RMS TITANIC… Aftermath

   Often it has been said that this glorious floating palace, the largest moving thing man had ever built, was something of a microcosm of the whole world. There were people from every walk of life on board. The rich and the poor. The good and the bad. Every one of them had their own plans in place for their lives. They were taking an active role, just by boarding, to bring those plans to pass. Many of them gave everything they had in order to be able to.

Even so, the ship set out on an ocean that is too vast to ever be ruled by man.  A hundred years have passed since they did, and we are no closer to ruling it, now. Yet, the mysterious tragedy of the TITANIC remains vividly alive in our corporate memory, around the world, as we continue to ask why. It's a universal question. To which there has never been found an adequate answer. 

Several things stand out starkly to me regarding the disaster. Three great forces hover over all. Morality, intervention, and sacrifice. These three things prevailed. But where did they come from? Why did they take control? And how did they rule? You must go with your own best guess, here, because there is no general consensus. But here are three stories that helped me decide…

LEAH AND FILLY AKS

Leah Aks and her son Filly

This young Jewish mother of eighteen, was going to America to join her husband, along with the ten month old son, whom he had never seen. She was traveling third class. When the time finally came for "women and children, only" to be allowed up on deck to get into lifeboats, the crowds at the bottom of the third class stairway were too pressing, and she couldn't get through. However, someone lifted her and her baby, and they were passed hand to hand over the top of the crowd. When they arrived at the boat deck, it was freezing, and Filly (short for Phillip) had nothing covering his head. 

At which point, they found themselves standing next to Madeline Astor, the young wife of the famous millionaire, who was only nineteen, herself. She immediately took off her silk scarf, and tied it around the baby's head to keep him warm. Not many moments after that, a distraught man who had been turned away from the lifeboats by crew members who were trying to keep order, snatched Filly out of his mother's arms, shouted "I'll show you women and children, first!" and threw the baby overboard. Stricken with horror, Leah collapsed into a dead faint. Several minutes after that, someone picked her up off the deck and put her in one of the lifeboats. Number 13.

Filly did not go into the water. Instead, he landed miraculously in the lap of an Italian woman, seated in the already lowered lifeboat, number 11, who tucked him beneath her coat and kept him warm all night long. This woman became convinced that the baby had been given to her by God, Himself. When the lifeboats were picked up by the CARPATHIA, Leah was in such a state of mourning, she did not get out of the bed they put her in, for two days. When another kind woman finally persuaded her to at least go up on deck for a few moments of fresh air…

She heard and recognized Filly's cry. However, the Italian woman would not give him up. Leah appealed to the Captain, who had to make a "King Solomon decision." The baby had been circumcised, and the child of a Roman Catholic would not have been. So, mother and son were reunited. 

This story made me realize that no evil is too great that God can not override and intervene.

ISIDOR AND IDA STRAUS…

Isidor and Ida Straus

The elderly wealthy couple who owned Macy's department store in New York, had been married for forty-one years. Mrs. Strauss refused to get into a lifeboat, stating, "We have lived together for many years. Where you go, I go." But it was a terrifying situation, and she was finally coerced by friends to take a seat in lifeboat number 8. However, when she saw her husband turn to walk away, she immediately got out of the boat, again, and stayed with him until the end. Some reported seeing them sitting in deck chairs and talking  together. Others say they saw them standing, locked in an embrace as the water steadily rose over the decks. 

This story made me believe there is such a thing as a "great love" that can grow between a man and a woman.

SARAH AND THE CABIN BOY…

Sarah Stap

Sarah Agnes Stap, a nurse on TITANIC, owed her survival to a young cabin boy beside her who, when she was told to get into a lifeboat by the crew member in charge of that lifeboat, that there was room for her, she told the young cabin boy that as she was forty years old and had had the best years of her life, he should take her spot. The cabin boy's answer was to simply pick her up, and put her in the lifeboat. 

This story made me realize that greatness and virtue are not set aside only for adults.

WHAT IF…

There were many acts of heroism that occurred that fateful night on the TITANIC. Many we will never know about. What we do know, is that these heroes were among the rich and the poor, the young and the old, and even the good and the bad. Some famous people who were reported to be nothing less than selfish and self-centered, not only gave up their lives for others, they did it indiscriminate of age or class, and -- in many cases -- helped tirelessly with getting the women and children into the boats. 

