The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11
HE number of deluded individuals
~ who are shuffling off this mortal
coil by drinking earholic acid has

II HE number of deluded individuals
Wy who are shuffling off this mortal
coil by drinking carbo1ic acid has
awakened the country to the danger of
selling such a deadly fluid indiscrimin-
ately. 1t Is said that the main reason.
why so many suicides take carbolic acid
Is because 1t Is easier to obtain than any
other poison and suspicion Is less apt to
he aroused In the drug clerk who makes
the sale. But while there Is no denying
this argument, It is also quite probable
that some people take the acid because
they wish to make their exit from life
as tragic and horrible as possible. Even
In the presence of death they cannot
overcome that morbidness which is chiefly
responsible for their committing suicide.
Now in the matter of self-destruction,
It seems to person of normal temper
ament that there is no necessity for such
spectacular display as leapng from
high bridge. throwing ones self before
railroad train or drinking carbolic acid.
In view of the fact that suicide is the
maj deed person can perform there is
no necessity for his taking a preliminary
taste of the torture which is allotted by
theologians to the wicked after death,
Ihere are many safe, pleasant and ex-
peditious methods for escaping the
worlds hurly-burly and before taking
such an important step the would-be sui
eide should stop to reflect that 1t is not
pleasant thing to suffer an con of tor
ment in few seconds.
Unless fireworks are introduced into
the presidential campaign there is serious
danger that everybody will go to sleep.
the national chairmen and the candidates
included. Mud-slingng and personalities
are not desirable in a great party con-
test but they never fail to wake up the
country and keep the voters Interested
although far be it from any loyal Amer
lean citizen to advocate such practices
When they can easily be avoided How
| ever Mr.. Roosevelt and Judge Parker
might engage in foot race, a swimming
contest or ride to hounds just to see
winch is the better man at these sports.
not rivalry in athletic feats might
stir the voters to enthusiasm. AS a last
/
Girls may yet be called upon to infuse
some life into the campaign.
| There Is marked disposition on the
part OF the American press to assail VIII
liam Waldorf Aston for his voluntary ex-
patriation and his long residence in Eng
land. OF course 1t is nobodys business If
Mr.. Astor chooses to live in London
rather than New York, even if he deserts
Incompatible Gotham for England's dirty
metropolis, but the fact that he has re-
NAMED away for a period of more than
| five years has sorey tried the patience 81
individuals who cannot understand how
a man can be so lacking in patriotism as
to voluntarily absent himself from his ma
tive land longer than six months. Mr.. As
tor seems to have enough money to do as
he pleases, and while his example is not
inspiring from an American point of view.
1t should be remembered that there are
many other Americans of wealth who are
living abroad and nothing Is said of their
remissness. Then again it is very consol-