STRANGE EPISTLE FROM AN INTENDING SUICIDE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2745, 15 February 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

STRANGE EPISTLE FROM AN INTENDING SUICIDE.

At an inquest conducted by Dr. Yonl, city coroner, Melbourne, on the reinaitiH of Wm, James Stubb, a curpouter, who shot hirasolf in a carriage on tho 'Brighton tr?iin, the following extraordinary letter whs read:—To Dr. Youl city Coroner. My Dear Doctor* —Whilst -still in the flash, and ere my soul takes its flight from that frail tenement of clay, allow me with all due respect to the serious functions of your high and important o-fiue to tender you my hearty eougratulatious on the business like and consistent manner in which you have for a considerable time performed the onerous duties of your office. I have not the pleasure of your personal acquaintance, and in anticipation I cannot but regret the fact that when we do meet I shall have to occupy such an unconscious position in the interview, besides having to suffer the indignity of being "sat on." However, dear doctor, I feel sure that you and the respectable company who may assist in the ceremony will do so with becoming respect and decorum. The question has been raised, "Is life worth living?" Well, as the Yankee says, "It all depends." Speaking for myself, I must say in many respects I have found it a jolly old world, and if I've had a goodly share of its HI luck, I've also had a , fair share of its piSiauresrTherefore, I think that I nnd this ancient planet may "cry qnits." I daresay, doctor, you find life, on the whole, pretty jolly. It'a just possible that if I possessed your ability and the good fat screw attached to your office, I would not be in such a hurry to leave this sphere. However, we cannot all be city coroners, and even you at times encounter vexatious.. In conclusion, let me express the hope 'that your remaining years may be characterised with an abundance 61 the joys of life; and few of its ills, and that when your time of disunion arrives it may be at a period of contented old age, unattended by violence, and in the orthodox manner, thus avoiding the necessity and unenviable notoriety of being "sat upon." In prospect of an early meeting, I remain, with due respect,—Yours, In Caenie. The jury returned a verdict of suicide while of uusound mind.