The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-10-26
Melville Meeting with His Wife-his
side Of the Insanity StO y.

A correspondent gives the following
description of Engineer Melville's re-
| ception at his home and his meeting
with his wife and children:
The grounds around his cottage, q
| rather large and handsome one, were I'M
penetrated by the crowd, and IN the
doorway three little girls, the tallest, in
the center, could be seen awaiting their
fathers first kiss and embrace. When
Melville went away, Meta, the youngest,
was a babe in arms. Maud, the eldest,
now about fourteen years old, is girl of
great promise, and although she was but
a child when he left her, she was almost
a young lady last night. and received
such admiration and attention as few
young ladies do. Through the cheering
crowds that lined the road Melville came,
march of Joy and triumph very differ
el,t to the weary march over the Sibe-
rian wastes, and at the gate all stop
| ped. Melville went in alone, and taking
the three in his arms and holding them
| for awhile to his heart, was led by Maud
| to where her mother was awaiting her.
Then the committees and delegates en-
tered the reception room, and soon
Melville came in proudly and joyfully,
with his wife leaning upon his arm. In
the pleasure of his presence and the &C.
casion, Mrs. Melville made striking
appearance although the anxiety through
which she has passed has worn upon her
youthful and very attractive appearance.
She was plainly dressed in black, with
her dark hair combed in two waves across
her forehead, after the old style. She
cordially welcomed all her husbands
friends, and especially NorOs and Mind
erman, the two sailors whom he still
kept at his side. In the room was q
large picture of the Jeanette and vari-
GUS other pictures and china ornaments
and trophies that Melville has brought
from past cruIzes in far-of chimes.
Standing in the center of the room, with
his wife behind him, Melville received
about 1900 or 1000 persons.
Mr.. Melville says: My wifes insanity
has manifested itself occasionally ever
since our marriage, but has become more
violent of late. / have heard of her
drawing toy-wagon along the streets
and asking passers-by to look at the new
baby that was to be surprise to George
that's y upon his return, when there
was not even rag-doll in the wagon.
Still, as her Authorizations were gener-
ally harmless, had no fear of her doing
anything violent. would rather have
had nothing said publicly of this sad
affair, but since it has got into the news
papers, want the true facts set forth.
One of the members of her family died
in an asylum for the insane. Another
is "simple," and third passed several
years in confinement because of insanity.
Her story, which l read this morning,
was the raving of demented mind, but,
like many insane persons, she possesses
the faculty of speaking very sensibly and
coherently, even with her mind unbal-
anced, so that cannot say that the wri-
ter of the article had any intention OF
doing me harm. His mistake was one of
Judgment and not of intention. He did
not know thet he was talkiny to a crazy
woman. Many of my friends know of
the troubles have experienced in my
domestic life, but none knew them all.
With regard to the story as to the
troubles about money, Chief Engineer
Able, an intimate friend, said:
According to the regulations of the
navy, an officer at sea can only allow his
wife one-half of his salary. This Mr..
Melville did, giving her $50 q month.
Beside this, he owned the house, which
was we'll furnished, laid in stock OF
coal sufficient for three years, paid the
taxes and the school expenses OF the
children for the same term, and paid OF
the debts she had contracted while he
was with the Asiatic squadron. To do
this he had to get special order from
the secretary of the treasurery, allowing
him to allot his whole salary, except $40
a month, to his wife. On this pitiful
sum he had to live long time.