The Sun. — 1862-08-06 (London, England)

WORSHIP-STREET.-ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.  —Rebecca East, a mild-featured girl, only 15 years of age, was charged before Mr. Cooke with attempting to destroy herself by poison. A week since evidence was given at this court by the keepers attached to the Victoria Park and others, of the prisoner having been found in the enclosure there in an excited and sinking state, that she broke a small bottle labelled "poison" when noticed, but denied that she had swallowed any of the contents, and it was doubtful whether this assertion was false, as, although an emetic was administered, no certificate was put in showing the result ; but the girl admitted that her purpose was self-destruction, and that she was induced to attempt it in consequence of having been seduced by a young man named Thomas Lee, who a fortnight previously brought her from the country and deserted her after effecting her ruin. In reply to questions by Mr. Leigh, the then sitting magistrate, and Mr. Safford, the clerk, prisoner said that she had a sister in or near Manchestersquare, but no other relative in London, consequently a remand was ordered that inquiries might be prosecuted. Mr. Cooke now asked whether the girl's sister was in attendance, and a very neatly dressed young woman stepped forward and was sworn. Mr. Cooke—Are you this girl's sister ? Witness—Yes, sir; but I did not know she was in London.  Mr. Cooke—Have you any parents ? Witness—Only a mother, sir, and she is at Portsmouth.  Mr. Cooke—Have either of you the means of taking care of this poor girl P Witness—Oh, no, sir ; our mother can scarcely earn her own living, and I am but a servant. Mr. Cooke—What, then, is to become of her _ _  Mr. Daniel Cooper, secretary to the Society for the Rescue ofyoung Women and Children, the offices of which are in Queen-street, Cheapside, here addressed the magistrate, observing that his attention having been drawn to the sad nature of this case, he was prepared on the part of the society to receive the girl, and provide for her in one of the twelve " homes" attached to it.  Mr. Cooke—Have any of those "homes" the power to provide the admission of such as have fallen from the paths of virtue P  Mr. Cooper-Z•Most assuredly so, Sir; and there are others for various classes of offence in their different stages, the result of which arrangements are specially gratifying, the objects not being confined to the reformation of lost character, but also to the preservation and religious training of such young persons as are deprived by circumstances of the advantages and blessings comprised under the term ;4 Home." I regret, however, that many deserving cases have been and still are rejected solely for want of funds.  Mr. Cooke—ls it compulsory for the inmates to remain ?  Mr. Cooper—Certainly not, Sir. Cooke (to the prisoner)—The chaplain of the House of Detention informs me that you are penitent, and have promised,with apparent truthfulness, never to repeat this great crime. Your relatives are, from their position, unable to assist you. Here is a gentleman who steps forward on the part of a most praiseworthy society, and in its name offers to receive within its doors one who manifestly is in need of rescue and protection. Will you go ? The prisoner havingobtained her sister's approval of the worthy magistrate's suggestion, instantly expressed her desire to adopt it, and was discharged from custody.