MR. MARCONI: The most important, looking backward, was the collision which occurred between the Republic of the White Star Line, and the Florida, near Nantucket, when assistance was summoned; and, fortunately, in that case practically everyone was saved.
Other cases have occurred with other ships. I remember a lightship in the English Channel which was run down over 10 years ago which obtained assistance by the same means; and one of the Cunard liners got into trouble some time ago ­ a long time ago ­ and summoned assistance by the same methods. Of course the two important and sensational cases in which it has proved of utility have been the wreck of the Republic and this disaster to the Titanic.
SENATOR SMITH: Do you regard the Berlin convention as a step in the direction of the international utility of wireless telegraphy?
MR. MARCONI: I think in regard to shipping and shore stations it is a good regulation. It is a means for regulating the working and preventing interference; provided, however, that it is administered in a fair manner by the Governments concerned.
SENATOR SMITH: How many wireless stations are there now in the United States; do you know?
MR. MARCONI: I do not know exactly, but there is a fair number.
SENATOR SMITH: What is the maximum distance over which communications may be accurately made?
MR. MARCONI: The longest distance I can recall is from Ireland to the Argentine Republic.
SENATOR SMITH: From where?
MR. MARCONI: Ireland.
SENATOR SMITH: From what point?
MR. MARCONI: Clifton, Ireland to Buenos Aires.
SENATOR SMITH: In the Argentine Republic?
MR. MARCONI: Yes; in the Argentine Republic. That is 6,000 miles.
SENATOR SMITH: Have you personal knowledge of the correctness of that?
MR. MARCONI: I have personal knowledge, because I was at the receiving end when the message was received.
SENATOR SMITH: You were at the receiving end?
MR. MARCONI: I was in South America at Buenos Aires. My assistants were in Ireland.
SENATOR SMITH: What wave length was used in that test?
MR. MARCONI: A wave length of between 7,000 and 8,000 meters, 25,000 feet.
SENATOR SMITH: In that test was there any mountainous obstructions?
MR. MARCONI: There was a part of the coast of Brazil intervening between the two.
SENATOR SMITH: And that is mountainous?
MR. MARCONI: That is mountainous in that part.
SENATOR SMITH: Was the Californian equipped with wireless?
MR. MARCONI: I do not know.
SENATOR SMITH: It was not equipped by you?
MR. MARCONI: I could not say one way or the other. I should say that I travel about a great deal and ships are equipped in England when I am not there.
SENATOR SMITH: Have you made any experiments in transoceanic service of that character?
MR. MARCONI: Yes, sir. It is employed at present for transmitting messages between Canada and Ireland, a place called Glace Bay in Canada and another place called Clifton, in Ireland.
SENATOR SMITH: Is that assuming a practical phase?
MR. MARCONI: That is on a practical and commercial basis, the distance being approximately 2,000 miles between the two points.
SENATOR SMITH: What wave length is required?
MR. MARCONI: The wave length there is 7,000 meters.
SENATOR SMITH: When was that communication between Ireland and Buenos Aires?
MR. MARCONI: It was in October, in 1910.
SENATOR SMITH: Is there any proficiency test prescribed by any special board in England?
MR. MARCONI: Yes; the operators have to pass a proficiency test before the post­office authorities, which control the telegraphs in England.
SENATOR SMITH: Is there any in this country?
MR. MARCONI: I believe there is now.
SENATOR SMITH: How recently?
MR. MARCONI: Since a law was passed compelling passenger­carrying vessels to carry wireless­telegraph apparatus.
SENATOR SMITH: About two years ago?
MR. MARCONI: About two years ago.
SENATOR SMITH: There seems to be a distinction between commercial business and distress or emergency business, ships' business. Why should that be so?
MR. MARCONI: For this reason: The commercial business is paid for and accounted for between the ships and the shore stations and organizations working the telegraphs on land, whilst, of course, for distress messages and messages affecting the safety of ships no charge is made and is not in itself a commercial business.
SENATOR SMITH: The Berlin convention, however, rather exalts the emergency phase of wireless telegraphy, giving to distress calls the precedence over all other calls, does it not?
