Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-30

LONDON. July 3O.-The judgment of
the British board of trade court OF m
quiry into the disaster of the White Star
liner Titanic, which sank in md-ocean
with 1,o11 souls after collision with an
iceberg April IA. was pronounced today
by Lord Mersey. the presiding judge,
before large audience.
The court finds that the collision Of the
Titanic with the iceberg was due to the
excessive speed at which the ship was
navigated; that a proper watch was not
kept. that the ships boats were properly
lowered, but that arrangements for man.
ming them were insufficient: that the
Leyland liner Californian might have
reached the Titanic if she had attempted
to do so: that the track followed was
reasonably safe with proper vigilance.
and that there was no discrimination
against third-class passengers in the saw
ing of life.
The court of inquiry exonerates j.
Bruce Ismay, chairman and managing di-
rector OF the White Star line and Sir
cosmo Duff Gordon. one of the passen-
gers. from any charges of improper con-
duct.
The judgment recommends more
water-tight compartments in sca6oing
ships. the provision of lifeboats for all
on board and more efficient drills of
the crew, as well as a better lookout.
Lord Mersey's judgment is formal
legal document giving the history of
the voyage and of the disaster. while
the findings and recommendations of
the court extend to great length Much
OF the Judgment Is highly technical
In II there was no argument and no di-
rect reference 10 the inquiry by the
committee of the United States Senate
under the craftsmanship of Senator Will
lam Alden Smith.
Charges of Improper Conduct.
Lord Mersey said It was not the bust
ness of the court 10 inquire into attacks
on the moral conduct OF Sir Cosmo
Duff Gordon and j. Bruce Ismay. but
silence on the part of the court might
be misunderstood. He continued:
The very gross charge against Sir
Cosmo Duff Gordon that he bribed the
boatmen TO row away from drowning
people is unfounded do not believe
the men in the boat were deferred from
making an attempt to rescue others by
any act OF Sir Cosmo Dun- Gordon. At
the same time I think If he had en-
Couraged the men to return to where
the Titanic had foundered they prob
ably would have made an effort to do
so. and could have saved some lives.
Inc dttaCk j.. Bruce ISmdy. con-
efuded the judge. resolved itself into
the suggestion that, occupying the
position of managing director of the
line. some moral duty was imposed
upon him TO wait on board after
the vessel foundered. i do not agree.
Mr.. Ismay. after assisting many pas
sengers. found the last boat on the
starboard side Of the Titanic actually
being lowered No other people were
there at the time. There was room for
him and he jumped in. Had he not
done he would merely have added
one more life 10 the number lost"
Emergency Arrangements Faulty.
The most important findings of the
court were that the Titanic was suffi-
ciently and efficiently oficered and
manned and complied with all the reguIa-
tions OF the British merchant shipping act
regarding safety. but that the arrange
ments for manning and launching the
lifeboats in an emergency were insufficient
and that no drill had been held The in
struc.ions for the voyage given prior 10
sailing were, In the opinion of the court
adequate but having regard to subse-
quent events they would have been better
II reference had been made to the course
to be adopted in the event OF the yesse
reaching the region of ice"
The outward and homeward southern
tracks were. according to the Judgment
reasonably safe for the time of year al
which the disaster happened provided
great precaution and vigilance were used
In crossing the ice region Capt E. s
Smith OF the Titanic was not said the
court, fettered by orders to remain in the
track. but naturally would keep near tC
the accepted route.
In view of the fact that on the nigh
OF the accident the moon was not shin
ing, there was no wind and very little
swell on the sea, and especially in view
OF the high speed at which the Titani,
was stea ming. an extra lookout should
IN the courts opinion. have been placed
5n the stem of the boat and sharI
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