The Detroit times., 1912-04-22
TO SIFT CHARGE THAT
SEAMEN WERE DRUNK
tCantInued frera page oae,.

I Titanic. United Press reporter found
3 the witnesses unwilling to discuss the
matter, aud particularly fearful that
the White Star Line would learn that
they had been approached by news
rapermen All refused 10 give their
names on the ground that il might
set them In trouble with the White
Star Co.
One of the crew. evidently a deck
steward, declared that he had seen
nearly all the lifeboats lowered. had
been near at hand. and had not seen
anyone attempt bribery OF the crew TO
secure passage.
Il didn't see any one flash any
money he said. II hear that some
millionaire Is said 10 have attempted
to get himself and wife and their
servants in a boat and that he wrote
big checks to the crew, but | certain.
ly didn't see anything like that"
Mai Arthur Peuchen. of Toronto
Canada, wrote the committee that he
had some sensational evidence Ia
give, and would appear in Washing
ton this afternoon. Secretary of the
Navy Meyer has directed that the
wireless operators on the scout cruis
ers Chester and Salem be held SUI
ject 10 the committees call He is
incensed at the criticism OF the wire
less men OF the Carpathia that the
navy operators were Incompetent
In connection with the investiga
tion OF wireless reports from the res
cue ship Carpathia. the committee
expects TO investigate orders TO the
operators on the vessel from Mar
conf agents in New York that they
keep their mouths shut" and sell
their stories of the Titanic wreck
and the rescue of her passengers and
crew by the Carpathia."
Senator Smith said today that he
would welcome the appearance here
of any survivor able 10 give new eyi-
dence OF the Titanic disaster.
The committees agents are over
whelmed with their task of classify
ling the evidence which il is hoped 10
secure from witnesses already locat-
ed, and the senator intimated that he
would be glad 10 receive suggestions
from all survivors The committee
met informally yesterday at Senator
Smiths home. and was in session un-
til late in the night, mapping out the
inquiry Just as soon as the interro-
CATION OF officers and seamen of the
Titanic. now held here is completed,
ii is planned 10 hear a number OF the
women survivors.
Smith said today that already he ex.
pected 10 call Mrs. John Jacob Astor,
Mrs. George D. Widener, Mrs. John
Thayer and probably Mrs. Henry b.,
Harris. All of these, it is understood
have written the senator voluntarily
offering TO testify.
Governmental experts on ship
building will be called 10 explain the
technical side of naval construction
and to act as aides 10 the committee.
None OF the committee members to-
day would say when the British Of
ficers and crew of the Titanic. held
here as witnesses will be excused. Be-
cause of the fact that at least two
survivors have already been quoted
as saying that several members of
the lifeboat crews were drunk and
brutally forced women survivors to
work, 1t was believed here that until
their stories could be probed and re-
peated under oath, none of the crew
at present held here would be re-
leased.
The four surviving officers and 32
sailors, stewards and walters held
here are exceedingly wrothy at the
prospect OF an indefinite detention
here, and sullenly refused all inter
views today.