El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-04-18

washington. D. C.. April 1S.-As a
complement TO the congressional inves-
tfgation the scope Of which has not yet
been fully determined. secretary Nagel
Of the department Of commerce and
labor. will take up at once with presi-
dent Taft the entire subject Of safe
guarding ocean travel by more string
eut American shipping regulations.
After a conference at the white
house. today between Mr.. Nagel, the sec
rotary of commerce and labor; G d.
HilIes, secretary to president Taft and
Miss Mabel Boardman, the active head
Of the American Red Cross, il was an
nOunced that an appeal TO the peop4e
Of the United States probably would pe
sent broadcast today by the Red cross
for funds to aid the destitute rescued
from the Titanic.
The disaster to the Titanic has
aroused congress, president IaIt ana
the cabinet to the urgent need Tor IN
mediate measures of safety for oceanic
travel 1t is believed that laws viii be
prepared at once by congress- Daseu
on advice of the officials OF the de-
partment OF commerce and labor and
American. shipping experts which viii
insure the safety Of passengers ana
crew In cases like the present where
ample time existed for their removal
in ufeboats.
No Program Decided On.
No concrete program OF action has
yet been outlined The congressional
Investigations announced by chairmen
Alexander and Nelson, OF the mouse ana
the senate committees, viii probably
result in the summOning also OF OF
ficials Of the White Star line, TO state
what precautions for safety are taken
on the White star liners
Government officials charged win
the enforcement Of the shipping laws
and regulations were engrossed today
with the subject Of safety and protec-
ton for tranSa uantic travel 1t Is eX-
pected that immediate reforms viii be
demanded officially by the government
and viii be enforced through new laws
requiring all vessels entering Amerl-
can ports to carry sufficient emergency
apparatus to remove all passengers and
crews in time OF emergency
President Taft is taking keen per-
sonal interest in all features OF the pro-
posed regulation Of passenger vessels
and he will probably send recommends
lions TO congress containing the sugges-
lions Of executive departments for new
legislation.
Insurance Companies to Act.
Revenue cutter officials I'm Wash
ington believe the disaster will result
in insurance companies insisting on
steamships taking a more southerly
course across the ocean
Prompt action is to be taken by con-
CreSs 10 report Dill prONldlng strict
control Of wireless telegraphy- Meas
ures have been pending for some time
in the house committee on merchant
marine Interference Of amateurs and
irresponsible operators with the auN-
iously awaited messages from the Car
pathia and other ships, viii result in an
attempt to secure immediate legisla-
ton regulating wireless.
Secretary NageI has discussed the
ocean steamship situation with assist
an secretary Gable and George Uhler
supervising inspector general of steam
boats. They took the position that
the problem is wholly within the prov
ince Of congress and they welcome &C
ton from that quarter
Legislation Is Possible.
The question W lether trc legislation
appIyin- 30 American navigation can
be extended to foreign vessels touch
ing the shores OF the United states was
considered. BY a recent act Of con-
gress, foreign as well as American YES
sells are compelled TO have wireless
equipment as a safeguard to uaviga-
ton and secretary Nagel believes that
the extension Of the nfebOat require
ments can be made in the same man
ner.
The practical effect Of the Ameri-
can law, it was said, was 10 provide