Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-07-05
SUICIDE OF SENATOR ]. H. LANE.

Result Of an Exciting Mental kslady.
Special Dispatch TO the No. Dsmoeratl
LEATEsvoRTH, July General Lane
arrived here from St Louis at o'clock
pm. on Friday last, accompanied by
DR.. Stockton and Captain Williams,
Of St Louis, and by Mrs. Lane and
daughter, who met him at Kansas City,
and went to the residence Of his brother
in-law, Mr. Mccall, on the Government
| farm, little outside Of the city. He
was in poor health, as he had been for
some time previous; his ailment seeming
to be mental rather than bodily. His
mind was in a continual state Of excite
ment, threatening him with paralysis of
the brain, or total arrangement of the
Intellectual faculties His department
and manner of conversation were such
as 10 excite the greatest Apprehension of
his friends, aud he himself intimated that
he would never recover. He told Mr..
Mccall on Saturday, that in case of bis
death he desired his remains to be trans
mitted to Indiana for interment He
also seemed to be conscious that he
might be led to attempt bis own de-
struction, for be particularly requested
that his movements should be closely
watched
he had also asked the attending ply
stefan on more than one occasion to in
form him of the easiest method Of termi-
mating existence His conduct and Ian
guage were so peculiar as to induce his
friends to maintain short surveillance
of all his movements. He seemed TO be
in full possession of all his physical
powers, but the terrible conflict in his
brain foreboded fearful disaster.
Last evening, soon after FIVE clock,
he expressed a desire TO ride out Mr.
Mccall and Capt Adams, a brother of
Brevet Brig Gen. c. W. Adams, who is
q son-in-law of Gen. lane, at once pre-
pared a conveyance and the three
started.
During the progress of the ride, and
before the tragic occurrence, Gen Lane
alighted four times on frivolous pretexts,
and it is now supposed that it was his
intention upon each occasion to shoot
himself, but that his reason was still too
firmly enthroned to permit Of the deed
being accomplished Fort Leavenworth
is separated from the farm house by one
or more large fields, perhaps mile in
breadth, to which large gate opens.
Mr.. Mccall alighted for the purpose of
opening the gate and Gen. Lane also
alighted and stepped to the rear Of the
wagon, ostensibly to perform pressing
duty. Drawing fye-inch revolver from
his coat pocket, he exclaimed in loud
voice, Goodbye, Me-" and placing the
muzzle of the pistol to his mouth imme-
diately fired He sprang up into the air
a foot or more, and fell heavily
10 the ground. When Gen Lane spoke
his last words the gentlemen in attend
ance screamed and rushed towards him,
but too late 10 prevent the catastrophe.
They fastened 10 the Fort for physi-
clan, and returning conveyed him to the
house, where he has since had every at
tention from physicians and friends. 1t
was thought this morning that he could
not live the day out, but since noon he
has revived slightly, and II is now prob
able that he may survive for day or
two. The wound is necessarily mortal.
The ball entered through the roof Of the
mouth, penetrated through the tissues
which unite the two divisions of the
brain, and came out almost exactly in
the centre Of the crown Of the head. The
General evinces slight consciousness, but
has not spoken, and it lie not likely he
ever will.
This occurrence has created the most
intense excitement here and throughout
the State, 80 far as the intelligence has
reached Universal sorrow prevails,
political animosities are hushed, and all
express q kindly regard for him who has
accomplished so much for Kansas. This
sad event entirely revolutionizes the poi
itics Of this State. Some Of the politi-
clans are already casting about for
successor to General Lane, but Governor
Crawford viii not be likely 70 manifest
an indecent haste
Ia The report is eoutradicted that in
consequence Of impending war in Ger
many, American securities are there dis