Answer. There are many causes. Some individuals are crossed in love, others are bankrupt in estate or reputation, still others are diseased in body and frequently in mind. There are a thousand and one causes that lead up to the final act.
Question. Do you consider that nationality plays a part in these tragedies?
Answer. No, it is a question of individuals. There are those whose sorrows are greater than they can bear. These sufferers seek the peace of death.
Question. Do you, then, advise suicide?
Answer. No, I have never done so, but I have said, and still say, that there are circumstances under which it is justifiable for a person to take his life.
Question. What do you think of the law which prohibits self-destruction?
Answer. That it is absurd and ridiculous. The other day a man was tried before Judge Goff for having tried to kill himself. I think he pleaded guilty, and the Judge, after speaking of the terrible crime of the poor wretch, sentenced him to the penitentiary for two years. This was an outrage; infamous in every way, and a disgrace to our civilization.
Question. Do you believe that such a law will prevent the frequency of suicides?
Answer. By no means. After this, persons in New York who have made up their minds to commit suicide will see to it that they succeed.
Question. Have your opinions been in any way modified since your first announcement of them?