Swansea and Glamorgan Herald, and South Wales Free Press. — 1860-11-28 (Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales)

EXTRAORDINARY SUICIDE THROUGH DESTITUTION.  On Wednesday evening Mr. Bedford held an investigation in the Board-toom of Westminster Hospital, respecting the death of Luke Shaylor, aged 60, by trade a confectioner, who committed suicide under the following circumstances : Edward Keel, the keeper of a coffee and eating-house, No. 3, Little James-street, Westminster, deposed that he deceased lodged in his house, and had done so since the 15th of October. The deceased, a few weeks back, was in the employ of Mr. Nicholas, confectioner, of Piccadilly, but had lost his situation in consequence of a dispute between himself and his master, and, not being able to obtain an engagement, he became very depressed in spirits. On Wedt.esday, the 7th instant, in the evening, the deceased retired to bed, and on being called the following morning said he should not get up that day. He likewise stopped in bed on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, refusing to rise, and allowing no person to enter his room. During the whole of this time the deceased only had two or three cups of coffee, which be called for; but, being known to be of eccentric habits, his conduct was not considered very strange. On Monday, the 12th, about half-past nine o'clock in the morning, a young man named Maynard, who had formerly worked with the deceased, called and requested to see him. He (witness) told him to go upstairs, which he did, and in about ten minutes afterwards came down, and informed him that the deceased had cut his throat in a shocking manner. The deceased shortly afterwards came down, but did not appear to be suffering, and, in company with Maynard, went out, the latter saying he should take deceased to his relations in York-street. The razor with which be had committed the act was found in the bedclothes.  John Maynard said he called to see deceased, and on going to his room-door found it locked. He knocked, and the deceased said, "I will open the door," which he did, and witness went in. The deceased then turned to him and said, "I have cut my throat. Look (at the same time showing him the wound). I am in a dreadful state. On Friday night last I did it, but take me to my frienda." The deceased then dressed himself, and they then left the house, and walked from there to 38, Yorkstreet, to the house of the deceased's sister-in-law. The deceased seemed quite collected and sensible, and said, "I am starved. I have had nothing to eat for several days." Mrs. Caroline Underwood said the deceased was her brother-in-law. He had been much depressed in mind for some time in consequence of being out of employment, having lost his situation,his master informing him that he should never engage him again. When brought to the house on Monday week, the young man Maynard , explained what had taken place, and she was astonished, as the deceased appeared to be quite rational. He craved for food, and she tried to get him to swallow some tea and bread and butter, but he could not peas either. He was then taken to the hospital.  Mr. Slayter, the house surgeon to the hospital, stated that the deceased on admission was found to have a most dreadful gash in his throat dividing a portion of the windpipe, while on his arms were several gashes of a severe nature. The injuries had evidently been inflicted by himself with the razor. He gradually sank, and expired from the effect of the injuries on Monday last. The Coroner said the case was one of the most extraordinary as well as dreadful he had ever had to deal with. _ _  The jury returned • verdict, "That the deceased destroyed his own life by cutting his throat with a r.tz,)r whilst in a state of temporary insanity."  AN