupert's Land, which public opinion condemns ; nor

■ *

814

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

' ♦ '

would they wish to see a fine race of people trained to
discontent and insubordination, by the pressure of an
unwise system of government, to which British subjects
are unaccustomed or averse. They look hopefully for-
ward to the period, when institutions, moulded upon
those which the other provinces enjoy, may be established,
and, in the meantime, would deeply regret if the civil
and religious liberties of the whole population were not
adequately protected by such temporary arrangements,
as it may be prudent at present to make,

" A convention has been called, and is now sitting at
Fort Garry, to collect the views of the people, as to the
powers which they may consider it wise for Parliament
to confer, and the local legislature to assume. When the
proceedings of that conference have been received by the
Privy Council, you may expect to hear from me again ;
and, in the meantime, should they be communicated to
you on the way. His Excellency will be glad to be
favoured with any observation that you may have leisure
to make.

" You are aware that the Very Reverend the Vicar-
General Thibault, and Messrs. Donald A. Smith and
Charles de Salaberry are already in Rupert's Land,
charged with a commission from Government. Enclosed
are letters to those gentlemen, of which you will oblige
me by taking charge ; and I am commanded to express
the desire of His Excellency, that you will co-operate
with them in their well-directed eflforts to secure a peace-
ful solution of the difficulties in the North- West Terri-
tories, which have caused his Excellency much anxiety.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

315

e trained to
jssure of an
tish subjects
opefuUy for-
Dulded upon
3 established,
if the civil
ion were not
rrangements,

ow sitting at

pie, as to the

L* Parliament

When the

eived by the

m me again ;

nunicated to

glad to be

have leisure

d the Vicar-
Smith and
pert's Land,
t. Enclosed
u will oblige
id to express
11 co-operate
cure a peace-
-West Terri-
uch anxiety,

but which, by your joint endeavours, it is hoped may
be speedily removed.

"I have, &c.,

"Joseph Howe."

, Bishop Tachd, on Sunday, the 13th, delivered an elo-
quent sermon, principally upon the state of affairs in the
country ; stating that it had been with sorrow that he
heard of many of the acts committed by his people dur-
ing his absence ; and that Canada was prepared to grant
them everything that was right. He referred to his long
and arduous trip from Rome ; and hoped that now he
would see moderation and union amongst the people,
with the common object in view, of doing what was
right. He recommended charity and forbearance towards
each other ; and said that it was a time when Catholics
and Protestants should put their religious differences
aside, and work together for the common good.

The church was crowded to excess, and it was felt that
the exhortation of His Lordship would have a beneficial
effect on after events.

This latter proved to be the case, as from the day of
the arrival of Bishop Tachd in Red River, excitement
calm.ed down to a great extent, and gave place to calmer
judgment in dealing with the troubles of ^he country.
Ever since the seizure of the Hudson E-^y Company's
cash box by Riel, the Company had refused to grant bills
of exchange on London, and this caused a great deal of
inconvenience and annoyance to merchants ; at the same
time, the circulation of small change, as well as Hudson's

'^i.^-^

m\'A

816

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Bay notes, became so limited, that trade suffered very
much thereby ; and parties doing business, had to manu-
facture "shin-plasters" or "due bills," for "three-pence"
and upwards, to facilitate trading operations. These
"shin-plasters" took the place of regular currency, for
the time being ; but the plan was felt to be neither a sat-
isfactory nor a secure one.

A large company of Canadians, principally those who
had been in prison, left the Settlement about this time,
in company with Rev. Mr. Fletcher, Presbyterian minis-
ter ; most of them being men who, through the troubles,
had been thrown out of ei ployment, and, therefore,
dreaded renifiining in the country in its unsettled state.

The second meeting of the council of the Provisional
Government, took place on Tuesday, 15th, and the English
members were punctual to the hour appointed ; but the
French did not make their appearance till about 10
o'clock, p. m.

Two notices of motions were given, which, after some
discussion, were canied in the following form : —

"1. That we, the representatives of the inhabitants of
the North- West, consider that the Imperial Government,
the Hudson's Bay Company, and the Canadian Govern-
ment, in stipulating for the transfer of the government of
this country to the Dominion Government, without first
consulting, or even notifying the people of such transfer,
have entirely ignored our rights, as people of the North-
West Territory.

"2. That notwithstanding the insults and sufferings
borne by the people of the North -West heretofore ; which
sufferings they still endure— the loyalty of the people of

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

317

iffered very
id to manu-
hree-pence"
>ns. These
urrency, for
either a sat-
yr those who
it this time,
erian minis-
he troubles,
i, therefore,
tied state.
I Provisional
the English
ed; but the
1 about 10

1, after some

•

[habitants of
overnment,
ian Govern-
vernment of
vithout first
ich transfer,
the North-

d sufferings
(fore; which
he people of

the North- West, towards the Crown of England, remains
the same, provided the rights, properties, usages, and cus-
toms of the people be respected ; and we feel assured
that, as British subjects, such rights, properties, usages,
and customs will undoubtedly be respected."

During the interim between the giving of the notices
of motion, and their ultimate adoption as above, — Bishop
Tach^ was introduced to the council, and spoke as fol-
lows : —

" I can well understand the anxiety of the people at
the crisis in public affairs with which we have to deal. I
believe it to be an anxiety deep and wide-spread. Let
me express the hope, however, that all feeling of this kind
will cease. It is a hope grounded on my own conviction,
that this anxiety is now needless, and that a brighter and
better day will speedily dawn on this land. I do not
come back, gentlemen, in any official capacity. When I
arrived in Canada, it was understood that the people of
Ked River were sending down delegates ; and hence it
was not thought necessary to invest me with any powers
as Commissioner. The Government pressed me to remain
until the arrival of the delegates, but my anxiety of mind
Was such that I could not delay. I desired to be with
my people at a period such as this, and hence I left Can-
ada with all convenient speed. Short as my stay was,
however, I had ample opportunity for becoming acquain-
ted with this fact, that the intentions of the Canadian
Government, as far as the people of this country are con-
cerned, were good and praiseworthy. I can testify that
they have no desire to overlook the political rights of the

318

THE CREATION OB' MANITOBA.

people here. As an evidence of this, I will, with permis-
sion, read a telegram from the Hon. Joseph Howe, which
I received since my arrival here. It was sent to me to
St. Paul, in answer to another telegram I sent him, but
it arrived there the day after I left. I despatched the
telegram, I may say, in consequence of receiving at St.
Paul, the * New Nation,' containing a copy of the list of
rights adopted by the convention. Mr. Howe's reply
was : — * Propositions in the main satisfactory. But let
the delegation come here to settle the details.' Let me
say, further, that I believe that until recently the people
of Canada were in perfect ignorance of the true state of
affairs in this country ; and it is not to be wondered at,
as I myself, even after having spent most of my life in
this country, was very far from knowing the actual state
of affairs here, until I arrived the other day. I am a
Canadian, and proud of that title. Many friends you
have in Canada, both in the Government and outside ; so
be assured that nobody is desirous to oppress you."

His Lordship, in order to show the opinion entertained
of Mr. McDougall's action at Pembina, read an extract
from a speech of Hon. Mr. Howe, in the Dominion Par-
liament. The speaker condemned Mr. McDougall's action
thoroughly, and stated that when all the papeis, relating
to the North-West, were laid before the House, it would
be found that Mr. McDougall's position was unjustifiable.

" I will say again," said his Lordship, in resuming his
speech, " that my own feelings towards the people of Red
River, are unchanged in the least. As I have often said
before, so say I now,— they have, one and all, without dis^

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

319

dtli permis-
'owe, which
b to me to
nt him, but
patched the
ving at St.
f the list of
!owe's reply
y. But let
is.' Let me
y the people
rue state of
rt^ondered at,
)f my life in
actual state
ay. I am a
friends you
. outside ; so
you."

L entertained
1 an extract
minion Par-
ugall's action
Deis, relating
use, it would
unjustifiable,
resuming his
)eople of Red
;^e often said
, without dis-

tinction of race, or language, or creed, my highest esteem
and affection. If I may make a comparison to evince my
regard, I would say — to show that I feel towards the peo-
ple of Red River, as if they were all one body :-^When
one member of a body, say the right hand, suffers, the
left hand sympathises with it. And so it is with us, as a
people. So thoroughly do we sympathise with each other,
that, when one section suffers, the other partakes of that
suffering. In doing what I can, then, to mitigate that suf-
fering, I feel that I am bound to do what is possible for
all classes, equally." His Lordship then sat down, but
soon after, he rose again and said — "An inspirp.tion occurs
to me. I would ask the president, as an act of grace,
for the release of half of the prisoners."

Kiel then promised that half the number of prisoners
would be released that evening ; and that the balance
would be liberated as soon as satisfactory accounts could
be heard from Portage La Prairie, from which place he
seemed to fear further trouble.

A vote of thanks to Bishop Tachd, was then passed,
and the council adjourned. The next day after the two
notices of motions, already referred to, had been disposed
of, it was resolved that a committee be appointed to frame
a constitution for the Provisional Government; after which
O'Donoghue gave notice that he would introduce a bill,
providing that the two mile hay privilege, heretofore en-
joyed, should be converted into fee simple ownership.
Thus ended the second sitting of the council of the Pro-
visional Government ; and Riel, true to his promise, liber-
ated over fifteen of the prisoners, amongst whom was
Major Boulton.

320

THE CREATION OP MANITOBA.

. V

Excitement now began to calm down rapidly, and the
people were anxiously looking forward to the departure
of the delegates for Ottawa.

The " New Nation " about this time again fell under
the displeasure of Kiel, for having given what was con-
sidered an erroneous report of the introduction of Bisho])
Tachd to the council. Major Kobiason, no doubt, finding,
like other Americans in the Settlement, that annexation
to the United States was not as popular as had been
thought, gave up the idea, and retired from literary
life.

In the suppressed paper, there appeared the following
letter from Mr. Scott, the delegate ; —

" Winnipeg, March 17th, 1870.

" Editors ' New Nation,'

" An article has been of late going the rounds of the
papers, in which I am represented as an American citizen.
Of course, there is always an uncertainty concerning
matters of which you have no remembrance; and, although
personally present at the period of my birth, I retain
upon the pages of my memory not even the faintest
imprint of the locality in which it occurred, or the cir-
cumstances attendant upon that eventful epoch. Nothing
being certain in this life but mortality and taxation, I
could not state as an indisputable fact that I am not a
citizen of the United States, but content myself with
saying that the family tree — which is painted in water
colors, and framed in walnut, and hangs in the paternal
mansion— devotes an entire branch to my origin and

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

321

antecedents. It states as a fact — which I have as yet no
reason to doubt — that the place of my birth is the city of
London, England. What particular star was in the
ascendant at my natal hour, the tree doesn't say, but
proceeds to run off into numerous ?!ttle branches and
twigs, which represent Scotts of a future generation.
Having early had an explicit faith in the correctness of
the family events, chronicled by this tree, instilled into my
mind, I have always entertained the belief that I am a
British subject, and owe my allegiance to the British
Crown, although sincerely grateful for the compliment
contained in the supposition of my being among the
members of the thriving American citizens.

"A. H. Scott."

Notwithstanding the above, Mr. Scott was the acknow-
ledged champion, or, at least, the representative of the
American party.

On the 17th March, Oscar Malmoras, the American
Consul at Winnipeg, who, to judge from his letters,
appeared to know more about matters connected with the
rising in its earliest days, than any one else outside those
engaged in it, suddenly took it into his head to leave the
Settlement at almost a day's notice. What made his
departure seem more singular, was the appearance of a
number of pamphlets shortly afterwards, containing his
letters; which publicity of correspondence he had not
probably bargained for.

It is rather curious to note all these sudden changes
amongst the Americans, at a time when there was every
V

322

THE CRKATION OF MANTTOIU.

Ml|i;;,i4

liiiihii".

reason to expect a satisfactory settlement of the cUtticiil-
ties between Canada and the North-West.

Major IloLinson was appointed Vice-Consul in the
absence of Mr. Mahnoras, a position Avhicli he held for
some time afterwards in a highly satisfactory manner to
all parties concerned.

Col. Rankin, who had arrived in the Settlement on the
5th March, now made himself rather conspicuous in going
about the Settlement Avith a petition, addressed to the
Dominion Government, for a grant of land, with a view
of getting up a stock company to build a railroad : but
when information of this reached the ears of Riel, the
colonel received six hours' r ' tice to pack up and leave
the country. Rankin, no doubt, thought thir. rather
summary treatment, but he had to submit, and made his
arrangements accordingly. If a calm precedes a storm, it
very frequently happens that one follows it — and so it
appeared to be in this case. The Settlement, from a state
of extreme excitement, suddenly seemed to have dropped
into one of thorough tranquillity. The prisoners, one by
one, Averc being released ; the Pro-zisional Government
appeared at last to be in Avorking order ; a police force
Avas established in the town ; and the Settlement, gene-
rally, was unusually quiet and peaceable. Business revived,
and people felt more security Avhen going about, than they
had done for some time.

On the 23rd March, the two delegates, ReA\ Mr. Richot
and Alfred IT. Scott, left for Ottawa, in company Avith
( \tl. de Salaberry; and Judge ]51aok, Avho had at last con-

TIIH HMD RIVKIl TROUULKS.

323

le (Utilciil-

iul in tlio
e held for
manner to

lent on the
us in going
Red to the
ritli a view
ilroad : but
Df Biel, the
) and leave
thlr. rather
id made his
s a storm, it
t — and so it
from a state
ave dropped
ncra, one hy
Government
poliee force
ment, genc-
iiess revived,
ut, than they

Uy. Richot
ympan}^ with
1 at last con-

sented to act, started the next day, ah)ng with Major
Boiilton.

Kiel had been busy for some days preparing the neces-
sary papers for the delegates ; and, as it may be interest-
ing to our readers to know what these were, we will give
them in full.

First of all, there was the following letter of instruc-
tions : —

" Sir, — Enclosed with this letter you will receive your
commission, and also a copy of the conditions and terms
upon which the people of this country will consent to
enter into the Confederation of Canada. You will please
proceed with convenient speed to the city of Ottawa,
Canada, and, on arriving there, you will, in company with
(the other delegates), put yourself immediately in com-
munication with the Dominion Government, on the
subject of your commission. You will please observe,
that with regard to the articles numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, G,
7, 15, 17, 19 and 20, you are left at liberty, in concert
with your fellow commissioners, to exercise your discre-
tion ; but bear in mind that, as you carry with you the
full confidence of this people, it is expected that in the
exercise of this liberty, you will do your utmost to secure
their rights and privileges, wdiich have hitherto been
ignored.

" With reference to the remaining articles, I am directed
to inform you that they are peremptory. I have further
to inform you that you are not empowered to conclude
finally any arrangements with the Canadian Government;
but that any negotiations, entered into between you and

324

TllK CilKATIOX OF MANITOBA.

the Hiiid Ooveriiineiit, must first have ^lie ni>[)r()Vjd of,
and bo I'iitifiod by, the Provisional Oovernnient, before
Assinniboia will become a province of tlie Confederation.
" I have the honor to be, Sir,

" Your obedient Servant,

"Thomas Buxn,

" Secretary of State.
"March 22nd, 1870."

The foUowinj^' is a co[)y of the conmiission : —

" Government House,

"Winnipeg, Assinniboia.

To.

" Sir, — The President of the Provisional Government
of Assinniboia (formerly Rupert's Land and the North-
West) in council, do hereby authorize and delegate you
(the delegates) to proceed to the city of Ottawa, and
lay before the Dominion Government the accompanying
list of propositions and conditions, as the terms upon
which the people of Assinniboia will consent to enter into
confederation with the other Provinces of the Dominion.
You will, also, herewitli receive a letter of instructions,
which will be your guide in the execution of this com-
mission.

" Signed this twenty-second day of March, in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy.
" By order,

" Thomas Bunn,

Secretary of State."

u ij^

TIIK RED lUVKR TROmLES.

32.'

Tlio followliiii' is iv list of tlio terms jukI conditidus
wliieli !ic(.'(»iiip;mi(.'(l tlio coiiiinission iind lottcr of iiistiuc-
tioiis : —

" 1st. Tlijit tlic tenitories, licietutore known as Rupert's
Land and North-West, shall not enter into tlie CV)nfedera-
tion of the Dominion, except as a province, to ho styled
and known as the Province of Assiimiboia, .and with all
the rights and privileges common to the different Pro-
vinces of the Dominion.

" 2nd. That we have two representatives in the Senate
and four in the House of Commons of Canada, until such
time as an increase of population entitles the Province to
a greater representation.

