Arizona republican., 1919-09-17

died almost at once. The bullet en- tered just above the left ear, a small fraction from the spot where Higgins was wounded overseas.
 While it was the theory of neigh bors of Higgins that he might have suffered from melancholia from the hardships he endured as a private in the 353rd infantry, his family con- tend that his mind was normal and hold the indifference of his 16-year- old wife affected him more than being gassed in France.
 T am leaving a little wife for she does not care for me and I want her to be happy" was the word left by the soldier in a blood stained note found by his side.
 He had told the girl he married in Florence less than a month ago that he intended to take his life when he left her at the door of his mothers home, 1432 East Adams street, shortly before o'clock yesterday morning. He then returned to his own home in the down town section on West Mon- roe street and took his life. His cousin, E. c. Higgins, to whom the soldiers bride repeated his threat that he would end it all, arrived just as the shot was fired.
 Before firing the fatal shot Higgins left message to his wife expressing his love. Doris, love you, so honey be good, and goodbye. Henry"
 A Warning to Others.
 There were other messages in which the young husband charged others to make his experience lesson to them, Under a date line of yesterday he wrote:
 "To whom 1t may concern:
 q am leaving this world of my own free will as it is best for the one I love, and let this be lesson for others. I am leaving a little wife for she does not care for me any more and want her to be happy.
 "As ever,
 I'll. E. HIGGINS"
 Almost impossible to decipher be- cause of the blood stains, on another sheet was written:
 Am tired of life.
 Notify 1432 East Adams street.
 "A soldiers farewell to all"
 After reaching his cousins home too late to prevent the tragedy, E. C.. Higgins rushed to the home of w. A. McNab, who returned at once to the scene and aided the relatives in noti- flying the family and officers. Sheriff Montgomery, Deputies De Witt and Price. and Coroner De Souza went to the scene at once with a jury, which later heard the inquest in the west precinct court.
 Testimony at Inquest.
 MT. McNab testified that he heard the report shortly after 8 o'clock. but thought it was the slamming of the door until a man he had never seen before rushed in and cried, My cousin Has committed suicide He returned to the house, he said, and found Hig- gins stretched across the bed the Colt automatic still in his hand He picked the bullet from the floor and then noticed the notes, which were taken in charge by the officers. In addition to open letters was a sealed note to the wife, which was not read at the inquest.
 The officers detailed on the case testified to the same effect. the jury returning a verdict of death due to a gunshot wound self-inflicted. while Respondent. The jurors were S. R. An drews, Frank Archer, J. P Little, w. F.. Francis, Henry Johnson and c. D. Henkel
 Mrs. Silas Kirksey, a family friend, stated yesterday that Higgins had called at her home Monday evening and she found him much the same as usual. His wife and sister. LouelIa. a school girl, who is broken hearted over her brothers death, were at the theater he said.
 Mrs. Kirksey said he seemed a bit nervous and disturbed, but she be- lieved that he was worried over his domestic affairs
 Love at First Sight With Him.
 Higgins met the girl, who became his wife about six weeks ago in Superior It was love at first sight with him and the marriage of the couple took place a few weeks after they met. The girl came from Oregon, and it is said that she had no desire to return to her home, which might have prompted her acceptance of the soldier.
 Higgins was born in Phoenix May IA, 1894, and received his education in the city schools here and the Lampion business college. He joined the 353rd infantry, Eighty Ninth division. at Camp Funston in May of last year and served with his unit through many battles. He was wounded in the Ar gonne forest October 22, ad returned to this country as a casual last April
 Funeral Tomorrow.
 After his return home. Higgins en- tered the employ of his father driving a truck between here and Superior, and it was on one of his regular trips to the mining town that the romance which ended so disastrously began. He is survived by his wife, his parents.