One hundred years ago
WE published recently some terrible instances of the cowardice of English crowds, and it is pleasant to notice how bravely men of the same race behave if they have but a little discipline. It is evident from all the accounts, private as well as public, of the loss of the 'Uto- pia,' that the sailors in the squadron behaved splendidly. Through the terri- ble gale, which lashed the waves of the harbour into fury, so that one boat in particular was dashed to pieces, the crews of some forty boats from the men-of-war worked all night, saving the unhappy wretches who clung, numb with cold, to the rigging of the wrecked vessel. One sailor who could not swim leaped into the water out of the mere passion of pity, and was with difficulty saved, while some sailors trying to save a man on the funnel of the 'Utopia' could not look on his struggle for life, which ultimately failed, but having got as near as was possible, turned away their heads groaning. Other men are reported as actually sick with sympathy, a remarkable instance of the new horror at the sufferings of others felt even by the rough. The mob of Italians on board, all undisciplined, seem to have gone frantic with horror, and to have fought and rushed for the safer places, so that of two hundred women on board, hardly any were saved.
The Spectator, 28 March 1891
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