United States Senate Inquiry

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"TITANIC" DISASTER. __________________________ FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1912 SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, UNITED STATES SENATE, New, York, N. Y. The subcommittee met at 10:30 o'clock a. m. Present: Senator William Alden Smith, chairman, and Senator Francis G. Newlands. Present also: Mr. George Uhler, Supervising Inspector General, Steamboat-Inspection Service, Department of Commerce and Labor; Mr. J. Bruce Ismay, general manager of the International Mercantile Marine Co.; Charles C. Burlingham, Esq., and J. Parker Kirlin, Esq.; representing the White Star Line; Emerson E. Parvin, Esq., secretary International Mercantile Marine Co.; Guglielmo Marconi, president of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co.; Hon. John W. Griggs, representing the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co.; and others. Senator SMITH. For the purpose of executing the command and direction of the Senate of the United States, the inquiry in which we contemplate will now begin. The resolution is as follows: IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, April 17, 1912. Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce, or a subcommittee thereof, is hereby authorized and directed to investigate the causes leading to the wreck of the White Star liner Titanic, with its attendant loss of life so shocking to the civilized world. Resolved further, That said committee or a subcommittee thereof is hereby empowered to summon witnesses, send for persons and papers, to administer oaths, and to take such testimony as may be necessary to determine the responsibility therefor, with a view to such legislation as may be necessary to prevent, as far as possible, any repetition of such a disaster. Resolved further, That the committee shall inquire particularly into the number of lifeboats, rafts, and life preservers, and other equipment for the protection of the passengers and crew; the number of persons aboard the Titanic, whether passenger or crew, and whether adequate inspections were made of such vessel, in view of the large number of American passengers travelling over a route commonly regarded as dangerous from icebergs; and whether it is feasible for Congress to take steps looking to an international agreement to secure the protection of sea traffic, including regulation of the size of ships and designation of routes. Resolved further, That in the report of said committee it shall recommend such legislation as it shall deem expedient; and the expenses incurred by this investigation shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers to be approved by the chairman of said committee. Attest: CHARLES C. BENNETT, Secretary. By H. M. ROSE, Assistant Secretary. I will ask Mr. J. Bruce Ismay to come forward and take the stand.