The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-04
0VERP0WERING PRIDE.
MELANCHOLY sELF-DEsTRUCTIoN
OF ANTONIO CoLoNNA.
How Highly Connected Son OF Italy
Came to America and Encountered
Circumstance After Circumstance On
til Driven to Suicide.

one sense, and not calculated to excite a
second glance or thought.
Sucide-even that striking word, coupled
with the name, would not stagger the
reader with surprise; with nothing de-
scriptivo OF the man and his past history
the average individual would more than
likely remark, "Only another poor devil
gone; no matter; better for him, perhaps"
Antonio Colonna did commit suicide,
according to the strongest inierentiality
from circumstances, aud to the mini Of
the attending physicians, Harry Rogers
and A. NJ. West. From what can be
learned, his own pride, which promised
him humiliation Of his dear old refined
mother, prompted the act.
Something over two years ago, Mr..
Jake Williamson, n young lawyer OF this
city, was touring Italy. At Rome, where
he fingered for several days, hc formed
the acquaintance OF Colonnn. In him was
discovered a refined, genial gentleman,
highly connected, who appeared more
than interested in America, its freedom,
and hospitable welcome for all OF the right
kind who came to its shores for home and
fortune. The two were frequently in each
others society, and soon felt each for the
other the warmcst friendship. Mr.. Will
hanson thoroughly enlightened him Of
this country, promised TO aid him in any
way II he decided TO leave Italy, and gave
him his address as Memphis, Tenn.
In the course OF n few weeks Colonna
followed his American friend. He landed
with only a small amount Of money, but
equipped with handsome fund Of gen
oral information, including about ten diff
lcrcnt languages, and willingness to earn
an honest living. His first days here
were passed with Mr.. Williamson, during
all OF which both were on the lookout for
employment with the foreigner This
ultimately came from Mr.. Joseph Spccht,
the confectiOncr, with whom he remained
until about the middle of December last,
~ u salesman. While serving in that ca
pnCity report obtained currency among
the mackercls which, though without
caused that irreprcssible class
10 guy him at every opportunity The r..
port was not altogether the cause OF the
which really began soon after
lis appearance in the store. Colonna was
lOt attractive in point OF personal bearing
md dress. On the contrary, he was un-
,alnly IN proportions, unassuming in man
Ter aud not dude in his dress. Tall,
bender, with sort Of springy walk, a
blonde, with short, stubby beard and un-
cultivated mustachc, the street arabs took
dyantagc OF mild disposition and desire
o commit no iniraction OF the laws, To
make him the object OF their Jest. but al.
Ways ut respectful distance, 10 avoid pos.
ible punishment
SOllV six or eight months ago, his
lthcr, still residing at Rome, Italy, took
lis own life in blood-curdling manner.
ether, IL Is understood was the medium,
nd the rash man purpOsely caused the |
XplOsiOn Of a can Of IL In close proximity
D himself, his clothes were ignitcd, and |
10 persisted. When this awful fact WIS
To COlonna, a changed |
tate WIS his ever aitcrward until the day
I his death. Many u time did lac remark
o the colorcd porter IN the store that his
Iio would go out ut his own instance. and
without exciting the susbicioa that the |
hrcat was an idle one. IL does not appear
hat he once indicated such purpose Ia |
lis employers or any Of their otEcr white |
ielp.
When Colonna resigned his position
Nth Mr.. spccht, lac dill 10 TO take charge
II "A small grocery store ON Jackson street,
which lac had purchased with his savings.
Some few weeks ago lac received letter
from his mother, Rus ian lady oi noble
birth, stating that she was coming 10
Memphis 10 visit him. In Ill his cor
rcspondcnco with her, the young man had
from any statements which
would make Il clear to her that hc WAS
doing otherwise than well in business
way. In this he was conscientious lie was
proud, 80 was she. aud lee shrnnk from the
thought Of disturbing her In that condi.
ton. When she announced her detcrmi.
nation 90 come 10 him. a full realization Of
What, a. his mind, would prDyc n shock
and modification TO her overwhelmed him.
On Thursday night he Ictircd In his usual
good health. ~ also did he impress thoso
who saw him on Friday. Saturday morn.
Ing he was not up and about his small
.turv. and about : O'Clock his room was
visited. IL required but glance 90 reveal
that hc WIS suffering and almost gone. and
Dr. Rogers was summoned The cause
was apparent, the patient had swallowed
m Ovcrpowcrlng opIatc, opium In some
form orutnvr For four hours Drs. Rogers
aud West kept up artificial respiration,
bat even these efforts finally failed, and
Antonio Calonna passed away. Mr.. Will
hanson was informed that no inquest was
necessary, nni had his friends remains
Inferred. II the mother can b. reached
by cable bciou she starts ior America she
will hardly come