Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-17
Senate May Also Act.

HOAoI may xAAoO xASSs
A resolution will be introduced in the
Senate probably today to direct the COM
merce committee or a subcommittee to
make q thorough probe Of the tragedy
and to empower the committee to sum-
mon witnesses and take any necessary
steps.
Senator William Alden Smith, leading
member OF the commerce committee,
favored making q thorough effort to as
certain all the facts relating to the dis
that an investigation by Congress would
be unnecessary. as not only the maritime
exchanges but the government Of Great
Britain would doubtless make q searching
investigation into every phase Of the
catastrophe.
Representative Gardner Of New jersey,
for many years chairman of the House
committee on labor, and for several years
coastwise sailor, declared today that
there should be sufficient lifeboat capac-
ity to carry all aboard ship. but that he
recognized the dificulty involved from q
maritime standpoint.
President Taft Interested.
AS complement to the congressional
investigation. Secretary Nasel Of the De-
partment Of Commerce and Labor will
take up at once with President Taft the
entire subject OF safeguarding ocean
travel by more stringent American ship
ping regulations.
The disaster has aroused Congress,
President Taft and the cabinet to the ur-
gent need for immediate measures Of
safety for oceanic travel.
President Taft is taking keen per-
sonal interest in all features Of the pro-
posed regulation Of passenger vessels and
he will probably send recommendations
to Congress containing the suggestions of
executive departments for new legisla-
ton.
Although several bills are pending in
Congress to regulate life-saving APP
paratus on all vessels clearing American
ports, Chairman Alexander of the House
committee contemplates drafting . new
bill based upon the facts brought out by
mendations and suggestions Of officials OF
the Department Of Commerce and Labor.
Interference With Wireless.
Prompt action en- the long pending sub
ject Of interference with wireless mes
sages will probably be taken UP by the
committee. The tumble Of messages
which the air waves piled one on top of
the other while frantic men and women
tried to get news Of their people aboard
the sinking ship has furnished an object
y
at last have an effect The bill now be-
fore the committee provides that the
United States shall have strict control
of the wireless situation. 1t Is expected
q favorable report on the bill win be
made to the House next week. This bill
prevents the sending OF fake" mes
sages and provides severe penalties for
the interference Of amateurs and ire
sponsible operators in times of great
distress.
Fha fr.t oct;or hu thu House NJ Ren-
in regard to the Titanic dis
aster was the introduction Of the resolu-
ton of Representative Mott OF New
York. late yesterday afternoon, which will
marine and fisheries to make the in
The resolution has been re-
ferred to the committee on rules and
reads:
"Whereas the people Of the United
Of the sinking Of the Titanic and the
subsequent terrible loss OF human life
and of property, and
Whereas 1t is of supreme importance
that every possible measure OF precau-
protect ocean travellers and prevent SINH
lar loss of life in the future, therefore,
it is
resolved. That the committee on mer-
chant marine and fisheries be and 10
hereby authorized and directed to conduct
~
steamship Titanic and the subsequent
loss of life: to ascertain whether or not
proper lfeboat facilities were provided.
and to report on. the same to the House
OF Representatives, and to recommend the
legislation which in its opinion is desir-
able.
said committee as q whole. or by sub
committee, is authorized to sit during
sessions Of the House and the recess OF
Congress; to compel the attendance OF
witnesses to send for persons and papers
and to administer oaths to witnesses"
Chairman Henry Of the rules commit
tee said this morning that In his opinion
Congress should not become hyster1cal
over the proposed investigation. but should
keep calm in the matter.
papers will investigate this matter
quicker and perhaps better IN the begin
ming than any congregational committee'
and the public's insistence to know why
more lives were not saved VIII ACT Is
worldwide investigation. I hope there
that every line OF inquiry viii De 1oi-
lowed with sane judgment"
The general trend OF congressional
opinion in connection with the disaster e
the House by Representative Hardwick
of Georgia. which specifies that
shall be unlawful Ter any ship or vessel
of any kind OF character engaged IN the
Of passengers TO enter OF
nniess Equipped with adequate and suffi-
eient life rreservers. lifeboats and other
apparatus % accommodate
it. fun passenger carrying capacity De-
s'T T.h. siii has been referred to the COM
rittee on merchant marine and fisheries,
NAY CONTROL WIRELESS.