Fifteenth Day
Council Chamber, Upper Fort Garry
Thursday, 10 February 1870
Noon — Convention again in session.
Mr. Sutherland and
Dr. Bird said they were absent last night, when the vote was taken, but had they been present,
they would have voted with the other members of the Convention.
At the suggestion of
Mr. Ross, a debate [arose?] with regard to the period of holding the next Quarterly Court.
It was agreed that the present session, which ought to open on the 17th should be
foregone, in prospect of the Court sitting at the usual time in May next.
Mr. O'Donoghue, seconded by
Mr. Lascerte, moved that Mr. DeLorme take Mr. Dease's place, and Mr. Laronce that of Councillor
for his own parish — Carried.
A debate then arose on the subject of sending delegates to Canada.
Mr. Ross — We have agreed on the principle of sending delegates to Canada, but left undecided
how many, and who. In connection with that, I would like to ask if anybody can throw
light on the question of how the expenses of the delegates are to be met.
Mr. Riel — For all the trouble caused in this country by Canada, I hope she will be kind enough
to pay the delegate's bills, one way or another. As to their appointment, that is
a matter which ought to be dealt with by the Provisional Government, formed last night.
It is not respectful to me or my Government to take this out of our hands.
Mr. O'Donoghue — I think the Canadian Government has a disposition to pay the expenses of the delegation.
One of the Commissioners, Colonel DeSalaberry, assured me that he would take on himself,
in the name of the Canadian Government, to pay the expenses of the delegation,— unless
too many were sent.
The Chairman — This morning I saw Mr. [Smith? illegible] for a few minutes, and alluding to this
question, remarked that the expenses of the delegates was a somewhat important question.
The result was, that without giving me any positive assurance on the point, he led
me to believe that he was quite prepared to hear any application from the meeting
on the subject, and that probably he might arrange the matter — in fact, saying pretty
much the same thing as Col. DeSalaberry appears to have said to Mr. O'Donoghue.
Mr. Riel — The work of the Convention seems about at an end. Having alluded to the difficulties
under which the English delegates laboured — which difficulties had been cleared away
— he said, The first Provisional Government assumes the full responsibility of all
its acts. As to the prisoners, I not only repeat to you the assurance I gave yesterday,
but will at once state that all the prisoners are to be released (cheers) — some in
one way and some in another. A few will have to leave the country, as men considered
dangerous to the public peace, if left here at large. But the hardship in their case
will not be very great as they are single men. One other, William Hallet, will be
released, after giving full guarantees. In respect to Dr. Schultz, the position is
this — he is exiled forever, and if found in the country is liable to be shot. All
his property, also, is confiscated. But here again, I would remind the Convention
that the first Provisional Government assumes all the responsibility of these acts.
For the support of the present Government I would further say that it is at least
desirable — and I should request it — that if any one sees Schultz in the country,
he should report it. Mr. A. Lepine will receive orders to administer the oath of allegiance
to the prisoners who are to be released, as he is in charge of the Fort. As for Schultz,
as I said, his goods are confiscated; and in this way some of those to whom he is
indebted will be provided for.
Mr. O'Donoghue — I would not like to take the responsibility to pay all his debts.
The question of sending delegates to Canada was again brought up by
Mr. Ross and
Mr. Bunn, but was opposed on the same grounds as before by the President and Treasurer of
the new Government.
Soon after, a vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, and the Convention adjourned
for an hour.
The following delegates were then nominated by the President and ultimately elected:—
Rev. Mr. Richot, Judge Black, Alfred H. Scott.
In the case of Mr. Scott, there was some opposition on the score that a Half-breed
ought to be elected; but ultimately his nomination was confirmed and the Convention
adjourned sine die.
Appendix A
Bill of Rights
1. That in view of the present exceptional position of the North West duties upon
goods imported into the Country shall continue as at present (except in the case of
spirituous liquors) for three years, and for such further time as may elapse until
there be uninterrupted railroad communication between Red River Settlt [sic] and St.
Paul, and also Steam Communication between Red River Settlmt [sic] & Lake Superior.
2. That 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.
3. That during the time this Country shall remain in the position of a Territory in
the Dominion of Canada all military, civil and other public expenses in connection
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.
4. That while the burden of public expense in this Territory is borne by Canada, the
Country be governed by a Lieut. Governor from Canada, and a Legislature, three members
of whom, being heads of Depts [sic] of the Government shall be nominated by the Governor
General of Canada.
5. 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 Lieut. Governor
appointed by the Governor General of Canada.
6. That there shall be no interference by the Dominion Parlt [sic] in the local affairs
of this Territory other than is allowed in the Provinces; and that this Territory
shall have and enjoy in all respects, the same privileges, advantages [&] aids in
meeting the expenses of this Territory as other Provinces have and enjoy.
7. That while the North West remains a Territory the Legislature have a right to pass
all laws local to the Territory over the veto of the Lt Governor [sic] by a two-thirds
vote
8. A Homestead & pre-emption law.
9. That while the North West remains a Territory the sum of $25.000 [sic] a year be
appropriated for schools, roads & bridges.
10. That all public buildings be at the expense of the Dominion Treasury.
11. That there shall be guaranteed uninterrupted Steam Communication to Lake Superior
within 5 years And also the establishment by rail of a connection with the American
railway as soon as it reaches the International line.
12. Struck out.
13. That the English & French languages be common in the Legislature & Courts And
that all public documents & Acts of the Legislature be published in both languages.
14. That the Judge of the Supreme Court speak the French and English languages.
15. That treaties be concluded between the Dominion and [inserted] Several Indian
tribes of the Country as som [sic: soon] as possible.
16. That until the population of the Country entitles us to more, we have 3 representatives
in the Canadian Parliament — 1 in the Senate & 2 in the Legislative Assembly.
17. That all the properties, rights & privileges as hitherto enjoyed by us be respected,
and that the recognition & arrangement of local customs usages & privileges be made
under the control of the Local Legislature
18. That the two Mile hay privilege be converted into fee simple ownership.
This last article was under discussion when the Committee adjourned the Feb 2[d]
This individual participated in:
