PUBLIC sentiment with regard to the Titanic disaster
was reflected in the prompt action of the
United States Government.
On April 17th the Senate, without a dissenting vote,
ordered an investigation of the wreck of the Titanic, with
particular reference to the inadequacy of life-saving boats
and apparatus. The resolution also directed inquiry into the
use by the Titanic of the northern course "over a route
commonly regarded as dangerous from icebergs."
Besides investigating the disaster, the committee was
directed to look into the feasibility of international agreements
for the further protection of ocean traffic.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, in whose charge the
investigation was placed, immediately appointed the following
sub-committee to conduct the gathering of evidence and the
examination of witnesses:
Senator William Alden Smith of Michigan, chairman;
Senator Francis Newlands of Nevada, Senator Jonathan
Bourne, Jr., of Oregon, Senator George C. Perkins of California,
Senator Theodore E. Burton of Ohio, Senator Furnifold
McL. Simmons of North Carolina and Senator Duncan U.
Fletcher of Florida.
The Senate Committee began its investigation in New
York on Friday, April 19th, the morning after the arrival of
the Carpathia.
Ismay, the first witness, came to the witness chair with
a smile upon his face. He was sworn and then told the
committee that he made the voyage on the Titanic only as
a voluntary passenger. Nobody designated him to come
to see how the newly launched monster would behave on
the initial trip. He said that no money was spared in the
construction, and as she was built on commission there
was no need for the builders to slight the work for their
own benefit. The accident had happened on Sunday night,
April 14th.
"I was in bed and asleep," he said. "The ship was not
going at full speed, as has been printed, because full speed
would be from seventy-eight to eighty revolutions, and we were
making only seventy-five. After the impact with the iceberg
I dressed and went on deck. I asked the steward what
the matter was and he told me. Then I went to Captain
Smith and asked him if the ship was in danger and he told
me he thought she was."
Ismay said that he went on the bridge and remained there
for some time and then lent a hand in getting the life-boats
ready. He helped to get the women and children into the
boats.
Ismay said that no other executive officer of the steamship
company was on board, which practically made him the
sole master of the vessel the minute it passed beyond the
control of the captain and his fellow-officers. But Ismay,
seeming to scent the drift of the questions, said that he never
interfered in any way with the handling of the ship.
Ismay was asked to give more particulars about his departure
from the ship. He said:
"The boat was ready to be lowered away and the officer
called out if there were any more women or children to go
or any more passengers on deck, but there was none, and I
got on board."