None of them insisted how much more valuable their lives were than others. Not even President Taft's Military Aide (whom he greatly depended on), would take the seat of the least of those women and children. Never in history have so many diverse people been faced at the same time with a moment of choice… and literally rose to the moment. It was their finest moment, and I am in awe of them.

Looking this close into the disaster of the TITANIC has not left me with many answers. And I think maybe the "why" will still keep me looking back from time to time. But it has left me with a definite question. What if, throughout all our lives, we are continually being groomed for our own "finest moment." Maybe even more than one. Could we be so bold as these brave souls have been?

I wonder.

RMS TITANIC...An Account in Parts

WARNING SIGNS...

My dear readers… where to begin! I can only report what I saw with my own eyes, and you will have to judge for yourselves. I must apologize ahead of time for the "narrow lens," as such a grave assault on the senses seems to shut one down completely to all but survival. Something to which I am not immune. For me, it began like this…

It was a lovely evening with my friends in the Cafe Parisien, although I had to leave early to get my column ready to turn into the Marconi Room. On the way back to my cabin I followed my habit of wandering throughout the various classes, looking for any last-minute news to include. By then, the crew was quite used to me doing this, and I didn't even have to show my press pass, anymore. In the first class lounge I came across a group of the correspondents I had lunch with, day before yesterday, and they invited me for a few moments of coffee and chat. Among them was that most fascinating character, Frank Millet (a much more famous artist than he ever was a reporter), and none other than the President's Military Aide, Archie. 

A painting by Millet

I hear these two are the best of friends, having been through several campaigns together, and now, often both having business (although vastly different) that keeps them in Washington D.C.. Frank with his on-going painting of murals in prominent public buildings for the "beautification of Washington" projects, and Archie, with his many pressing duties to the President. I almost felt comfortable enough to ask him about some of those, since he is such a socially congenial sort (notwithstanding he started out as a reporter, himself), but I thought I should wait until we were closer to docking in New York, when he would know me better. Now, how I wish I had! But then they say hindsight is always perfect.

At any rate, just as I was thinking I should take my leave, a steward came to hand Archie a message indicating that the Captain wanted to see him, immediately (odd, since I had heard the Captain had gone to bed early). He excused himself and left quickly. It wasn't until I saw Frank's normally pleasant countenance go grave, that I realized something must be terribly amiss. Some word that had come in from the President, perhaps? Was there trouble back in Washington? Why else should a presidential aide be summoned from his vacation, near midnight, when he would be home in a mere few days?

SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG…

 In my cabin, I spread out the daily photographs I had developed in the ship's darkroom, that afternoon, got out my Corona, and prepared to hammer out the day's story. Some time after midnight, I heard an insistent rap on the door. It was Lucy Snape. "Get into your warmest clothes, Lilly..," She whisked a life preserver out from under the bed without even waiting for a reply. "Then put this on, and head up to the boat deck as quick as you can."

"But, Lucy -- a drill at this hour?"

"No time to explain, there's others I have to roust out." Then she handed me one of the ties I was fumbling for, before shaking my free hand in an almost formal fashion. "Goodbye.  I probably won't see you, again."

"What on… earth!"

"Goodbye!"

And with that, she was off to the next cabin. By then my hands were trembling at the very thoughts going through my mind. I even imagined somewhat of a slant to the floor as I pulled my heaviest coat over all and quickly made my way into the the hallway. There were scores of others there, most moving like a slow-flowing river toward the outside decks. Some were dressed warm, as instructed, and others were still in their night clothes, with only a wrap, or an overcoat, thrown over. 

"Big lot of bother, this…" said a large gentleman standing in pajamas at the doorway of his cabin, who had discovered his lifejacket was too small. "Where's the Purser?"

 Outside, the boat deck was in a somewhat organized chaos as the lifeboats we had walked by so often were now swung out over the rails and being lowered by fits and jerks onto the sea. "Women and children!" the phrase was oft repeated, and there was a growing crowd of men standing back against the side of the deck-housing. Some talking, some smoking, and some quietly pleading for their wives and children to go ahead and get in, as they would surely follow, later.  

