Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-22
SAD CASE OF SUICIDE.
Leila, Daughter Of Ex-Sec Herbert, Ends Lie
at washington, Tuesday.

Washington. Dec. 2l.-Miss Leila
Herbert, daughter of Ex-Secretar Y
Herbert, died at her home in this city.
this morning, as the result Of fail
from the third story of her home on
New Hampshire avenue. in the most
fashionable part of the city.
The sudden death and tragic features
surrounding it were a great shock TO
the large circle of friends she has made
in the course of her life in Washington
as the daughter of a popular represent
tative in Congress, from the South and
later as one of the Cabinet circle of
ladies' when she presided over he.
fathers household during the four
years he was secretary of the navy
under the last Cleveland administra-
ton.
The death was reported at police
headquarters as a case of suicide due
to melancholia and temporary aber-
ration of mind, as the result of a long
illness.
This afternoon, the following author
ICED statement was made by a gentle
man familiar with all of the facts Of
the case:
currence, was suffering frcm acute
melancholia, which developed several
weeks ago.
The melanchola was not insanity in
the sense of being accompanied by delu-
sions. At the same time there was pro-
found depression, and as is always the
case in this type of disease, there was
great danger that suicidal tendencies
would develop. For this reason nurses
nrnVida1 q closest
watchfulness.
NO suicidal tendency developed. how
ever. until yesterday, when for the first
time Miss Herbert made an attempt to
get out of the window. but was restrained
by the nurse. This led to additional eau
ton and two nurses alternated in con-
slant watchfulness OF the patient She
was at all times rational! quiet and gen
tie, and it was supposed the disease
would yield to treatment
Early this morning, the nurse on duty
noticed a small spot of blood on the bed
covering and inquired what it meant but
the invalid endeavored to pass 1t by light
ly. On investigation, however. the nurse
saturated with blood and that Miss Her
bert had severed the artery of her wrist
with a pair of scissors. y
Feeling that the emergency was great
the nurse fastened to the door and called
an alarm. In this momentary withdrawal
out and sprang from the window. The
plunge was made headforemost.. so that
she lighted on the top of her head on the
asphalt pavement.
This injury alone was sufficient to
have caused death from conclusion, and
| 1t was doubtless the immediate cause. A
cursory examination indicated that the
skull was fractured. The severing of the
artery also would have resulted fatally
When the physician reached her, Miss
Herbert was still breathing. but died
| about an hour after the leap"
The coroner returned a verdict of sui.
eide. owing to temporary insanity A
| the facts in the case were clear, he de.
cided that an inquest was unnecessary.
Miss Herbert was the eldest Of ex-Sec.
rotary Herbert's three children and was
charming figure in Washington society
When her father became secretary of the
navy in President Cleveland's second ad
ministration. Miss Herbert was called
upon to take her place in the circle o.
cabinet ladies, where she met with sue
cess the heavy social responsibilities.
placed upon her youthful shoulders So
cially she was exceedingly popular ant
her presence was sought at all gather
ings. Her social triumpi4s were repeated
In Europe. where she went to attend tn,
great naval demonstration at KEEL