J. Bruce Ismay, the man who had the Titanic built, was on that fated ship the night it struck an iceberg. He was also on the fourth lifeboat that left the ship. One account states that he hid on the lifeboat, under a blanket, and let the women row the boat. While other men stepped aside to let the women and children take the lifeboats, Ismay will forever be known as a coward for his actions.
Ismay One Kind of Hero
Paris, France, April 22 — In a leading editorial entitled “Among the Men,” the newspaper Gil Blas today flays J. Bruce Ismay for his conduct in the Titanic disaster.
“Ismay is a conqueror, says the editorial. “Perhaps no one will think of erecting a statue to him, but he should be placed on a pedestal high enough so all humanity may stand aghast and contemplate his conduct.
“He was master of the Titanic, and he pushed her captain to send the vessel across the sea at full speed.
“At the moment of the disaster he showed he was master by flinging aside those who preceded him, and taking to the boats.
“Several men, it is said, were shot trying to enter those boats. These were but immigrants, poor, unknown, without honor.
“No one though it would be equally justifiable to send a ball into Ismay, coolly seated in a lifeboat.
“Ismay is a man of strong resolution. He resolved to live… and he lived. Therefore is he a hero… after a fashion.
“John Jacob Astor also was a hero, but of a different brand. Despite his millions, he humbly sacrificed himself.
“Much will be pardoned Ismay because he so loved himself.
“He is a modern hero, who embarked in his boat, thrusting aside the antiquated chivalry which dictated that others should be saved. What lamentable sentiment these American barbarians have to lay hands upon this idol — to dislodge this God from his boat.”
Source: (1912, April 22). Ismay One Kind of Hero. The Day Book.
