Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-20
WORLDWIDE RULES
FOR SEAS DESIRED
Senate Resolution Looks to
International Regulation
of Ocean Traffic.
PRESIDENT IS ADVISED
TREATIES ARE FAVORED
Speed, Routes and Ship Equipment
Could Be Supervised.

The Senate committee on foreign rela-
tons today agreed to recommend to the
Senate the adoption OF the amended
MARITIME resolution looking to an in
ternational cooperation in the regula-
ton Of ocean trafYic. 1t advises the
President the Senate would favor
treaties with the maritime powers regu-
lating speed. routes and nfe-saving and
wireless equipment. Searchlights were
especially recommended
Legislation requiring wireless apparatus
on ocean steamers to be manned by
operators twenty-four hours in the day.
will be included in the program Of Chair
man Alexander of the House committee
less BILL restricting the operation of anna
tours. will be supplemented by an amend
ment to the existing law. which compell-
ed the installation OF wireless plans on all
ocean steamships clearing from American
ports.
The testimony at the New York inquiry
of the Senate's committee has convinced
members Of the House that wireless
equipment does not afford satisfactory
protection to vessels at sea. unless 1t IL
Titanic's distress message by the Car
pathia was entirely providential.
Many Suggestions Made.
Many suggestions have been received
by Chairman Alexander for legislation
and regulations to provide greater safety
in north Atlantic travel. One communi-
cation received from Washington man
suggests the use of the Atlantic battle
ship and q fleet Of aeroplanes to blow ur
icebergs in the spring and summer with
twelve-inch shells and dynamite bombs.
Another suggestion Is that American bat
n moth
Atlantic for target practice.
Chairman Alexander will report to the
House Tuesday upon his resolution. al
ready Endorsed by the merchant marine
the north Atlantic steamship routes. The
committee now is having translated fos
the use Of the House and Senate the
Norwegian steamship laws, which have
been recommended to IL as presenting the
highest standard OF safety regulations
and requirements.
Senate Resolution.
The following is the text Of the Senate
resolution as agreed to.
That the President Of the United
States be, and he is hereby. advised that
the Senate would favor treaties with Eng
land. France. Germany and other mari
time governments to regulate the course
carrying Of passengers at sea; to de-
termine the number Of Mfeboats, RATS.
searchlights and wireless apparatus to be
carried by such vessels. and to assure the
use Of such other equipment as shall be
adequate to secure the safety Of such YES
sells, passengers and crews"
The only discussion in the committee
was upon the point as to whether treaties
would be necessary to the accomplish
ment Of the desired purposes.
The general opinion was that while a
great deal could be done by the adoption
of effective laws, much more could be
gained by international agreement. There
was no division on the vote.
Memorial Is Presented.
memorial to Congress by the Inter.
national Seamen's Union was presented
to the House today by Representative
Wilson of Pennsylvania. urging the
speedy enactment of the seamen's bill to
provide for better crew accommodations
and efficiency. and other relief. as a safe
guard against sea disasters like that OF
the Titanic.
The memorial was signed by President
Andrew Furuseth and Vice President An.
drew Flynn for the union.