St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-07-01
HOW TO COMMIT sUICrpE.

There is much need of reform in the
methods employed by those weary of
the tolls and tribulations of this life and
anxious 10 shuttle off the mortal coil.
The present fashions are often ridicu-
lous. and there is much Inconvenience
caused to the living by the slovenly
manner in which novices aud ignorant
people attempt to sever the ties that
bind them TO life.
1t is presumed that every suicide is a
coward, and shrifiks from inficting
needless pain upon himself. He there
fore casts about for the easiest and
speediest death at hand-the enc that
shall cause him the least suffering and
Inconvenience, irrespective OF what dis
comfort he may give those who survive
him. The pistol is favorite means OF
ending the perplexities Of existence,
but this Is open to some serious objec-
tions. The nerves OF the self-destroyer
are not always steady, and his knowl-
edge of anatomy is frequently imper-
feet. and he consequently sometimes
misses vital spot as result OF his
ignorance. He sometimes faDcies that
his heart is located on his right side,
and sends bullet blowing through his
lung. This makes dangerous and
often fatal wound, but is not certain
death. But it is sure destruction TO the
furniture and carpets of the loom in
which he commits the deed, and the
landlord is compelled to refurnish the
room before 1t is fit for occupancy. This
ic ho iaiA "a hoe in nj in,
Of committing. and all who contemplate
the act should avoid similar error.
Drowning and hanging are about
equally popular. Both have their de-
feels, especially tie former. If a man
browns himself without serving due
notice upon his surviving friends, he
causes much trouble and expense. A
long, and often expensive, search has 10
be made for his remains, and when they
are found they are generally unfit for
public nspection-bloated, discolored.
dIsiigured-in short, as Mantalini was
wont 10 express it. "a demnition damp
unpleasant body" Such suicides are
often somewhat lacerated by the fish,
who fancy they have been sent to af
ford them rare treat, and the sight of
them is apt to spoil ones appetite for
fish for some moons. There Is less OBJ
lection to hanging. although the corpse
is often revolving sight when first dis
covered.
The knife as a means of suicide is
always to be condemned. Many people
cannot see blood without hysterical
shudder, and human body with gap
ing wounds in the throat or breast is
not an appetizing sight. The knife is
the instrument of barbarians, and no
man of refinement should use it either
upon himself OF others. Besides, by its
use the suicides clothing is apt to be
ruined, and cannot be made down for
his sons or his nephews TO wear
There are poisonS that should be
avoided as means of self-destruction.
Prussic acid is almost instantaneous in
its effects, but the taker suffers the
keenest agony it is possible for mortals
to suffer, and his corpse is distorted and
loathsome. Strychnine is open TO the
same objection. Chloroform, either
inhaled OF drunk. is a painless method;
but while in urticulo morris the subject
frothS at the mouth and means in a
most unpleasant manner. Arsenic is
open to the objection of being some
what uncertain in its operations, and,
indeed, ali poisons may prove their own
antldOte through the carelessnesS of the
taker in swallowing all overdose, and
there is great danger of failure Of
design if the potions are not carefully
mixed.
ASphyxiation by coal gas and the
fumes of charcoal are occasionally pop
uiar among would-be suicides, but have
never become the rage. These methods
are convenient and practically painless.
but people living in the same house are
very apt to drop to the racket" at
tracted by the smell, and to interfere
with the programme. The results are
then exceedingly unpleasant, for the
would-be suicide suffers great agony
from nausea and obstruction Of the
organs of respiration.
The advice of the GLOBE to those
contemplating suicide is: Don't! But
If you have become thoroughly weary
OF life and desire to 60 to that bourne
whence no traveller returns, 90 decently.
Don't make sanguinary mess III your
room, bespattering the walls and furnl-
ture Of the room with gore; don't drown
yourself and put your relatives to the
trouble of long search for your worth
less remains; but choose some decent
and cleanly means of ending your
troubles. You will find the best of
them somewhat trying and painful, but
a few moments pain is as nothing when
the benefit the world will derive from
your taking off is considered. Take
poison that is quick and certain in its
operations. $Rat poison would be the
most appropriate If it were only more
sure i'll causing death. But. whatever
means you may employ, take care that
it is decent and cleanly. and will give
those who survive you as little incon-
venience as poss BILE. All things, sui
eide especially, should be done decently
| and in order