The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-03-22
THE M'ALEsTER INQUIRY.
CLOSE OF THE TESTIMONY BEFORE
THE BOARD OF INvEsTIG ALTON.
A Few Remarks ON the Subject.


recalled, testified as follows-I have carefully
examined the property book, in Major How
ellis Office, for the property belonging to the
dredgeboat McAlester, from July 1, 1879, to
December, 1877, to find what tarred rope had
been purchased between those dates for the
boat. find none between October, 1876, and
December, 1877.
p. J. DOLSEN,
ship carpenter, residing in New Orleans,
sworn, said have had conversation with
Mr. Gerard and Mr.. Hughes with relation to
the condition Of the McAlester. | think it was
about last Tuesday Mr.. Gerard came on
board the Pargoud while | was at work,
and we talked about the McAlester disaster.
told him that In the spring Of last year
was on the Katie, and saw workmen taking
out planking from the dredgeboat. probably
because they were not sound enough to
sheath over. She WIS being sheathed at that
time. One hour after that conversation Mr..
Gerard came on the levee with Mr.. Hughes.
came out and he introduced me to that gen.
tleman.
Mr.. Hughes told me that he was hunting
up evidence to prove the McAlester was rot
ten and unseaworthy. He stated that his
object was for the benefit Of the widows and
orphans Of the lost men, and that he wanted
the government to
EITHER PENSION THEM
or vote an appropriation for the benefit Of the
asked me also to come up and testify before
how l could be Of any benefit to them in
proving the McAlcster unseaworthy; that /
was never nearer the boat than twenty feet
and did not know II her planks were rotten
or not. II they were SO, [ thought the rotten
ones were being removed and new ones put in.
told Mr.. Hughes that / would testify II that
would benefit him, just rs | said to Major
HOwel's brother.
Mr.. Hughes replied that he did not think
my evidence would be OF any benefit
MIR. BRADY.
At the time the McAlester was being re-
paired in my dock ! gave the hull q general
examination, which seemed to be in good
order, though 1t is impossible to determine
exactly the soundness OF a vessel, unless she
be properly opened.
In my former testimony said that in my
opinion the McAlester was perfectly able to
stand at sea--not from my observation Of the
boat
The men at work in my docks are reluctant
to testify not because their testimony will be
favorable or unfavorable as to the condition
of the McAlester but because they are indif-
ferent aud do not care to be disturbed in their
work.
Mr. Hughes asked that Major Howell be
examined.
MAJOR HOWELL's TESTIMONY.
1t Is the duty of officers to report the repairs
necessary to their vessels. When the Me
Alester needed repairs, ] WAS notified OF the
fact and gave orders to have them done. |
was not present when the hull was being re-
paired. was notified that the hull required
extensive overhauling. AS the vessel was to
be at work here for q number of years. 1t was
better to have her well repaired and in good
condition.
MIR. J. HUGHES.
remarked that he only wished to have Major
Howell exonerated from all responsibility in
the matter Of the loss. This Is why He asked
that the Major should testify; not on account
OF any ill-feeing against him.
The following Is an extract Of the Majors
report, dated October IL, 1877:
DREDGEBoATs, ETC.
''The dredgeboats and other vessels em-
plOyed on the work have been kept In fair
state Of preservation, but owing to the posi-
blity OF suspension at some time during the
year, and also because of the smalness Of the
appropriation which was but two-thirds Of
that estimated as necessary, many repairs,
which In the interest Of future economy should
have been made. were postponed. II found
necessary to work the dredgeboats after No
vember next extensive repairs should be pro-
vided for"
Major Howell, explaining this extract, said:
The larger portion of the expenditure that
was expected to be required would be needed
III
ing a new vessel to be used as 8 coal barge, or
in repairing or rebuilding the end dock The
rest to be distributed between the Essayons
and McAlester, the larger portion to be ex
smaller boats Of the fleet. Part Of the appro-
priation for the dredging Of Sabine Pass was
used to have the McAlester repaired. The
appropriation was sufficiently large to
warrant this action. The McAlester was then
placed In what was considered thorough sea-
going condition.
THIS TESTIMONY
closed the sessions OF the investigating
board. To-day friday the gentlemen com
Simpsons room at the st. Charles Hotel, and
put the proceedings of the inquiry in proper
shape and send the record to the Secretary of
War at Washington. Should the authorities
think it necessary, cOurt-martial will be
called to pronounce sentence on the one who Is
to blame for the loss of the McAlester
HOWEVER, 1T IS HARDLY NECESSARY
the testimony taken by the board will con-
vince the court martial Of the entire inno-
cence of Major Howell The Major is known
to be q most estimable and worthy gentle
man, who has filled the duties of his post
faithfully and impartially. He was the first
ing the hearing of the testimony showed that
his intentions were to have the matter
thoroughly sifted; and all parties not tainted
with personal malice or prejudice against
him, do not doubt that he will be fully ex-
onerated by the authorities at Washington
from any blame in the sending off and suibse-
quent loss of the United States dredgeboat
McAlester.
THE McALEsTER.
More About the Lost Dredgeb0at-Pleces