The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-09-01

In the attempted suicide Of Raymond
T. Cole, aged twenty years, yesterday.
at his home, 317 South Ninth street,
one of the most peculiar and at the
same time remarkable cases OF de-
spondency developed that has ever
been known in this city. young
man, in comfortable circumstances,
utterly disgusted with the world in
general and himself in particular,
made an unsuccessful effort to end his
life with the aid of a 3S-calibre re-
volver.
In the presence of his father, Henry
w. Cole, the boy drew the revolver
from his pocket and utterlng the
words, "Well, here goes" fired direct
ly at his forehead. The bullet struck
over the left eye and passed through
the skin, striking the bone, and
glanced off, lodging in the wall near
by. Doctors Beach and Crist were
hastily summoned and sewed up the
wound, and aside from slight pain,
young Cole was none the worse for
his experience.
Shortly after the shooting, a Tribune
man visited the house, and had talk
with Cole. He admitted that he was
tired of life, disgusted with the world
in general and didn't seem to care
what became OF his young wife and
child. He has recently been engaged
as carriage painter by Dewitt
Myers, of Wright court, and upon
leaving the shop at noon yesterday,
fully determined to end his life as soon
as he reached his home.
HEARD REPORT OF PISTOL.
Mr.. Cole, sr., was seated in the front
room of the apartments occupied by
the family when the young man en-
tered. The latter seemed despondent,
but little attention was paid to him.
Mrs. Cole had gone downstairs, pre-
pairing for the MONDAY meal, and as
she was returning, heard her husband
eXclaim, well, here goes" and an in
stant later the report of a pistol was
heard.
The boys father jumped from his
hair as soon as Ray made the remark
and erappled with him. succeeding in
grasping the revolver as the injured
Fellow was falling to the floor Mrs.
Cole fastened to the room and as
sisted in lifting her husband onto a
bed, where he lay during the after
noon as unconcerned as if nothing had
happened.
When pressed for the direct reason
for his rash act, Cole stated that hJ
had been "up against it" for lone
time, and feared that he would be out
of employment during the coming
winter. He admitted having carried
the revolver for long time for the
purpose of ending his life when &
favorable opportunity presented itself
and had also made other preparations
such as paying his debts and insurinl
his life
How much insurance do you carry?'
asked the reporter.
II am in several lodges" ne said
'and expect about $4,000 altogether"
Did you attempt suicide in Ordel
that your wife could secure the insur
ance money!" he was asked.
WOULD BE BETTER OFF.
Yes" replied Cole. "She will b.
better off with the money than Will
me-"
Haven't you any regard for tn
welfare of your wife and child, an,
the disgrace that will naturally fall oi
them as a result of your rash act?
asked the reporter.
feel rather cheap when I go out, bu
they need not worry about me- l wi
end my life, anyway, as soon as ge
a good chance"
The reporter learned from Mrs. Col
that her husband had attempted sui
eide over two years ago, prior to thei
marriage.
Mrs. Cole is but twenty-five year
of age. and their baby is about a yea
old. She says that their married lif
has been happy, but rather disar
pointing, owing to her husbands me
ancholy ideas.
DIR. Beach says Coles injuries al
not serious and that recovery is cel
tain. The senior Cole took charge
the revolver, and returned to his wor
in Gilhoors carriage shop after tt
shooting.