New-York tribune., 1912-04-17

pass the wireless telegraphy bill which
has long been urged by this administIa-
ton
Better Equipment Needed.
that far too much has been claimed for
non sinkabe' ships. and that. like
"freproof" buildings. they are efficient
only when supplemented with every
other available device for saving life.
General Uhler said day that none
Of the big liners carried boats sufficient
TO debark their passengers and that the
law was rot adequate 10 compel then,
to do SO.
Mr.. Taft first discussed the Titanic dis
aster with his Cabinet this morning and
afterward with the Secretary OF War,
the Attorney General and the Secretary
Of Commerce and Labor, and later with
ex-Attorney General Grggs and James
W. Sheffield, Of New York, attorneys
representing the wireless telegraph COM
panies. This later conference had been
arranged for some time. but the disaster
10 the Titanic added 10 its Importance.
The President is determined to do every
thing in his power TO secure adequate
federal control over wireless telegraphy,
both to the end that there shall not be
interference by amateurs and others
and that there shall be If possible, some
means Of Furnishing those who send false
messages by wireless.
This administration has been pressing
for legislation for the control Of wireless
telegraphy within the jurisdiction of
this country. but the opposition Of the
competing wireless companies, who are
each charged with seeking provisions
which would, in effect, constitute a mo-
nopoly, has thus far been sufficient to
prevent action by Congress. After urg-
ing for considerably more than a year
the ratification Of the international
wireless telegraphv convention, the ad-
ministration obtained favorable action
enable the United States to be repre-
sented at the wireless conference to be
held in London in June. II is appreci-
ated that control Of wireless telegraphy
on the high seas can be effected only by
international agreement, and it is re-
garded as important that the United
States should have a han6 in framing
such regulations as may be adopted.
Opposed by Companies,
Action to prevent the breaking in on
wireless messages by amateur telegra-
piers is regarded ss imperative. The
wireless convention recently ratified by
the Senate was also discussed. Ex-At-
torney General Griggs and Mr.. Sheffield
presented the views of the wireless com
panies on the plan for government reg
ulation Of wireless. 1t is said the Mar
conf officials are opposed to such regu-
lation and will make q strong fight 10
prevent such action being taken by Con
gless.
Secretary NageI told the President
that the requirements Of this government
with regard to Iifeboats and other life
saving devices are now much stricter
than those OF many foreign countries.
He could say nothing as to the ade-
qUacy Of tho provisions on tho Titanic
however, as that vessel never made port
IN this country.
General Uhler, Of the Steamboat In
spection Service. says that, in the main,
life-ssving devices in approximately the
same proportion as are required of
American vessels are required in the
case of foreign vessels making Ameri-
can ports, although the requirements Of
the foreign governments are probably
not as strict. In the case of the Titanic,
IL the boats and lferafts were as made
quate as would appear on the face of the
reports Of the disaster. they were in the
estimation Of the officials here. below the
requirements of the British law. This
opinion Is based only on the assumption
that the passengers reported saved
equalled the full capacity of her life
boats and RATS.
A quick report from the White Star
line on the number of lifeboats and life
RATS carried by the Titanic has been
telegraphed for by Supervising Inspector
Uhler of the government Steamboat In
spection Service.
The service was awaiting the arrival
Of the Titanic for examination to see
that she compiled with the English law
with regard TO life and other equipment
II the vessel had been of American regis
ter It would have been obliged TO have
lifeboats or liferafts containing 23,470
10 f,r .
persons.
Naval officers have told the President
there has been some disposition on the
part of all governments to accept the as
surances of constructors that certain
vessels are ''non-sinkable." and that
probably the requirements are not as
strictly enforced as in the case Of small
er vessels Of less modern construction.
II is believed the Titanic disaster will