Pausing for a moment in its legislative activities, January,
1909, the House of Representatives listened to a eulogy of
John R. Binns, the Marconi operator aboard the steamship
_Republic_, who remained at his post following her
collision with the _Florida_.
Binns sat in his darkened cabin on the _Republic_ as long
as there was power to be had from the generators.
Mr. Boutell, of Illinois, amid loud applause, said that
throughout the whole critical period, “there was one silent
actor in the tragedy whose name should be immortalized.” He
specifically mentioned Binns by name, and in conclusion said:
“Binns has given the world a splendid illustration of the
heroism that dwells in many who are doing the quiet, unnoticed
tasks of life. Is it not an inspiration for all of us to feel
that there are heroes for every emergency and that in human life
no danger is so great that some ‘Jack’ Binns is not ready to
face it?”
(1404)