This was definitely no drill, and I suddenly found my eyes searching for some familiar face… where were my friends?

TO BE CONTINUED IN TOMORROW'S EDITION

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RMS TITANIC… Below Decks

The General Room

As promised, dear readers, I am off to see what the steerage passengers have to enjoy. But I must say, that going down all those flights of stairs (the lifts don't go  that far) gave me my first bit of feeling for the true immensity of this ship. So far down it made me worry how long it might take if one had to get back up on deck in a hurry. I think I would rather the fresh air and a deck chair for a bed than be shut in like this. Snuggled under a warm wrap, of course.

Anyway, I forgot all about that nervousness once I got there. For the place was quite cheery with white-painted walls and mahogany trim. The "General Room" as it is called, is a huge area where everyone gathers for visiting, games, music, and sing-alongs. I knew, at once, that here was all the warmth and coziness that Edith Russell had said was missing from first class. And seeing it, I somehow understood exactly what she meant by that phrase. The walls are decorated with wonderful posters of the many different ports of call the WHITE STAR LINE travels to. Some so appealing, one could simply sit and dream in front of them for a bit of pleasant pastime. 

"Filly" and Leah Aks

People were very friendly down there, too. I talked with a pleasant Polish girl (17 or 18, maybe) who had the most adorable baby. Ten months old, and she called him "Filly," which was short for Phillip. Her name is Leah Aks, and she is looking forward to being reunited with her husband, Sam. He went ahead to Norfolk, Virginia, some time ago, to start a scrap metal business, and hadn't even seen his son, yet. Anyway, she seemed very happy about having a lovely cabin to themselves, and that Kosher food was even served in the large dining room, for those who preferred it. That the plates and silverware were imprinted with Hebrew lettering depicting whether they were used for milk, or meat dishes. I realized, then, I had seen some of those markings on the second class dinnerware, as well, so the courtesy for Jewish travelers must have been extended throughout the ship. 

The dining room seats nearly 500
 and is served in three shifts.

To tell you the truth, I thought it quite pleasant to find a company who actually went out of its way to cater to the Jewish immigrants at a time when most don't. And, later, when I managed to get a few words with the Hebrew Cook, Charles Kennell (originally from Cape Town, South Africa, and who had last worked on the RMS OLYMPIC), he told me the company actually sees more of a profit from these passengers than those traveling first class. Imagine that! Simply because there are so many more of them. They are flocking to America by the thousands, he said. Mostly to escape the restrictions and anti-semitism that seems to be growing steadily on the continent. Leah was quick to agree, saying her husband had been especially concerned about avoiding mandatory conscription into the Russian Army, because it was practically a death sentence. 

I also talked for awhile with a lovely young woman, Lizzy Doyle (in her early twenties), who is traveling with her cousin, Robert. Unlike most down here, this is Lizzy's third crossing. After settling with her sister, Margaret, in Philedelphia, she returned to Ireland to attend her father's funeral. She's been visiting with family and friends nearly nine months over there, now, and felt it was well past time to go home. However, she did confide in me that she told a bit of an untruth to her family by saying she's traveling second class, when she and her cousin are really booked in third. Besides, saving the extra money, they actually like it better down here. 

Third class stair landing

And I can certainly see why. Because for anyone with a taste for the wonderful variety of ethnic music, dancing, and storytelling, third class aboard the RMS TITANIC is a veritable smorgasbord of delights. I must confess, I stayed way past dinner, and suddenly realized if I was going to get my column finished in time to turn it into the "chaps in the Marconi Room" (as second class stewardess, Lucy Snape likes to call them), in order to make the WORLD's morning edition… well, it's going to be an exhausting run back up all those steps! So, until tomorrow, dear readers… blessings!

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RMS TITANIC... A First Class Adventure

Well, dear readers, I must say today has been one of the most interesting days aboard TITANIC, yet. For me, it was first class all day long. It began with an early morning trip to the gymnasium, where I rode a stationary bicycle for miles, and never got anywhere. Although I felt as if I had, after getting off. At any rate, I wasn't the only second class passenger with an invitation to taste some of the grandeur of the upper class, as I recognized that nice science teacher, Mr. Beesley, from cabin D56, who was cycling with a friend.

