The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1912-04-25

united Press Leased Wire service.1
WASHINGTON. April 25.--How the
death agony of the Titanic's victims
vas transmitted into dollars by wire
less operators was the story told to-
day at the senate inquiry by William
Marconi, the wizard OF wireless"
Shocked at Marconis testimony. angry
4 frowps clouded the faces of the sena-
tors and spectators, as the tale was
unfolded.
Marconi said Operator Bride, Titan
ic survivor, got $500 for his story Of
the Titanic's death. He said Operator
Cottam of the rescue ship Carpathia
also sold his tale at a fancy figure.
Narconi strongly denied that he had
wired Bride and Cottam to keep their
mouths shut" and suppress the news
until 1t could be coined into dollars
Il four figures" when the survivors
reached New York.
Keep your mouth shut. Arranged
ior exclusive story In dollars in four
figures. Marconi agreeing WAS the
message read by Senator Smith The
s.srpMfnander of the u. s. S.. Florida
L Intercepted this wireless from the Sea-
gate station to the Carpathia.
Marconi defended the right Of the
operators to sell their news after reach
Ing New York. He said Operator
Jack Binns sold his tale Of the Re-
public disaster.
Senator Smith said he did not i'm
pute any unworthy motive to Marconi.
The wireless wizard denied the
operators were ordered to withhold
their news from the public. He de-
MED exercising any wireless censor.
ship.
Marconl on the Stand.
William Marconi, the wireless in
rentor, was the first witness today,
having come over from New York at
Senator Smiths request
He admitted that a message was
cent from the New York Marconi of
fees to Operator Cottam on the Car.
pathia. ordering him to hold news
story of the disaster at four figures.
But the message was not sent un
til the Carpathia was off Sandy
Hook, practically in New York har
lor,' said Marconi
He denied personal knowledge o.
the message, saying Chief Engineer
Sammis of the New York office was
responsible.
Marconi said an interview with Cot
tam and not wireless message was
meant to be held for q big money
bonus.
Senator Smith, In opening the hear
Ing, said he understood deposition
would be taken today from officers
and crew OF the steamer Noun
Temple, which is said to have beer
FIVE miles from the crippled and sink
Ing Titanic.
Freak kilograms" Offering sugges
tlons were showered on Senator STitl
today. Richard s. Oakley OF Spokane
wired suggestion for spool buoy
70 find sunken vessels.
Marconi said he is always consul'
~ cEdIuluR WlIeiSoS cqNtPiAAS''N =
all ships but did not manage busines
details. Godfrey s. Isaacs OF Londo'
Is business manager.
I have no official connection VIII
the British government except ao
visory in connection with wireles
work." said the inventor. "rhe Bril-
ish postoffice department has chars
OF the wireless"
Marconi said he has special COZ
tract of 2S years with the Britls
government providing for erection .
government wireless stations.
The Cape Race station" he safe
has radius OF 400 miles by da
over 1000 miles by night"
With ship like the Titanic 9
Olympic, how far away could CAP
Race get into touch?" asked Senate
Smith.
From 1,20o to 1900 miles at night
Marconi replied.
Marconi said the Canadian Pacif
steamer. Mount Temple. had shol
distance equipment. limiting her con
munication to 200 miles.
Marconi said tho longest distane
ne had ever known a wireless me
oage fn ha eanf vyus q nm miles frO]