The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1884-11-21
THEIR WORK DONE.
Closing Up the Affairs of the Greedy
Relief Expedition.
RETURN OF THE ALERT.
Faithful Service Recognized The
Disposition Of tho Ships-The Court
of Inquiry 49, Lieutenant Emory's
Book.
Commodore scbIey Talks.

"rbe Greedy relief squadron pulls down Its
ensign to-day. Its duty Is done, and to-day
II goes out Of SERVICE" said Commodore
Winfield Scott schley, tho gallant commander
OF the relief fleet to a reporter who onterod
his Office this afternoon.
"Wo solved tho enigma OF 1851" he added,
sand our work is done. The chips have been
relieved OF their stores and deserted by their
men, and go out OF commission to-day.
The Commodore was evidently very happy,
lie seemed TO know that tho 1lnding OF the
Greedy party was n sensation that would have
almost discounted Presidential election and
poitant expedition.
The AFFAIRS OF the expedition are Indeed
Coinmddoro schiey, Lieutenant Emory and
Commander Coffin, tho three command
ore, are all in this city, while their three good
chips lie dismantled and empty at the Brook
Ign Yavy-Yard, their fate as yet undeter-
mined.
Theils and Bear, the two purchased vessels
Of tho expedition, and they are now In condi.
tion 10 be advertised for proposals, II the law
is not changed.
There If, however, a very strong desire aud
determination to retain them IN the Navy for
surveying purposes, as II IL believed that they
would be most useful.
Their sale, IL Is also urged, would not real
ize one halt the value or actual cost ot tho
vessels.
The disposition TO DO made OF the Abort is
equally In doubt. Tho vessel was presented
and now the proprlety OF returning her to the
donors Is q question with which the gigantic
intelleets OF two Executive Departments are
wrestling.
The Navy Department would like to retain
the Alert. Tpey think she would also make q
useful weasel for purposes OF surveying and
yet there is grave doubt as 10 the permanency
Of the gift.
or course England could not have made the
presentation with proylso tor the return Of
the vessel without rendering the United States
liable for her value In case OF disaster. For
this reason tho gift was doubtless made In.
stead OF merely rendering the use OF the vessel
II England had intended to present the YES.
sci for a surveying ship che would probably
have said go.
The State Department is apparently per.
| picked as to whether the gift.Yessel can DO
| gracefully returned, and the Navy Department
| is in equal doubt as to whether she can be
The stores OF tho three vessels have bsen
| distributed, and large quantities OF them have
| been sold, while all tho available or servicea-
| bic articles have been turned over to the Blu
reau OF Provisions and Clothing for the use OF
| the Navy.
lieutenant Colwell, who was one OF the last
/ officers TO abandon the ships, arrived In Wash.
| ington yesterday and reported the vessels
| empty and awaiting the orders OF the Secre-
Among other items, in dlsposlng of the
stores, there are two hundred and fifty suits
OF fur clothing for Arctic wear. Several
sample suits have been received at at secretary
terminc their value, before Offering them at
auction. one plan proposed was that these
points visited by recent expeditions as
presents TO the men who have been friendly
and servlceeble to American sailors.
Commodore Schley is engaged upon the
preparation OF discharges and certificates for
tho members OF the relief party, the accounts
% ShS saiSrs ana the system q rewards etc.
Lieutenant Emory, of the Bear, II Is said
contemplates an interesting addition 10 Arctic
| literature in the form Of an interesting and
| elaborate account OF some of the most interest
Ing scientific and meteorological features OF
the voyage.
lieutenant Greedy has recovered strength
rapidly since his return TO this city, and is
busily Mt work. The subject OF n court OF In
quiry TO Investigate the entire subject Of the
conduct, sufferings and relief OF the Greedy
party receives very little attention. II 10 the
general opinion that there may be such a
court ordered In spirit entirely friendly TO
Lieutenant Greedy, and tho reference to this
subject In Secretary Lincoln's forthcoming
annual report Will be awaited with interest.
Tho desire is very strong among some OF his
brother officers to secure from Congress suttl-
bic and substantial recognition OF Lieutenant
Greely's services.
Secretary Chandler said this morning that
the deposition Of the three vessels-the Alert,
rhetis and Bear--wouid DO necessarily deter
mined by Congress.
The retention OF the Thets and Boar is
strongly urged by the Department, and Con.
gress Will DO asked to provide for IT,
| "The return OF the Alert" no added, "ls "A
| question aglJated only by the newspapers. l
| have regarded the gift OF the vessel by tho
| Englieh Government as an unconditional
| present have mover supposed that she was
| wanted again by England, or that her return
| would be agitated or considered.
| 'rho question has been raised, by tho press
4 at lens, and Congress will decide It. have no
idea that the ship will be returned"
The annual report OF Paymaster. General
| Smith has been submitted to the Secretary OF
the Navy. II details tho routine transactions
OF the Pay Corps Of the Navy.