24. What was the cause of the loss of the _Titanic_, and of the loss of
life which thereby ensued or occurred? What vessels had the opportunity
of rendering assistance to the _Titanic_; and if any, how was it that
assistance did not reach the _Titanic_ before the steamship _Carpathia_
arrived? Was the construction of the vessel and its arrangements such as
to make it difficult for any class of passengers or any portion of the
crew to take full advantage of any of the existing provisions for
safety?
25. When the _Titanic_ left Queenstown, on or about April 11 last, was
she properly constructed and adequately equipped as a passenger steamer
and emigrant ship for the Atlantic service?
26. The court is invited to report upon the rules and regulations made
under the merchant shipping acts, 1894-1906, and the administration of
those acts and of such rules and regulations, so far as the
consideration thereof is material to this casualty, and to make any
recommendations or suggestions that it may think fit, having regard to
the circumstances of the casualty with a view to promoting the safety of
vessels and persons at sea.
In framing this report it has seemed best to divide it into sections in
the following manner:
First. A description of the ship as she left Southampton on April 10 and
of her equipment, crew, and passengers.
Second. An account of her journey across the Atlantic, of the messages
she received and of the disaster.
Third. A description of the damage to the ship and of its gradual and
final effect with observations thereon.
Fourth. An account of the saving and rescue of those who survived.
Fifth. The circumstances in connection with the steamship _Californian_.
Sixth. An account of the board of trade's administration.