SUICIDE OF BRITISH HERO.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 851, 27 March 1903, Page 2

SUICIDE OF BRITISH HERO.

SIR 13ROTOR MACDONALD PUTS BULLET INTO lIIS TEMPLE. DIES BY IIIS OWN HAND IN PARIS. HOLDS A LOOK DURING THE JOURNEY HOME, By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. Received 11.15 p.in., March 26. LONDON, March 26. J’cmling a courimartial, General on Hector Macdonald did not resume command. Mr Ridgway, in Uie Legislative Council in Ceylon, referred to the very grave charges', and hoped that a searching court-martial would secure a complete and honorable acquittal. Sir Hector Macdonald went to England to consult friends and superiors, with his concurrence. On the homeward voyage, it was noticeable that one or two high personages from Ceylon apparently held themselves aloof from Macdonald, ■ who himself seemed to prefer to sit ' alone at the centre of the table at ! meal times. Once or twice, he declined an invitation to sit next the captain, He spent much time at chess,- There was not the slightest

suspicion among the other passengers on the Ophir that trouble was impending; Some Melbourne passengers invited him to preside at a social gathering, but he delicately excused himself.

Yesterday’s announcement of a

euurtmartial caused consternation in the Plighlands, where it was the sole topic. Everybody hoped that his reputafion would be retained untarnished. There was a similar feeling in London, After his visit to England Sir Hector MacDonald alighted on the return journey at Paris, on the 20th, and there lie put up at the Hotel Regina,

Yesterday afternoon Sir Hector MacDonald was found lying on the floor, llis head was resting against the dressing table, and there was a nullet in his temple.

UNDER STRESS OF MENTAL STRUGGLE. A MELANCHOLY TALE. By Telegraph—Tress Association—Copyright Recoived 1.16 a.in., March 27, Paris, March 26. Macdonald was cheerful until yesterday.

Ho was last soen reading in a room at noon, silently distressed. Ho was holding a Paris newspaper published in English containing his portrait and defamatory rumors. Theso were reproduced in yesterday’s French newspapers. Suddenly and quiotly ho wont upstairs. The doctors certified that he had committed suicide under stress of mental trouble. The features of the dead soldier were displayed in perfect repose.

ASSURANCE OF INNOCENCE. UNIVERSAL SORROW. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Roceivod 1.16 a.m., March 27. London, March 26. Sir Hector Macdonald assured Lord Roberts and the War Office that he was confident he would be able to clear himself of the accusations. Friends anticipated an acquittal. There is universal sorrow in clubs and military circles.

A CABLE TO THE TIMES.

AN ABRUPT DEPARTURE,

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyrighi Received 1.23 a.m., March 27. Sydney, March 26.

By English files to hand yesterday a cable publisbod in the Times states that Sir Hector MacDonald was suddenly recalled by the military authorities. The Calcutta Englishman of February 21st publishes the following from Ceylon : “ Local curiosity is strong regarding Sir Hector MacDonald’s abrupt departure. It is heightened by the fact that he left without a guard of honor or any manifestation, official or public.”