Four Paisley Pines

 

Of the 776 adult male passengers aboard the Titanic, only 128 survived. Perhaps the most controversial of these was J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of the White Star Line. During the Titanic’s construction, Ismay authorized reducing the number of lifeboats from 48 to 16, the minimum allowed by the Board of Trade. Because there was speculation about whether the size of the Titanic might make it slower than its competition, Ismay asked the captain about the possibility of a speed test. Then, less than 20 minutes before the ship sank, Ismay boarded the last boat lowered on the starboard side. He cooperated with those investigating the sinking, who cleared him of all blame. But in the court of popular opinion, Ismay was tried and convicted of cowardice and villainy. He continued to serve on the board as it dealt with the aftermath of the sinking, but Ismay never fully recovered from the events of April 15, 1912.