Mexico weekly ledger., 1892-02-18

on this account. She was subject
to spells of melancholy. Her moth
er was uneasy whenever she left her
sight. Alice did not mingle freely
with girls of her age, and when in
cheerful company, she often left in
apparent dependency. She some
times complained Of great suffering,
in which, sh said, she had no sympa-
thy and no one to tell her sorrow to.
This disposition characterized her
life and caused her parents and sis
ters much anxiety. Last summer
she appeared better and was sent to
this college to complete her studies.
AS student she was diligent, faith
| full, successful, and by her lady-like
bearing, won the esteem and conf
dence of teachers and students. At
home there was lavished upon her
the tenderest affection of family and
friends. Nothing was ever refused
her. A short time before the last
sad act she received from her moth
er letter overfiowing with love and
tenderness. This letter she showed
to her roommate. So far as can be
learned, there appeared to be no i'm
mediate cause for the sudden change
of feeling that led to the taking of
her life. Whatever may have been
the mysterious causes that led to
this melancholy end, the most care
full investigation, aided by expert
testimony of the highest authority,
makes it absolutely certain that they
in no way affected the spotless pur-
Iity of life that won for her universal
love and admiration. Thor n often
referring to her suffering, she never
contided to any one the causes.
This was characteristic of her life.
Fragments Of paper were found in
her room and pasted together. They
proved to be part of a letter written
home, in which she distinctly stated
her purpose to take her life, pur-
pose formed some months ago. She
also stated that she had never been
able to enjoy life, even when a
child, as other children did-that
she longed to be at rest-saying
"Oh, l am so tired! but soon will |
be happy" The letter was written
on the 9th inst, few hours before
the fatal dose. On the same day
was written a most loving, affection
ate letter to her you lger sister Belle.
This letter was a long one but con-
tanned nothing that had the least
bearing on the subject. 1t was just
such letter as any loving sister
might write to another. 1t closed as
| follows: "Mamma asked about my
medicine. 1t does not seem to do
much good. l have not been at all
well since Christmas Sometimes ]
feel like / never will get well again.
| You all don't know how much |
lsuffer sometimes. But everything
lis pleasant here, and it wont be
long till June, when | will again be
at home with you all. Well, write
to me often. Give my love to Mrs.
Chambers folks, Miss Anna, to
Ollie and all the girls, but save lots
for your dear little self. Lovingly,
your sister, ALLIE" These letters
were both written in clear, distinct
hand, with no indication of trem-
bling or excitement. Yet tits almost
certain that they We're both written
after the deliberate preparation fol
suicide. The letter to her sister was
placed, sealed, in her table drawer
with a note to her roommate -
"Kitty, please mail this for me-
, Signed, "Lovingly, ALLIE
A few hours after these letters
were written, she, with the school
6 attended the DePauw concert-wal
!, remarkably cheerful and enjoyed i
greatly. Returning at 10: 80 o'clock
:. she ate a lunch while her room-mat,
finished reading a chapter in tn
. Bible. 1t was doubtless during thi
. time that the fatal dose was taken
They both knelt down for devotion
IThey soon fell asleep-the one il
peaceful slumber, the other to tn
# sleep that knows no waking in thi
is life.
A LETTER FROM CHARLESTON.
al Mr.. S. G. Tetwiler, the able edi
n tor of the Charleston, Mo. Democrat
'e in answer to letter of inquiry fror
It the editor Of the LEDGER, writes
a letter found below. From a pei
sonal acquaintance with Mr.. Tel
N wiler, and a kiowledge of his hig
to character, the evidence is plain tbs
a the entire facts connected with Mis-
OF Howlett's sad death were thel
er withheld. Mr.. Frank Hewlett ev
10 IDENTIFY did not make public the lie
Sc ter written by his daughter to h,
Id mother, in which she plainly al
he nounced her suicidal intention. HI
n action has cast a deep refiectio
where none should fall.
Mr.. Tetwiler's letter is he
given:
ne r. M. White, Mexico, Mo.