Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 96, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 April 1912 — U. S. Institutes Investigation Of Titanic Catastrophe. [ARTICLE]

U. S. Institutes Investigation Of Titanic Catastrophe.

The senate committee Of Inquiry appointed to -investigate the wreck of the Titanic, heard stories of J. Bruce Isman, managing director of the White Star Line, and officers of the Titanic and the Carpathia, as to what they saw the night of the wreck. The most- important fact brought to light was that the Titanic was going at the rate of 26 land miles an hour. The points that the United States legislative committee will determine by this inquiry are: Whether or not the Titanic was staunchly built. What precautions Its commander took to inform himself of the proximity of icebergs. Whether or not drills had been conducted in the matter of lowering the boats at sea. Whether the men and officers of the ship did their duty when the vessell struck Whether it is advisable to prohibit the use of the northern route, either by federal or international regulation. Whether an international trackmaster should be stationed at the most northeasterly point, whose authority shall be absolute over all the courses taken by trans-Atlantic vessels. What steps shall be taken by the federal government looking to international control of radiagraphic communication. Mr. Ismay waß very nervous while Oh the witness stand and told the story of his own escape in whispers. He was not sure on just what boat he left the'Titanic, nor was he sure how long he remained on thp. liner after it struck. He claims, however, that before he entered the life boat, he was assured that there were no more women on board the ship. Mr. Ismay has been severely criticised by a great many newspapers for boarding a life boat at all, in view of the fact that hundreds of passengers fought bravely to the end to help save the women and children. It is also believed that, as an officer of the White Star Line, and knowing that they were in a dangerous region, he could have given orders that would have averted the terrible disaster, and his action in seeking safety as he did has branded him a coward.