Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-04-17
GOVERNMENT WILL ACT.
Viii Pass Legislation to Minimize
Possibilities of Ocean Tragedies.

NasiiiHSt oIit Apli lo.-oNliltu ny
the horror of the Titanic disaster all
official Washington, today, was pre-
pairing for steps to minimize the pos
sfbilities of another such tragedy.
congressman began framing legis-
lation To govern life saving appliances
and wireless and President Taft
doHbly touched by the probable loss
of his friend and military aide, Maj.
Archibald w. Butt, held conferences
with cabinet officers, to consider gov
eminent control over the operati of
wireless
In the House Representative Mott
introduced a resolution providing for
a searching inquiry by the merchant
marine committee into the disaster OF
the Titanic and Rep. Harding one
that would touch upon regulations for
life saving apparatus.
President Taft was in conference at
the White House, today, for nearly
two hours with some Of his cabinet
officers whose functions cover the OPP
erations of wireless telegra piy. These
We're Secretaries Stimson, Meyer and
Nagel
Attorney General Wickersham was
In recognition of the extensive in
terests Of private corporations which
have spent much in the equipment of
ships and shore stations with wireless
outfits former Attorney General
Griggs and Mr.. Sheffield representing
the Marconi Co., were also consulted
while the technical side of the ques-
ton was developed by Admiral Cone,
the engineer-in chief of the navy
which bureau is charged with the
management of the naval wireless
system.
The discussion was general in char
acter and touched particularly upon
the details of a new bill which has
been prepared in the navy department
to give effect to the requirements of
the general wireless telegraphic con-
vcntion to which America has recent
ly adhered.
This question has already for some
time been under consideration of the adj
visory committee composed by ship own
ers and board of trade, and some recon-
mendations have been made which have
not yet been made public The Titanic
was fitted with electrically controlled
water-tight compartments. All these
should have been Immediately closed by
the bridge unless, as surmised the coll
lision so damaged the electrical appara-
tus as to render this impossible or I'M
less the side was torn away by an ice
berg.
AT the White Star Line offices in Lon
don and Southampton, late tonight,
large crowds We're waiting in the great
est anxiety for further lists Many pa
thetic scenes were witnessed In one
street in Southampton every house had
bread-winner aboard the Titanic The
mayor of southampton has opened a re-
lief fund for those left dependent and
has appealed to the lord mayor of Lon
don to cooperate.
The sinking of the Titanic following
so closely the wreck of the Delhi, Ocenia
and other big vessels, has caused con-
sternation among the marine underwrit-
ers il will be long before the full effect
In assurances of various kinds at Lloyds
Is known. and many underwriters and
syndicates may be hard hit
the subject declined To commit them
selves 10 any definite opinion. but seem
cd to think that there would be a move
ment In the direction of higher rates OF
insurance, Asked whether this would
prove setback To the building of huge
vessels. one member of Lloyds said that
1t depended on the nature OF the details