" 3rd. That the Province of Assinniboia shall not he
held liable at any time for any portion of the public debt
of the Dominion contracted before the date the said Pro-
vince shall have entered the Confederation, unless the
said Province shall have first received from the Dominion
the full amount for which the said Province is to be held
liable.

" 4th. That the sum of eighty thousand dollars be paid
annually by the Dominion Government to the Local
Legislature of this Province.

" 5th. That all properties, rights and jn-ivilcges enjoyed
by the people of this Province up to the date of our
entering into the Confederation be respected, and that
the arrangement and confirmation of all customs, usages
and privileges be left exclusively to the Local Legis-
lature.

" Gth. That during the term of five years, the Province

'!...»

Ms:

320

TIIK CREATION OF MANITOHA.

of As.sinnil>oiii,s1iall net I)0 .subjected to Jiny direct taxatloM,
excei>t su{;li as may be imposed by the Local Legl.slatme
Ibr nmnicipal or local purposes.

" 7th. That a sum of money e(p.ial to eighty cents per
head of the population of this Province be pnid annually
by tlio Canadian Government to the Local Legislature of
the said Province, until such time as the said population
shall have increased to six hundred thousand.

"8th. That the Local Lef'islature shall have the ri<:jht
to determine the qualifications of members to represent
this Province in the Parliament of Canada, nnd in the
Local Legislature.

"9th. That in this Province, with the cxcci)tion of
uncivilized and unsettled Indians, every male native
citizen who has attained the age of twenty-one years ; and
every foreigner, being a British subject, who has attained
the same, and has resided three years in the Province and
is a householder; and every foreigner, other than a British
subject, who has resided here during the same period,
being a householder and having taken the oath of alle-
giance, shall be entitled to vote at the election of mem-
bers for the Local Lemslature and for the Canadian
Parliament. It beinfj understood that this article be sub-
ject to amendment exclusively by the Local Legislature.

" lOtli. That the bargain of the Hudson's Bay Company
in the respect to the transfer of the government of this
country to the Dominion of Canada be annulled so far as
it interferes with the rights of the people of Assinniboia,
and so far as it would affect our future relations with
Canada.

Tin: IlKD lilVKR TUOriU.KS.

.S27

taxation,
lOirlHlaturc

cents per

annually

Lslaturo of

)opulation

the right

represent

nd in the

ccption of
ale native
years ; and
as attained
mvince and
,n a British
ime period,
ith of alle-
m of mcm-
3 Canadian
icle be sub-
Legislature.
by Company
lent of this
ed so far as
Assinniboia,
iations with

" I 111). 'I'h.tt the Local Legislature of tlui Provinct' ol'
Assiimiljoia sliall have full control over all thi' piiMic Iniids
of the rrovince, and tlio right to annid all acts or ar-
rangements made or entered into with reference to tin;
public lands of Rupert's Land and the North-Wcst, now
called the Province of Assinniboia.

" 12th. That the Government of Canada appoitit a C*oin-
missioner of Engineers to explore the various districts of
the Province of Assinniboia, and to lay before the Local
Legislature a. report of tlie mineral wealth of the Province
within five years from the date of our entering into con-
federation.

"13th. That treaties h^. concluded between Canada and
the difForcnt Indian tribes of the Province of Assinniboia,
by and with the advice and co-oporation of the Local
Legislature of this Province.

" 14th. That an uninterrupted steam communication
fr(mi Lake Superior to Fort Garry bo guaranteed to be
coinpleted within the space of five years.

"15th. That all public buildings, bridges, roads, and
other public works be at the cost of the Dominion
Treasury.

"IGth. That the English and French lauguno-os be
common in the Legislature and in the Courts, and that
all public documents, as well as all Acts of the Legislature,
be published in both languages.

" 17th. That whereas the French and English speaking
people of Assinniboia are so equally divided as to numbers,
yet so united in their interests, and so connected by
commerce, fjimily connections, and other political and

' s ' \

' i
5 *.

u-\

328

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

iiiiii

u r

social relations, that it has liappily been found impossible
to bring them into hostile collision, although repeated
attempts have been made by designing strangers, for
reasons known to themselves, to bring about so ruinous
and disastrous an event :

" And whereas after all the troubles and apparent dis-
sensions of the past, the result of misunderstanding
among themselves, they have, as soon as the evil agencies
referred to above were removed, become as united and
friendly as ever : therefore, as a means to strengthen this
union and friendly feeling among all classes, Wd deem it
expedient and advisable

** That the Lieutenant-Governor, who maybe appointed
for, the Province of A.ssiianiboia, should be familiar with
both the French and English languages.

" 18th. Tliat the Judge of the Superior Court speak
the English and French languages.

"19th. That all debts contracted by the Provisional
Government of the Territory of the North-West, now
called Assinniboia, in consequence of the illegal and incon-
siderate measures adopted by Canadian officials to bring-
about a civil war in our midst, be paid out of the
Dominion Treasury, and that none of the members of
the Provisional Government, or any of those acting under
them, be in any way held liable or responsible with
regard to the movement or any of the actions which led
to the present negotiations.

" 20th. That in view of the present exceptional position
of Assinniboia, duties upon goods imported into the Pro-
vince shall, except in the case of spirituous liquors, cou-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

329

SO ruinous

tinuc as at present for at least three years from the date
of our entering the Confederation, and for such furtlier
time as may elapse until there be uninterrupted railroad
communication between Winnipeg and Saint Paul, and
also steam communication between Winnipeg and Lake
Superior."

330

THE CHEATION OF MANITOBA.

CHAPTER XVI.

CONSTITUTION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF ASSINNIBOIA — CAUSES
OF THE DISSATISFACTION EXISTING IN THE SETTLEMENT — LETTER
FROM RIEL TO OOVERNOR MACTAVISII, IMBOSINO TERMS ON THE
HUDSON BAY COMPANY — PROCLAMATION — LAWS OF ASSINNIBOIA.

|N the morning of the 25th March, the Pro-
visional flag was found to have been cut clown
during the night, and was lying on the ground.
The men in the Fort did not succeed in hoisting-
it again until the 29th, and the person who cut it down
was never discovered. -

A good deal of discontent was felt about this time
amongst the French towards Lepine on account of his
overbearing manner towards them, and at last it cul-
minated in a row, the result being that the Adjutant-
General left the Fort and returned to his home. The
quarrel, however, w^as soon afterwards made up, and
Lepine, at Kiel's request, returned to his post.

On the 2Gth of March the Council of the Provisional
Government ended its labours for that sitting, and ad-
journed till the 26th April.

As our space will not allow us to give the whole pro-
ceedings in detail, we will content ourselves with laying
a few of the principal motions and resolutions before onr
readers. The following preamble was first adopted, viz: —

" 1st. That we, the people of Assinniboia, without dis-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

331

[BOIA — CAUSES

lENT — LETTER

'BRMS ON THE

ASSINNIBOIA.

h, the Pro-

n cut down

the ground.

d in hoisting

cut it down

it this time

count of his
Last it cul-

le Adjutant-
home. The

iide up, and

e Provisional

ting, and ad-

e whole pro-
j with laying
ns before our
lopted, viz:—
^, without dis-

regard to the Crown of England under whose authority
we live, have deemed it necessary for the protection of
life and property, and the securing of those rights and
privileges which we are entitled to enjoy as British sub-
jects, and which rights and privileges we have seen in
danger, to form a Provisional Government, which is the
only acting authority in this country ; and we do hereby
ordain and establish the following Constitution : —

" 2nd. That the country hitherto knov^n as Rupert's
Lund and the North-Wost be henceforth known and
st3ded ' Assinniboia.'

" 3rd. That our assembly of representatives be hence-
forth styled ' The Legislative Assembly of Assinniboia.'

" 4tli. That all legislative authority be vested in a
President and Legislative Assembly composed of members
elected by the people ; and that at any future time
another house, called a Senate, shall be established when
deemed necessary by the President and the Legislature.

" 5 til. That the only qualification necessary for a mem-
Ijcr of the Legislative Assembly be, that he shall have
attained the age of tw^cnty-thrce years ; that he shall
have been a resident of Assinniboia for a term of at least
five years ; that he shall be a householder, and have rate-
able property to the amount of £200 sterling ; and that, if
an alien, he shall have first taken the oath of allegiance."

The following: were the oaths of office as administered : —

rilESfDENT.

" I, Louis Riel, do hereby solemnly swear that I will
fiiithfully fulfil, to the best of my ability, my duties as

332

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

President of the Provisional Government, proclaimed on
the 24th November, 18G0, and also all the duties which
may become connected with the office of President of the
Pi'ovisional Government of Assinniboia, as they may here-
after be defined by the voice of the people."

. V

clerk's oath.

" I, A. B., do solemnly swear that I will well and truly
perform all the duties of Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
of the Provisional Government of Assinniboia to the best
of my ability ; so help me God."

member's oath.

" I, A. B., do solemnly swear that I will, to the best of
my ability, faithfully perform all the duties of a Member
of the Legislative Assembly of Assinniboia ; so help nie
God."

CHIEF justice's OATH.

" In the name of God, Amen ! I, A. B., do solemnly
swear, on the Holy Evangelists, and in the presence of
Almighty God, as I shall answer to God at the great l).ay
of Jud cement, that I will faithfully and impartially per-
form all the duties of Chief Justice of Assinniboia. I swear
that I will not bear envy, hatred, or malice against any
one ; and that I will not act from fear, favor, or affection,
or hope of reward in any case ; but that I will faithfully
act between all parties ; so help me God."

Thus ended what was called the first session of the
Legislative Assembly of Assinniboia.

.'Ki'.

oclaimed on

luties wliieli

ident of the

iy may here-

11 and truly
ve Assembly
a to the best

) the best of
of a Member
; so help me

do solemnly
! presence of
he great Day
Dartially pcr-
)oia. I swear

against any
*, or affection,
■ill faithfully

ession of the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

333

On the 29th March, T. A. S. Donaldson and R. C. Bur-
dick, two American citizens, were arrested, by orders of
Kiel, for some reason, but they were released that same
afternoon; and it was said that Vice-Consul Robinson,
expecting to follow in the footsteps of his countrymen,
wrote a letter to the United States Government, to be for-
warded to Washington, in case he should be imprisoned.
A great deal of dissatisfaction was now experienced
throughout the Settlement at the continued delay in re-
establishing the Hudson's Bay Company as a commercial
body ; the utter prostration of business, and the want of
proper civil law, was very much felt. The Indians, also,
in the neighborhood of the Stone Fort, were very much
discontented ; and several efforts on the part of influential
men, amongst others Bishop Machray and Bishop- Tachd,
had to be made to keep them quiet.

A report also became current, about the same time, that
the Sioux Indians were once more on the war path, and
the consequence was another arming of settlers in case it
should prove true ; but word was soon afterwards re-
ceived that the French guard at Lane's Fort had stopped
the band, and sent them back to Portage La Prairie,
from whence they came.

On the 31st March, Major Robinson was conducted to
Fort Garry, by a guard of men, in order that he should
give up the keys of the " New Nation " printing office,
and, as soon as this was done, he was allowed to return
to his quarters in the town. Thos. Spence then under-
took the management of the paper, and, on the 2nd April,

334

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

it appeared once more; and from that day annexation to
the United States was never once hinted at in its columns.
About this time it became known that negotiations
were going on between Kiel and Governor MacTavish, for
the purpose of re-establishing the business relations of
the Company Avith the people. The following is a copy
of the communication on the subject, addressed by Kiel
to the Chief Officer of the Company : —

" To William MaoTavlsh, Esq., Governor of the Hudson's
Bay Comixmy in the North-West.

"Sir, — In reference to our interviews regarding the
affairs of the Hudson's Bay Company in this countrj^, I
have the honour to assure you that my great desire to
open, as soon as possible, in the interest of the people,
free tmd undisturbed, the commerce of the country.

" The people, in rallying themselves to the Provisional
Government with unanimity, prescribes to each of us
our respective conduct.

" The Provisional Government, established iipon the
principle of justice and reason, will fulfil its work.

" By the action of the Hudson's Bay Company, its
commercial interests may be saved to a certain extent ;
but that is entirely for your consideration, and depends
upon the Company itself I have had the honor to tell
you that arrangements Avere possible, and the following
are the conditions : —

" 1st. That the whole of the Company in the Nortli-
West shall recognize the Provisional Government.

" 2nd. That you, in the name of the Hudson's Bay

THE EED RIVER TROUBLES.

^35

Company, do agree to loan the Provisional Govcrnuiont
the sum of three thousand pounds sterling.

" 3rd. That, on demand by the Provisional Govern-
ment, in case arrangements with Canada should be op-
posed, you do guarantee a supplement of two thousand
pounds sterling to the above mentioned sum.

" 4th. That there shall be granted, by the Hudson's
Bay Company, for the support of the present military
force, goods and provisions to the value of four thousand
pounds sterling, at current prices.

" oth. That the Hudson's Bay Company do immedi-
ately put into circulation their bills.

" 6th. That the Provisional Government shall also
retain an additional specified quantity of goods in the
store of the Hudson's Bay Company.

•' In accepting the above conditions, the Hudson's Bay
Company wdll be allowed to resume its business, under
the protection of the Provisional Government.

" Fort Garry will be open ; but, in the meanwhile, it
being the seat of the Government, a small guard of fifty
men will be retained.

" Only the buildings at present occupied by the Govern-
ment will be reserved for Government purposes.

" Such, Sir, are the conditions which the situation im-
poses upon us.

" I have a duty to perforni, from which I shall not
retreat. I rim aware that j^ou fully possess the know-
ledge of your duty, and I trust that your decision will
Ito favourable.
" Allow me here to express my deep feeling of sym-

330

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

pathy for you in your continued illness, and to sincerely
trust that your health may be speedily restored.
" I have the honor to be, Sir,

" Your most obedient servant,

"Louis Riel,

" President .
" Government House,

" Fort Garry, March 28, 1870."

■■*,■'•

On the 2nd April tlie above terms were agreed to by
Mr. MacTavish, and oii tlio 8th the keys of the several
warehouses in Fort Garry were given up, by Riel, to the
Hudson's Bay Company. The latter, however, did not
resume their regular business till the 27th, although, on
the 9th, they granted bills of exchange on London, Eng-
land.

Riel's men now went to work separating the goods
they required from the Hudson's Bay Company, as well
as the confiscated goods from .Dr. Schultz, and hence the
delay in giving up the keys of the warehouses.

The reason why the Company did not resume their
business immediately afterwards, was because it took
them some timo to regulate their affairs after the chock
they had sustained.

Word was now brought down, that the Indians at
Portage La Prairie were very troublesome to the settlerp
in that neighborhood, and, on this account, a guard was
sent up to afford them protection.

The Hudson's Bay Company packet for the north,
consisting of dog trains, left Fort Garry about this time,

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

337

id to sincerely
<orcd.

iliEL,

" President.

e agreed to l)y
of the several
by Kiel, to the
v^ever, did not
b, although, on
L London, Eng-

ing the goods

mpany, as well

, and hence the

uses.

b resume their

ecause it took

after the chock

Lhe Indians at
B to the settlerc
nt, a guard vveis

for the north,
about this time,

nnd with it instructions were sent to the localities of half-
breed settlements in the interior, explaining the situation,
Avith special orders to maintain the ordinary state of
things, as in years before, so as to cause no agitation
among the several Indian tribes. The C()m})any's officials
throughout the North-West were also notified by Riel
that, in accordance with the arrangements entered into
with the Provisional Government, th6ir interests would
be protected and promoted. The free-traders were
ordered, at the same time, to use their influence in keep-
ing peace throughout the country.

On the 7th April the following proclamation was circu-
lated in printed form : —

" Government House,

" Fort Garry, April, 7, 1870.

" To the Inhahltants of the North and of the Korth-West.

" Fellow-Countrymen, — You are aware, doubtless,
both of the series of events which have taken place at
Red Eivcr, and Ijocome accomplished facts, and of the
causes which jiave brouofht them about.

'' You know how we stopped, and conducted back to
the frontier, a Governor, whom Canada, — an English
colony like ourselves — ignoring our aspirations and our
existence as a people, forgetting the rights of nations,
and our rights, as British subjects, — sought to impose
upon us, without consulting or even notifying us.

"' You know also that, having been abandoned by our
own government, which had sold its title to this country,
we saw the necessity of meeting in council, and recog-
w

338

THE CllEATION OF MANITOBA.

iii/in<^- tlio tiiitlioi-ity of a Provisional Goveniiiicut, wliicli
was i>roclaiined on the 8tli DecemLcr, ISGf).

