he
same scheme to delay if not to prevent their stories of the wreck from
being obtained in New York.
Another circumstance which created a damaging impression was Ismay's
failure to give the names of the surviving crew, whose distraught
families were entitled to as much consideration as those whose relatives
occupied the most expensive suites on the Titanic. The anguish endured
by the families of members of the crew was reported as indescribable,
and Southampton was literally turned into a city of weeping and tragic
pathos. The wives of two members of the crew died of shock and suspense.
CRIED FOR FOOD
Mr. Ismay's actions while on the Carpathia were also criticised as
selfish and unwarrantable.
"For God's sake get me something to eat, I'm starved. I don't care what
it costs or what it is. Bring it to me."
This was the first statement made by Mr. Ismay a few minutes after he
was landed on the Carpathia. It is vouched for by an officer of the
Carpathia who requested that his name be withheld. This officer gave
one of the most complete stories of the events that took place on the
Carpathia from the time she received the Titanic's appeal for assistance
until she landed the survivors at the Cunard Line pier.
"Ismay reached the Carpathia in about the seventh life-boat," said the
officer. "I didn't know who he was, but afterward I heard the other
members of the crew discussing his desire to get something to eat the
minute he put his foot on deck. The steward who waited on him reported
that Ismay came dashing into the dining room and said.
"'Hurry, for God's sake, and get me something to eat, I'm starved. I
don't care what it costs or what it is. Bring it to me.'"
"The steward brought Ismay a load of stuff and when he had finished
it he handed the man a two dollar bill. 'Your money is no good on this
ship,' the steward told him.
"'Take it,' insisted Ismay. 'I am well able to afford it. I will see
to it that the boys of the Carpathia are well rewarded for this night's
work.'
"This promise started the steward making inquiries as to the identity of
the man he had waited on. Then we learned that he was Ismay. I did not
see Ismay after the first few hours. He must have kept to his cabin."
REPLY TO CHARGES
Mr. Ismay's plans had been to return immediately to England, and he
had wired that the steamer Cedric be held for himself and officers and
members of the crew; but public sentiment and subpoenas of the
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