THE FASCINATION OF NIAGARA

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2757, 15 March 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE FASCINATION OF NIAGARA

A correspondent sends us the followiog extract from the Buffalo Express, regarding it as apropos of the recent suioidea from the Clifton suspension bridge: — " Never," paid an old resident of tho village, " have I known eo many people going over the Falls as during 1 the past six months " During that time some eight or nine persona have been known to piasa over, three of whom have been deliberate suicides. It is s source of wonder to many people living here why persona will come from a distance to Niagara apparently to commit suicide. The press despatch sent out from Bingharapton, under the impression that the last suicide wan a Miss Mead, of that place, says that the young woman visited this place a short time ago, and has been " strangely fascinated with Niagara ever | since." It is a well-known fact that scarcely any two persons have the same impression when first looking upon the rapida or fall*. Only a few evenings ainco your correspondent heard a olercyman in a neighbouring city make this remark" I never look upon Niagara above the falls but that there ia a strong desire to get into the water, lie down, and go with it. I have no thought of suicide, but it always seems to me an if it would be pleasant to go with the water." A lady from Rhode Island was making her first- to Niagara, and was standing on one of the Sister Inland bridsres looking into the rapids underneath. SVe hurriedly took the arm of her companion and asked to leiive the spot. Upon reaching tho centre of Goat Island she sank upon a seat, seemingly exhausted and very nervous. When asked the cause, she said," I don't know what came over me, but if I had stood on the bridge another moment nothing oould havo prevented me from jumping into the rapids." "Why," said her friend, " do you wish to commit | suicide ?" " God forbid !" said she. "It was the furthest thought, but there wat* j an impulse which I oould not control, and I do not think I would dare live at Niagara." Others have experienced a j similar sensation. I