Evening journal., 1912-04-24
SENATE COMMITTEE
HINTS WHITE STAR
LINE OFFICERS SHAPE
INVESTIGATION COURSE
Senator Smith Exonerafes Officers and Crew of the
Titanic From Such Interference, Adding That Ac
fion by Persons Responsible Will Not be ToIersf-
ed at Future Session of the Inquiry Board.
MORE OFFICERS OF THE ILL FATED
TITANIC TELL OF HORROR OF THE SEA

smaller room would be resorted to
and everyone excluded except wit
nesses and members of the press
Yesterday, two women tainted in tho
crush around the committee room
As early as o'clock this morning
two score Capitol policemen were de-
! tailed TO preserve order In the corri-
/ dors, even then rapidly filling with
morbid crowd
lHmay was the first to make his ap-
pearance. He had requested to be al
lowed TO testify today, insisting that
his wife was very I'M and that it is
necessary for him 10 return 10 Eng
land at once. lie promised TO come
back to Washington at any time he
should be summoned by the commit
tee Throughout the hearing Ismay
has been the center Of all eyes.
Whenever he enters the room, the
spectators jump to their feet and
stare at him. Little attention is paid
10 the witnesses, tho majority OF The
women studying the features of the
steamship companies chief as he lis
tens TO the grewsOmc details that at
tended the sinking of the Titanic.
Ismay Unconditional.
Ismay betrays little sign of emo
ton as he listens to the recital Usu-
ally he attempts TO screen himself
from the crowd behind Vice President
Franklin aud his attorneys. Almost
invariably his right hand rests on
his chin and he chews viciousy al HIS
finger nails whenever damaging
statement Is made by a witness. pc-
casionally his coat sleeve slips up-
ward. revealing that his right arm Is
covered with gorgeous tattoo de-
G sign
Those In attendance at the inquiry
= have expressed surprise that no naval
! experts are aiding the committee. u
> was suggested today that Representa-
n tive Hobsou be summoned 10 help y
~ the investigation, but the Senators A
m charge seem anxious TO get all IN
n. glory there is I'm the hearing and ar
"a proceeding along their QNu lines, asp
~ ing witnesses If the ship sank b
m the bow or the head, and simila
M questions that show their ignoranc
of nautical matters.
II The British seamon who have beel
,e examined could not disguise thei
,e disgust al the landlubberly nterro
" cations they arc asked.
n The most sensational testimony thu
idI huNNtths idll' ll'hA RhA''t' 49,
members Of the crew, who admitte'
that there had been no drills aboar
the Titanic, except a perfunctory on
4, for the benefit of the Board of Trad
Y al Southampton.
Major Peuchen, Of Toronto. told th
committee that he had learned fron
% one of the officers that the lifeboat
= could not be filled To capacity am
4 lowered from the rail. This account
y ed for the fact that many Of the littl
/ crafts we're sent away only PARTIAL
q filled, while hundreds Of passenger
4 were left 20 face death on the decl
o OF the wounded leviathan.
4. 10 Probe Haste.
\ Just why there should have bee
i such haste in getting the Titanic init
's commission is the thing which th
"a committee intends to thorough
probe The crew which the line
n carried was a mere heterogeneous col
d. lection of seamen. They had no
r. been drilled into any semblance of
,r machine" for orderly working Of th
m ship. Many die not know their exac
he posts.
Is The Titanic started on her maidel
SIS voyage almost Immediately after he
he trial trip. There was no shake
rs down" voyage TO accustom the cre'
d to their new places
& Back 10 Examination.
m Frederick Fleet. one Of the III
d tanics lookouts, was the first wit
it ness. He was called for cross
a Continued on Second Page)