and what was more natural and just than for them to take up arms in defence of their rights?  He justified his claims to $35,000 by saying that it was offered to him to keep out of the country for three years.  The English constitution, he said, had been perfected for the happiness of the world, and his wish to have the representatives of the different nations here was to give people from the countries of the Old World an opportunity of enjoying the blessings God had given England.  God had given England great glory, but she must work for that glory or it would surely pass away.  The Roman Empire was four hundred years in declining from its proud pre-eminence, and England would be in the same position; but before England faded away a grander England would be built up in this immense country.  His heart, while it beat, would not abandon the idea of having a new Ireland, a new Germany, a new France here; and the people of those countries would enjoy liberties under the British constitution which they did not obtain at home.  If he must die for his principles, if the brave men who were with him must die, he hoped the French-Canadians would come and help the people to get back what was being unjustly wrenched from them.  Peace had always been uppermost in his thoughts, and it was to save the country from being deluged with blood later on that they strove for their rights now.  He concluded by objecting to the jury and the decision of the Court, and asked that he be not tried for the alleged offences of this season, but that his whole career be put on trial, and the jury asked to give a decision as to whether his life and acts have in any way benefited the country or not.

THE SENTENCE.

Mr. CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON moved for the sentence of the Court.

Judge RICHARDSON then said:  “Louis Riel, you are charged with treason.  You let loose the flood gates of rapine and bloodshed, and brought ruin and death to many families, who, if let alone, were in comfort and a fair way of affluence.  For what you did you have been given a fair and impartial trial.  Your remarks are no excuse for your acts.  You committed acts that the law demands an account for at your hands.  The jury coupled with their verdict a recommendation to mercy.  I can hold out no prospect for you, and I would recommend you to make your peace with God.  For me, only one duty and a painful one to perform remains.  It is to pass sentence upon you.  If your life is spared, no one will feel more gratified than myself, but I can hold out no hope.  The sentence of this Court upon you, Louis Riel, is that you be taken to the guard-room of the Mounted Police of Regina, whence you came, and kept there until September the eighteenth, and from thence to the place of execution, there to be hanged by the neck until dead, and may the Lord have mercy upon your soul!”

Riel never moved a muscle, but, bowing to the Court, said:—­“Is that on Friday, your Honour?”