Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-08-18
REoFrELp REPORTS EAsTLANp
critieixss Handwriting Of v. 9. Off
Gals in RaviaM Of lnNestiQation.


Washington, Aug. IS. The White
House made public Secretary Red
fields formal report to President Will
son on the conduct OF his investiga-
ton into the Eastland disaster at Chi
cago.
At the White House no comment was
made on this report. 1t was officially
stated there that Secretary Redtield
has no appointment to meet the pres
ident for the purpose of discussing
the Eastland investigation. Further
more, it was stated, the president has
not determined when he will talk with
the secretary on the investigation.
The Redfeld report relates in col
orless manner the proceedings Of the
investigating committee which the
secretary himself headed. 1t seeks to
cover up the friction which developed
between the secretary of commerce,
on one hand, and States Attorney
Hoyne and Federal Judge Lands on
the other.
The only criticism offered against
any state or federal officials is con-
tanned in a paragraph in which Mr..
Redfield questions the right, but more
particularly the propriety. of the state
officials to arrest Inspectors Reid and
Eckliff and carry them before his
commission with their arms locked in
irons.
The secretary states that as re-
suit of the inquiry instructions have
been issued to the steamboat inSpec-
ton service to take the necessary
steps to carry out the rules and reg
ulations suggested by the board Of in
quiry in its preliminary report. which
was made at Chicago before it adj
journed there. Also, he says instruc-
tions have been given to the super
vising inspectors from the Atlantic,
Pacific, and gulf coasts to meet with
the supervising inspectors of the lakes
to consider the improvement of the
service within the scope Of the pres
ent laws.
Secretary Redfeld also informs the
president that as soon as practicable
a searching inquiry will be made into
the whole administration of the steam
boat inspection service. The investi-
cation. he suggests, should be made
under the supervision of representa-
tives Of the navy department and there
should be several civilians on the
board Of inquiry.
At the department Of commerce it
was stated officially today that the dis
position Of the Eastland is entirely in
the hands Of the local inspectors at
whatever place Of the local inspectors
a petition is filed to have it recon-
If such a petition is fled.
Still insisting that the local inspec-
tors are Gears and that the Wash
ington officials have nothing to say
about what vessels shall be chartered.
George Uhler, supervising inspector
general. said the question of licensing
the Eastland again would have to be
settled by inspectors on the great
lakes.
The department has established a
rule since the Eastland disaster, how
ever. that in any case where the in
spectors have reason to doubt the sta
bility of a vessel 1t must be given a
stability test by board Of marine en-
gineers. appointed by the department
Of commerce.
It is known that General Uhler per-
sonally is not in favor Of licensing the
Eastland again, and it is considered
certain the board appointed to test the
Eastland for stability will find it I'M
seaworthy.
1t is believed here that the vessels
owners will put her on the scrap pile
and not seek to have her recommis-
stoned for excursion business.