SECOND OFFICER'S STATEMENT

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 95, 22 April 1912, Page 7

SECOND OFFICER'S STATEMENT

THE CAPTAIN'S LAST DEMAND. STORY OF MR. GUGGENHEIM. "WE GO DOWN LIKE GENTLEMEN." NEW YORK, 20th April. Mr. Lightoller, second officer of th« Titanic, maintained that the boats were well filled, and preference was given to women. He accounted for the saving of so many of the crew by stating that five out of every six were picked up in the water. All were firemen and stewards. There was no demonstration on the ship— not even lamentation among those left behind. He dived as the vessel 6ank, and wa* sucked under. He was holding fa^fc against a blower when a terrific gust through the blower— due probably to the explosion of a boiler — blew him clear, and he reached the surface near a boat. (Received April 22, 8.5 &.m.) NEW YORK, 21st April. Mr. Lightolier further stated that when the first boat wa* lowered th« deck was 70ft above the water. When the last boat was lowered it wan only a few feet above. Mr. Lightolier also stated that though ice was reported he did not think an additional look-out was necessary. He heard the captain's last demand — " Put the women and children in the boats and lower away." " Whenever I saw women," said th& officer, "I put them aboard, except the stewardesses." Alfred White, an oiler, «aid it wa* a "black* iceberg the Titanic struck, and it was difficult to see. "We mad« coffee," he said, "after we struck." # James Etches, steward, said he as> sisted Mr. Guggenheim and his secretary to dress in lifebelts and sweaters. He afterwards found them in evening dress helping tho women. Guggenheim eaid, "We go down like gentlemen. Tell my wife I tried to do my duty."