The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-12-30
Determined 10 Die.
A wELL-DREssED AND RATHER PREP0SsESs
WOMAN ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT SUICIDE

WEII-DRESSkD AND RATHER PRkPUSSESSlNb
WOMAN ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT SUICIDE.
Saturday night, Christmas-eve, when il
is generally supposed most everybody is at
peace with themselves and all the world, q
sad scene occurred on the ferry-boat be-
tween this city and Jacksonville. On the
last trip OF the boat from this side a we'll
dressed and genteel-appearing woman, APP
parently about forty-fve years OF age,
came on 10 the boat, and, paying the
conductor her ferriage, walked TO the
rear guards OF the ferry. The con-
ductor noticed that she was in an excited
frame OF mind, and that she was weeping
violently. He stepped up TO her and said
" Madam, this is the deck OF the boat. We
have a cabin up stairs for the accommoda-
ton Of ladies. Won't you please walk
up;" She replied that she did not wish to
go to the cabin; that she wanted to be let
alone. As sue still continued crying, the
conductor asked her the trouble. She told
him that she was Il heart-broken woman,
and had no desire TO live longer in this
cruel world. "My daughter has driven me
from home, and | want to die. Please do
not watch me, but let me alone" The con-
ductor called a COurier-J journal reporter.
who happened TO he a passenger on the
boat. aside and told him OF the case, re-
questing him TO watch the woman and try
aud persuade her not to attempt anything
rash. The boat was by this time leaving
the dock, and Just as the reporter stepped
forward TO accost the unhappy passenger
she made a quick movement, mounting the
lower rail Of the guard with the evident
intention Of springing
OVER RI INTO THE RIVER.
She was, however, prevented fl ON
taking the leap OF death by being fOrcibly
restrained, and was made TO sit down on a
bench. During this time she cried wildly,
and begged those who held her TO release
their hold and let her kill herself.
The Courier-JOurnalist talked to the poor
unfortunate woman and tried to persuade
her into the belief that she had better bear
the ills she had than fly to Others she knew
not OF, but it had no effect, she stating that
she was a desperate woman, and that this
world was hell TO her-m0re OF hell
than the other world could possibly be.
During the run of the boat over she made
desperate efforts to free herself and Jump
over the guards, but was, OF course, held
fast.
When the boat reached the Jacksonville
side she was given her choice TO go TO no.
tel or be placed in custody. Shes finally
consented TO go to a hotel, and was escort
ed to one, where she was watched all night,
the lady refusing to retire. Early yester-
dav morning she was brought to her home
in this city. but in no. better condition OF
mind. She gave her name as Miller, aud
resides i'm the neighbOrhoOd OF Ninth and
Walnut streets. As stated above. the lady
was well dressed in neat-fitting black robes,
and, Judging from her conversation and
personal appearance, was a lady OF refine
ment and education. She laid all OF her
troubles at the door of her daughter, who
She frequently stated had, after heaping in
suits and indignittes opon her, finally
driven her out in the street. She declared
that She was determined TO kill herself the
first opportunity. Truly cit is sharper
than serpents tooth TO have thankless
child - COlTier-JOTn0t.