The "cooling room" of the
Turkish Baths

After that, it was off to the Turkish Baths, where stewardess, Maud Slocombe, had a regimen all set up and waiting for me. One goes through various stages of hot to cold, wet to dry, and even an entirely different room set aside for the sole purpose of cooling off. A place decorated with tiled walls and Moorish accents… an experience I will not soon forget. I had no idea one could feel so refreshed in so many places! All of which helped me to feel a little more in place when it came time for tea with the Strausses. And what a pleasant surprise that was.

I suppose I was expecting talk of business, fashions, or maybe even some detailed account of Civil War battles, which I have heard Mr. Strauss (who had personal experience in that war), is apt to share with the slightest invitation. Instead, I found myself in the company of a very literary gathering of friends who ranged from avid readers, to writers of academic, and even popular fiction. Obviously, they had all been acquainted with each other for some time, because they were very casual and comfortable with each other. I could write an entire article on each one, but here's a mention of the most prominent…

Helen Churchill Candee

First of all there was Jacques Futrelle, author of that highly popular detective series revolving around "The Thinking Machine," and his lovely wife, Lily May Peel, who is also a novelist in her own right. After those, came Helen Churchill Candee, a writer who also does reporting for various newspapers. In fact, everyone of the guests at the Strauss's table, today, were either currently involved in some kind of newspaper work, or had been. It occurred to me, then, what an excellent hostess Ida Strauss is, to invite people who have so much in common, they are immediately on familiar terms with one another. 

"Archie," President Taft's Military Aide,
who was much harder to spot, out
of uniform.

However the real highlight of the gathering was when I realized one of the two gentlemen who had accompanied Helen Churchill Candee, was none other than the renowned artist Francis Davis Millet (everyone called him, Frank), who had been a war correspondent in every major clash around the world since the Spanish American War. There he was sitting across from me, accompanied by his good friend friend, "Archie," who was no longer in journalism, but turned out to be that illusive military aide to President Taft I had been trying to track down ever since Southampton. 

All of which made for not only a lovely afternoon, but a gold mine of information for my column to send off this evening to the NEW YORK WORLD. The fact that I was even invited to join a small shipboard writer's group they had formed called, "Our Coterie", made it a day I will never forget. I actually did forget my role as reporter, for awhile, and came away feeling I had made some very wonderful new friends, instead. And so I have. 

But it's back to reporting tomorrow, dear readers, because I will be taking you to the opposite end of shipboard festivities. And I have heard that what goes on down in third class steerage, is some of the liveliest entertainment of all. So, until then… blessings!

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RMS TITANIC... Between the Classes

Well, dear readers… what a day it has been! I don't mind saying that never in my life have I seen so much going on in such few hours. My head has a perpetual buzz in it. Which is probably from all the whistle blowing (one can feel those things rumble to the very depth of you). At any rate, now it's to be a peaceful overnight run to Queenstown, so all should settle down. I could go on about the food and luxuries we've enjoyed, today, but I'm sure there will be plenty written about that, once we get to New York. What I want to tell you about most is the people.

Lucy in her traveling days, but
of course she has to wear a
uniform while serving aboard
 the TITANIC.

First of all, there is a wonderful cabin stewardess for my section, named Lucy Snape. She was kind enough to go out of her way to bring me hot water for tea, knowing I was working late, and we shared a few moments of interesting conversation, together. What an adventurous person (I can spot them, easily, being so enamored by adventure, myself)! Only twenty-two years old, and she's already seen and lived in such exotic places as Singapore and Hong Kong, while married to her sea captain husband. He became ill and died, however, and she has bravely set out to support herself and small daughter on her own. Of course, she had to leave the little one behind with her parents for this voyage, but the fact that she chose such a path tells more than words. Something quietly brave about her. At any rate, I hope we will be able to talk more. Being a cabin stewardess is no easy task, though, so it will have to be in brief snatches.

Edith Russell... Oh, that we could
all look so good in pictures.

