Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-01-21

An investigation into the complaints and ALE
cations made in regard to the insuffeiency OF
the rations and accommodations furnished 10
the men of the marine guard at that yard was
begun today at the navy yard by court of
inquiry.
The court consisted of Commander +. W.
Dickens. Lieutenant Commander James NJ.
Miller and Capt. s. L. Mercer of the marine
corps, with Lieut. F. Z. Beatty as judge advo-
cate. The complaints of the men were urged
upon the attention of the Secretary of the Navy
by delegation Of clergymen of this city.
The hearing was begun shortly after u
O'Clock. The commandant of the guard. Capt.
Robert Meade. who is responsible for the con-
dItion OF affairs, Was present during the hear
ing.
SERGEANT DALYs ExPERIEScE.
The first witness called was John DAILY,
sergeant of the United States marine corps,
who stated tina. he was stationed at
the navy yard in this city. His examination
was conducted by the judge advocate
and the first question was whether
he had made any complaint as to the quality
and the sufiiciency Of the food furnished. He
said that he had. the first complaint being
made about six months ago. He had COM
planned about the quality of pork fur
nished at dinner time. A second COM
plant was made to Maj. Nicholson
and this was in regard to the quality Of the
stew furnished and the quality of the supper
on Friday nights and the iusufiiciency of milk
on Wednesday nights, which was provided with
oat meal When asked he had
any further complaint. he said that
he wished to say to the court that he had ex-
pended several dollars Of his pay for food to
supplement what he received. In reply to
questions the witness said he made his first
complaint to Lieut.. Moseley. As to the
character of the food purchased with his
money the witness said that he had bought at
o restaurant roast beef, ham and eggs, coffee,
potatoes, beefsteak, bread and butter and some
times bottles of ale.
The witness said he had no complaint to make
of the food at present. The food bought with
his own money, the witness said, was purchased
partly while he was on liberty and partly while
in the barracks. He added that man was
on liberty at different times during the day,
but after IL 80 in the day food could be bought
outside and cooked in the barracks, which was
cheaper.
NOT THE ACCUSED.
Some questions were presented to the judge
advocate to be asked the Witness and the judge
advocate in referring to the questions spoke of
Capt. Meade as the accused. That officer at
once made protest against this designation,
stating that he was not in that ss:tion at pres
ent at any rate.
The examination was contia-,1, the witness
tilat ne Dcc0 IN service AT navy
yard about fifteen months During that time
lie had made no complaintto Capt Meade. He
| said that the captains Office hours we're in the
morning at a time specified by either the first
sergeant or Capt. Meade, when complaints, re-
quests, &C., could be received.
CAPT. MEADE LISTENED TO COMPLAINTS.
The witness said that Capt. Meade had never
refused to hear complaints from him or any
one else to his knowledge. He had never,
failing to see Capt. Meade on one day, at
tempted to see him the next day. As to the
complaint made to Lieut.. Mosher, the witness
| testified that he never heard anything from 1t.
The pork complained of was picked Shout
der and the quality poor. 1t was
very fat. The witness said that he had
been in the service nearly five years
and during that time had received as part of
the ration, milk in coffee and butter on the
bread only on board ship. He found fault
with the stew because there was no meat in it.
He could not have corrected this faul: by
speaking to the cook.
1t was elected from the witness that on board
ship he received the naval ration and on lind
the army ration.
Upon the conclusion Of the examination the
court adjourned until 1880 tomorrow morning.