ROMANTIC SUICIDE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2316, 19 August 1880, Page 3

ROMANTIC SUICIDE.

That love’s fierce passion may blaze vigorously at the ripe mellow age o£ 52, has been proved by Henry Lcgge of Melbourne, whose dead body was found in a paddock on Aug. 3rd. Deceased cut his throat, a razor lay at his side, and the cause of the deed was thus described in his pocket-book : “ July 29,1880.—T0 all whom it may concern, for I can see forthcoming events cast their shadows before them. I, Henry Lcgge, born at Litton Cheney, near Eridport, Dorset, England, on the 21st January, 1828. I am one of a twin, and have a brother residing at Church street, North Eitzroy, Collingwood. I have resolved to do this, for I can no longer witness such deceit and hypocriscy as practised by people of both sexes in this colony. May the ‘ Lord ’ love and protect those I love, and my enemies I freely forgive. I will also ask, if it is not a sin, that * G o d ’ will have mercy on my soul. Excitement runs high, and I verily believe, from what I have seen, that my love has been thrown away. If I have judged my ‘ pet ’ wrongfully, may she forgive mo, and on ■whom she depends to love and succour her for ever I hope that they may be faithful. — Heniiy XjKGOK. t ( “August 2, 1880—Tbs is a step that no sensible man would justify; but men of strong passions and strong minds must be allowed a little latitude. Jf you knew all, dear friends, what I have suffered in mind, you will pity the poor fool that has had his brains monopolised by a woman. And, on the other hand there is not a better hearted ■woman in existence. The only failing that l am aware of is her too great predilection for strangers, and men of no stamina, I have no doubt you will say

1 am of debased and degraded character for casting .a stigma on a poor forlorn woman. I admit it, but I have to show my colors, and I claim for her'the greatest amount of respect and love that is consistent with human nature. May I answer my previous questions ? I feel ashamed of myself for making such an avowal, and I trust the public may treat it for what it is worth.—Henry Leggh.”

The jury found that deceased cut his own throat while in a state of mental aberration.