There has never been so
great a disaster in the history of civilization due to the
neglect of so small an expenditure.
It would be idle to think that this was due simply to parsimony.
It was really due to the false and vicious notion
that life at sea must be made showy, sumptuous and magnificent.
The absence of life-boats was not due to their cost,
but to the demand for a great promenade deck, with ample
space to look out on the sea with which a continuous row of
life-boats would have interfered, and to the general tendency
to lavish money on the luxuries of a voyage instead of first
insuring its safety.
CHAPTER XXIX
THE SENATORIAL INVESTIGATION
PROMPT ACTION OF THE GOVERNMENT--SENATE COMMITTEE
PROBES DISASTER AND BRINGS OUT DETAILS--TESTIMONY
OF ISMAY, OFFICERS, CREW, PASSENGERS AND OTHER
WITNESSES
PUBLIC sentiment with regard to the Titanic disaster
was reflected in the prompt action of the
United States Government.
On April 17th the Senate, without a dissenting vote,
ordered an investigation of the wreck of the Titanic, with
particular reference to the inadequacy of life-saving boats
and apparatus. The resolution also directed inquiry into the
use by the Titanic of the northern course "over a route
commonly regarded as dangerous from icebergs.
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