The Washington herald., 1912-04-19
BANKER DEPICTS
COLLISION SCENE
IN VIVID TERMS

New York, April 1&-Robert Williams
Daniel. a banker OF Philadelphia. who
was on the top deck, Deck A." and who
understands wireless teIegraphy. worked
coming over on the ship as a pastime In
assisting Phillips. who was the wireless
operator on the Titanic. the man who
sent out the s. o. s.. In his statement,
he says:
The Titanic, shortly before the acci-
dent, was running at twenty-five knots
an hour. This speed was altogether too
high under the circumstances. An hour
end q half before the accident the ON
GERS on the bridge had been notified that
there were icebergs on the direct route
through which the Titanic would pass.
This warning was given by wireless mes-
sages from steamships which had passed
through the Ice
when the collision occurred there was
not very great chance. There was no
warning by any one on duty at that time
that the Iceberg was there. The shock
surprised everybody, but did not startle
them. There was no panic at that time.
The officers and seamen went through the
ship, calmly notifying the passengers that
there had been q slight accident. but
there was not the slightest danger. Capt.
officer and calmly sent out orders through
his subordinates as 10 what should be
done TO maintain discipline on the
steamer.
Ripped from End 10 End.
THE vessel began to sink slowly at
the bow. An investigation made by the.
ships carpenter showed that the Titanic
had been ripped on the starboard side
practically from stem TO stern, and that
the water was pouring into every COM
partment.
Then 1t was apparent to Capt. Smith,
the officers, and the passengers that the
vessel was doomed.
After the collision. when we were
assured that there was no danger what
ever OF the vessel sinking. l went to
my room on the top deck and lay down
to go to sleep. i had retired before
the collision. While there one OF the
ships company went into my room, and
said had better put on a life belt. /
said, what forT and he replied You had
better put II on for safety. Although
we believe the vessel Is safe. Il Is best
for you to take precautions and 20 pre-
pare for any emergency I went out on
deck In my bath robe wearing the life
belt. and looked over the situation. and
saw that the boat was sinking. Slow
" the lights began to go out, one by
one in various parts Of the snip the !
arc lights were the last to go out and
then the ship was in total darkness.
the only lights they had being from Lam
terms.
1T was a common understanding with |
,ut any special orders being given that |
women and helpless passengers and chill |
iren should be allowed TO take the boats. |
There were, as ! recall II, sixteen
Joats and two coIlapsIble boats. which |
urned out to be very collapsible affairs. |
or as soon as they touched the water |
hey collapsed and the occupants OF these |
Doats were dumped into the ocean. The |
Doats were lowered on all sides of the |
hip, and I did not see any EFFORT by |
my man to get on board the boats or 1
% take the place of any Of the women |
OF course. / did not zee |
What went on in all parts OF the ship, |
.ut do know that IN the first cabin no |
nen made any attempt TO take the place
4 any women passengers"