The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — 1856-02-26 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

SUICIDE OF A LIVERPOOL BROKER.  On Thursday morning, Mr. William Tatham, of the firm of Hill, Tatham, and Co., tallow-brokers, Exchange-chambers, went into the vault under the bar of the Exchange Newsroom, access to which is obtained only through a trapdoor, for the ostensible purpose of going to a water-closet there. Not returning in a reasonable time, a porter went below, when he found the closet-door locked inside, and blood flowing from beneath. He rushed up stairs, and another porter then went down, but immediately returned, when Mr. Warburton descended, and, seeing at once that some dreadful calamity had occurred, returned to the room for the purpose of sending for medical aid. In the meantime, Mr. Smith having descended, broke the door open with a hatchet, and discovered Mr. Tatham in a sitting posture, with a deep gash in his throat, and a razor in his hand. With the aid of Mr. Finlay he endeavoured to staunch the blood, removed him into the cellar, and laid him on his back. By his side were found a second razor, and an open Bible, on which a pocket handkerchief was laid. He exhibited signs of life, though the windpipe was severed, and the jugular vein injured. No time was lost in sending for surgical aid. Mr. W.T. Callon, of Islington, Mr. Osborne, of Earl-street, and Mr. Fitzpatrick, of Litherland, were quickly in attendance. Owing to the peculiar nature of the place, Mr. Tatham could not be removed. It was feared that he could not survive many hours. He seemed to rally towards evening, and was able, by signs, and by making notes in a book, communicate with the Rev. Henry Brooks and other clergymen, who, with his friends, had lost no time in visiting him. Being able to use and understand the signs for the deaf and dumb alphabet, he was frequently in communication with Mr. Warburton, and he expressed sorrow for what he had done, being anxious to live, in order that he might obtain pardon for his great offence. He also shook hands with all the parties who were assiduous in their attentions to him, and he pressed to his lips the hand of Mr. Smith, who, with Mr. Warburton, was the first to render him assistance and remove him from the closet. In the course of the afternoon he fell asleep; and on Friday he continued to improve. On Saturday morning he was sufficiently strong to be removed to the Northern Hospital. Mr. Tatham was married about ten months ago, and Mrs. Tatham was confined a few weeks since. She was not made aware of the cause of his absence, having been informed that he was taken suddenly unwell. The cause of the rash attempt is said to have been of a pecuniary nature, several firms, in connection with which he had undertaken .large liabilities, having been reported as bankrupt. Though the unfortunate gentleman had continued to show symptoms of improving health up to Sunday evening, and was in such a condition as to excite hopes of his ultimate recovery, at a late hour indications less favourable to convalescence supervened, and be became gradually worse. At an early hour yesterday morning his pulse gave indications of sinking, and about noon he expired.