New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-04-25

London. April H-Severe criticisms Of
the marine department OF the Board or
Trade were made by Lord Muskerry az the
meeting OF the Imperial Merchants Service
Guild this afternoon. Lord Muskerry de-
clared that the measures urged BY the
Guild met with bitter opposition. and he
hoped that the great disaster 10 the Titanic
would lead the public TO insist on full
and searching inquiry by an independent
committee into the methods pursued by the
marine department
Lord Muskerry stated explicitly that al
though the advisory committee had pre-
scented q report to the Board Of Trade last
July calling attention 10 the insuitlciency
OF boats on oceangoing liners, not a sin
gle thing had been done or any notice
taken until the news came that the Titanic
had struck an iceberg. Then the marine
department wrote To each member Of the
committee, saying that 1t agreed 10 their
proposals They, however. might go fur
Their. and that meant that the marine de-
partment desired to throw the blame On
other shoulders
Lord Muskerry hoped that the advisory
committee would insist on a reform OF the
marine department. and on the appoint
ment OF a man possessing professional
knowledge Of the sea as rs chief.
Sir Ernest Shacketon emphasized the inn
portance of having d committee consisting
OF unbiased practical man. He added: we
do not want men like the Archbishop of
Canterbury on this job" He evidently re-
ferred TO the fact that the Archbishop Of
Canterbury is q member OF the Board OF
Trade
Renewed interest in the United States Sem
ate's inquiry into the loss Of the Titanic and
In the status Of the Senatorial court was
cvinced by several members Of the House
Of Commons to-day. and many questions
we're asked Of Francis Dyke Acland. Par
liamentary Under Secretary for Foreign Az
fairs, who replied on behalf OF the Foreign
ONCE.
Il am not aware OF the precise grounds
on which the United States Senate inquiry
T. being held" said Mr.. Acland. Il under.
stand the object is TO determine the re-
sponsibility Tor the wreck. As Tar as am
aware there has never been previously
foreign inquiry into the loss Of British
vessel on the high seas"
Roland Munro Ferguson. a Scottish mem
her expressed fears lest witnesses neces-
sary 10 the British inquiry into the Titanic
disaster might be detained. but Mr.. Ac-
land dissented, saving:
"I feel sure that We can trust 10 the
usual good sense Of the American Senate
sn6 the American people not 70 desire 70
de,ain persons whose attendance might be
renu,red NJ q court OF inquiry in this coun-
try"
Arthur Lee, member FOR Hampshire. sug-
easted that instructions should be sent 10
The British Ambassador At Washington 10
nrotect British subjects summoned by the
senate committee, who apparently have
ma one 70 defend their rights at present"
Mr.. Acland did not doubt that II protec-
tom were desired by the British witnesses
instructions would be sent. but we hope
tina. the case may not arise" he said.
Alexander MacCallum Scott another
scot,ish member. asked II the Senate COM
,o,.,ee rs not political committee con-
6ucted by people who are not experts IN
The matter" to which Mr.. Acland replied:
"I do not tn!nk IT q. our place 10 investi-
c.,. that Il appears that the committee
~ ,hs Senate has power TO summon Wit.
r..sss and TO administer oaths, ard We
,.rs not thought that We were entitled TO
"a further than that in the matter"
Nr Maccalum Scott then said Are you
.w,r. that these called before the Senate
committee are not receiving fair and honor
,n,s treatment? VIII you take steps to
sscur. fair and honorable treatment for
British subjects
~ Acland replied mo such complaint
~. been received by us. Surely in TINS
mstter We must trust, as I think we are
r,eht in doing. to the good sense Of the
.msrican people. and We do not desire 10
interfere without absolute necessity