Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-04-23
ISMAY DEFENDS
ACTIONS ON SEA
Declares, in Statement, He Had
Nothing to Do With IL
tanic's Navigation.
DID MOT ADVISE CAPTAIN
Maintains That He Was a Willing and
Not a Forced Witness Before
Senate Committee.

New York. April 23.-In a state
ment given out here, J. Bruce Ismay
replied TO various published state
ments regarding the Titanic disaster.
particularly those in which his name
has prominently figured.
He denies he had anything to do
with the navigation of the vessel and
declares he did not consult with the
captain regarding its conduct at sea
and made no suggestion as TO the
course or other handling of the ship.
He exercised no privileges that did
not belong TO any other first cabin
passenger, he dclares did not sit at
the captains table, and was not din
ing with him at the time of the acct
dent. and. In fact, was in bed when
the collision occurred>s
INQUIRY SURPRISE TO HIM.
He had no idea OF returning TO Eur
ope quickly to avoid appearing at the
senatorial investigation, he adds, and
only knew the investigation was pend
ing when informed OF IL at the pier
on the Carpathia's arrival.
Mr.. lsmay's statement follows
When I appeared before the SEN
ate committee Friday morning ! sup
posed the purpose Of the inquiry was
10 ascertain the cause OF the sinking
Of the Titanic with a view 20 determin-
ing whether additional legislation
was required 20 prevent the recur-
renee OF SO horrible a disaster
II welcomed such an inquiry and
appeared voluntarily, without sub
poena, and answered all questions put
10 me by the members of the com
mittee TO the best OF my ability, with
complete frankness and without re-
serve.
READY TO EXPLAIN ACTIONS.
90 did not suppose the question of
my personal conduct was the subject
Of the inquiry, although was ready
TO tell everything did on the night
OF the collision.
as ! have been subpoenaed to at
tend before the committee in Wash
inston tomorrow, should prefer TO
make TO public statement out Of re-
upett for the committee but / do not
think courtesy requires me to be
silent On the face OF the untrue state
merts made m some of the news
rcgCis.
when went on board the Titanic
az Southampton. APRIL 10. IL was
NY intention TO return by the same
vessel. / had no intention of remain.
irg iu the United States at that time
= Camc merely TO observe the new
vessel, as ! Lad done in the case OF
other vessels OF our lines.
During the voyage / was a pass
Cngcr and exercised no greater rights
Or privileges than any other passenger
/ wac not consulted by the commander
about the ship, its course. speed navi
cation. OF it's conduct at sea.
1t Is absolutely and unqualified,
false that I ever said wished the III
tanic should make q speed record o.
should increase our speed in order L
get out % the ice zone or any words
TO that effect.
NEVER STRUCK FULL SPEED.
AS / have already testified. at NJ
time did the Titanic during the voy
age attain its full speed II was no
expected that II would reach New Yorl
before Wednesday morning. II it ha
been pressed it could probably hav
arrived Tuesday evening.
The statement that the White Sta
line would receive an additional sur
by way Of bounty or otherwise 70
untrue. The White Star line receive
from the British government a fixe
compensation OF 10000 per annur
or carrying the mails. without r,