The Northern News. — 1898-04-09 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

SUICIDE OF ELEANOR MARX.  A CASE FOR THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR. I Mr. E. N. Wood, deputy-coronet for West Kent and South-East London, held an inquest on Saturday, at Park Hall, Sydenham, on the body of Eleanor Marx, otherwise Aveling (40), of The Den, Jew's Walk, Sydenham, who poisoned herself by swallowing prussic acid.—Dr. Aveling. a well-known author and lecturer, said deceased, ahhough she had adopted his name, was not his wife, but had lived with him as such. Last Thursday he went to London, and on nis return he heard of her death. She had frequently threatened to oommit suicide, so frequently, in fact, that he had looked upon it ma idle talk.— By the Jury: Deceased had often suggested that they should commit suicide together, and thus end their difficulties.—The Coroner: Do you mean pecuniary difficulties I'—Witneas: Yes, sir; there were some, but not recently.—Gertrude Gentry, servant to deceased, said that after Dr. Aveling had gone to London decea-ed pent her to the chemist's with a note, and she took back a small white parcel and a book for deceased to sign. She afterwards returned the book to the chemist. When she got back the house again Mrs. Aveling was in bed. She was breathing heavily, and witness, seeing that something was the matter, summoned assistance and went for doctor.—Ellen Flora Kell, wife of an artist, said she was fetched by the last wanes's, and found MN. Aveling dead in bed.—George Henry Dale, cheinfst, of 92, Kirkdale, Sydenham, said he had known Dr. and Mrs. Aveling for some time. The witness Gentry brought him a note, which stated: "Please give bearer chldoform and small quantity prti-eic acid for dog.—E. A." Dr. Aveling's card was enclosed, and he sent what was asked for, believing he was sending to Dr. Aveling, who he understood was a qualified man. He sent the poison book with it, and the book was returned signed "E, M. A." Mr. Aveling was always called "Dr.." and he thonglif he was a qualified practitioner.—The Coroner: There are all sorts of doctors. You could easily have ascertained whether he woe a qualified practitioner or not.—Witness: I believe he is qualified, sir, but not in practice.—The Coroner: He is not registered. T am afraid you have acted wrongly. Of course, I don't want to prejudge your case, but it will be my duty to report your conduct to the Public Prosecutor. It is no good having thee Acts of Parliament if you treat them in this manner. In selling such a deadly poison as prussic acid you should have gone to the house yourself.—Dr. Shackleton said he was called to see deceased, and found she had been dead about two hours. He had since made a post-mortem exaniination, and discovered that death was due to poisoning by prussic acid.—The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by swallowing prussic scid."—DeI ceased, it may be added, was daughter of the famous author and Socialist, Karl Marx.  At Glasgow, a gentleman known as "Bob" Nivan, a retired London barrister, was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment for haring, within Glasgow University, .assaulted Professor Ramsay by striking him with a whip or stick. Mr. Nrven tooksexoeption to some remarks ffiade by the Professor at a meeting a the Charity Organisation Society last Deoember, and he struck the Professor as he crossed to his classroom. The assault was more technical than real.  ik: