the grass was very long, they would see foreign armies in Canada.  He would begin with subduing Manitoba, and afterwards turn against the North-West.  Prisoner afterwards prepared to go to the United States, and told the people it would look well if they attempted to prevent him from going.  Riel never had the intention of leaving the country, but wanted witness to get the people to tell him not to go.  Witness was chairman of a meeting which was held, and brought the matter up.  On the 2nd March a meeting was held at the settlement between Riel and Father Andre.  There were seven or eight half-breeds there.  Prisoner appeared to be very excited, and told Father Andre he must give him permission to proclaim a Provisional Government before 12 o’clock.  On the 3rd March a meeting was held for the English half-breeds.  About forty armed French-half-breeds came there.  Riel spoke and said the police wanted to arrest him, but he had the real police.  Witness spoke also at the meeting on the 5th of March.  Riel afterwards told witness he had decided to take up arms and induce the people to take up arms for the glory of God, the good of the Church, and the saving of their souls.  About twenty days before the prisoner took up arms witness broke entirely from him.  On the 19th witness was made prisoner by four of Riel’s men and taken to the church, where he found some half-breeds and Indians armed.  That night he was taken before the council and was acquitted.  Riel protested against the decision.  Witness was condemned to death, and he was thus forced to join the rebels to save his life.  The conditions of surrender to Crozier were put in his hands to be delivered to Crozier, but he did not deliver the letter.  Riel was present at the Duck Lake fight, on the 26th March, and was one of the first to go out to meet the police, carrying a cross in his hands.

Cross examined by Mr. Lemieux.—­I have taken an active part in political affairs of the country.  In 1869 I was in Manitoba.  In 1884 Riel was living in Montana with his wife and children.  I participated in the movement to bring Riel here; believed Riel would be of advantage in obtaining redress of the grievances.  The clergy had not taken part in the political movement, but had assisted them in obtaining their rights.  They thought it was necessary to have Riel as a point to rally round.  Delegates were sent to invite Riel to come, and he came with his wife and family.  A constitutional political movement was made, in which the half-breeds of all creeds took part, and the whites, though they were not active promoters, were sympathizers.  Did not believe Riel ever wanted to return to Montana, although he spoke of it.  After the Government refused to grant the indemnity to Riel witness did not believe he would be useful as a constitutional leader.  It was after the indemnity was refused that Riel spoke of going away.  Witness denied that in 1869 he started an agitation with Riel, and then, as in the present case, abandoned him.