" After many difHciilties raised against it hy ilio par-
tisans of Canada and the Hudson's Bay Company, this
Provisional Government is to-day master of the situation,
— hccause the whole people of the colony have felt the
necessity of union and concord, — because we have always
professed our nationality as British subjects; and because
our army, though small, has always sufficed to hold high
tlie noble standard of liberty and of country.

" Not only has the Provisional Governnient succeeded
in restoring order and pacifying the country, but it has
inaugurated very advantageous negotiations with the
Canadian Government, and with the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany. You will be duly informed of the results of these
nefxotiations.

" People of the North, of the North- West ! You have
not been strangers either to the cause for which we have
fought or to our affections. Distance, not indifference, has
separated us. .

" Your brethren at Red River, in working out the
mission which God assigned them, feel that they are not
acting for themselves alone, and that, if their position
has given them the glory of triumph, the victory will be
valued only in so far as you share their joy and their
liberty. The winning of their rights will possess value
in their eyes only, if you claim those rights with them.

" We possess to-day, without partition, almost the half
of a continent. The expulsion or annihilation of the
invaders has rendered our land natal to its children.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

339

iiciit, whicli

hy the par-
nil)any, this
le situation,
avc felt the
liavc always
and because
to lioltl liigli

it succeeded
y, but it has
as with the
I's Bay Com-
mits of these

You have
hich M^e have
ifference, has

iing out the
they are not
.heir position
ictory will be
oy and their
possess value
with them,
most the half
lation of the
its children.

Scattered throughout tliis vast and rich country, but
united to a man, — what matters distance to us, since wo
are all brethren, and are acting for the common good ?

" Recognized by all classes of the people, the Govern-
ment reposes upon the good will and union of the in-
habitants.

" Its duty, in officially informing you of the political
changes effected among us, is to reassure you for the
future. Its hope is that the people of the North will show
themselves worthy of their brethren in Red River.

" Still the Government fears that, from a misapprehen-
sion of its views, the people of the North and of the
North- West, influenced by evil intentioned strangers, may
commit excesses fitted to compromise tho public safety.
Hence it is that the President of the Provisional Govern-
ment deems it his duty to uige upon all those who desire
the public good, and the prosperity of their country, to
make the fact known and understood by all those half-
breeds or Indians who might wish to take advantage of
this so-called time of disorder, to foment trouble, that the
true state of public affairs is order and peace.

" The Government, established on justice and reason,
will never permit disorder, and those who are guilty of it
shall not go unpunished. It must not be that a few
mischievous individuals should compromise the interests
of the whole people.

"People of the North and of the North-West! This
message is a message of peace. War has long enough
threatened the colony. Long anough have we been in

lUO

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

arms to protect the country and restore order, disturbed
by evil-doers and scoundrels.

"Our country, so happily surrounded by Providence
with natural and almost insuperable barriers, invites us
to unite.

"After the crisis through which we have passed, all
feel, more than ever, that they seek the same interests, —
that they aspire to the same rights, — that they are mem-
bers of the same family.

" We hope that you also will feel the need of rallying
round the Provisional Government, to support and sus-
tain it in its work.

" By order of the President,

"Louis Schmidt,

" As8t. Secy of Slate"

On the 0th Riel issued the following —

"PROCLAMATION

" To the People of the North-West

" Let the assembly of twenty-eight representatives,
which met on the 9th March, be dear to the people of
Red River ! That assembly has shown itself worthy of
great confidence. It has worked in vmion. The members
devoted themselves to the public interests, and yielded
only to sentiments of good will, duty and generosity.
Thanks to tha j noble conduct, public authority is now
strong. That strength will be employed to sustain antl
protect the people of the country.

"To-day the Government pardons all those whom

THE RED niVER TROUBLES.

'S\l

those whom

political (liffcreiKH's lod astray only for a tinio. Amnesty
will bo generously accorded to all those who will suhniit
to the Government ; who will discountenance or inform
ajjainst danfjeroiis <;athei'in<xs.

"From this day forth the public highways are open.

" The Hudson's Bay Company can now resume business.
Themselves contributing to the public good, they circulate
their money as of old. They pledge themselves to that
course.

" The attention of the Government is also directed very
specially to the northern part of the country, in order
that trade there may not receive any serious check, and
peace in the Indian districts may thereby be all the more
securely maintained.

" The disastrous war, which at one time threatened us,
has left among us fears and various deplorable results.
But let the people feel reassured.

" Elevated by the Grace of Providence and the suffrages
of my fellow-citizens to the highest position in the Go-
vernment of my country, I proclaim that peace reigns in
our midst this day. The Government will take every
precaution to prevent this peace from being disturbed.

" While internally all is thus returning to order, ex-
ternally, also, matters are looking favorable. Canada
invites the Red River people to an amicable arrangement.
She offers to guarantee us our rights, and to give us a
place in tho Confederation ccpial to that of any other
Proviu'" \

"Identified with the Provisional Government, our
national will, based upon justice, shall be respected.

342

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

" Happy country, to have escaped many misfortunes
that were prepared for her ! In seeing her children on
the point of a war, she recollects the old friendship which
used to bind them, and by the ties of the same patriotism
she has re-united them again for the sake of preserving
their lives, their liberties, and their happiness.

" Let us remain united and we shall be happy. With
strength of unity we shall retain prosperity.

" my fellow countrymen, without distinction of Ian-
gunge, or without distinction of creed — keep my words
in your hearts ! If ever the time should unhappily come
when another division should take place amongst us,
such as foreigners heretofore sought to create, that will
be the signal for all the disasters which we have had the
happiness to avoid.

" In order to prevent similar calamities, the Govern-
ment will treat with all the severity of the law those
who will dare again to compromise the public security.
It is ready to act against the disorder of parties as well
as against that of individuals. But let us hope rather
that extreme measures will be unknown, and that the
lessons of the past will guide us in the future.

"Louis Kiel.
" Government House,

"Fort Garry, April 9, 1870."

A rumour now was afloat that a box, containing Go-
vernor McDougall's correspondence relative to the North-
West, had been discovered, ai;d that a portion of the
papers were to be published ; people were, therefore, on
the qui vive to see what they were like.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES,

343

Kiel, in the meantime, continued to furnish his quarters
at Fort Garry in sumptuous style, using Governor
McDougall's furniture for that purpose. He did not,
however, increase his own popularity by this course,
more especially amongst his own people, as they would
have been better satisfied had he not indulged in such a
parade of magnificence, which, in realit}'^, was altogether
foreifrn to their natures, never havincj been accustomed
to anything beyond simplicity and plainness on the part
of their rulers.

On the 20th April, Kiel ordered the Union Jack to be
hoisted at Fort Garry ; but, as soon as this had been done,
O'Donoghue, and a few of his immediate followers, took it
down. This caused a row between the two leaders, and
resulted in Kiel threatening to place O'Donoghue in' prison
if he persisted in disobeying his presidential orders.
The consequence was that the Union Jack was again
hoisted, and O'Donoghue threatened to leave the Fort.
Kiel rose grently in the public opinion by this act ; and
there is no doubt that, had he hoisted the British emblem
in the earlier days of the troubles, it would have saved a
great deal of the misery which followed. The settlers,
generally, were attached to British institutions, and tlie
foct of there being no outward show of respect on the
part of the leaders of the French towards the British flng,
tended greatly to cause a want of confidence in their in-
tentions, and a mistrust that the rights of British subjects
was not their aim. The Provisional flag, also, appeared
to be simply a sectional affair, representing, as it did,
only the French and Irish element; thus, as it were, ex-

344

THE CREATION OF MANITORA.

eluding tlift other nationalities of the British Enmre.
The next day, after the disagreement between Riel and
O'Donoghue, a party of men proceeded to Dr. Schultz's
house, and, digging out the flag pole in front of it, carried
it away and erected it in front of the Government House
at Fort Garry; and, on the 23rd April, the Provisional
flag was hoisted upon it, while the Union Jack continued
to float from the centre staff of the Fort. O'Donoghue,
therefore, to a certain degree, gained his point; and
people formed the opinion that Riel was not as strong in
power as he appeared to be.

It was nov7 reported that a great seal was being pre-
pared for tlic Provisional Government, but as it never
appeared, it was, likely, one of the absurd rumors afloat
at the time. The lied River now began to rise very
rapidly, and many of the settlers feared a flood ; so that
between grasshoppers, political troubles, and overflowing
of the river, the country seemed doomed to be swamped
altogether. '■

On the 23rd April, the inhabitants residing along the
l)anks of the Red River, enjoyed a sight which w^as al-
together new in the history of the country. In the
forenoon of that day, a large-sized, two-masted schooner
appeared under full sail, coming from the direction of the
Stone Fort. This turned out to be the " Jessie M'Kenney,"
bound for Pembina; and as soon as she had taken in
some freight, opposite the town of Winnipeg, she again
set sail for her destination, which she reached in safet\ ,
tlie high state of the water greatly assisting the passage
of the vessel up the river. On the morning of the 24tli,

■ •■ '

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

345

sh Er'spire.
n Riel and
r. Sclmltz's
»f it, carried
nent House
Provisional
k continued
)'Donoghue,
point; and
nH strong in

s being pre-

as it never

imors afloat

o rise very

Dod ; so that

overflowing

be swamped

lo- alono; the
hich was al-
try. In the
ted schooner
rection of the
3 M'Kenncy,"
lad taken in
?g, she again
cd in safet} ,
J the passage
■ of the 24th,

the Union Jack was found to have been cut down during
the night, and was not hoisted again until the 28th ;
people wondering, in the meantime, whether O'Donoghue
was to have it all his own way. It was never discovered
who perpetrated this outrage.

Rumors were now constantly afloat regarding Fili-
busters and Fenians, from the United States, coming into
the Settlement ; and these served to keep the settlers
constantly in a state of uneasiness. At the same time it
became known that a large party of American soldiers
were to be stationed, early in the Spring, at Pembina, to
guard the frontier.

The mails ixow happening to be very irregular, on
account of the bad state of the roads between Fort Gany
and Abercrombie, a strange report was circulated that the
bags had been seized by Riel and burned in Fort Garry.
This will show our readers the ridiculousness of many of
the rumors that wore afloat ; especially when it is con-
sidered that it almost invariably happens that the mails
are delayed in the early part of spring, to and from the
east, on account of the impassability of the roads. This,
however, was not considered ; but because the bags did
not arrive at their regular time, it was immediately con-
cluded that they had been purposely destroyed.

A good deal of anxiety was now being felt regarding
the delegates, and their reception at Ottawa. The delay
of the mails, tjierefore, at that particular time was very
annoying ; and consequently special messengers wen; de-
spatched to St. Paul to bring back word, if any there.

On the 3rd of May the Hudson's Bay Company com-

34G

THE CREITION OF MANITOBA.

^HS f.

menced to issue their new currency, in order to meet tlie
demand made upon them by Riel, as well as to carry on
their own business, and keep up the circulation of the
country. The following is the form of note issued by
them, printed on a very poor quality of paper : —

"No One Pound Sterling. iVb

" On demand I promise to pay the bearer, at Fort
Garry, the sum of One Pound Sterling, in a Bill of Ex-
change on the Hudson's Bay Company, London.

" Dated at Fort Garry this day of 1870.

''J. H. MacTavish,

" For Hudson's Bay Company."

On the 4th of May the captain of the Hudson's Bay
Company's steamboat, " International," arrived at Fort
Garry from Abercrombie, by canoe, bringing with him
two telegrams from Rev. Mr. Richot, giving the informa-
tion of his and Mr. Scott's imprisonment at Ottawa;
but, at the same time, stating that they were in no per-
sonal danger.

Very little excitement occurred in the Settlement over
the news ; although some anxiety was felt lest anything
should happen to the delegates, and thus be the means of
causing farther trouble amongst the French. On the 5th
of May, the steamboat "International," started from Fort
Garry for Georgetown, heavily laden with furs; and, as
she was delayed at the landing for some time, it was
feared, at one time, that Riel intended to stop her alto-
gether.

The winterers and hunters now began to arrive from

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

3*7

the plains, laden with furs of all descriptions ; the buffalo
especially having been very plentiful, the supply of robes
was large. These men who had been away from the Set-
tlement, during the troubles, did not appear to take any
part with Kiel when they came in ; and, in fact, seemed
to keep aloof altogether from mixing in the affairs of the
country, although there is no doubt efforts were made to
induce them to join in with the movement. The so-cal-
led second session of the Legislative Assembly of Assin-
niboia, finished their labours on the 9th May, and as we
have not space to give their proceedings in full, we w^ll
merely give a list of the laws as passed by them at that
sitting. Riel, before closing the session, stated that in
the event of anything official coming fi-om the delegates,
he might call a special session of the Legislatujte.

Laws of Assinxiboia, passed by the President and
Legislatx/e Assembly of Assinniboia, on the 7th
Day of May, 1870.

Second Session of the Legislature.

[These laAvs come into operation on the 20th day of May, 1870 ; until
which time the laws, under which the country has hitherto been gov-
erned, remain in full force. On and after the 20th day of May,
1870, all the old laws are repealed.]

general provisions.

I. All fines and forfeitures, when not otherwise appro-
priated, shall go to the Public Fund.

IL Every enactment shall be interpreted without re-
gard to the distinction of gender or nura ber.

I!'!

348

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

H I

III. If any person encourage, in any way, any viola-
tion of any local enactment, ho shall be held to bo as
guilty as the principal offender.

IV. That, unless special regulation provide to the con-
trary, every wrong has its remedy under the general law
of the country.

V. That the law of England shall be the law of the
land, in relation to crimes and misdemeanors, and gener-
ally as to all civil rights, except wherein modified by the
local law.

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.

I. That the Supremo Court of Assinniboia, shall be
held four times a year, viz. : On the third Tuesday of
February, of May, of August, and of November.

For the present year only the next sitting of the Su-
preme Court, will be held on the second Tuesday in June,
1870.

II. District Courts shall be held .at such times and
places as follows, viz. : District of

1. Manitoba — To include all the settlements in the im-
mediate vicinity of Manitoba Lake.

2. Portage La Prairie — From the extreme end of the
Settlement, along the Assinniboine River, down to the
place at which the Long Lake touches the public road ;
on both sides of the river.

n. Wliite-Horse Plain — To extend from where the Long
Lake touches the public roa ^ to the Sturgeon Creek ; on
both sides of the river.

4. Fort Garry — To extend from Sturgeon Creek on the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

849

'C the LoiMX

Assinniboinc River, and from Pembina clown to St. PaulV
Cliurch on the Red River, and on both sides of each river.
This district to inchide also Po'nt de Chene.

5. St. Andrew's — To extend from St. Paul's Church to
any of the settlements on or around Winnipeg Lake, and
on both sides of the river.

District Courts shall be held as follows : —

1. Portage La Prairie on the first Tuesday in each
month.

2. White-Horse Plain on the second Tuesday in each
month. ^

3. Fort Garry on the fourth Tuesday in each month.

4. St. Andrew's on the third Tuesday in each month.

5. Manitoba on the fourth Tuesday respectively ; March,
September, and December, and first Tuesday in June.

III. The Chairman of a District Court shall be a Jus-
tice of the Peace.

2. All the magistrates of a judicial district shall be
entitled to sit at any court held for that district.

3. The Chairman and two District Mac^istrates shall
form a quorum, the Chairman having a vote only when
the other magistrates cannot come to a decision.

TV. The District Courts shall take cognizance:

1. Of all actions of debt for sums of not more than ten
pounds sterling.

2. Of all offences which do not involve any other pen-
alty than a fine of not more than two pounds sterling.

3. Of all cases arising from breach of the Liquor laws.
V. The losing party at a District Court may appeal to

the Supreme Court, provided —

350

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

1. Tliat notice of appeal be given at the same session
of tlie Court ; and provided —

2. That the appelhmt pay down the usual deposit re-
quired of all parties entering cases for the Supreme Co^i^'^ ;
also, tho am ..it ; tb-i judgment i jndered against him,
or give sa+isi>-*v(>r\ ocurity for the same.

VI. In cases .jmii ;* mder the cognizance of the Dis-
trict Courts, and where plaintiff and defendant reside in
different districts, the case shall be tried in the district in
which the defendant resides ; and if the plaintiff gain the
case, he shall receive, in addition to the ordinary and ne-
cessary costs of the Court, such amount for loss of time,
and expenses of travelb'ng, as the Court may decide upon.

VII. That any District Magistrate shall have the right
to issue a summons for his own district.

2. He shall also have the right to issue a summons for
any other district, but such summons shall have no legal
force, unless countersigned by a Magistrate of the district
where such summons is to take effect.

