The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1912-08-06

ocean travel. added comforts, even
luXuries, speed the craft more closely
linking socially and in business wise
the old world and the new-all these
things have very greatly augmented
the importance of ocean movement
both OF passenger and commercial
trade
An absorbing question is whether
the government to which they are
bound by allegiance OF oath, birth or
citizenship. is inclined to care for
them or not in the risks they take
at sea.
1t is worthy of note there has been
no dereliction upon the part OF the
United States government in the OBJ
vious duties that have devolyed up
Oh us since the catastrophe which
sunk more of the world in grief and
horror than anything OF the kind that
has visited humanity in modern
times
What machinery of this government
is available to promote the safety Of
lives and property in transit across
the seas has been used enersetically,
intcllisently and without stint.
Supervising Inspector General Geo.
lhler Of the SeamAoat Inspecting Ser
wee has devoted himself INCREASINGLY
and most earnestly 10 all the prob
lens involved in the share of this
government in responsibility for the
safety of ocean travellers. He said
today. talking on this subject:
AS soon as the Titanic disaster
occurred everything was done to pro-
vide liie-saving equipment for every
body on board ship, including passen'
gers and crew. Although the Ameri-
can rules previous to this provided
for the care OF more than twice as
many people as were provided for
by the rules of the British Board Of
Tade, still We did not relax efforts
to improve the situation The basis
of both American and British rules,
however is the tonnage of the ships
rather than the number OF passen-
hocic lnipp lrlsnnu'l
edged by all the maritime nations
of the world. with the possible eN-
ception Of Norway, which country,
since 1908, had provided for full boat
age on transatlantic ships. With the
event Of the appalling Titanic calam-
ity, all nations have interested them
selves actively and profitably for the
safety Of lives and property crossing
the seas, and none more efectually
than our own government
indeed nothing has been left un-
done, conceived by ingenuity and
paiustaking thought, to insure safety
for ocean travel. Any sincerely urged
project to that end that appeared up
on its face to be feasible and prac-
tical has been instantly tested. The
steam ship companies. realizing to the
fuli their esponsibilities have not
been remiss in attention and activity
in the emergency. | know of ono
company that, evoh before our rules
went into effect, had already placed
orders for $50 lifeboats. all of which
are being built as fast as they can
be turned out by working day and
night and Sundays.
"'The very earnestness with which
our country has engaged in forward
ing a solution of the greatest pos
sible promotion of safety to keep con
fidence alive. and all reports indicate
thcer has been no material diminution
in such travel and business. The
American people will travel if they
nave ItdSOliDlt dSSHI awe W OlNl- /
nary care for their safety"
Ia this connection it is interesting /
10 know that nearly fifty bills have |
been introduced in the two houses OF .
congress since the Titanic disaster .
looking to the safeguarding of life |
lt sea. Some of these bills are mer-
torious others wholly impractical and
but all well intended, re.
atinS in these instances to lifeboat
Equipment, sufficient crew service.
'iro.fightinG apparatus, etc. but most
ire crude. 1t is nevertheless believed
hat an intelligent concensus of view
vii; ne reached before congress ad
omns that will evolve the best pos
,ihle law Certain it is that nohody
n This administration has been per
ntted TO be- derelict in this partic~
liar emergency.