At Cherbourg, we took on quite a few passengers, and I did get my interview with fashion writer, Edith Russell. She is occupying cabin A-11, off the Promenade on the starboard side (just in front of the first smoke stack). She also has cabin number E-63 (behind the third smoke stack), for…are you ready for this? Just her clothes. That's how much she's bringing back to the states from France. Nineteen trunks, I believe she said. This because, while she still has a successful buying and consulting service based in Paris, she is also designing her own popular retail line of clothes, called Elrose, for Lord & Taylor, in New York. She is fashion, itself, ladies, so if you want to know what styles are coming up next, keep your eye on Edith. She did mention one thing I found oddly interesting, though. While nearly everyone was praising the splendid luxuries of our floating palace, she made the remark, "Everything feels rather stiff and cold up in first class. No coziness to it, at all."

The Marconi Room

Well, I shall definitely have to check into that tomorrow, when I join the Strauss's for tea. But right now, I have to get this information over to the Marconi Room, so that Mr.Jack Phillips can send it out to the paper. He wasn't exactly happy about sending something this long, as he much prefers the short "Having a grand time, wish you were here," reports people like sending for mere fun. And such a pile of those he has to send, too, so I can't really blame him. "This is not just fun, this is news, Mr. Phillips," I told him. "There are people all over America who would like to hear it."

Jack Phillips, Senior Wireless
Operator aboard TITANIC.

"Lady, this job doesn't pay me enough to…"

"How about I bring you a chicken sandwich and coffee around eleven o'clock?" 

"Deal," he replied. 

That quick and that easy. Not another complaint, and I think we might even end up friends. If it's one thing I know, is that "a gift makes a way." I also know the value of a hearty snack during the darkest hours of a night shift. Now, I'm off to fulfill that promise. So, dear readers, until tomorrow, when we take on the Irish… blessings!

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RMS TITANIC... the adventure begins.

Well, dear readers, the day has arrived, and I am now officially on assignment to cover the maiden voyage of the world's largest luxury liner, the RMS TITANIC. I will be onboard, at 9:30am, to give you my first hand impressions, and talk to some of the passengers as they settle in before the ship leaves at noon. Some of whom were in attendance at a tea given by Mrs. Eulalia Longbotham, of Southampton, yesterday afternoon.

What a hilarious time that was. You'd have thought we were all long-standing friends instead of so many of us just meeting for the first time. Eulalia, who is making her first sea voyage, will be traveling to New York to be present at the arrival of her first grandchild. She has quite the lively personality, and will keep us entertained on more than one occasion, I'm sure. 

This was also my first opportunity to meet our illustrious cruse director, Tessa Bowen. There's a bit of a mystery there, though, as every time I snapped a picture, she managed to turn away. But I'm sure I'll have better luck before the voyage is over. At any rate, the food was superb, and the tea refreshing. Some of it might have been a bit too refreshing, so it's a good thing what few men in attendance were off enjoying their own conversation and refreshments in the library. I did have the high good fortune to run into one of them just before leaving, though. This because he was walking around with a camera, as well, and I thought he might be a fellow news correspondent. 

But, no, just an avid photography enthusiast. Who is in training to be a priest, no less. His name is Francis Browne, and he will just be with us until Ireland, the short overnight voyage being a gift from his uncle. It ought to be an experience, however, as his ticket is first class. He will be staying in cabin number A24 on the Promenade Deck. So, I'm sure we will be seeing more of him, again.

If Eulalia Longbotham's Tea is any indication of how things are going to proceed on this voyage, I can tell you, right now, I have never felt so much excitement over the prospects of the many delights that await us. I have heard it said that there is such luxury aboard the vessel, that the second class cabins are of a standard that is usually reserved for first on most other liners. Not to mention third class passengers will be offered hearty meals as part of their fare, and that is unprecedented, as well. All of which is just hearsay, at the moment, but I will let you know the truth of the matter as soon as I can. I have brought along my Corona typewriter, and two Conley cameras (one magazine loading, and one snap shot), and intend to set up shop in my second class cabin, and get to work as soon as I arrive.

So, be sure and come back tomorrow, dear readers. I've arranged an interview with Edith Russell, the popular fashion writer and consultant for Women's Wear Daily, who will be joining us in Cherbourg. Until then… blessings!

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