CHAPTER XXVII.
LORD STRATHCONA'S HAND.
On Christmas Day, 1870, John Bruce, who was but a figurehead, resigned his office of President of the so-called Provisional Government of Red River Settlement, and the ambitious Louis Riel was chosen in his stead.
The Dominion Government had at length, been awakened to the danger.
Divided counsels still prevailed.

Two Commissioners, Grand Vicar Thibault and Col.

De Salaberry, arrived at Fort Garry, but they were safely quartered at the Bishop's palace at St.Boniface, and as they professed to have no authority, Riel cavalierly set them aside.

At this time the American element in the hamlet of Winnipeg became very offensive.

Riel's official organ, "The New Nation," was edited by an American, Major Robinson.