The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1852-08-13
INSTRUMENTATION
the House appropriates:

BLOODY TEAGEDY-ATrEMPT At MURDER
AND SUIcrDE.--The usually quiet village OF
Worthwhile, near Milford, Conn, was thrown
into a state of excitement on Friday after
noon last in consequence of most diabolical
attempt having been made upon the life OfAIiss
Matilda Buck, highly respectable young la
dy and teacher OF the district school at that
place, by Major llowes, young man Il years
of age, residing in Bethlehem, who heretofore
has sustained good character. From such
facts as could be elected from various citizens
OF Worthwhile, it appears that Howes became
enamored OF the charms OF Miss Buck some
months ago, cultivated ner acquaintance, and
is said even went so far as to solicit her hand
in marriage. What success he met with we
know not, but, according to the rumor which
was in circulation in the neighborhood he
was somewhat encouraged by Miss b., who
gave him to understand that he was looked
upon with some favor bat as their acquain-
lance continued the high estimate she had
formed of Howcs's character, in various i'm
portant particulars, changed and fell to such a
degree, that it was deemed prudent and ne
cCssary OH her part, that the intimacy between
them should forever cease. Howes being in
/ formed by MissBuck that his company was no
/ longer desirable, became very angry, and, in
stead of abandoning his suit, made himself
very obnoxious by calling on and annoying
her at the schoo!-house during business hours
&C., &c. She, finding it extremely difficult
and next to impossible TO rid herself of his
company as is reported, offered Thin 800 TO
leave, and never trouble her again He left
as desired, but at 2o'clock, on Friday after
noon, returned to the school-house, and de-
manded OF her the money which she had pre-
yiously offered, in case her wishes in regard
to him should be complied with. Miss b. re-
quested him to withdraw from the school I'M
I'll its close for the day (as that was neither
an appropriate time nor place for the settle
ment OF their businesS), when she would talk
with him, but he refused to do So and without
further provocation drew a large iack-knife
from his pocket, the blade ofwhich was very
long and sharp, seized her by the neck and
ana inflicted five distinct and terrible stabs
across her throat, some OF which, it is feared
Will prove fatal. From the wounds the blood
flew IN different directions about the school
house, creating the greatest horror and con.
sternatlon among the scholars, who fled from
the premises and screamed murder, &c, a
the toy, Of their woes. The unfortunate! email,
III endeavorlng with her hands to keep. the
weapon from her throat, had several of he
fingers nearly severed. After most hercu
lean effort, she managed to disengage her
sell from TIE grasp OF the murderous villain
and ran into the street, literally covered
with blood, and presenting the most horrible
spectacle. She was there met by some citi
zens and conveyed to the nearest dwelling
physician was soon in attendance ant
dressed her wounds, which are of very seri
Gus character, and may prove fatal. Their
are hopes, however OF her recovery. Th'
assassin, after injecting the violence, preci
plated himself, face downward, into shallow
stream of water near by, from which he wa
not rescued till nearly drowned. He wa
resusciatdd and taken into custody by Con
, stable Knapp, of Worthwhile, who took him t.
, Litchfield county prison, where he will re
main to await the death or recovery of hi
victim, but in either event to be punished a
his crime deserves.