Page 107 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 19 - 22

The Commissioner: I have suggested that. Apparently no proofs of anybody have been taken, and I really cannot prolong this Enquiry while we seek to verify statements which come apparently from the “New York American,” whatever paper that is; I do not know what paper it is. I cannot do that, Mr. Harbinson. Mr. Harbinson: My object was that the Board of Trade should - The Attorney-General: We will call any witness who really can help. Mr. Harbinson: I will submit to the Attorney-General a list of names. The Attorney-General: That will not do. The Commissioner: Oh, no, you must give the names, and you must show that a statement has been taken from them, and you must show that that statement contains material evidence, and then you know either my discretion will be exercised or the discretion of the gentlemen at the Bar will be exercised as to whether they ought to be called; but I cannot adjourn the Enquiry on the speculation that some witnesses may be found to bear out the statements of the “New York American.” CHARLES ALFRED BARTLETT, Sworn. Examined by Mr. BUTLER ASPINALL. 21531. Do you hold a Master’s certificate? - Yes. 21532. And are you also a commander in the Royal Naval Reserve? - Yes. 21533. I believe you are a Marine Superintendent of the White Star Line? - That is so. 21534. I believe you have held that position since January, 1912? - Yes. 21535. Were you for 30 years before that at sea? - Yes. 21536. And I think, of those 30 years, for 18 years you were with the White Star Line? - That is right. 21537. And during those years have you constantly been crossing the North Atlantic? - That is so. 21538. And in command, I think, for nine of those 18 years? - Yes, for nine years. 21539. Are you stationed at Liverpool or Southampton? - Liverpool. 21540. I believe you have three assistants there that assist you in the management of the line? - Yes. 21541. And I think they are all Master Mariners. And at Southampton you have a Marine Superintendent, Captain Steel? - Yes. 21542. He has an assistant, and I believe you have various Marine Superintendents in the United States and other countries? - Yes. 21543. And it is the business of you and those who work with you to see to the efficiency and upkeep of the ships and manning? - Yes. 21544. And all matters connected with their working as good and seaworthy ships? - Yes, that is connected with the Marine Department. 21545. With regard to one matter about which certain questions have been asked, the “Titanic” carried 66 sailors? - 66 in the sailing department. 21546. And according to the Board of Trade Regulations which have already been referred to, she was required to carry 48 in that department, I believe? - Yes. 21547. So you had got some 18 in excess? - Yes. Of course, they are not all deckhands. In the sailing department you have to take into consideration that we have two surgeons, two stewards - 21548. What I wanted you to tell me was this. According to the Board of Trade Regulations the number of deckhands to be carried for a ship of the tonnage of the “Titanic” is 48? - Yes. 21549. I daresay you know that? - Yes.