VIII. If in an}" suits originally brought before the
General Court, the Bench, after verdict is given against
the defendant, shall unanimously decide that such suit
ought to have gone before a District Court, the plaintifl'
in that case shall receive costs only as in such District
Court.

IX. In any Court, either party to a civil action may be
made the other's witness.

X. For every writ in civil action in the Supreme Court,
there shall be payable to the Magistrate, issuing the same,
three shillings and sixpence stg., and for every writ issued

THE RED RIVER TROUBLEH.

351

ic session

the district

l«y any of IJiu T>isa'ict Magistrates, two sliil lings and
sixpence stg., of which charges the sum of one shilling
shtdl he paid to the constiible serving the writ, the V»ahince
hcing retained by tlie Magistrate. For such shilling the
con' table shall be bound to serve any writ within five
miles of his own residence ; but for any distance he may
be required to travel beyond that he' shall be entitled to
mileage at the rate of two pence a mile. These fees shall
be payable to the Magistrate before issuing the wr* «.".^d
every constable receiving a writ shall be respond ' Me f"r
tlie service thereof.

XI. In criminal cases jurors and witnesses shall b prid
five shillings a day out of the Public Funds, a"' ' ir civil
cases, five shillings per day for each case in wnicli they
serve ; payable by plaintiff or defendant accor<ling to the
decision of the Court.

XII. That on every case entered for the Supreme Court
the plaintiff shall deposit the sum of one pound stg.,
which, if the case come on to trial, shall go towards the
})ayment of the jury. But should the case not come to
trial, the said deposit shall be forfeited if the case has not
been withdrawn at least twelve full days previous to the
day on which the Court sits.

XIII. That any person imprisoned, on account of any
crime or misdemeanor shall receive daily, at the public
expense, one pound of Hour, one pound of pemmican, and
water at discretion ; and no person shall be imprisoned at
the suit of any creditor, unless said creditor pay seven
shillings weekly in ad\\ance for the board of said prisoner.

XIV. Summonses issued to defendants, coming before

352

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

the Supremo Court, must be served at least fifteen days
before the first day of the session of said Court, and sum-
monses to defendants in suits coming before any District
Court must be served at least eight days before the session
of said Court.

XV. In the Supreme Court trial shall be by jury, ex-
cept where both parties desire it otlierwise.

XVI. It shall be lawful for the Legislative Assembly,
upon petition from any present resident of the country,
who is recommended by at least three members of the
Assembly, to issue a license to said petitioner to practise
law in any of the Courts of the country, upon payment
of two pounds stg. per annum in advance for every year
subsequent to the year of admission ; provided always
that the number of such authorized practitioners of law
does not exceed ten ; provided, also, that when a practi-
tioner fails to pay his annual fee, he ceases, i2^so facto, to
have the right to practise.

XVII. When a judgment debt is not paid at the time
.appointed by the Court, the Sheriff shall be obliged, at
the request of the creditor, and on presentation of the
record of such judgment, signed by the Clerk of the
Court, to proceed at once to seize the goods and chattels,
or other property of said debtor, and on giving fourteen
days' public notice, to sell the same by public auction, so
ftir as necessary to satisfy the debt, and all necessary ex-
penses connected with such sale; provided always that
said debtor be not deprived of necessary household fur-
niture or utensils, or of such animals or implements as he
must necessarily have to carry on his usual avocation.

fteou (lays
;, and sum-
ny District
thn session

)yjnry, cx-

; Assembly,
10 country,
bers of the
' to practise
on payment
: every year
(led always
)ncrs of law
len a practi-
pso facto, to

at the time
5 obliged, at
ation of the
^lerk of the
ind chattels,
dng fourteen
Lc auction, so
lecessary ex-
always that
)useliold fur-
ements as he
al avocation.

THE RED llIVEIl TROUBLES.

353

Failing such goods, chattels or other property avaihible
for Sheriff's sale, the debtor may be imprisoned on tlio
conditions specified in local law No. 13.

XVIII. That any creditor to the extent of not less than
two pounds stg., on making oath, before a Justice of tlie
Peace, to the correctness of the debt, and the fact of his
belief in his debtor's intention to proceed to a foreign
country or to a remote part of this country, shall have
the right to compel the said debtor to give security for
the amount of tlie debt, or, failing that, to apprehend and
detain his person.

XIX. If, in the case contemplated by the preceding
article, it appears after trial that the complainant had no
ground of action, he shall be liable in damages to the
defendant summarily, at the discretion of the Court.

XX. In the case of a debtor who has left those parts of
this country over which our Courts have jurisdiction, for
a period of one year, and has left property within said
jurisdiction, such property, or as much of the same as will
satisfy the claim of the creditor, shall, at the discretion of
any two Justices of the Peace, if the creditor establish
his claim to the satisfaction of said Justices, be liable to
be attached, and assigned to some third party in trust,
and if the debtor fail to appear before the competent
Court, after summons by proclamation inserted three
times in a local newspaper, and also posted three suc-
cessive Sundays, in some conspicuous place, near all the
churches within the district in which the property is
situated, and also in the town of Winnipeg, said Court
shall proceed to execute judgment in the premises ; pro-

354

TFIK CREATION OF MANITOBA.

'• <

vided, always, that no such proceedings shall bo allowable
with reference to the property of any such absent person
who had ])ublicly notified his intention of departure for
fifteen days previous to the date of the same.

XXI. Summonses for the General Court, and warrants,
shall be issuable only by Justices of the Peace, and such
writs shall have effect in any part of the country over
which the Cfcneral Court exercises jurisdiction.

XXII. In any dispute regarding debt not over the sum
of three pounds stg., or damages not over one pound
stg., any District Magistrate or Justice of the Peace shall
have power to decide summarily, if both parties are
agreeable, and from such decision there shall be no ap-
peal. In such cases the Magistrate or Justice of the Peace
shall be entitled to a fee of five shillings from the losing
party.

XXIII. That no action for the recovery of debt be
brought before the August term of the Supreme Court.
Those who have not been in the Settlement since the first
day of November, 1869, and those who may be preparing
to leave the Settlement without satisfying their creditors
as provided for in the I7tli article under the heading
" Administration of Justice," do not come under this law.

XXIV. Whenever any Judicial Officer of any Court is
pecuniarily interested in the result of any suit before
such Court, he shall, if requested by one of the parties to
the suit, vacate his seat and take no part in the case in
his capacity as member of the Bench.

XXV. Whenever the Sheriff is pecuniarily interested
in the result of any suit in the Supreme Court, a special

THE RKD RIVER TUOUnLES.

Hoo

jury shall, at the request of the jui'ty opposed to the
Shciift*, Ije summoned for such suit hy the Coroner, and
whenever judgment is given against the Sheriff, either in
the Supreme Court or in any District Court, and execu-
tion becomes necessary, it sludl be the riglit and duty of
the Coroner, or of any Justice of the Peace, at the re([ucst
of the plaintiff, to execute the judgment of the Court,
and in doing so, to call in the assistance of atiy constables
or other persons necessary for the purpose.

XXVI. Any person who incurs debt or commits any
crime or offence, in parts of the country beyond the juris-
diction of our Courts, shall be liable to prosecution when-
ever found within the limits of such jurisdiction.

XXVII. Every Justice of the Peace, M.agistrate, Con-
stable, or other public olHcer whatsoever, must be a
British subject, who has resided at least three years in
this country, and who is a householder or landowner.

XXVIII. A summons shall be considered as served, if
left on any day, except Sunday or a legal holiday, with
the defendant ; or if (being within some judicial district)
it be left at his domicile or place of business, with his
wife or with any other adult member of his family, or
any person in his employ, above the age of fifteen years.

XXIX. Til Supreme Court shall be composed of a pre-
siding Judge, and three or more Justices of the Peace.

XXX. The Supreme Court shall take cognizance of all
crimes, offences, and causes of action whatsoever, not ex-
pressly assigned to the District Courts, and its jurisdiction
shall extend to all parts of the country.

XXXI. Any barrister, advocate, attorney, or solicitor,

35G

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

qualified to practise law in the United Kingdom, or in
any British colony, shall be entitled to practise in the
Courts of this country, on paying a licence of ten pounds
per annum in advance.

XXXII. In all cases coming before any Court, or in
cases of summary trial coming before any Justice of the
Peace or District Magistrate, a record of the proceedings
shall be kept, specifying the names of the plaintiff and
defendant, the date and nature of the suit, the evidence
in the case, and the decision.

CUSTOMS DUTIES.

I. All goods imported into the country from any part
of the world, save such as may be specially excepted,
shall be subject to 4 per cent, ad valorem duty, the goods
to be estimated at the price current of the original place
of export.

II. The following shall be admitted free from customs
duty : —

1. All bar-iron and steel.

2. All books, publicat':ons and stationery goods.
8. All scientific instruments.

4. All agricultural implements.

5. All baggage, apparel and utensils that have been or
are in present use of the owner.

6. All seeds, roots, or plants. •

7. All goods passing through the country in bond.

8. All cases, boxes, barrels, bottles or covering whicli
contain goods or fluids of any description.

9. All monumental tablets or tombstones.

10. All grindstones and stoves.

gdom, or in

ctise in the

ten pounds

ourt, or in

istice of the

proceedings

plaintiff and

,he evidence

om any part
lly excepted,
[ity, the goods
original place

from customs

goods.

■j have been or

y in bond.
;overing whieb

js.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

357

11. All goods gratuitously given and originally intended
for the benefit of the Indian missions in this country ;
also, all wines iinportcd for church service.

12. All animals imported for the improvement of the
breed of stock.

13. All mill and fiictory machinery.

III. There shall be three Collectors of Customs, residing
severally at Pembina, Portage La Prairie, and at or near
Fort Garry, whose residences shall be houses of clearance.

IV. A Collector of Customs shall have power to ad-
minister oaths, to search for and seize contraband goods,
and to prosecute defaulters. He shall have power to call
all Constables and all loyal subjects of Her Britannic
Majesty to his aid ; and all persons, not Constables, when
called upon, shall be paid by the Collector, at the public
expense, ten shillings per diem. A Collector of Customs
shall also have power to exact and receive payment of
customs duty, and to give receipts in discharge of the same.

V. The Collectors of Customs shall, twice in every
month, pay into the hands of the Treasurer, who is ex-
ofjicio Receiver-General, all revenues received by them,
together with a list of the persons paying and the value
of the goods on which the duty has been paid ; and the
Collectors of Customs at Pembina and Portage La Prairie
shall, one"! every fourteen days, transmit to the Collector
at or near Fort Garry, a list of all clearances made by
them.

VI. Eacli Collector shall, in addition to his salary, be
entitled to one-fifth part of the proceeds of all lawful
seizures made or caused to be made by him.

358

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA,

VII. All dutiable goods brought into this country, ex-
cept such as may be imported by way of Hudson's Bay,
shall be liable to detention by the Collector of Customs
at the first house of clearance, unless such Collector be
furnished by the owner or consignee, or agent of eit\''.r,
on or before the arrival of such goods into the country,
with a duly attested invoice or manifest, showing the
name of the consignee, and the quantity and prime cost
value of the said goods.

VIII. The Collector may verify the accuracy of any
invoice presented to him, by an oath administered to the
party, or by examination of the goods ; opening packages
if necessary. On being therewith satisfied he shall exact
payment of the duty, or, at his discretion, accept a bond
for the amount, payable to any Collector of Customs
within a period of one month, which bond may be sued
for, and recovered the same as any other contract debt.

IX. Each Collector of Customs, on passing nny goods
at his clearing house, shall provide the person in cliarge
of such goods witli a clearance certificate.

X. In any case where the Avant of an invoice is, on the
oath of the owner or consignee of the goods, or agent of
either of them, declared to be unavoidable, the Collector
at the first clearing house may either detain the goods, or
forward the same in charge of some competent person or
persons, to either of the other clearing houses, where the
said goods shall be detained until payment of tlie duty
thereon, or security obtained.

XI. All goods liable for duty, except such as may be
imported by way of Hudson's Bay, shall be seized as con-

thci
ofti
an)

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

359

traband, unksss protected by a certificate from the first
custom house.

XII. The owner or consignee of all dutiable goods, im-
ported by way of Hudson's Bay, shall report the quantity
and prime cost of such goods to a Collector of Customs in
Red River Settlement, within three months after the ar-
rival of said goods in this country, and, failing to do so,
the importer, owner or consignee of such goods, shall be
liable to a penalty of not more than four thou.sand pounds
sterling.

XIII. All goods seized as contraband shall, after public
notice, be sold by auction for the benefit of the revenue,
saving expenses and the rights of Collectors.

XIV. A duty of two shillings a gallon shall be imposed
on all wines and spirituous liquors imported into the
country.

CONSTABLES.

I. Constables, not less than sixteen in number, shall be
appointed in the following districts : —

1. In Manitoba, 1.

2. „ Portage La Prairie, 2.

3. „ White-Horse Plains, 3.

4. „ Fort Garry, 7 (two of whom shall be on service
specially in the town of Winnipeg).

5. In St. Andrew's, 3.

And every Constable shall have the power to demand
the aid of any British subject to repress any disturbance
of the public peace, or to execute any order of Court or of
any Judicial Officer.

360

THE CllEATION OF MANITOBA.

II. The following shall be the form of oath administered
to every Constable : —

"I swear before God, that I shall, till lawfully dis-
charged from my office of Constable for Assinniboia, be
always ready, at all hazards, to serve and execute all legal
writs, and to maintain the peace and security of the
country against all enemies and disturbers of such peace
and security ; and that I shall obey all laws, and all law-
ful authorities within and for said country of Assinniboia;
so help me God."

III. For any neglect of duty, any Constable may be
suspended by any Magistrate, or may be discharged by
the Supreme Court.

INTESTATE ESTATES.

I. When any person has died intestate, no person shall
intermeddle with the property till he has received letters
of administration from the Supreme Court of Assinniboia.

II, Letters of administration shall be granted to any
one, ap})roved by the Supreme Court, who may apply for
the same, on such applicant satisfying the Court that
the person whose estate he seeks to administer has died
intestate, and giving satisfactory security to double the
amount of the value of the estate, as appraised by two
persons nominated by two Justices of the Peace, and after
public notice is given three times in all local newspapers,
and also posted at the doors of all the churches in the parish
o\ parishes in wh ' cli the property is situated. For such let-
\ cr.3 ol administration the applicant shall pay to the Clerk
of the Court the sum of seven shillings and six-pence.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

3G1

Iministered

wfiilly (lis-

nniboia, be

Lite all legal

itv of the

such peace

md all law-

ssinniboia;

ble may be
jcharged by

person shall
eived letters
Assinniboia.
mted to any
ay api)ly for

Court that
ster has died

double the
ised by two
ice, and after

newspapers,
1 in the parish
For such let-
^ to the Clerk
iix-pence.

III. That in all cases where the head or heads of a
family die, the Supreme Court shall be, ex officio, guardians
of the minors of the family of such deceased, until some au-
thorized guardian be appointed.

POSTAL.

I. The General Post Office shall be in the town of
Winnipeg.

II. The mails shall be carried between Winnipeg and
Pembina, at the public expense, so as to connect with the
United States mail,

III. The charge for postage between Winnipeg and
Pembina shall be as follows : —

1. Let^^ers, under half ounce, one penny, and a penny
for each additional half ounce.

2. Magazines or Reviews, two pence.

3. Newspapers, one half-penny, except such as proceed
directly from offices of publication, and those which come
in as exchanges, on which there shall be no charge.

4. Books, half pound and under, four pence, and for
every additional quarter pound, one penny.

5. All letters carried between the Post Office- a the
county shall bear a charge of one penny each.

6. All local newspapers to regular subscriber^ coming
from offices of publication, shall be carried frt ; etween
the Post Offices in the countr3\

IV. Letters that have remained in a Post Office one
month, uncalled-for, sliall be returned to the General Post
Office, and advertized three times in a local newspaper,
and in a conspicuous place in the General Post (^Hce at

302

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

Winnij)eg. All letters so advertised shall bear an extia
charge of three- pence each.

V. Branch Post Offices shaJl be established at the fol-
lowing places : — St. Andrew's, Headingly, Portage La
Prairie, and St, Norbert.

FIRES.

I. If any hay in the prairie be destroyed by a running
fire, the owner shall recover damages from the person
who has kindled the fire, provided such hay has been
protected at a distance of not less than twenty yards by a
ploughed or burned ring at least twelve feet wide,

II. If, between the first day of May and the 1st of De-
ceml»er, any person shall kindle a fire intended to run, he
shall be fined ten pounds sterlmg, one half to go to the
prosecutoi-. In deftiult of payment, the offender may be
imprisoned for three months in the common jail ; and if
any person, without having obtained the presence or as-
sistance of at least six men, shall light a fire for the pur-
pose of burning rings round hay, as allowed by the pre-
ceding lav,', he shall be held to have incurred the penalty
attached to this law ; provided that the Bench may remit
the whole fine if the defendant hath both kindled the fire
through necessity and done all in his power to prevent it
from spreading.

