Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-11-14

The Jcanmetto IaQutrY.
KNGrNEER NELvnL1 CONTINUES HIS STORY.
After the report OF the Jeanette Investigate n
in the frst edition of THE STAR closed. the exam-
nation OF Engineer Melville was continued as
follows:
THE DELAY AT BENNETT ISLAND.
Question.-Was the delay at Bennett island
necessary for the repair OF the boats and the re-
cuperation OF the men and no longer than was
requisite for these purposes?
Answer.-The men were in a very good condition
at the time, but the rest was undoubtedly cool
for them don't think the boats could have been
repaired to the same advantage on the ice as upon
the Island. The delay was no longer than was
necessary TO make the repairs and effect the new
organization, preparatory to taking TO the boats.
Question.-Were there any unnecessary delays
on 5ne retreat either before or after the separation
Answer.-No; do not believe there were.
As TO THE BOATS
Question.-Dld the boats selected for the retreat
prove to be the best possible In respect OF their
seaworthiness, their convenience OF handling on
the fce and their capacity for carrying their crews
and equipments
ton that could have been made. They were the
best three boats on the Jeanette 10 transport on
the ice. believe had we selected three boats as
awkward to handle on the ice as the whaleboat
we would never have gotten through.
THE INSTRUMENTATION CONTROVERSY.
Question.-What, IL you know, was the contro-
versy between Mr.. Danenhower and Mr.. Newcomb
which resulted in the suspension Of the latter from
duty at Bennett Island?
Answer only know from the talk in the camp
Question.-What arrangements, If any, were
made for communication between the boats by
signals?
Questlon-How many days provisions had
Lieut.. Chtpp ON the 18th Of September?
Answer-Mr. ChIpp, on the 18TH of September.
Sin
had, which was five to seven days
Question-In making the drag which you have
described did Lieut. Danenhower assist with his
Answer.-Mr. Danenhower assisted both with
his labor and advice In making the drag.
Question.-Dld you regard the evolution OF
rounding to and putting out the drag in the gale
OF september 10th, 1881. an important one, and
the time Of making 1t critical one?
Answer.-I regarded 1t as an important evolu-
ton, but not by any means critical one
Question.-How was the evolution performed
under the direction of Mr.. Danenhower?
Answer-All right
Witness believed the loads were as light in each
boat as they could safely be made and il less pro-
Visions had been taken he doubted IL they could
have pulled through. In reply to the question,
was open water made as rapidly as possible after
the loss OF the Jeanette witness said $50 far as
any one knew open water was reached as rapidly
as possible. Signs Of open water were seen to the
eastward, but that was out OF the course, and
whether or not it was open water could only be
determined by going there"
The witness said that the delay of ten days at
Inc ten DAY camp could not have been avoided.
The previous destruction of the sleds had nothing
to do with 1t.
MORE ABOUT COLLINS
Witness believed Mr. Collins had not been re-
stored to duty when the retreat over the ice be-
gan. He was asked IL it would have been an ad-
vantage to have had the servceS-in dragging the
boats-of those who were under suspension, and
replied: "Without doubt we required all the work
ing force we could get, and could we have had the
services OF those who were suspended, 1t would
nave lightened the labors OF those who were doing
the work."
The witness said that at no time during the in
Lieut.. Danenhower ask to be permitted to take
command.
The court lat 80 p. N.Y. adjourned unit, 1890 a.
m. tomorrow.