No Cowardice.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 50, 20 June 1914, Page 5

No Cowardice.

THE EMPRESS INQUIRY.

A WITNESS DISCREDITED. [By Electric telegraph—Copyright 1 [United Parsa Association.) Quebec, June 19. Galway swore that the Empress’ wheel jahibed a few hour’s before the collision and she swerved badly when proceeding down the river. Lord Mersey asked if the river current was not sufficient to produce these apparent errors, and Quartermaster Murphy answered in the affirmative, adding that the ship steered perfectly. Bernier, the pilot, declared that Galway’s statements were untrue, and that during his control the Empress of Ireland steered correctly. Lord Mersey commented on Galway’s failure to inform the Empress of Ireland’s authorities of the fact that she was steering badly, and thought it exceedingly strange. Mr Haight had kept Galway’s testimony hack, with the apparent object of springing it on the court.

After the conference of the lawyers engaged in the case, the announcement was made in the Court .that they were fully satisfied that all the charges of cowardice was unfounded. Lord Mersey declared that it was apparent that no charge of cowardice l ' against either crew could be sustained. Liddell, a member of the Empress of Ireland’s engineering staff, corroborated Captain Kendall in his statement that after leaving Father Point ho first ordered “full speed,” then “stop,” then “full astern,” then “stop.” Galway was confused while giving his evidence regarding the Empress rf Ireland’s steering. He stated once that ho reported the matter to the watch officer, who was now dead. When after the wreck ho reported that the Empress steered badly, Mr Walsh, the Canadian-Pacific Co’s, marine superintendent, explained that it was usual for largo vessels to occasionally steer badly. Galway added that the Cana-dian-Pacific Co. gave him a ticket to return to England, but he refused, as he wished to give evidence at the inquiry. , i ~

In reply to Lord Mersey, Galway admitted that the Canadian-Pacific Company told him to remain at Montreal after his statement regarding the steering-gear came to : tljeiy egr?, Murphy, recalled, said the Empress of Ireland steered as well as any,,ship he was ever in.' J Like all vessels going at high speed,, she sheeted somewhat. h

- { ' # * ” A number of seamen denied that anyone refused to rescue tho passen,kH, ‘ I gers. 14k i! -- 1

The wireless operators, Ferguson and Bam ford, described the messages sent, and how they escaped death. Lord Mersey complimented them on their coolness, and said they were a credit to the service.