Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-01-11
STORY OF MUTlNY DENIED
MEN ABOARD THE DOLPHIN NOT
DISSATISFIED.
Three Seamen Absent Themselves, but
for Porto Rico.

The United States dispatch boat Dolphin
cast anchor at the Washington navy yard
promptly at ! o'clock today, bound for
Porto Rico to do survey duty. At the last
moment it was discovered that three men
of the ships crew were missing, and the
vessel had to put off without them. The
missing men were Joseph Townsend. VIII
liam A. Miller and Magnus Nelson, ali
classified as ordinary sailors.
The Dolphin is commanded by Lieutenant
Commander Albert Gleaves, United States
navy. Its usual complement of officers
and men is 115. The fact that three of this
number were not aboard did not develop
until a few hours before the time for the
departure of the ship. The men were given
shore leave last night, but were expected
to report this morning. With the exception
Of the trouble occasioned by the seamen's
absence there was nothing out of the ordi-
nary to mark the departure of the vessel.
The report that condition bordering on
mutiny existed was declared to be unfound-
ed, as all of the other sailors were in good
spirits and seemed glad to know that they
were about to make change from the
bleak January winds hereabouts to the
balmy breeZes of the tropics. Lieutenant
Commander Gleaves, when seen by a Star
reporter before he sailed, and questioned
regarding the alleged trouble aboard his
ship, said:
L
send, Miller and Nelson are missing. 1t is
easy to explain the non-appearance of the
former, as he is troublesome fellow, and
was court-martialed only short time ago
for coming aboard the Dolphin in an intoX-
icated condition and resisting arrest. He
was found guilty, and sentence is in abey-
ance. l cannot account for the failure of
tn other two seamen to show up as they
have hitherto borne good regulations. /
presume they did not want to do survey
duty, as some sailors are opposed to doing
this kind of work.
"An three men will undoubtedly turn up
after the ship sails and report as 'strag
glers.'
Denounces a Statement.
Commander Gleaves strongly denounced
the statement that any dissatisfaction ex-
listed on account either of his treatment of
the men or the character of the rations fur
nished.
81 have always been kind and considerate
to all the men who have been under me-"
he said, "aS my past record in the navy
will show. AS far the rations Of the
ships crew is concerned have nothing to
do. The Navy Department recently pro-
mulgated an order changing the rules con-
cerning the mess and compelling seamen
hereafter to take three-fourths of the mess
provided by the department. The depart
ment, however, has provided lots of good
things for them, so / am sure there will be
no complaint in regard to the food.
1t is true that previous to the passing
of this order the men were allowed mere
money than they now are with which to
purchase such provisions as they saw fit,
but the change has worked them no harm"
Can the men appeal if they are mis-
treated or badly fed?' asked the reporter.
Most certainly" replied the lieutenant
commander. Il am obliged by the regula-
tions to forward any letter of complaint
received, if it be couched in respectful
terms, to the Secretary of the Navy. They
can even carry their case to the President,
if necessary
The commander said the Dolphin would
anchor at Quantico tonight, but he ex-
pected to pass out of the capes by sun
down tomorrow
THE dispatch boat" he said, will pro-
ceed slowly to Porto Rico, taking deep sea
soundings on the route and would in all
probability return to the United States by
April l next