MR. MARCONI: Yes, sir; it has copied us in that, because that was one of our provisions before there was any Berlin convention.
SENATOR SMITH: It even takes precedence of Government business, does it not?
MR. MARCONI: Even of Government business; yes.
SENATOR SMITH: Mr. Marconi, were any orders given by the Marconi Co. to the operators or the operator on the Carpathia, with reference to the receipt and answer of messages?
MR. MARCONI: None whatever.
SENATOR SMITH: Do you know anything about the effort of the President of the United States to communicate with the Carpathia?
MR. MARCONI: Except what I have read in the newspapers.
SENATOR SMITH: But, so far as you know, there was no disposition to censorize or control the operator of the Carpathia?
MR. MARCONI: There was none whatever; and further, I was very much surprised at the things that were stated in the press, that a reply had been refused or had not been transmitted.
SENATOR SMITH: Do you know whether there was a reply refused?
MR. MARCONI: Only from what I saw in the press. I might say that the operator, of course, can speak for himself; but I asked him that question last night when I boarded the Carpathia and he told me that he never dreamed of refusing to reply to a message sent by the President.
SENATOR SMITH: I think that is all. We are much obliged to you.
TESTIMONY OF CHARLES HERBERT LIGHTOLLER
Mr. Lightoller was sworn by the chairman.
SENATOR SMITH: What is your name?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Charles Herbert Lightoller.
SENATOR SMITH: Mr. Lightoller, where do you reside?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Netley Abbey, Hampshire.
SENATOR SMITH: England?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: England.
SENATOR SMITH: How old are you?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Thirty­eight.
SENATOR SMITH: What is your business?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Seaman.
SENATOR SMITH: How long have you been in that service or employment?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Thirteen years and three months.
SENATOR SMITH: How extensive has been your service in that time?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: I do not quite follow you.
SENATOR SMITH: How much service have you seen? In what capacities?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: In all the capacities in the White Star service ­ fourth, third, second, and first officer.
SENATOR SMITH: You have been in the White Star service during all that time?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: What official positions do you say you have held?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Fourth, third, second, and first officer.
SENATOR SMITH: What position do you occupy now?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Second officer of the Titanic?
SENATOR SMITH: How long have you been a 2nd officer?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Altogether about seven years.
SENATOR SMITH: When did you go aboard the Titanic?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: In Belfast.
SENATOR SMITH: When?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: March 19 or 20.
SENATOR SMITH: Did you make the so­called trial trips?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: Of what did they consist?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Turning circles and adjusting compasses.
SENATOR SMITH: In what waters?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Belfast Lough.
SENATOR SMITH: How extensive is that lough?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: I can hardly say offhand without seeing a chart.
SENATOR SMITH: Have you any data here that shows?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: No.
SENATOR SMITH: Just state as nearly as you can.
MR. LIGHTOLLER: It may be about 15 miles long, widening out from a few miles wide to perhaps 7 miles. That is only approximate, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: Have you ever been in that water before?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Only passing through.
SENATOR SMITH: How did you happen to pass through it?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Going into Belfast or coming out bound to some port. I do not mean in an official capacity; as a passenger. I have been through it in an official capacity about 11 years ago.
SENATOR SMITH: Is that water usually selected for these trial tests for new ships?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes.
SENATOR SMITH: What was the condition of the weather when you made this trial test?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Light breeze, clear weather, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: From the time you boarded the Titanic did you at any time encounter any rough weather?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: No, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: You were always in smooth water, so called?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: Does that include up to the time of this collision?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: Of what do these trial tests consist?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Turning circles.
SENATOR SMITH: I wish you would describe that a little more fully. Under what head of steam and how fast would the boat be moving?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Under various speeds.
SENATOR SMITH: In how large a radius would these circles be made?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Turning circles consists of seeing in what space the ship will turn under certain helms with the engines at various speeds.
SENATOR SMITH: Was this boat tested at its maximum speed?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: That I could not say, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: What was the maximum speed of this boat?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: I could not say, sir. She was never put, to my knowledge, to her maximum speed.
SENATOR SMITH: What did you understand it to be?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: About 22 1/2 to 23 knots.
