Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-09-18
The Jeaunette Survivors.

MELVILLE'S RECEPTION AT HIS OLD HOME-THE SUD-
DEN ILLNESS OF HIS WIFE, WHO CHARGES THAT
HER HUSBAND HAS DESERTED HER-LIEUT. DANEN-
HOwERS RELATIONS WITH CHIEF ENGINEER MEL
WILLIE
Chief Engineer Melville arrived at his home,
Sharon Hill, ON the Philadelphia, Wilmington and
Baltimore railroad, about O'Clock Saturday even
ing, accompanied by party OF prominent Phila-
delphians. The streets were lined with people who
cheered Justify upon the appearance OF the Arctic
hero. Across the avenue leading to his cottage an
arch was erected on which was the inscription,
"Welcome Home" Engineer Melvlle's residence
was brilliantly Illuminated. as was also nearly
every cottages on the place. He met his daughters
on the threshold of their house. The meeting was
very anecting. His wife, whom he had not seen
for three long years, he recel wed privately and
| one saw the meeting. He was presented with a
after which he held public reception, which was
attended Us 2,G00 people. Mrs. Melville was seized
with delirium at the close of the demonstration,
band Melville lett the house the same night with
friends, going to Darby, near by, anu mas not re-
turned: His wife remains with nurses, and Is Under
physicians care The singular conduct Of Mel
Vile and his wife, at their meeting Saturday even
ing, and the fact that Melville tarried so long at
other places before going to his home, has caused
considerable comment in Philadelphia.
MRS. MELVILLE TELLS STRANGE STORY.
After Melville's sudden departure from his home
Saturday evening, Mrs. Melville Was seen at Sharon
Hill, and, according to the Philadelphia Press,
told the follow ing story:
"My husband has left me; gone know not
where, never to return Gone without one word
of explanation as to why he deserted me-"
do understand sta you to say, Mrs. Melville. that
"Yes, sir: he left this house last night. He re-
fused to remain here and cursed me before he
went 1t is too terrible 1T will kill me; it will kill
me. But will tell you everything, though my
heart is breaking and feel that I'm going mad.
When Melville had greeted his children Saturday
night on the porch he came to me. Twas waiting
not 10 num- on George am glad to see you; are you
he made no reply, and his arms hung light at his
side. Then Meta caught him by the hand and
SAID Kiss me again papa, Pm SO glad to see you,'
and he turned upon her and exclaimed In an angry
said, oh, George, don't talk so, some will hear
you; the house is full OF your friends: Let us go
out into the parlOrS and receive Them 'They are
not friends or mime he replied They are your
friends, not mine,' answered, and led him into
the parlors but one two Of the guests had heard
this gruf greeting, and were greatly astonished.
Shortly afterwards he seized his hat and left the
house, saying he would end the matter now and
In the darkness and was left alone. 1t was too
much for me to bear, and broke down completely.
Just think or the diSgrace My children knew
that my husband and their father had deserted
me. He left me without dollar in the house, or
food TO eat: left us without anytning-my chill
dren and myself-withOut one word OF eXplana-
tlon, and have not seen him since, nor do know
where he iS.'
"Can you account for his strange behavior Mrs.
Melville, or assign cause?"
"Nothing further than displeased him in re-
gard to money matters, and there was always q
scene on his return from voyage. During his last
trip he only allowed me $50 month. How could
keep up his house and grounds, ciothe myself ana
his children and send them to school and meet
household expenses out OF that That's what dis
pleased him? This thing has been pending for
years, and now it's come and is out; and it will kill
me-"
1t is said In this city to-day by persons claiming
to know that the trouble between Lieut.. Melville
and his wife was In relation to money matters;
nlr tn hpi In
him buy home, and found that she had spent all
she had drawn during his absence, and that he
expressed himself fOrciby In regard to the mat
ter.
MELVILLE AND DANENHowER
Lieutenant DanenhOwer has published a card in
relation to the publications referring to an alleged
trouble between Chief Engineer Melville and him.
self. "The latest one" he says. ''s in the Wash
fngton STAR OF last evening Saturday copied from
New York paper and is the first that takes de-
finite shape, stating, under title Melville VS..
DanenhOwer': THE alleged charge OF Lieutenant
DanenhOwer that II he (Melville) had not turned
back from the first search Captain DeLong and his
companions might have been saved The above
alleged charge has never been made by me. In the
first place, the facts would not admit OF such a
charge, fer when Melvilleturned back the captains
party had been dead at least fifteen days. In the
second place, would never make such charge
except to the proper official authorities. have
always avoided adverse and premature criticisms
OF my late comrades. and will simply refer to what
said when confronted by half a score OF journal
lists on board the Celtic On my arrival at New
York, and as published in the New York Herald
OF May 29th, 1882, under the caption "A Vndication
of Melville.' This was caused by my learning that
he had been hastily and unfairly criticised pre-
viously to my return. I have made no charge
against any one My personal relations with Mr.
Melville have been OF very pleasant character"