The Sun. — 1846-07-07 (London, England)

THAMES.  A wretched-looking woman, named Diana Selby, aged 48 years, was brought before Mr. Broderip, charged with attempting to commit suicide. It appeared from the evidence, that on Sunday afternoon a young man named James Francis, of No. 3, Kirk-row, Limehouse, whose dwelling fronts the Regent's Canal, heard cries of help, and was informed that a woman had just thrown herself into the water. He rushed down stairs immediately, and, without divesting himself of his apparel, boldly plunged into the stream. The woman had disappeared, and he dived after her and brought her up. She made a convulsive grasp at his neck, and he was compelled to make her let go her hold, and she sunk beneath the water again, until he partially recovered himself, and re• moved his neckcloth. when he again went down after her, and soon rose with her in his arms. With great difficulty the young man succeeded in bringing her on shore, and she was immediately conveyed to the Edinburgh Castle Tavern and Tea-gardens, and while the people belonging to the house were stripping her of her wet clothes, others went after a medical gentleman. One soon arrived in the person of Mr. Willis, a surgeon, and although there were no signs of life when he first saw the woman, he persevered for two hours in applying the remedies necessary in such cases, in which he was ably seconded by Francis and others, and by their united exertions the woman was restored. A! policeconstable named Earie, 355 K, procured some dry clothing for the poor creature, and caused her to be removed to the station-house, where she was well looked after. The policeman ascertained that the woman had suffered the extremes of misery and want, that she was separated from ber husband, and that she had not tasted food for 24 hours, and had no means of procuring a meal, when she made the attempt to terminate her miseries and life together. The prisoner, in her defence, said that distress urged her to attempt self-destruction. She was separated from her husband, who allowed her, through the relieving officer of Limehouse, 3s. per week. She generally received this small sum every Saturday, but on calling for it on Saturday last, she was informed her husband had not left her the money. She then asked for some relief, which was denied her, and she wandered about the streets till Sunday evening, when she became completely wearied out and jumped into the canal.  Mr. BRODERIP said if the statement of the woman was correct she was an object of commiseration, but he hoped she heartily and sincerely repented of the rash and wicked attempt. on her life. _  The prisoner said she was very sorry for what she had done, and promised not to repeat the offence. Mr. BRODERIP, after admonishing the prisoner in a very impressive manner, said she owed her life to the courage and skill of the young man Francis, and he was very sorry he had it not in his power to reward him according to his deserts, but on applying at the clerk's office he would receive compensation for his loss of time. lie directed the policeman to accompany the woman to the relieving officer of Limehouse, who was bound to look to her, and if her husband refused to maintain her, he must be proceeded against according to law. The poor woman was subsequently admitted into the union house. She is the fourth person rescued from drown ing by the young man Francis  !