III. If any fire in the open air, which is not intended
to run, be left burning, every person who may have
kindled or fed, or used the same, shall be fined, not less
than five pounds, nor more than ten pounds sterling.

THE KED lUVEll TROUBLES.

303

an extia

the fol-
•tagc La

running
le person
has been
ards by a
ie.

Istof De-
fco run, he
go to the
;r may be
il; and if
nee or as-
r the pur-
y the pre-
le penalty
nay remit
ed the fire
prevent it

) intended
nay have
1, not less
•ling.

ANIMALS.

I. If one or more animals be found in an enclosure
where they have done damage, the said damage shall bo
paid for by the owner and owners of such animal or ani-
mals found within the enclosure ; provided that where any
such animals be known as " fence breakers," the owner or
owners of such " fence breakers " shall be responsible for
one half of the damage done.

If any stallion, eighteen months old or upwards, be
found at large, the owner shall, upon conviction, be fined
three pounds, half tlie fine to go to the captor, who shall
deliver such stallion at the residence of any constable.

When a captured stallion has been ])laced in charge of
a constable, it shall be the duty of such con tal Ie to keep
the animal, or cause it to be kept, for one shilling per day,
until the owner pay the fine and expenses of keep ; and
the constable shall, immediately on getting the animal, if
the owner be noi known, advertise the same three times
in every local newspaper, and on three successive Sundays
at the doors of two Protestant and two Roman Catholic
churches, giving in such advertisements a full description
of the animal ; and, if the owner be not thereby discov-
ered, said constable shall bring the case before the next
District Court, and if legal capture and detention be
proved, such Court shall order the sale of such animal for
satisfaction of fine and expenses, any balance being paid
into the hands of the Public Treasurer, in trust for the
owner. Should the proceeds of the sale not cover fine
and expenses, said expenses shall be a first charge, and
the captor's half of the fine the next.

364

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

; >

III. If any lam shall be found at large between the
thirtieth day of July and the first day of Decembei', such
ram may be captured by any person, and placed in charge
of a constable to keep, at a charge of three-pence a day,
until the owner pay to the captor a fine of five shillings
and expenses of keep ; and, if the owner be unknown, the
constable shall, immediately on getting the ram, advertise
the same three times in every newspap^-r, and wn three
successive Sundays at the doors of two Protestwint and
two Roman Catholic churches — giving in sisieh adv*^rtise-
ment a complete description of the animal.

IV. If between the thirty-first March and first day of
December, any pig or pigs be found at larj^e, without a
yoke, a foot and a half wide, and a foot and a half in
height, and an iron ring in the nose, the owner shall not
only be answerable for all damages committed by said
pig or pigs, but shall also, if the animals or animals be
captured, pay three shillings to the captor for each. Un-
til so paid the captor shall keep such pig or i>igs, and be
entitled to one shilling a day for each animal, from the
owner, to be paid before the animals are removed.

V. If any person take another's horse and use the same
without the owner's consent, he shall, on conviction, be
fined five pounds, or be imprisoned for one month in the
common jail ; half of the fine to go to the informer, and
in the event of the guilty party being imprisoned, the
informer shall be paid two pounds ten shillings out of the
public funds. If a horse so taken shall be injured oi-
lost, the person who took the animal shall indemnify the
owner the full extent of the damages or loss.

THE r,ED RIVER TROUBLES.

365

VI. If any policeman, constable, or magistrate, on
seeing any person using a horse, has any reasonable
grounds for suspicion that said person does not own the
animal, and has no permission to use the same, he may
detain such person until it be shown that the horse is

used of right.

HAY.

I. If any person cut hay outside what is now known as
the Four Mile line, before the twenty-first day of July
he shall forfeit the same or the value thereof.

II. If any person cut hay on another's ground without
permission, he shall forfeit the same to the person injured^
without receiving any allowance for his labor ; but, if he
trespass in ignorance, he shall still forfeit as before, but
shall receive compensation to the extent of half the value
of his labor.

HI. Where the people of any district cannot enjoy
what is known as the " Two Mile Hay Privilege," and a
tract oi land in lieu of such be gi*anted, special regulations
shall be made for such cases.

LIQUOR LAW.

I. If any person supply or sell to any unsettled and
uncivilized Iiadian the means of intoxication he shall, on
conviction, be fined as follows

1. Two pounds for firnishinr any %ewing utensils, the
fine to go to the informer.

2. Three pounds for furnishing malt, the fine to go to
the informer.

3GG

THE CllKATION OF MANITOBA.

3. Five pounils for furniahing beer or any fciuieiiti'd
rK|ii<)i', tlie fine to go to the informer,

4. One hundred pounds for furnishing distilled spirits,
or any intoxicating drink, other tlian fermented liquoi's,
half the fine to go to tlie informer.

In every case the offender, after conviction, shall l)e
imprisoned until the fine is paid. In every case where a
person is found guilty of a breach of this law a second
time, the fine in such cases shall be doubled.

II. In addition to the fines mentioned in the preceding
article, the offender shall make restitution to the Indian
of what he may have received, if anything, for such fur-
nishing, and when the considei'ation is not money, it shall
for the purposes of restitution be valued at prime cost.

III. If an intoxicated Indian commit or threaten to
commit any injury to pei'son or property, he shall, in
addition to special punishment for such conduct, be im-
prisoned until he disclose the name of the person who
furnished him the means of intoxication.

IV. If any person be found with any of the above
specified means of intoxication among Indians, he shall
be held guilty of furnishing such means of intoxica-
tion to them, unless he shall prove that such liquor
is for his own use or for the use of such civilized person
as may be with him, or that it is in transit for any civil-
ized person or persons. Any violation of this article may
be punished in the manner set forth in article I., sub-
section 4.

V. No person shall sell spirits, wine or beer, in any

THE RED RIVER TROURLES.

307

quantity iiiuler five gallons without ()l)tninii)«^' a license,
as contained in the followini' sclietlulc :- -

"A. B., having paid ten pounds, is hereby licensed, iVoni
this date to the first week-day in December 187-, inclu-
sive, to sell spirits, wine or beer, in any (puuitity, under
the following restrictions, viz.: —

1. He shall not sell to any person between the hours of
ten at night and six in the morning.

2. Nor to any [)erson, at any time, during (Sunday,
Good Friday and Christmas Day.

3. Nor at any time to any intoxicated person.

4. Nor shall he at any time sell to any uncivilized and
unsettled Indian, either directly to the Indian, or know-
ingly, on the part of the seller, indirectly to another for
the Indian.

5. All manufacturin<x and selling shall be confined to
the premises for which this license is granted.

C. The violation of any of these I'cstrictions shall make
this license null and void.

Any proved breach of any of the conditions of the
license shall cause the forfeiture of the same, without any
right on the holder's part to the restitution of any portion
of the license fee. And whenever the breach involves
also the violation of the laws against the intoxicating of
Indians, the seller, besides losing his license, shall be
liable to all such j^enalties as he shall have incurred
under the said law.

But against any judgment of any District Court or-
daining such forfeiture or imposing such penalties, any
aggrieved person may appeal to the next ensuing General

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368

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

II ••

Court, on giving security for such penalties, in case where
any arc imposed, as well as further cost of the original
action, and also on making the usual deposit of £1 for
entering the appeal. But where an appeal is made, the
District Court shall still have the power of suspending
the license till the appeal is disposed of

Excepting in the case of a person making wine or
beer for his own family use, and not for barter or sale,
any person who shall manufacture or sell any spirits, wine
or beer without a license shall, on conviction before a
District Court, be liable to a fine of not less than twenty,
and not more than thirty pounds citerling, for each offence,
and failing immediate payment of the fine, he shall be
liable to imprisonment for a period of not less than twelve,
and not more than twenty weeks ; provided, however,
that at any time during the period of imprisonment he
shall be entitled to be discharged on paying the fine.

But against any such decision before any District
Court any aggrieved person may appeal, as aforesaid, in
giving security for the fine and the cost of the original
action, besides making the usual deposit of £1 for enter-
ing the appeal.

On payment of the sum of ten pounds it shall be
lawful for the District Magistrates in their several dis-
tricts assembled on the first week-day in December, but
on no other day throughout the year, to grant retail
liquor licenses according to the foregoing law ; and every
applicant for a license shall be bound to lodge his applica-
cation with the President of the Bench of the proper

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

3(19

L case where
the original
t of £1 for
s made, the
suspending

ing wine or
rter or sale,
spirits, wine
ion before a
than twenty,
• each offence,
, he shall be
; than twelve,
ed, however,
isonment he
le fine,
any District
aforesaid, in
the original
1 for enter-

9 it shall be
several dis-

ecember, but
grant retail

V ; and every

e his applica-
the proper

district, not later than the loth day of November, speci-
fying therein the premises for which the license is asked.
And on the first Sunday thereafter the President shall
give public written notice at all the public places of
worship in the applicant's district, and also in any other
district in which any of the nearest neighbors reside, and
also in all local papers, mentioning the names of the
persons applying for the licenses and specifying their
premises, together with the day appointed for disposing
of the applications.

But in the case of any such application where the
granting of a license is objected to by a majority of the
householders of the neighborhood of a house where a
license is intended to be used, the Bench shall have no
power to grant the license ; and such objectors shall, at
any time between the date of the public notice and the
date fixed for disposing of the aj^plication, be entitled to
intimate their objection, either personally or in writing,
to the President of the Bench, without, however, being
bound to assign any reason for their objection.

For the purposes of this regulation, the word " house-
holder" shall mean the head of a family occupying a
separate house, or if occupying only a part of a house, a
tenant for not less than one year, and not being the hired
servant of any applicant for a license.

And the word " neighborhood " shall mean the twelve
householders who, irrespective of district, are nearest to
the house intended to be licensed.

In the case of any application, whatsoever, for a license.

870

THE CREATION OF MANIT015A.

|!l

whether it bo objected to or not, by a nirajority of tho
neighborhood, the Bench shall have full discretionary
power to refuse the license, whensoever, on grounds re-
lating to the public interest, they think it would be im-
proper to grant it,

Anj'' person may sue an offender for manufacturing, ille-
gally, spirits, wine, or fermented liquors, or selling the
same without a license, and shall be entitled to half the
fine actually recovered.

Any person may also sue any license holder for the
breach of his license ; and, where there is a fine besides a
forfeiture of license, the prosecutor shall be entitled to
half the fine actually recovered.

No liquor license shall on any conditions be granted to
any person intending to carry on the manufixcture or sale
of spirits, wine or beer, in any part of what is known as
the Indian Reserve.

From and after the fu'st week day in December, every
wholesale dealer in spirits, wine or beer, shall pay tiz.
pounds a year ; and every person selling spirits, wine or beer
by wholesale, without a license in the subjoined form, shall
be liable to a penalty of not less than twenty pounds
sterling, and not more than thirty pounds sterling, fur
each offence, to be recovered in the same way as the pen-
alties for breach of the liquor laws generally.

By the term " wholesale dealers," shall be understood
a seller of spii-its or wine in quantities, at a time, of not
less than five gallons each, and of beer in quantities of not
less than eight gallons.

All wholesale licenses shall be granted by the President

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

371

fijoiity of the
discretionary
n. grounds re-
would 1)0 ini-

facturing, ille-
or selling the
id to half the

holder for the

a, fine besides a

be entitled to

s be granted to
ufacture or sale
lat is known as

iccember, every
1-, shall pay V.i
•its,wineorbeer^

^ined form, shall

twenty pounds

ids sterling, for

way as the pen-

iiy.

1 be understood
t a time, of not
quantities of not

by the President

of the Fort Garry District Court, on the first week-day of
December, and on no other day.

FORM OF WHOLESALE LICENSE.

" C. D., having paid £10, is hereby licensed, for one
year from this date, to sell spirits and wine, in quantities
of not less at a time than five gallons each ; and beer, in
quantities of not less at a time than eight gallons."

On payment of the sum of £15, it shall be lawful for
the District Magistrates, in their several districts assem-
bled, during the session of any District Court, to grant a
license to any person to manufacture, and sell by whole-
sale, spirits, wine or beer.

ROADS.

I. That all public roads remain the width they have
been laid out, till other arrangements are considered ne-
cessary by the Legislature.

II. If any person cut a hole into or through the river
ice, except in the case of what is known as a water hole,
he shall, unless he surround the same with a fence at least
four feet high, be liable to a fine of one pound sterling,
and also for the damage or loss occasioned by such hole.
Every water-hole shall be marked at the point nearest to
any public track, with a pole at le.ast six feet high.

III. A Commissioner of Public Works sliall be ap-
pointed, who shall be responsible for the state of the roads
and bridges, and for all sums of money expended on Pub-
He Works, as well as for all damages caused by a neglect
of his duty. And when any Public Work is to be exe-

^ »

372

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

, • ■■ k"

, I .»

cubed by contract, tenders for such work shall be publicly
invited, and the lowest tender shall be accepted if other-
wise satisfactory ; but in any case the party whose tender
is accepted nuist have two good sureties for the due exe-
cution of the contract.

THE RED IIIVRR TROUBLES.

n73

a,ll be publicly
epted if othcr-
j whose tender
>r the duo exe-

CHAPTER XVII.

BIOOKAPHV OF OOVEIINOU MAOTAVISIl — 1)«. COWAN S CAllERIl IN THE
NORTH-WEST — RETURN OF THE DELEGATES — REV. MR. RIOHOT's
SPEECH — PROCLAMATION OF COL. WOLSELEY — LETTER OF (JEN.
LINDSAY— LETTER OF o'dONOOHUE.

»N Executive Council was formed at the end of
the second session of the Legislative Assembly,
for the purpose of meeting once a week, to
discuss any matters of importance that might
occur from time to time.

On the 17th May, the steamboat " International "
started on her second trip to Georgetown, having on
hoard Mr. MacTavish and family, who were on their way
to reside in England, hoping thereby that the Governor's
health might be restored by a change of climate. A num-
ber of persons went down to the landing to see them off;
and, a short time before the hour of starting, the Gover-
nor drove down to the bank of the river, and there
alighted, being assisted in doing so by Mr. Hargrave, his
vSecretary, and Mr. J. H. MacTavish, the accountant at
the Fort. All were shocked at the feeble appearance of
the old man, reduced, as he was, almost to a skeleton.
Resting on his walking-stick, he tottered slowly along
towards the steamer, every now and again casting his eyes
around, as if bidding farewell to the scenes of so many
years' labor. Those who watched the departure of

374

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

('^

Governor MacTavish were deeply touched at the .si<,dit of
a man wlio liad ^aven his life, as it were, for the country,
leaving it in the state he wjis, enfeebled and broken down,
— a wreck of manhood, — brought on, as it was well
known, through his hard work and anxiety in behalf of
the country and those living in it.

Governor MacTavish lived only two days after his ar-
rival in Liverpool, and those, who had stated that, while
he lay on his sick bed in the Settlement, he was only
shamming, must have felt how guilty they had been in
uttering such a vile and untruthful slander on a good
man.

The following is a short biography of his career while
in the North- West : —

" Mr. MacTavish first came to Rupert's Land in iS33,
when he entered the Hudson's Bay Company's service in
the usual way, as an apprentice clerk. For a number of
years he served at various posts in the country ; and, in
1846, was promoted to the rank of Chief Trader. He was
then in charge of York Factory, which, before the open-
ing up of the route through the United States, was the
headquarters of the Company's business in North America.
In 1852, he received his Chief Factorship, and in 1857 he
first came to reside at Fort Gariy, as oflicer in charge of
the Company's commercial operations in this Settlement.
In 1859, on the retirement of Judge Johnson from the
local governorship of Assinniboia, Mr. MacTavish succeeded
him in that office ; and, on the death of Sir George Simp-
son, in 1860, he succeeded to the temporary occupation of
acting governorship of Rupert's Land. In 1862, this

TlIK UKD RIVEU TUOUIILKS.

s career wliile

ofticc \Vi\n, to all appearance, pennanently confened on a
j^entlenuin wlio had previously held a seat at the Board
of Directors of the (\)nipany in London. Mr. Dallas re-
sided, as Governor of Rupert's Land, for two years at
Fort Garry, and during that time mixed himself up very
prominently Avith our local affairs. This administration
wjis, as every one knows, a failure, and brought out, in the
most marked manner, the worst defects of what is known
as the Hudson's Bay retjime. In 1804, Mr. MacTavish
finally succeeded liim as Governor. Since that time he
lijis resided in the Red River as Chief Magistrate, leaving
the Settlement, fi-om time to time, on tours through the
interior of the territory and visits to England, but always
retaining his headquarters at Fort Garry.

