Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1913-05-09
DID ROUSSEAU COMMIT
SUICIDE?

Il SUICIDE? (
one of the most striking characters
IN french literature is Jean jacques
rousseau, striking not alone for his
marvellous gifts as a philosopher and
writer. but for the many sides to his
character, some of which were as
mendable. Very many of the quail
ties possessed by Rousseau repel us,
put on the other hand. there were
an equally strong number that had
an unusua appeal. His delicate health
may have been the cause for many
OF his eccentricities, and especially for
ms being SO strangely morbid.
Rousseau was born in Geneva,
switzerland, on June %, 1912, and
died at Ermenonville. France, on July
2, l77S. There are at least two differ
ent versions as to the cause OF his
death. Some writer's affirm that, be-
ing crushed under real and imaginary
woes. ne died in a fit. while Others
think despair drove him to suicide.
There is no doubt that at the time
OF his death this brilliant genius was
a semi lunatic. His death occurred at
the beautiful country home OF Rene
de Girardin, and he was first buried
In the island of poplars on the estate,
but later his body was taken to Paris
ana placed IN h Pantheon. De Cir
ardfn. naturally, reported his death as
que 70 natural causes, but he was his
nrm friend and admirer and wanted
n world to think the very best of
MIN. This was only natural because
ne was harboring under his own root
ana as his guest n of the greatest
geniusas of his age.
ROllSCo9l'S 1nnat ON a RI h1o Loo1-
IN his Confessions" 1t is an unre-
liable book, but 1t gives the mans dis
tOrted views of his own life and of
life In general. The greatest writer's
since his time have declared that the
concessions of Rousseau" Influenced
their literary work and their I'M
or thought more than tha exerted nv
any other personality.
but what an interesting study is
the life OF this literary wonder! He
was only is years of age when one day
In March he left his fathers home and
walked outside the walls of Geneva.
Meditating on the cruelty of the en-
graver, with whom he was learning q
trade. he became absorbed in a keen
enjoyment Of his momentary freedom.
Returning, he found the city gates
locked and suddenly he was Inspired
with h idea OF escaping from his
hateful surroundings. and he started
- 0oSOy ~ OcklH q lie OF strange
and unique experiences.
After wandering about for some time
ne engaged himself az q fOotman. but
having stolen some valuables, he saved
himself from punishment only by blam-
ing the theft on a maid. His expert
ence during the mex few years led him
through all grades Of society, from
vagabondage to court circles. He was
IS years old when he first became
now as a clever writer and musician.
He followed up his literary success by
9 really beautiful opera. But his at
tacks on various French customs and
ideals made Paris an uncomfortable
abode for him.. Thereupon he resolved
70 80 back home, where he met with
re- cordial reception from the learned
men Of switzerland.
Here again he resumed his literary
work n dazzled the world by his
clever problem novels" and phil0-
sophical treaties. but he continued his
as possible. Finally. having become
pers0na non grata ut home az well as
IN France. Rousseau went to England,
but there he Quarreled with his patrons.
behaved ~insolently towards the king
and was compelled to return to the
continent.
Finally he was allowed to settle in
Paris. but his health - well a. HIS
mind had became shattered by this
time. and his chisf hallucinatiop was
ehat the whole world was plotting
against him. To further add to his
Woes he married Therese La vasseur.
= former cock IN q third rate Inn. Their
|nve children he sem to = founding
asylum, thus giving his enemies q fne
chance TO compare his unnatural ac-
ton with h high sentiments he hsd
written about the sancttty Of the home
ana the education OF the younG.