| description: | On A Cold Day, January 19, 1870, About 1000 Metis And Gathered In The Square At Upper Fort Garry To Hear The Address By Louis Riel (Metis) & Donald A.Smith, Who Were On A Staircase Balcony Of The Officers Quarters, In A Marathon Session In 20 F (-7c) Weather. Donald Smith Had Made The Request That The Flag Of The Provisional Government Be Lowered; However, That Request Was Ignored. Smith Could Not Substantiate To Riel His Authority Of Act As A Agent Of The Canadian Goverment. Image From A Painting By Bruce Johnson |