FUK-SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 339 



me, then it places the other witnesses in a position where they would 

 not have a fair chance to answer. 



I suppose, as a matter of course, he would make a denial in toto of 

 what they have said, because he has sworn directly to the contrary, and 

 he could not be satisfied with anything' more. He would have to do 

 that. If he is content with that much, that is all right; but if in doing 

 that he brings out, as it were, new matter in instances going to show, 

 or throw a suspicion upon what thej' said, it seems to me, then, thej^ 

 ought to have a right to reply to it. 



The Chairman. Then it is a question of holding this number of wit- 

 nesses until he can come here, and keep the investigation open for what 

 may be developed, or of closing it. So far as I am concerned, as I stated 

 before, the continuance here was purely and exclusively for Mr. Gavitt's 

 benefit, to enable him to have a thorough opportunity to deny these state- 

 ments. For the purposes of the committee and the conducting of this 

 investigation it was not necessary nor material to continue it longer, 

 nor is it now material. The chair is advised by a communication here- 

 tofore received from the printing-office that, in order to make certain 

 plates and illustrations that will be included in the evidence, some time 

 will be required, and we can not expect the printing of the evidence to 

 be done as quickly as if there was nothing but the printing to do. 

 There are some plates and illustrations to be gotten up. After the 

 printing of the evidence it is to be considered by the committee and a 

 report made. 



This report and evidence is not printed for general use, but is for the 

 use of the committee. If we use all possible speed and should close to- 

 day, and deliver the evidence to the printing-office next week I am sat- 

 isfied it will be some time in February before we can get the evidence 

 and report it to the House. And, with the course the business of the 

 House is taking now, there will be little opportunity for consideration 

 and action upon the report left. 



Mr. Felton. How would this strike you : In view of the fact that 

 anything here is not pertinent for the purposes for which this investi- 

 gation was made, and in view of the fact that the committee deemed it 

 a simple matter of justice that Mr. Gavitt be given an opportunity to 

 reply to matters personal to himself, and he having had ample time to 

 have done so and not having done so, and in view of the further fact 

 that the commissioner in charge of these islands will place this matter 

 before the Secretary of the Treasury, and there he will have a chance 

 to vindicate himself, why not just close the investigation without any- 

 thing further from him ? 



The Chairman. I see no objection. 



Mr. Felton. And in view of the fact that if he is allowed to answer 

 that he might bring in such matter — relevant though it may be — which 

 might retlect upon the character of other witnesses; and we would 

 then feel compelled to extend to them an opportunity of denying. 



The Chairman. Such action would simply be diverting this investi- 

 gation into a contention personal to him and other witnesses, which is 

 a channel into which the committee can not suffer it to be carried. The 

 committee is conducting this investigation for purposes for which the 

 House ordered it, and not for the purpose of ventilating personal griev- 

 ances between witnesses who have been summoned here. 



Mr. Felton. And the chair, as I understand it, is of the opinion that 

 it will be good, just, and proper for us to close this investigation. 



The Chairman. I do not see any public reason for holding the inves- 



