The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-01-26 00:00:00

SUICIDE OF AN ABSCOND:NG
TREASURER.

It has been ascertained that Mr. Aseplith, the
absconding treasurer of the Lancashire and Yorkshire
Railway Company, committed suicide in Guernsey on
Saturday afternoon last. It appears that Mr. Asquith
arrived at Guernsey from Southampton on Thur,day
morning in last week, and took apartments at the
house of Miss Croucher, 33, Carrichers-street, Peter.
street. He gave no name, and appeared to be in
de'icite health. In speaking to the people of the
house, he incidentally mentioned that he had a
lady friend in the island, to whom he wished to write,
and inquired about the local postal arrangements.
He appears to have written her a letter, and to have
received a reply on Saturday morning addressed to
him under the name of Jackson. On Saturday after-
noon, after an early dinner, he said he did not feel
very well, and would go to his bedroom and lie down.
Between four and five p.m., Miss Croucher heard him
walking about his room, and at half-past five, his
usual time for tea, she knocked at the door cf the bed-
room to inform him that the meal was ready. Receiv-
ing no reply, she concluded that he ha i fallen asleep,
and that it was better not to wake him. She accord-
ingly went downstairs, but at eight o'clock, AB he had
made no sign of stirring, she knocked again, and once
more receiving no reply, she opened the door and went
in. She then found Asquith lying on the bed dressed,
and evidently very ill. He was insensible, and w..s
breathing heavily. A rope was round his neck, but
quite loose and unattached, Medical assistance was
immediately summoned, the stomach pump wrs
applied, and everythimg possible done to restore con-
sciousness. After long and persevering efforts partial
c,nseion.sness momentarily returned, and Asquith
asked, "What are you doing to me?" In reply to all
other questions, he merely muttered, "Lancishire
and Yorkshire Railway." Shortly after midnight
he was removed to the hospital, where he gradually
sank and died. Under the fire grate of his bedroom
was found an empty bottle which had contained
laudanum. Among some telegraph forms was a brief
note addressed to his landlady. stating that the writer
was tired of his life, and that she would be duly paid,
as there was money in his portmanteau, and also
another letter addressed to his son.

THE TOMB OF VICTOR EMMANUEL.
Writing from Rome on Monday night the corres-
pondent of the Daily News says: The third and final
pilgrimage to Vieter Emmanuel's tomb at the Pan-
theon, which c- off to-day, surpassed its predecessors
in numbers, in picturesque dr, ct, and in the popular
enthusiasm it exeited. All Rome turned out to
see it. Many of the shops were closed, and the
main streets were gay with flags. The head of
the procession started from the railway station
at ten, and the tail did not reach the Pantheon till
two. Yet all this time perfect order was maintained.
The procession was opened as usual by the municipal
and prefectural authorities, with a liveried retinue and
the Gonfalon and district flags of Rome. Then came
the various deputations, numbering some 30,000, with
upwards of 1300 banners glowing in all the colours
of the rainbow, and displaying every possible device.
Loud cheers greeted the survivors of the gallant thou-
sand who followed Garibaldi in his expedition to
Marsala, but popular interest centred chiefly in the
Sienese deputation who appeared in their gorgeous
rnedimval silk and satin costumes, The Mazeieri of
Perm,* likewise in historic costumes, and Cie
peasant women of Avellino formed a scarcely
lase interesting feature. A flag displaying an
open Bib'e, followed by a deputation from EOLMN of
the Roman Protestant churches furnishid a striking
evidence of the change effected by 'Teter Emmanuel
In the religions destinies of the City of the Popes.
,Al•o4ether these pilgrimages have proved is success;
a..,1 will have an important effect in counteracting
Italian regionalism, and confirming the Dosicion of
Rome as the qapital of united Italy.