" The whole term of thirteen years, during which Mr.
MacTavish resided in the Colony, has been one of transi-
tion. Previous to 1857, the Settlement was a mere iso-
lated spot in the Indian country, ])osscssing only one
means each year of freight communieation with the out-
side world ; that being afforded by the Company's ship to
York Factory. Since then, however, the most important
changes have been silently but steadily in progress. A
route, over which a semi-weekly mail now travels, has
been opened up through the adjacent territories of the
United States ; and Fort Garry, from the ])osition of
headquarters of our inland district, has risen to be the
central point of the Company's business, and the depot for
supply of wants in the Fertile Belt. In actual size and
importance, the Colony has also greatly increased. With
a mixed population, difficulties have made themselves felt

370

THE CREATION OF MANITOnA.

i ■

ill tlic 1110(1(5 of gcjveriiment, creating necessities fur cliangcs
of a sweeping cliaractcr in the administration. In con-
nection witli all these events, we know of no man who
has exercised e(]ual inttucnce with Mr. MacTavish.

" For a number of years i)revioiis to his death, his
health had been frail. His well-known habit of attend-
ing to minute details of business incumbered him with a
superfluity of work, the burden of which was too great
for any man, and was, doubtless, largely instrumenlal in
reducing him to his debilitated condition. During the
winter of 1868-0 he visited England, with the object of
securing able medical advice ; but, on his return to Red
River, his friends were concerned to see him, apparently,
weaker than ever. Notwithstanding this, Mr. MacTavish
went to Norway House, June 18C9, as usual, and pre-
sided at the council of factors and traders connected with
the fur trade. On his return, in the end of July, he was
obviously in a very critical condition. After the end of
August, he was permanently confined to his house, which
he never left throughout the winter. The political and
military events of the period told very severely upon him ;
and the anxieties attending his position doubtless, to some
extent, retarded his convalescence."

On the same day that Mr. MacTavish left, Riel held a
meeting, to which the winterers and plain-hunters had
been invited; but it is said he made little, if any, impres-
sion upon them.

Word was now being received in the Settlement of the
indignation meetings held in Canada ; but they did not
cause much excitement in Red River; people felt that

THE UKD UIVKR TUOI'IJI.KS.

377

s for cluiiit^t's
on. In con-
110 man who
avish.

is death, his
it of attend-
1 him with a
as too great
biumenlal in
During the
the object of
(turn to Red
I, apparently,
r. MacTavish
lal, and pre-
nnected with
July, he was
r the end of
house, which
political and
ly upon him ;
tless, to some

Kiel held a
-hunters had
any, impres-

ement of the
they did not
pie felt that

Schiiltz was only making the most of his position, an<l
that the day would come when the tiuo state of matters
would be laid before the Canadian public. There were
many others who had suH'ered as sevei'ely through the
troubles as Di-. Schultz, yet he seemed to be the one
singled out «is the martyr; when it was well known that,
had he not taken up the position he did in the early part
of the troubles, many of the occurrences which afterwards
took i)lace would never have happened.

Captiin Gay now had command of the men at Ft)rt
Garry, and frc(|uently took them out for cavalry and
artillery practice on the prairie. Of course, the move-
ments were primitive in their nature, and simply a
burlesque on regular practice. Otherwise, the Settlement
remained in peace, order reigned, and business having
received an impetus, since the reconimcnccment of the
Hudson's Bay Company as a commercial body, went on as
in the days of old. Money was more plentiful, and a
sense of security pervaded the community ; yet, through
it all, small clouds of gloomy forebodings and uncertainty
would arise, and people would ponder over the future,
and wonder what the end would be.

The 24th May, Queen's Birthday, was celebrated in
good style ; people assembled in parties all over the Settle-
ment to enjoy themselves — horse-racing was the principal
feature of the day — but, altogether, so much good feeling
existed between all classes, that one could only wonder at
the change from a few weeks previous. A certain degi'ec
of underground feeling, however, existed amongst a certain
class, on account of rumors received from abroad concern-

37S

THK CUKATION Of MANlTollA.

iii«^ tlie intoiitions of tlio Cunsidiun ({oveinmcut ; and tlio
continued delay, in the return of the delegates, tended to
inereaso this feeling, rnfonnation, however, was received
that tho Bill of lliglits liad been favorably considered,
and that everything fair liad been done towards the set-
tlers by the Government at Ottawa. The delegates were
also reported to be on their way to the Settlement, well
pleased with the result of their mission. These reports*
therefore, assisted in (piieting down any feeling that
existed, and matters once more went on in an orderly
manner.

On the a 1st May, Dr. Cowan loft Fort Garry for Scot-
land, via York Factory, Hudson's Bay, going with the
Norway House brigade of boats. Tho following is a
short biogi-aphy of his career in the North-West: —

"He came to Red River in 1840, from Scotland, in
company M'ith Bishop Anderson and party. Shortly after
being located in the Settlement, he was made a J. P., and
received his commission jis one of the Council of Assiimi-
boia. From that time till 185G he practised his profession
generally at Fort Garry and throughout the Settlement,
with the greatest satisfaction to all, and became im-
mensely popular. He then was removed to Moose Fac-
tory, as surgeon in charge of that Fort. In 18G0 he was
made a Chief Trader, and in 18G2 returned to Red River
Settlement. In 18G4 he visited England, and, on his
return in 1865, was sent to Norway House, as surgeon of
that establishment ; returning to Fort Garry in 18GC,
where he was shortly afterwards put in charge, to assist

,t; jwmI tlu!
I, tcmlod to
as ruceivtMl
conskleicd,
dw tlic sct-
jirates were
jiiient, well
DSC reports*
celing that
an orderly

y for Scot-
ct with the

lowing is a
3st : —

iJcothind, iu
Jhortly after
a J. P., and
of Assinni-
is profession
Settlement,
became im-
Moose Fac-
18G0 he was
Tied River
and, on his
,s surgeon of
•ry in 180G,
•fre, to assist

TlIK UKD niVKIl TUoCni.ES.

nro

Governor MacTavisli, and reniaincil in that capacity until
liis final retirement."

Nothing of importance now occurrcil in the Settlement
until the 17th June, when Rev. Mr. Richot arrived, by
the steamboat " International." Soon after his arrival, a
salute of twenty-one guns was fired from the walls of
Fort Garry, thi:s announcing, as it were, the success of
his mission to Canada ; and on the 24th, a special session
of the Legislative Assembly was held, to hear his report,
which resulted in the terms ottered by Canada, in the
Manitoba Act, being accepted on behalf of the ])eople.
Rev. Mr. Richot then sjjoke as follows : —
"As delegate, you will understand, of course, that my
position was a very difficult one. The Manitoba Bill
pa.ssed ; but, you will observe, it dittered from our Bill
of Rights ; and, as delegates, we could not say if the peo-
ple of the North-West could accept it. Hence, though
fully alive to the fact that wo had many friends in Cana<la
— in the Legislature jus well as out of it — we could not
express to them our sense of gratitude. The only thing
we could do was to thank them for their sympathy. But
now that our work, and that of the Canadian Parliament,
has been ratified by this House, my desire is, first, to
thank the j^eople of this country for the noble stand they
have taken on this question. I have to thank the Cana-
dian Ministry — particularly Sir John A. Macdonald and
Sir George Cartier — for the liberal Bill framed by them,
with the assistance of the delegation. 1 have to thank the
Dominion House of Commons and Parliament generally :
for while 120 voted with us, only 11 were found against

380

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

US. I have to thank also the Queen of England, whoso
subject I have always been — whose subject I am to-day.
But, above all, I have to express thanks and gratitude t(j
a higher Power than all others. I have to thank an
over-ruling Providence for having been led through so
many difficulties and dangers. Nor must we, at this time,
think harshly of those who did not dare to come with us
and demand rights ; for it was a very risky and impru-
dent thing. That we succeeded is due to Providence.
We have succeeded — but we have seen how difficult the
task was. Why ? Because we were divided. But now
that we are united, we will be a strong people, and our
little Province will be the model Province of Confedera-
tion. We will have an influx of stranfjers here. We
want them, and will be glad to receive them. But let us
be intelligent enough to distinguish between the good
and those who only come with selfish ends — to work
against us. Let me add to what I have stated, in regard
to the Manitoba Act, that at first it was intended that
Portage La Prairie should be left out of the Province.
This had been opposed by the delegates — those who
worked for it were the enemies of the Portage — and as
soon as Ministers understood the matter fully, they in-
cluded that district in the Bill. I would, for my part,
like it to be well understood that all I have done in the
past has been done in good faith, and with a desire to
serve the country. I have never tried to work against any
part of the people. As one of the delegates, I brought the
Bill to Canada, and on that Bill worked for the people of
the country, as a whole, without distinction. I offer my

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

381

intl, whose
iiin to-day.
rati tilde to

thank an
through so
t this time,
ne with us
nd impiu-
^rovidence.
ifticult the
But now
e, and our
Confedera-
here. We

But let us
1 the good
; — to work
I, in regard
ended that
3 Province,
those who
^e — and as
ly, they in-
)r my part,
done in the

a desire to
against any
)rought the
le people of

I offer my

sympathy to every denomination in the country, and will
repeat that, if there were some among us who did not
dare to oppose McDougall, they were, perhaps, right.
While in Canada, let me say, in closing, not only had wo
all the sympathy and attention we could have expected,
but admiration was expressed for the stand taken by the
people, who had, it was held, shown themselves to be a
reflective, prudent people — wise to plan — resolute to act
— so that, although jeopardised through dangers of the
greatest magnitude, they passed almost unscathed through
the crisis. It is easy to raise objections to the Manitoba
Act, starting from an American point of view. I have
heard many such objections. But these possess no weight
with us."

After the reverend gentleman had spoken as above, the
assembly adjourned.

A guard, about this time, was stationed at Pembina,
for some reason or another, to watch all parties coming
into the Settlement, and stop, if necessary, any suspicious
persons.

Some individuals now began stirring up a feeling,
amongst the English settlers, against the Manitoba Act,
on the grounds that it gave too much to the French and
too little to them. This movement, however, did not
amount to anything.

Bishop Tachd left the Settlement on the 27th June, on
a mission to Canada, partly on account of matters con-
nected with the Church, as well as on the affairs of the
country. Many said that he had gone to secure an am-
nesty for Riel .and his immediate associates; but his

1».

382

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

I 'If

ori'cand to Ottawa on that occasion has never been re-
vealed.

In the meantime, matters wont on quietly in the Settle-
ment. Buildings were erected ; business continued brisk,
and everything appeared in a state of prosperity ; and no
word was heard of any opposition to be made against the
entrance of the troops when they arrived.

On the 8th July, delegate Scott arrived at Fort Garry;
but no demonstration was made in recognition of his posi-
tion as a delegate, other than a notice which appeared in
the " New Nation," announcing his return to the Settle-
ment.

On the 18th of July, a large party of Red Lake Indians
arrived ; and it is said Kiel had an interview with them,
and gave them presents. Whatever may have been their
purpose, they remained in camp at St. Boniface for some
time ; but committed no depredations during their stay.

On the evening of the 20th July, as the steamboat
" International " arrived at Fort Garry, some excitement
was occasioned by the report that a stranger had jumped
from her side before she reached the landing-place, and
had disappeared in the gloom. Guards were sent in
every direction, to search for the missing man, but he was
no where to be found. Mr. Wm. Drever, who had arrived
by the steamer, and who, it was said, had been seen in the
company of the stranger, was then arrested ; but nothing
was elicited, except that the person who had thus unac-
countably disappeared was a Captain Butler, supposed to
have come on some mission in connection with the troops.
It ^s said that Captain Butler brought with him the fol-

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

383

lowing proclamation, from Col. Wolseley, which Kiel, hav-
ing superintended the printing of it himself, had circu-
lated throughout the Settlement : —

"To the Loyal Inhahitanis of Manitoba:

" Her Majesty's Government having determined upon
stationing some troops amongst you, I have been instruc-
ted by the Lieutenant-General, commanding in British
North America, to proceed to Fort Garry with the force
under my command.

" Our mission is one of peace, and the sole object of the
expedition is to secure Her Majesty's sovereign authority.

" Courts of Law, such as are common to every portion
of Her Majesty's Empire, will be duly established, and
justice will be impartially administered to all races and to
all classes — the loyal Indians or half-breeds, being as
dear to our Queen as any others of Her loyal subjects.

" The force which I have the honor of commandinsr,
will enter your Province representing no party, either in
religion or politics, and will afford equal protection to the
lives and property of all races and of all creeds.

" The strictest order and discipline will be maintained,
and private property will be carefully respected. All
supplies, furnished by the inhabitants to the troops, will
be duly paid for. Should any one consider himself injured
by any individual attached to the force, his grievance
shall be ]>romptly cncpiired into.

"All loj-^al people are earnestly invited to aid me in
carrying out the above mentioned objects.

" G. J. Wolseley.
" Colonel, commanding Red River Force''

384

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

^"-li^

General Lindsay afterwards changed the above to a
certain extent, to tlie effect that the expedition was purely
military in its character, for the preservation of peace and
order ; and that Courts of Law were altogether out of
their line as soldiers. Tlie following is a copy of his let-
ter on the subject : —

"Clifton House, Clifton, July 11th, 1870.

"My Lord, — Colonel Wolseley, commanding the F4xpc-
ditionary Force en route to Fort Garry, has transmitted
to you a Military Proclamation, addressed to the inhabi-
tants of Manitoba, which will be forwarded to you via
Winnipeg.

" I have the honor to request that before issuing it, you
will have the goodness to erase the paragraph in which
the English translation commences with the words "Courts

of Law, " and terminates with those of *' Her loyal

subjects" — legal affairs being altogether within the func-
tions of the civil authorities.
. "I have the honor to be,

" Your Lordship's obedient servant,

" Jas. Lindsay,
"Lieut-General,
" Commanding H. M. Forces in Brii^sh
" North America.

" Right Rev. Bishop Tachd, Fort Garry."

This was the first intimation of the near approach of
the troops. The same day, on which the Proclamation
was issued, Captain Butler made his appearance in the

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

:}85

town of Winnipeg, and, while on a visit to Fort Garry,
Riel met and had a conversation with him.

O'Donoghue who had not, it appears, been consulted
about the issue of Col, Wolseley's Proclamation, wrote
the following letter to the editor of the "New Nation,"
which, however, that gentleman refused to publish : —

"Editor 'New Nation.' — Sir, — Having noticed the
tranquillity of affairs considerably disturbed for the past
two days, would it be amiss to enquire into the cause ?
We have remarked immediatelj'' after the landing of the
' International,' guards flying in all directions, and found
out, on enquiry, that some mysterious person, or passen-
ger thereon, had made a leap from the boat as she turned
the point to enter the Assinniboine. Now who can this
bold, daring adventurer be ? Are we always to be dis-
turbed by foreigners making their way into this country
in disguise ? Again, this morning, the curiosity of the
public was aroused by a proclamation supposed to l»o
from Col. Wolseley, to the ' loyal' inhabitants of Mani-
toba. The issuing of which from your office, this morn-
ing, explains the curiosity we had about your office being
lighted up all last night, and the presence of President
Riel there superintending the work. Many people seem
to doubt the authenticity of this proclamation, and want
to know if certified to by any person ; but this is impos-
sible, as it came by mail. We are afraid the whole thing
is another Col. Dennis affair.

" Please answer the queries, and oblige the public.

" Yours,

"A Subscriber."

■« >

380 THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

To the above was added the following : —

" As you have not required correspondents' names, it is
not necessary to have the writer's. Let the President
come out with explanations.

" Yours,

"O'D."

O'Donoghue, it was said, at that time favored a resist-
ance on the part of the people, to the entrance of the
troo|)S, but Kiel would not agree to it, and, in fact, felt
inclined to welcome them in.

The next thing which appeared Avas the following
notice : —

"Department of Public Works.

"Laborers Wanted. — Notice is hereby given, that
from two hundred to two hundred and fifty men are
immediately required to make a cart road from the east
end of Mr. Snow's road to the north-west angle of the
Lake of the Woods.

" Enf^ao-ements made at the Office of the Hudson's Bay
Company, Upper Fort Garry.

" Five shillings sterling per day, and board, will be
o-iven to axe men and laborers.

" By order of

" G, J. Wolseley,
" Colonel, commanding Red River
Expeditionary Force.

