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.
Seventh. The finding of the court on the questions submitted; and
Eighth. The recommendations held to be desirable.