“I did not see Mr. Ismay at all. Captain Smith stuck to the bridge and, turning, I saw him jump just as the vessel glided into the depths. He had not donned a life belt, so far as I could see, and went down with the ship.”
The witness showed so plainly the mental and physical strain under which he was laboring that both Senators Newlands and Reed urged Senator Smith to excuse him. After a few more interrogations Senator Smith did so.
“I regret extremely having had to subject you to such an ordeal,” he said, addressing Bride, “because of your condition. I would have avoided it, if possible, but the committee thanks you most heartily for the forbearance you have shown and the frankness of your testimony.”
Senator Smith then called what he evidently expected to be one of the most important witnesses, Harold S. Bride, the sole surviving wireless operator of the Titanic.
Crippled as a result of his experiences, he was wheeled in an invalid’s chair to the table where the committee sat.
“Contrary to the usual procedure,” said Senator Smith, rising in his place, “I must place you under oath. Raise your right hand.”
SENATE REPEATS THE OATH.
The witness, hand uplifted, listened while the Senator repeated the oath. Then he bowed in assent. Bride said he was a native of London, was 22 years old and had learned his profession in a British school of telegraphy.
“What practical experience have you had?” asked Senator Smith.
“I have crossed to the States three times and to Brazil twice,” said Bride.