"J. H. MacTavish,

" Hudson s Bay Comimny."

»•!

,■ ' » f

names, it is
le President

^ours,
" O'D."

red a resist-

•ance of the

in fact, felt

he following

[c Works.

given, that
fty men are
L'om the east
angle of the

Hudson's Bay

oard, will be

THE IIKD RIVER TROUBLES.

387

ELEY,

ig Red River
I Force.

'avish,
Company."

The "New Nation" was stopped on the 13th August,
on account of the following article on Col. Wolseley,
which appeared to be distasteful to Kiel : —

" Colonel G. J. Wolseley. — This gallant officer, who
commands the Red River Expedition, has been for several
years Deputy Quarter-Master-General in Canada. He
attained his present rank in the army in 1865, and was
attached to the 90th Foot. In 18G6 he commanded the
Military Camp of Instruction at Laprairie. His selec-
tion for the present important service was generally
anticipated when the expedition was announced — the
authorities in England and Canada having the fullest
confidence in his ability and impartiality in the command
of such a mixed force. Col. Wolseley is the author of a
work on * China,' and also the ' Soldier's Pocket Book
for Field Service.' The numerous decorations worn by
him (six medals and the Victoria Cross) bear testimony
to the extent and gallantry of his services in the field, his
regiment (the 90th Light Infantry) being entitled to
sport upon their colors, among many other names, those
of ' Sevastopol ' and ' Lucknow.' It is all the more
satisfactory to know that the men of the expedition are
under the direction of an officer who will keep them well
in hand, and has already made himself extremely popular
among all classes and creeds. It is not often that the
English War Office stumbles into the accident of putting
the right man into the right place."

The newspaper, therefore, having taken out the article

388

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

SO apparently obnoxious to Riel, appeared the next day
without it.

On the 24th August the troops arrived at Fort Garry,
and in our next chapter we will give a short description
of their entrance into the Settlement.

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

389

CHAPTER XVIII.

AURIVAL OP TK TROOPS AT FORT GARRY — HASTY DEPARTURE OP
RIEL, o'dONOOHUE AND LEPINE — CONDUOT OF THE 60tH ROYAL
RIFLES — GOVERNOR ARCHIBALD COMMENCES HIS ADMINISTRATION
— RETROSPECT — THE MANITOBA BILL.

HE 23rd of August was a wet and miserable
day. The rain poured down, and the roads
became almost impassable. Indefinite rumors
were afloat that the troops were close at hand,
until at last it became known for a fact that they were
within a short distance of the town. Then succeeded all
sorts of expressions of opinion regarding the truth of the
statement. Many doubted ; many believed^— and both
doubts and beliefs ended in stimulants, possibly to clear
up the former, and make the latter stronger, — the end of
this being that many drunken individuals could have
been seen wandering about ; and it is quite certain that the
stimulants had an opposite effect from the one expected ;
and, the consequence was, that the doubtful ones resolved
upon seeing for themselves, that they might believe ;
and the believing ones determined to follow their example,
that they might not doubt. Accordingly, a number of
persons went to meet the troops, and, coming across the
advanced guard of the 60th Rifles, were detained as pris-
oners until the next morning — Col. Wolseley's orders being
that any one coming within the lines should not be

300

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

h '

allowed to go l)eyond them, until a move was made on
Fort Gairy.

On the morning of the 24th, the inhabitants of Winni-
peg were anxiously looking out for the appearance of the
troops; and the first sight they had of them was when
they suddenly broke into view, as if they had started
from the ground in the outskirts of the town. A halt
was then made, and the whole of the GOth marched round
the town, instead of going through it. Several of the
officers, however, rode through the principal streets, ac-
companied by several civilians on horseback.

Col. Wolseley rode at the head of his men, and in this
way advanced upon the Fort.

In the meantime, word had reached the ears of Kiel,
O'Donoghue and Lepine, who were . in the Fort, that the
troops were at hand. No amnesty had been proclaimed,
and, doubtless, fearing the result of being captured by the
military authorities, they ho.stily mounted their horses
and rode off. Opposite Fort Garry, on the Assinniboine,
there was a ferry, which crossed the river by means of a
hawser. This Riel, or one of his party, cut, and thus pre-
vented any immediate pursuit. The three leaders then
crossed over the Red River, and stood on the banks of
St. Boniface, watching the GOth, as they marched into
Fort Garry. They then rode away in the direction of
Pembina, which place they reached the next day. There
Riel and O'Donoghue, it is said, had some disagreement,
which resulted in the former going to St. Jo, while the
latter remained for some time in Pembina.

Thus ended the insurrection. By one act the leaders

',• .vili;:

s made on

i of Winni-
ance of the
I was wlien
I ad started
n. A halt
died round
eral of tlie
streets, ac-

and in this

xrs of Riel,
rt, that the
proclaimed,
tired by the
heir horses
ssinniboine,
means of a
d thus pre-
saders then
le banks of
irched into
iirection of
lay. There
sagreement,
3, while the

the leaders

TlIK UKl) RIVKIl TUOrni.KS.

391

wore forced to become exiles from the country; and any
j;ood they had wi'ou^^ht for it was denied them. Had
they kept their hands free from blood, they might have
remained to see the fruits of their labors. But, having
allowed passion to overrule their judgment, they suH'ered
the consequences, and had to seek safety in flight.

The men of the COth, in the meantime, thinkin^' that
everything inside the Fort came under the head of spoils
of war, began a regular i)illage on the stores of the Hud-
son's Bay Com])any ; and it was only when they learned
that they were attacking private ])ro[)erty that they de-
sisted.

Too much praise cannot be accorded to the GOth, for
their honorable and just behaviour on their arrival at
Fort Garry. Their conduct at that time is a page in the
history of their regiment, which they may be proud of;
and the people of Red River will never forget their short
stay amongst them. No one was insulted ; no one was
interfered with ; no one harmed ; everything went on
pleasantly. Coming off a trip such as the men had gone
through, it is not to be wondered at if they indulged
rather freely in liquor, — what body of men would not do
so. There were several fights in consequence ; but, in-
variably, it was a fair and square stand-up battle, — and
in every case, between two men belonging to the same
regiment. No citizen was molested at any time. The
officers enjoyed themselves as well as they could, under
the circumstances, during the few days which they spent
at Fort Garry. Some went out shooting ; some did this
— some did that; but the greater portion of their time

3f)i'

THE fUKATION OF MANrTOMA.

•n ,..:■

was oeuupiod in providing wluitevcr luxuries tlioy could
obtain in the Settlement for their return trip to Canada.

The settlers generally were sorry when it became
known that the GOth were ordered to return inunedi-
ately ; although the men themselves seemed perfectly in-
ditterent, whether they remained, or went back the way
they camo. Their chief complaint was, that no shot had
been fired ; and that, therefore, there ap{)eared to be little,
if any, honor in the trip. When the troops entered Fort
Garry, they found everything in confusion, and evident
signs of a hasty departure on the part of Riel. Only one
or two men were inside the walls, besides the Company's
officers, and a couple of French settlers who were ar-
rested, but almost innnediately afterwards released.

Despatches were sent off atonce by Col. Wolseley, an-
nouncing the safe arri\ al of the troops ; and then pre-
parations were made for tlie reception of the volunteers,
who had not yet arrived ; and also for the return trip of
the GOth Rifles.

On tho 27th, the Ontario Battalion began to arrive, and
came in small detachments. No. 7 Company, having been
left behind on the route, to guard stores, did not make
their appearance till some time after the GOth Rifles
left.

The Ontarios, on their arrival, like the GOth, behaved
themselves as true soldiers. Dr. Schultz came into the
Settlement shortly afterwards ; and from that time there
cemmenced a series of excitements, which, at one time,
looked very much as if they would result in serious
trouble.

THK UKI) UIVKIl TUOUHLKS,

ni)M

The volunteers were blamed for many acts which they
did not commit, until, finally the «jood sense of the pub-
lic mind overruhid this passionate outburst ; and the in-
stigators of it found out that they had satisfied their
revengeful feelings, at a loss of their self-respect ; and
became uware that, instead of raising themselves in the
opinion of the public, they had nuule another false step,
and lost accordingly.

^ On Governor Archibald's arrival, he found great diffi-
culty in organizing matters, on account of the rampant
party who seemed utterly careless about order being es-
tablished ; who h«id only one thought — revenge. At last
however, by pursuing a moderate but firm course, the
Red River Settlement began to rise from its state of
gloom, into one of brightness. Pco[)lc began to look for-
ward to better days ; to the enjoyments of self-govern-
ment, and to the pride of being a people whose destiny
rested in their own hands for better or worse. It is to be
hoped for the former. A child of Confederation had been
born — a small, but promising province, had been created;
the result of the troubles had been attained ; the people
of the Settlement found that they held a rank amongst
the other Provinces of Canada, and felt a just pride ac-
cordingly. May that pride grow apace with the prosper-
ity which appears to be in store for them ; and may Man-
itoba become one of the brightest gems in the Dominion.

We need hardly recapitulate this, history tells its own
tale. The Red River people were happy and contented,
in the days of the Hudson's Bay Company Government.
The influx of strangers brought with it a desire for

894

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

change, more especially as the acts of new-comers, made
it apparent that the Government was too weak to rule
l)roperly. Petitions were signed ; meetings were held,
principally at the instigation of strangers, in which, how-
ever, the settlers, to a certain extent, took part. Still on
the whole, it was not a matter of vital importance to the
Red River people. They were content so long as order
and quietness reigned. Canada then took hohl of the
question ; the result was distasteful to the people, gener-
ally. It seemed like jumping from the frying pan into
the fire. Yet nothing was done. Riel, at this time, laid
hold of the peculiar characteristics of his own country-
men. He knew them to be naturally quick and excitable,
and succeeded in persuading them to resist what was
obnoxious to them. -

The English, in the meantime, although not satisfied
with the policy proposed by Canada for the country, yet
did not feel called upon to take the same course as the
French had done. Riel, however, wanted a thorough
union of French and English to enable him the better to
gain his ends. Comparative strangers in the country,
avowed supporters of Mr. McDougall, the Governor elect,
stepped in, and sought to interfere between the people of
the country and what they considered their rights. Ille-
gal authority was made use of, thus giving Riel power
which he otherwise would not have obtained. The acts
of those strangers brought in counter acts on the part of
the French, the result being a complete breach between
the two sides of the Settlement. Things were then done,
and words spoken, which widened this split between the

THE llED RIVER TROUBLES.

:3<).j

mers, made
3ak to rule
were held,
diicli, liow-
t. Still on
ance to the
or as order
iiold of the
ople, gener-
ng pan into
is time, laid
vn country-
d excitable,
, what was

Lot satisfied
country, yet
urse as the
a thorough
le better to
he country,
v'ernor elect,
le people of
ights. lUe-
Riel power
[. The acts
the part of
i,ch between
e then done,
jetween the

French and English settlers; and it was only when certain
destruction threatened the Settlement that a union was
effected — a union, however, which was never sincere ; and,
in fact, it will take years to heal the Ijreach made between
French and English in Red River.

Canada, in the meantime, determined upon following a
fair and upright course towards all classes, and went
nobly to work in the good cause. Sl^e repudiated the
illegal acts committed by men who had usurped her
authority, and in spite of the opposition of those who
persisted in misunderstanding the state of affairs, she
offered terms to the settlers of Red River that they could
not but accept, and which placed them at once on a
proper footing in the circle of Confederation — a footing
which they have every reason to be proud of, and which,
no doubt, they will show themselves deserving of.

There are black pages in this history — there were
mistakes made on all sides — evil influences were at work;
and, in some instances, they overruled the good. Were
the same things to be gone over again, they would,
doubtless, be done in a different manner ; but a man can-
not recall the wrong done during a lifetime, neither can
the acts of the Red River insurrection be wiped from the
pages of history. But, while we deplore the evil, let us
bear in mind the good, and hope that the future of Mani-
toba will be such as to efface, as far as jiossible, the
"Troubles" which resulted in its formation. We will
now place the following as a record on the pages of
history, the creation of the small, but promising, Province
of Manitoba : —

39G

THE CJIEATION OF MANITOIJA.

1 'I ■

I-

Anno Tricesimo-Tertio. — VicxoRryE Regina.

An Act to establish and irrovide for the Government of
the Province of Manitoba .

Whereas it is probable that Her Majesty the Queen
may, pursuant to the British North America Act, 1867,
be pleased to admit Rupert's Land and the North- Western
Territory into the Union or Dominion of Canada, before
the next Session of the Parliament of Canada :

And whereas it is expedient to prepare for the trans-
fer of the said Territories to the Government of Canada,
at the time appointed by the Queen for such admission :

And whereas it is expedient also to provide for the
organization of part of the said Territory as a Province,
and for the establishment of a Government therefor, and
to make provision for the Civil Government of the
remaining part of the said Territories, not included within
the limits of the Province :

Therefore Her Majesty, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada,
enacts as follows :

I. On, from and after the day upon which the Queen,
by and with the advice and consent of Her Majesty's
Most Honorable Privy Council, under the authority of
the 14Gtli section of the British North America Act,
1867, shall, by Order in Council in that behalf, admit
Rupert's Land and the North -Western Territory into the
Union or Dominion of Canada, there shall be formed out
of the same, a Province, which shall be one of the Pro-
vinces of the Dominion of Canada, and which shall be

»'

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

397

FlEGINA.

vernment of

Y the Queen

a Act, 1867,

)rth-Western

inada, before

)r the trans-

t of Canada,

admission :
vide for the

a Province,
therefor, and
Qcnt of the
hided within

} advice and
s of Canada,

h the Queen,
er Majesty's
authority of
America Act,
)ehalf, admit
tory into the
3 formed out
e of the Pro-
hich shall be

called the Province of Manitoba, and be bounded as fol-
lows, that is to S'ny : — commencing at the point where the
meridian of ninety-six degrees of west longitude from
Greenwich intersects the parallel of forty-nine degrees
north latitude ; thence due west along the said parallel
of forty-nine degrees north latitude (which forms a
portion of the boundary line between the United States
of America and the said North-Western Territory) to the
meridian of ninety-nine degrees of west longitude ; then
due north along the said meridian of ninety-nine degrees
west longitude to the intersection of the same with the
parallel of fifty degrees and thirty minutes north latitude;
thence due east along the said parallel of fifty degrees and
thirty minutes north latitude to its intersection with the
before mentioned meridian of ninety-six degrees Avest
longitude ; thence due south along the said meridian
of ninety-six degrees west longitude to the place of
beginning.

II. On, from and after the said day on which the
Order of the Queen in Council shall take effect as afore-
said, the provisions of the British North America Act,
1867, shall, except those i^arts thereof which are in terms
made, or, by reasonable intendment, may be held to be
specially applicable to, or only to affect one or more,
but not the whole, of the Provinces now composing the
Dominion, and except so far as the same may be varied
by this Act, be applicable to the Province of Manitoba, in
the same way, and to the like extent as thej'- apply to the
several Provinces of Canada, and as if the Province of

398

THE CIIEATION OF MANITOBA.

. <

r '

Manitoba had been one of the Provinces originally united
by the said Act.

III. The said Province shall be represented in the
Senate of Canada by two members, until it shall have,
according to decennial census, a population of fifty thou-
sand souls ; and from thenceforth it shall be represented
therein by three members until it shall have, according to
decennial census, a population of seventy-five thousand
souls ; and from thenceforth it shall be represented there-
in by four members.

IV. The said Province shall be represented in the first
instance, in the House of Commons, by four members ;
and for that purpose shall be divided, by proclamation of
the Governor-General, into four Electoral Districts, each
of which "^hall be represented by one member : Provided
that, on the completion of the census in the year 1881,
and of each decennial census afterwards, the representa-
tion of the said Province shall be re-adjusted according to
the provisions of the fifty-first section of the British
North America Act, 18G7.

V. Until the Parliament of Canada otherwise provides,
the qualification of voters at elections of members of the
House of Commons shall be the same as for the Legisla-
tive Assembly, hereinafter mentioned ; and no person
shall be qualified to be elected, or to sit and vote, as a
member for any Electoral Disti'ict, unless he is a duly
qualified voter within the said Province.

VT. For the said Province there shall be an oflicer
styled the Lieutenant-Governor, appointed by the Gover-
nor-General in Council, by instrument under the Great.
Seal of Canada.

THE RED mVEil TROUBLES.

39i)

Lnally united

nted in the
shall have,
f fifty thou-
repi'esented
according to
VQ thousand
jented there-

. in the fir.st

r members ;

clamation of

Lstricts, each

!r: Provided

year 1881,

representa-

according to

the British

ise provides,
nbers of the
the Legisla-
no person
I vote, as a
e is a duly

an officer

the Gover-

the Great

VII. Tlie Executive Council of the Province shall be
composed of such persons, and under such designations,
as the Lieutenant-Governor shall, from time to time,
think fit, and, in the first instance, of not more tlian five
persons.

