The Portland daily press., 1883-04-07
THE JEANNETTE INQUIRY.


Bartlett Testifies 60 De Longs Efficiency
WASHINGTON, April 6.-The Jeanette court
OF enquiry convened this forenoon. Fireman
Bartlett had thirty five questions written by
Collins read TO him. In reply the witness stat
ed that Collins (the deceased) held the position
OF an officer and was saluted and treated as
saeh. Ine witness never heard De Long speak
an unkind word to Collins On the retreat he
was treated by men and officers with the same
consideration as was shown other officers. The
witness did not hear Collins say that he was
prevented from saving his papers when the
Jeannette was lost. Collins subsequently,
spoke 10 the witness in regard 10 his treatment
and what he proposed 10 do upon his return.
he spoke about papers which he had ON his
person that time and made q request Of the
witness relative TO them. When the whale
boat reached land there was discussion as to
the probable condition and fate of the other
parties. According TO the witness memory for
sixteen days 1t was impossible TO travel from
where his party landed At the end of that
time Melville made arrangements for the
transportation OF the entire party TO Bulun.
kusma agreed to furnish TRANSPORTATION in five
days but did not return for fifteen dsys. Their
party moved as soon rs practicable. The wit
ness knew OF no trouble between Melville and
Collins.
The witness was asked, Had you been in
command OF the party when lt landed would
you have waited thirty-five days?'
ne repied, II do not rem5ember that we
waited thirty-hye days before trying to discoY-
or the condition and whereabouts of the other
parties. Taking into consideration the eondi-
tlon OF the country and our condition, think
II was twenty days after we arrived before it
was possible to make move. made propc-
sition to move which was discussed by the
whole party. Manson and l agreed TO draw
Leach upon sled, as he was unable to walk
owing TO fross bites, but the conclusion arrived
at was that it was impossible.
The witness did not heliaVa that nronar
search for Belongs party could have been
made any sooner than it was made Collins
requested the witness during the retreat to
take care OF his papers in case he should die
The witness was present when Collins body
was found. The articles taken from tho body
were a small note book and few packages OF
crumpled written matter which had been car
ried N his pocket, number of beads, q few
nails, some cartridges, small purse and two
handkerchiefs The written
matter was not letters. 1t appeared to be
open written matter like notes There was
not over ten sheets of matter like notes-misht
have been less.
The witness was asked, How does Your ac-
count OF what was found on Collins compare
with Mslyilleis report to the department.
Answer have never seen Melvilies state
ment and do nor know The witness relat-
tions with Melville while in Siberia we're gem
orally friendly. In the witness opinion ev-
erything was done that could be done to rescue
Dsboug's party. They could not have been
saved had Danenhower been permitted 10 90
on his search at the time he proposed il. The
witness did not know that any papers or arti-
cles belonging to Collins were DESTROYED or
concealed by any person.
This concluded the examination OF Bartlett,
and the court adjourned until tomorrow.