h in the ordinary circumstances of life
selfishness and greed seem to be in the ascendancy, yet in times of
distress and peril, then it is that the nobility of soul, the Godlike in
man, asserts itself and makes heroes."

The flags on the White House and other Government buildings throughout
the country were at half-staff.

ROME MOURNED MAJOR BUTT

A special telegram from Rome stated that one of the victims most
regretted was Major Butt, whose jovial, bright character made many
friends there. Besides autograph letters from the Pope and Cardinal
Merry del VaI{sic?} to President Taft, the major had with him a signed
photograph of the Pontiff, given by him personally.

Cardinal Merry del Val had several conversations with Major Butt, who
declared that the cardinal was "the first gentleman of Europe." Shortly
before he was leaving Rome, regretting that he had not a signed picture
of Cardinal Merry del Val, Major Butt entrusted a friend to ask for
one. The cardinal willingly put an autograph dedication on a picture,
recalling their pleasant intercourse.

LONDON NEWSPAPERS CONDEMN LAXITY OF LAW

British indignation, which is not easily excited, was aroused over the
knowledge that an antiquated law enables steamship companies to fail to
provide sufficient life-boats to accommodate the passengers and crew
of the largest liners in the event of such a disaster as that
which occurred to the Titanic. It will be insisted that there be an
investigation of the loss of life in the Titanic and that the shortage
of boats be gone into thoroughly.

The newspapers commented adversely on the lack of boats and their views
were emphasized by the knowledge that no attempt has been made to change
the regulations in the face of the fact that the inadequacy of boats in
such an emergency was called to the attention of Parliament at the time
of the collision between the White Star liner Olympic and the cruiser
Hawke. It was pointed out at this time that German vessels, much smaller
in size than the Olympic, carried more boats and also that these boats
were of greater capacity.

T. W. Moore, Secretary of the Merchant Service Guild, when seen at the
guild's rooms in Liverpool, said:

"The Titanic disaster is an example, on a colossal scale, of the
pernicious and supine system of officials, as represented by the Board
of Trade. Modern liners are so designed that they have no accommodations
for more life-boats. Among practical seamen it