The Inspector and the 'Kickers': Sea Captains Rally to Bryant

Supervising Inspector Bermingham will hold the final session of his court of inquiry into the charges against Local Inspector Bryant tomorrow morning, when more witnesses will testify for the defense. Bryant said he would take the stand and was willing for the prosecution to hire an extra attorney to cross-examine him.

Yesterday the defense flourished, but the prosecution examined two reinstating witnesses, George Stetson and Purser Taylor of the Flyer. The defense called a host of witnesses, mostly to Bryant's general reputation. Most said it was good, but cross-examination showed they had talked with only a small percentage of Puget Sound masters and pilots.

Capt. John B. Libby of Port Townsend, manager of the Puget Sound Tugboat Company, said Bryant's reputation among the better class of seafaring men was good and that he had never found him arbitrary or unjust in granting a license. J. H. Johnson of the Pacific Steamship Company said Bryant was 'very good indeed' and that when Special Agent Cullom was investigating, Johnson hinted he would speak for Bryant, but Cullom changed the subject. Capt. William Gove of the tug Tyee called Bryant's capacity 'all right'; complaints came from men not regularly employed or from those in charge of larger steamers. Capt. R. C. Connor said: 'Bryant's reputation among good men is all right, but among the kickers it is bad.' Capt. Primrose said he had always received from Bryant everything the law allowed. When asked if he had talked with many men about Bryant, he replied, 'Good men don't talk about [such things].'

The prosecution's witness W. W. Watson testified about a debt Bryant had contracted with a mill company. The company attached goods at Whatcom without Bryant's knowledge, and after the judgment was satisfied Bryant appeared angry and spoke of whipping people connected with the mill company. Watson thought he was joking, but later concluded he was in earnest.

Other captains—Bendegard, Gilmore, Lilly, Oakes, Nickels, Hansen, Smith, Joliet, Whitney, Jackson, Green, Hutton, Clift and others—testified that Bryant's reputation was good or that they had been fairly treated. Capt. MacFarland said Bryant's reputation was all right 'except among those who have tried to use his office,' and testified that Mr. Spencer of Portland had said he intended to get Bryant out if it took four years and cost $5,000.

Capt. Struve was recalled and said Capt. Rogers and Capt. O'Brien had told him Bryant was intoxicated on duty. Rogers, recalled, admitted that he and Bryant had been 'pretty tight' on a trip to Whatcom on the Premier, but said, 'We were not drunk.' Bryant said important witnesses were missing because steamers had not arrived. Inspector Bermingham adjourned until Monday morning.