BLAME NOT TO BE PLACED BY AMATEURS
The captain of the collier which rammed the Empress of Ireland should certainly have a fair opportunity to tell his side of the story before he is condemned, and also to answer certain essential questions. The one declaration that may properly be made at this time is that this case cannot be tried and settled by amateurs. The handling of vessels, particularly in cases of sudden danger, is a complete and insoluble mystery to the layman, despite his cheerful custom of thinking he knows all about it.
CHAPTER XVII
Empress in Fact, as in Name
THE EXPONENT OF SAFETY AND COMFORT—DIMENSIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS—PROVISIONS FOR COMFORT AND PLEASURE—WEEKLY LIFE-SAVING DRILL—THE LOSS AND INSURANCE
THE Empress of Ireland and her sister-ship, the Empress of Britain, were in many respects fittingly called “the Empresses of the Atlantic.” They stood as a synonym for all that is best, safest and most reliable for the use of the traveling public. The Empress of Ireland was an example of the best in construction and a model of excellence and taste in furnishings. She was an exponent of the latest achievement in marine architecture, combined with all the newest devices for the comfort of passengers. A large, graceful ship, well proportioned, she was built to meet every possible requirement of the service and also was remarkably steady in rough weather.