VIII. Unless and until the Executive Government of
the Province otherwise directs, the seat of Government of
the same shall be at Fort Garry, or within one mile
thereof •

IX. There shall be a Legislature for the Province, con-
sisting of the Lieutenant-Governor, and of two Houses,
styled respectively, the Legislative Council of Manitoba,
and the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

X. The Legislative Council shall, in the fir.st instance,
be composed of seven members ; and, after tlie expiration
of four years from the time of the first appointment of
such seven members, may be increased to not more than
twelve members. Every member of the Legislative Coun-
cil shall be appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor, in
the Queen's name, by instrument under tlie Great Seal of
Manitoba, and shall hold ofiice for the term of his life,
unless and until the Legislature of Manitoba otherwise
l)rovides, under the British North America Act, 18G7.

XI. The Lieutenant-Governor may, from time to time,
by instrument under the Great Seal, appoint a member of
the Legislative Council to be Speaker thereof, and may
remove him and appoint another in his stead.

XII. Until tlie Legislature of the Province otherwise
provides, the presence of a majority of the whole number
of the Legislative Council, including the Speake^', shall be

400

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

necessary to constitute a meeting for the exercise of its
powers.

XIII. Questions arising in the Legislative Council shall
be decided by a majority of voices, and the Speaker shall,
in all cases, have a vote ; and, when the voices are equal,
the decision shall be deemed to be in the negative.

XIV. The Legislative Assembly shall be composed of
twenty-four members, to be elected to represent the
electoral divisions into which the said Province may be
divided by the Lieutenant-Governor, as hereinafter men-
tioned.

XV". The presence of a majority of the members of
the Legislative Assembly shall be necessary to constitute
a meeting of the House for the exercise of its powers —
and for that purpose the Speaker shall be reckoned as a
member.

XVI. The Lieutenant-Governor shall (within six
months of the date of the Order of Her Majesty in Coun-
cil, admitting Rupert's Land and the North- West Terri-
tory into the Union), by Proclamation under the Great
Seal, divide the said Province into twenty-four electoral
divisions, due regard being had to existing local divisions
and population.

XVII. Every male person shall be entitled to vote for
a member to serve in the Legislative Assembly for any
electoral division, who is qualified as follows : that is to
say, if he is —

1. Of the full age of twenty-one years, and not subject
to any legal incapacity :

3rcise of its

/ouncil shall
)eaker shall,
s are equal,
itive.

composed of
present the
lice may be
lafter men-

nembers of
constitute
s powers —
koned as a

within six
by in Coun-
A^est Terri-
the Great
iir electoral
Ell divisions

to vote for

ly for any

that is to

not subject

THE RED RIVER TROTBLES.

401

2. A subject of Her Majesty by birth or naturaliza-
tion :

3. And a bona fide householder within the electoral
division, at the date of the wi'it of election for the same,
and has been a bona fide householder for one year next
l)efore the said date ; or,

4. If, being at the full age of twenty-one years, and
not subject to any legal incapacity, and a subject of Her
Majesty by birth or naturalization, he was, at any time,
within twelve months prior to the passing of this Act,
and (though in the interim temporarily absent) is, at the
time of such election, a bona fide householder, and was
resident within the electoral division at the date of the
writ of election for the same :

But this fourth sub-section shall apply only to the first
election to be held under this Act, for members to serve
in the Legislative Assembly aforesaid.

XVIII. For the first election of members to serve in
the Legislative Assembly, and until the Legislature of the
Province otherwise provides, the Lieutenant-Governor
shall cause writs to be issued by such person, in such
form, and addressed to such returning officer as he thinks
fit ; and for such first election, and until the Legislature of
the Province otherwise provides, the Lieutenant-Governor
shall, by proclamation, prescribe and declare the oaths to
be taken by voters, the powers and duties of returning
and deputy-returning officers, the proceedings to be ob-
served at such election, and the period during which
such election may be continued, and such other provisions
in respect to such first election as he may think fit.
AA

402

THE CllEATlON OF MANITUliA.

, •

' « .1

XIX. Every Legislative Assembly shall continue for
four years from the date of the return of the writs for
returning the same (subject, nevertheless, to being sooner
dissolved by the Lieutenant-Governor) an.l no longer ;
and the first session thereof shall be called at such time
as the Lieutenant-Governor shall appoint.

XX. There shall be a session of the Legislature once
at least in every year, so that twelve months shall not
intervene between the last sittina: of the Lefjislatiire in
one session, and its first sitting in the next session.

XXI. The following provisions of the British North
America Act, 18G7, respecting the House of Commons of
Canada, shall extend and apply to the Legislative Assembly,
that is to say : — provisions relating to the election of a
Speaker, originally, and on vacancies ; the duties of the
Speaker, the absence of the Speaker, and the mode of
voting, as if those provisions were here re-enacted, and
made applicable in terms to the Legislative Assembly.

XXII. In and for the Province, the said Legislature
may exclusively make laws in relation to education, sub-
ject and according to the following provisions : —

1. Nothing in any such law shall prejudicially affect
any right or privilege with respect to denominational
schools, which any class of persons have, by law or prac-
tice, in the Province at the Union :

2, An appeal shall lie to the Governor-General in
Council, from any act or decision of the Legislature of the
Province, or of any Provincial authority, affecting any
right or privilege of the Protestant or Roman Catholic
minority of the Queen's subjects in relation to education.

lontinuo for
le writs for
)oing sooner
no longer ;
t such time

ilature once
IS sliall not
igislatnre in
ssion.

itisli Nortli
Commons of
e Assembly,
lection of a
uties of the
he mode of
nacted, and
ssembly.
Leojislature
ication, sub-

ciallv affect
ominational
iw or prac-

■General in
ature of the
fecting any
an Catholic
education.

'JIIK UKD JUYEIl TUDUIU.KS.

4o:j

:l. In case any such Provincial Law, as from time to
time seems to the Governor-General in Council requisite
for the due execution of the provisions of this section, is
not made ; or in case any decision of the Governor-General
in Council, on any appeal under this section, is not duly
executed by the proper Provincial authority in that be-
half, then, and in every such case, and as far only as the cir-
cumstances of each case require, the Parliament of Canada
may make remedial laws for the due execution of the
provisions of this Section, and of any decision of the Gov-
ernor-General in Council under this Section.

XXIII. Either the English or the French language may
])e used by any ]3erson in the debates of the Houses of
the Legislature, and both those languages shall be used
in the respective Records and Journals of those Houses,
and either of those languages may be used by any person,
or in any Pleading or Process, or in issuing from any
Court of Canada established under the British North
America Act, 18G7, or in or from all or any of the Courts
of the Province. The Acts of the Legislature shall be
printed and published in both those languages.

XXIV. Inasmuch as the Province is not in debt, the
said Province shall be entitled to be paid, and to receive
from the Government of Canada, by half-yearly payments
in advance, interest at the rate of five per centum per
annum on the sum of four hundred and seventy- two
thousand and ninety dollars.

XXV. The sum of thirty thousand dollars shall be paid
yearly by Canada to the Province, for the support of its
Government and Legislature, and an annual grant, in aid

404

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

■>'-^'M

' . Ti

of the said Province, shall be made equal to eighty cents
per head of the population, estimated at seventeen thou-
sand souls; and such grant of eighty cents per head
shall be augmented in proportion to the increase of
population, as may be shown by the census that shall
be taken thereof, in the year one thousand eight hundred
and eighty-one, and by each subsequent decennial census,
until its population amounts to four hundred thousand
souls, at which amount such grant shall remain thereafter,
and such sum shall be in full settlement of all future de-
mands on Canada, and shall be paid half-yearly, in ad-
vance, to the said Province.

XXVI. Canada will assume and defray the charge for
the following services : —

1. Salary of the Lieutenant-Governor.

2. Salaries and allowances of the Judges of the Superior
and District or County Courts.

3. Charges in res])ect of the Department of the Cus-
toms.

4. Postal Department.

5. Protection of Fisheries.
0. Militia.

7. Geological Survey.

8. The Penitentiary.

9. And such further charges as may be incident to, and
connected with the services which by the British North
American Act, 1867. appertain to the General Govern-
ment, and as are, or may be, allowed to other Provinces.

XXVII. The Customs' duties now by law chargeable
in Rupert's Land, shall be continued without increase for

t >.^:'\

eighty cents
snteen thoii-
s per head
increase of
i that shall
jht hundred
mial census,
d tliousand
n thereafter,
1 future de-
;arly, in ad-

i charge for

he Superior
►f the Cus-

ent to, and
tish North
il Govern-
i*rovinces.
chargeable
ncrease for

THE RED RIVER TROUBLES.

40.5

the period of three years from and after the [)assin<]^ of
this Act, and the proceeds of such duties shall form part
of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Canada.

XXVIII. Such provisions of the Customs' Laws of
Canada (other than such as prescribe the rate of duties
payable), as may be from time to time declared, by the
Governor-General in Council, to apply to the Province of
Manitoba, shall be applicable thereto, and in force therein
accordingly.

XXIX. Such provisions of the Laws of Canada, re-
specting the Inland Revenue, including those fixing the
amount of duties, as may be from time to time declai-ed.
by the Governor General in Council, applicable to the
said Province, shall apply thereto, and be in force tlierein
accordingly.

XXX. All ungranted or waste lands in the Province
shall be, from and after the date of the said transfer, vested
in the Crown, and administered by the Government of
Canada for the purpose of the Dominion, subject to, and
except and so far as the same may be affected by, the
conditions and stipulations contained in the agreement
for the surrender of Rupert's Land by the Hudson's Bay
Company to Her Majesty.

XXXI. And whereas it is expedient, towards the ex-
tinguishment of the Indian Title to the lands in the Pro-
vince, to appropriate a portion of such ungranted lands to
the extent of one million four hundred thousand acres
thereof, for the benefit of the families of the half-breed
residents, it is hereby enacted that under regulations to
be from time to time made by the Governor-

Lieneri

400

TlIK CUKATION OF MANITOHA.

, ♦

Council, the Lieiitcnaiit-Oovenioi' sliall Holoct .sueli lots or
tracts in such parts of the Province as ho may deem expe-
dient, to the extent aforesaid, and divide the same among
the children of the half-breed heads of families, residing
in the Province at the time of the said transfer to Canadn,
and the samo shall be granted to the said children respec-
tively, in such mode and on such conditions as to settle-
ment and otherwise, as the Govornor-CJeneral in Council
may from time to time determine.

XXXTI. For the quieting of titles, and assuring to the
settlers in the Province the peaceable possession of the
lands now held by them, it is enacted as follows : —

1. All grants of land in freehold made by the fludson's
Bay Company up to the eighth day of March, in. the yeai-
18GD, shall, if required by the owner, be confirmed by
grant from the Crown.

2. All grants of estates less than freehold in land made
by the Hudson's Bay Com} ^^y, up to the eighth day of
March aforesaid, shall, if required by the owner, be con-
verted into an estate in freehold, by grant from the
Ci'own.

3. All titles by occupancy, with, the sanction and under
the license and authority of the Hudson Bay Company
up to the eighth day of March aforesaid, of land in that
part of the Province in which the Indian title has
been extinguished, shall, if required by the owner, be
converted into an estate in freehold, by grant from the
CVown.

4. All persons in peaceable possession of tracts of land
at the time of the said transfer to Canada, in those parts

rilK UED lUVKR TilOUHLKS.

407

, Hueli lots or
Y (leein cxpt'-
saine }unon<^
lien, residing
L*r to Canada,
Idren respec-

I as to settlo-
il in Council

miring to tlic
ession of the
)\vs : —
ihe Hudson's
I, in the year
onfirmed by

II land made
ighth day of
i^ner, be con-
nt from tbo

)ii and under
ay Company
land in that
in title has
e owner, be
,nt from the

I'acts of land
I those parts

of the Province in which Indian title lias not )>cen ex-
tinguished, sliall liave the right of prceui[)ti<>u ol' the
same on such terms and conditions as may be determined
by the Governor in Council.

5. Tho Lieutenant-Governor is lu'reby authorized, un-
der regulations to be made from time to time by the (Jov-
ernor-General in Council, to make all &^lch provisions for
a.S(^ertaining and adjusting, on fair and e([uitab]e terms,
the rights of Common, and rights of cutting hay held and
enjoyed by the settlers in the Province, and for the com-
mutation of the same, by grants of land from the Crown.

XXXIII. Tlie Governor-General in Council shall, from
time to time, settle and appoint the mode and form of
grants of land from tlie Crown, and any Order in Council
for that purpose, when published in the "Canada Gazette,"
shall have the same force and effect as if it were a portion
of this Act.

XXXIV. Nothing in this Act shall in any way preju-
dice or affect the rights or properties of the Hudson's Bay
Company, as contained in the conditions under which
that Company surrendered Rupert's Land to Her Majesty.

XXXV. And with respect to such portion of Rupert's
Land and the North- West Territory as is not included in
the Province of Manitoba, it is hereby enacted that the
Lieutenant-Governor of the said Province shall be ap-
[>ointcd by Commission under the Great Seal of Canada,
to be the Lieutenant-Governor of the same under the
name of the North- West Territories, and subject to the
provisions of the Act in the next section mentioned.

XXXVI. Except as hereinbefore is enacted and pro-

408

THE CREATION OF MANITOBA.

vided, the Act of the Parliament of Canada, passed in the
now last session thereof, intituled, " An Act for the tem-
porary government of Rupert's Land and North- West-
ern Territory, when united with Canada," is hereby
re-enacted, extended and continued in force until the 1st
day of January, 1871, and until the end of the session of
Parliament then next succeeding.

THE END.

IIUXTER, ROBE & CO., PRINTERS, TORONTO.

. » "'.■■■

)assed in the
for the tem-
North- West-
is hereby
until the 1st
he session of

l^xmitx, ^os^ * Co/s ^wMitations.

MAN AND WIFE : A Novel. By WiLKiE Collins. Crown 8vo,
574 pp. Oxford style, $1.00; paper cover, 75c.

DOT IT DOWN: A Story of Life in the North- West. By Alexander
Begg. Crown 8vo, 380 pp. Cloth, embossed, $1.50.

"This volume contains a large amount of useful information, conccniinga country
in which we are deeply interested."— Gtte/lpA Mercury,

LIFE OF THE DUKE OF KENT : embracing his Correspondence
with the De Salaberry Family. By Dr. J. Anderson, Quebec. Demy
8vo., 242 pp. Cloth, embossed, $1.00.

SKETCHES OF CELEBRATED CANADIANS, and Persons con-
nected with Canada, from the earliest period in the history of the
Country, down to 1862. By Henry J. Morgan. Demy 8vo., 794
pp. Library style, $2.00. A few copies of this rare book on hand.

ROUOH AND SMOOTH ; or, Ho ! for an Australian Gold Field. By
Mrs. A. Campbell, Quebec. Demy 8vo., 138 pp. Cloth, 50c.

A GARLAND GATHERED AT MORN : A Collection of Short
Poems. By Hetty Hazelwood. Crown 8vo, 79 pp. Cloth, 50c.

POEMS. By Dr. J. Haynes. Crown 8vo, 152 pp. Cloth, 50c.

THE TEETOTALER'S COMPANION ; A Collection of Reading, in
prose and verse, for Divisions and Temples. Compilal by G. M.
Rose. Paper, 2Sc, ; cloth, 40c.

A COLLECTION OF DIALOGUES, for Divisions and Temples. Com-
piled by Mr. HAMMOND. Paper, 25c.

A/iy of the above Books sent post-paid^ on receipt of the price.

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^)KmSH ^OPYRIGHT ^OKKS IN THE ^^<KS&,

KING ARTHUR; A Poem. By Edward Bulwer, Lord Lytton.
Revised edition. Crown 8vo. , 460 pp. Cloth illuminated, gilt edges,
$1-75; cloth embossed, $1.50. Frontispiece. (Will be ready in a
fev) days.)

A TERRIBLE TEMPTATION : A Story of I'o-day. By Charles
Reade, author of "Foul Play," "Griffith Gaunt," "Put yourself in
his Place," &c. Crown 8vo. Illustrated.

WILFRED CUMBERMEDE. By Geox.-e Macdonald, author of
" Alec Forbes," "Robert Falconer," &c. Crown 8vo. Illustrated.

May, 1 87 1.

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Pubhshei-Sf 86 and 88, Kin^ Street West, Toronto^