Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 245, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 October 1913 — UNFORTUNATE GIRL ATTEMPTS SUICIDE [ARTICLE]

UNFORTUNATE GIRL ATTEMPTS SUICIDE

Lida Aged 13, Drank Two Drams of Chloroform at School House Monday Afternoon. Lida Sharp, 13 years of age and quite small, daughter of indigent parents, and having the misfortune of crossed eyes, tried to take her own life at noon Monday by drinking two drams of chloroform. The act was committed just before school took up and she was able to reach her room after the act was committed. Her teacher, Miss Eastham, observed at once that something was wrong and asked what it was and Lida told her that she had taken chloroform so that she could die. She was at once taken to the office of Dr. English and the physician did all that could be done to save her life and succeeded in doing so »nd she was later removed to her home, where she is receiving the attention of good people, and is now entirely out of danger.

Poor Lida has seen a hard time. Her mother has been an invalid for the past two years and upon this little girl has fallen the burden of the household duties in addition to her school work and there was no play time and life held small hope of happiness, The pleasures of other children of her own age was denied to her and she charged that her father was not kind to her and had. threatened to whip her when she came home from school that evening. She said that she was sorry that she had not succeeded in ‘ taking her life and that she would try again and that she knew what to take and mentioned several poisons. There is a very pathetic side to this case that we feel certain our good people will all feel and that is the almost complete hopelessness that confronted the little girl in their unfortunate home and the fact that the child was picked on by many thoughtless children at school. Only last year persons living near the school house observed several girls attacking her one day and a man went to her rescue and compelled them to stop. She was in tears and with disheveled hair and tom coat returned to her home, while the children who had abused her offered impudent answers to her rescuer. Surely many parents do not realize the great burden of trouble that some unfortunates are called upon to hear until some terrible thing like this occurs. How much a few kind words from her playmates might have done to brighten her life and help her over the stony road that* was grinding her down to the point where all was black and fathomless beyond. And at her tender age and with her hopelessness as her companion it was only a short time until she was to be confronted with other dangers that forever lurk in the path of the unfortunate. There is a sermon in this occurrence that should reach the heart of every person in Rensselaer and its effect should be a determination to do something to brighten the lives of the heavy laden. Ip lives of satiety or plenty there often exists unwontonly complete disregard for those about us. It Is this carelessness that is responsible for many unhappy lives. Let us trust that we-have not overdrawn this picture, but rather that we awaken to the realization of it and lift others by a greater regard sos their comfort. , It is probable that Judge Hanley will he asked to And a home for this child and that she be given encouragement that will dispel the gloom from which she is now suffering.