LEADERS OF THE RED RIVER REBELLION.

Southland Times, Issue 1240, 22 April 1870, Page 3

LEADERS OF THE RED RIVER REBELLION.

A Winnipeg correspondent sends" to the " Saint Paul Daily Press " the follow ing pen sketch of the leaders of the rebellion t— GEITEBAL tOTJIS BIEJV Daring the initiatory steps of the movements, when revolution was as yet a disorganised insurrection, comparatively little was heard of the man Who notf forms the actual head and right arm of the opposition to Canadian rule, until, like Napoleon, the exigences of the times had shaped a path for the exercise of his peculiar genius. French by blood, bora in the country he now so nobly defends, he retains the best characteristics of the people. He is the embodiment of the motives, the principles, and the aspira* tions of his countrymen. Educated in Canada, and possessed of all the refinement and polish a brilliant intellect can acquire, he combines much of the determination of Napoleon with the tactics of Caesar. At the age of 24 he steps upon the arena, possessed of x all the capabilities requisite to the successful management of the trust confided to him— with the full confidence of the people and the hearty dread of his enemies. With a physique of medium height, rather heavily set in proportion, frank, honest countenance, and clear grey eyes, his very presence enforces a respect for the Secretary and General of the Provisional Government — a man who would make his mark anywhere and under any circumstances, but when brought out in such a cause will never pause in his career until freedom shall stand on solid and substantial foundations. PEESIDEOT JOHN" "BUTTCE, a half-breed, chosen from the people, not for his attainments— though by no means to be disparaged — but because he is; a > correct representative of the ideas and desires of the people from which he emanates. Having passed his 35 years of life in pursuits common to his country, he has as a consequence a full knowledge of the community — its wants and desires. Possessed of that splendid physical organisation which a life of constant exercise can alone produce, rather above the medium height, a slender but wellknit frame, with piercing black eyes, and firmly set but pleasant features, he is a perfect type of the people which have chosen him. Perhaps, at the time, no man could have been selected to fill the office he now holds who would have given more general satisfaction. DONAHUE. Mr Donahue, who, with the President and Secretary, forms the Executive committee of three, and who is also a member of the council, is a young man of most extensive education and a polished genial gentleman; 28 years of age, of tall and commanding figure, light hair and complexion, his capacity for the emergencies of revolution render him a most valuable counsellor and faithful adviser. Born in the United States, he has for so long breathed the free air and imbibed the liberal principles of that best of governments, that theaiding of this revolutionary movement is with him a matter of principle. His indomitable Irish courage and activity add valuable assistance to the patriotic cause at this juncture. t Cool, collected, with a confidence in his own abilities not easily shaken, he realises the true liberty-loving Irishman— always ready to aid in any .cause against oppression. In short, he is the Metternich and Tallyrand of the Bed River revolution — whose able policies, let us hope, may join us in a closer and stronger bond with that country which in so high a measure possesses our regard.