SENATOR SMITH: From whom did you get that information?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: General rumor, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: Did you talk with the boat's officers?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: From talk generally, yes. It was only an approximate idea.
SENATOR SMITH: How much time was spent in the test?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: I could not say exactly.
SENATOR SMITH: Approximately?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: About 5 hours.
SENATOR SMITH: During that time those circles were made?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: And the ship reversed?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: And put on a straight course?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: And under full head?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: I could not say, sir. She steamed for a certain distance under approximately a full head of steam; but how much steam was on I could not say, or what pressure of steam.
SENATOR SMITH: How many engines were there in this boat?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Two reciprocating and one turbine.
SENATOR SMITH: Were they all working on the trial test?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: So far as I know, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: What do you know about that? Were you in the engine room?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: No, sir; I was on my station, aft.
SENATOR SMITH: Where was your station?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: The after end of the ship.
SENATOR SMITH: Then you would not, of your own knowledge, know whether its entire power was being tested out or not?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: I should not; no, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: Five hours was the length of time spent in making those tests?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Approximately the length of time occupied in turning those circles.
SENATOR SMITH: What was the next thing that was done with the ship?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: She was run a certain distance on a comparatively straight course and back again.
SENATOR SMITH: How far?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: I could not say without a chart, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: How long did it take you?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Approximately four hours.
SENATOR SMITH: To make a straight run?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: And return?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: And return.
SENATOR SMITH: Four hours all together, two out and two back?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Two out and two back. That is only approximate.
SENATOR SMITH: Would you think from what you observed in the movements of this ship that it was going pretty fast?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: For a ship of that size, a fair speed.
SENATOR SMITH: Fair speed?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: A fair speed.
SENATOR SMITH: What would you call real good speed?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: When the ship was built, we only expected her to go 21 knots, therefore all over 21 we thought very good.
SENATOR SMITH: This ship exceeded 21 knots?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: On the trials? I am not speaking of the trials. I do not know what the speed was; I have no idea.
SENATOR SMITH: But I understand you to say that you expected to get 21 knots out of her?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: The builders, I presume, expected to get 21.
SENATOR SMITH: That was the general rumor?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes.
SENATOR SMITH: Among the officers?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes.
SENATOR SMITH: I suppose that was the hope, too, of the top officers?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Exactly.
SENATOR SMITH: What boat had you been on before you went on board the Titanic?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: The Oceanic.
SENATOR SMITH: The Oceanic of the same line?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Of the same line.
SENATOR SMITH: How large a boat is the Oceanic?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Seventeen thousand tons gross.
SENATOR SMITH: Do you know her maximum speed?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Twenty­one knots.
SENATOR SMITH: I want to be sure I get the results of these trial tests accurately. I want you to tell me how long it took to make these tests. The straightaway tests and the circle tests altogether consumed how much time?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Approximately six or seven hours. I could not say any nearer than that.
SENATOR SMITH: What time of day did you begin these tests?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: In the morning.
SENATOR SMITH: How early?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: About 10 o'clock.
SENATOR SMITH: Was it clear weather?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Perfectly clear.
SENATOR SMITH: Was there any sea?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Very little.
SENATOR SMITH: And after about seven hours the tests were concluded?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: With the exception of full speed astern; that is, to see in what distance the ship will stop with the engines full speed astern ­ what we call the full speed astern test.
SENATOR SMITH: Was that made that day?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir.
SENATOR SMITH: How long did that take?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: That was only the matter of minutes.
SENATOR SMITH: A few minutes?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: A few minutes.
SENATOR SMITH: Do you know who was aboard the Titanic in these trial tests?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: A great number. I know some of them.
SENATOR SMITH: Please state those that you know.
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Capt. Smith; Mr. Murdock, chief officer; myself, first officer; Mr. Blair, second officer; Mr. Pitman, third officer; Mr. Boxhall, fourth officer; Mr. Lowe, fifth officer; Mr. Moody, sixth officer; and Mr. Andrews, of Harlan & Wolff.
SENATOR SMITH: Representing the builders?
MR. LIGHTOLLER: Yes, sir. I could not say anyone else with any accuracy.
