" The Commissioner then demanded that Vicar Thibault's
commission, which Riel had seized should be read. Riel refused it, but
Mr. Smith stood firm. At length the Queen's message to the people was
proclaimed. One John Burke then demanded that the prisoners be released
and a promise was given. On the second day the people again assembled,
and Mr. Smith then read authoritative letters, one from the
Governor-General to Governor McTavish, and another to Mr. McDougall. It
was then moved by Riel, seconded by Mr. Bannatyre, and carried
unanimously, that twenty representatives should be elected by the
English Parishes and twenty by the French, and that these should meet on
January 25th to consider the subjects of Commissioner Smith's
communications, and decide what was best for the welfare of the country.
Speeches were made by the Bishop of Rupert's Land, and Father Richot and
Riel closed the meeting by saying: "I came here with fear ... we are not
enemies--but we came very near being so.... we all have rights. We claim
no half rights, mind you, but all the rights we are entitled to."
Begg, an eye-witness, says: "Immediately after the meeting the utmost
good feeling prevailed.
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