The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1903-04-03
] FEARED ]! T! DISGRACE.
General Sir Hector Mcdonald Com.
Fmits Suicide in Paris.
COULD NOT FACE THE CHARGES
'I'l,s The Ii: Il DISTINGUISHED omcer stood
High in the British Service.
Was to be Tried on scri-
ous Charges.
GUS Charges.

a i. & ! 2 Il u I Z !. i
On Wednesday a dispatch from
CalaniGo, Ceyion, said charges OF the
most serious nature have been brought
against Major General Sir Hector Mac
Donald, commanding the forces in
Ceylon, In consequence of Which the
governor OF that island, Sir Joseph
West Ri1gcway, has been authorized
to convene Il courtmartial to try
General Mac Donald. The latter,
when the charges was filed sometime
ago. went to England from Ceylon to
confer with his friends and superior
officers and he started to return and
race the charges, which 1T is alleged,
are based on immoral acts.
III But IL seems he feared TO face the
charges, as he committed suicide ut
the Hotel Regina on "Wednesday in
Paris. lie shot himself in the right
temple shortly after nO;nl and expired
few minutes later. The general was
alone In his small chamber On the
mazzanlne floor OF the hotel at the
time Of the tragedy. One OF the
female attendants heard The pistol
Shot and opening the door saw the
generals figure stretched out on the
floor with blood gushing from bullet
wound in the head. She ran scream
Ing to The balcony overlooking the
lobby or the hotel, where many guests,
including number Of ladies, were as
Sembled. The proprietor or tbe hotel
was the first to reach the expiring
man.
The commissary OF police was noti-
fled, and, accompanied by doctor,
proceeded to preliminary invcstiga-
tion. No money or papers of any kind
were found in Sir Hcctor's baggage.
Tua NOTES written in English were
found lying on Il table in his room ana
these were taken possession Of by the
authorities, but it is understood that
their contents have no bearing on the
suicide. In the generals coat, lying
on the bed, were found some photo.
graphs. The British embassy and
consulate were notified later, and
Consul General Inglis visited the hotel
and took charge OF the body.
Sir Hector Macdonald arrived in
Paris last Friday evening from Lon
don on his way back to Ceylon, where
it was understood that an Immediate
i court martial would be held to clear
up tin. charges made against him. On
reaching the hotel at IL O'clock at
might he WAS told that only small
f5anqs qslntniIe eteuCcroOms twas availabic:.
lie replied that that was quite suni
cient He was not accompanied by
any aid de camp or valet. lie said
he only intended to stay days or two
IN Paris. Little was seen OF him since
MS arrival. lie was, however, in the
LOBBY this morning about noon and it
IS believed that newspaper. printed
IN English, containing resume of the
grave charges brought against him
and embellislled with the generals
portion in full uniform, came under
his attention. lie left the lobby. 20
Ing to his room and the pistol shot
Followed soon after. The generals
suicide has profoundly shocked the
British official here. Those about the
hotel who have convcrsed with Sir
Hector Macdonald recently say he
showed no signs Of excitement or men
tai worry.