More Suicides

Curious Development In Marshalls

From a Special Correspondent.

Jaluit, Aug. 18.

SO far this year there have been three suicides and two attempted suicides among these natives (Marshall Islanders).

The first of these cases is supposed to have been the outcome of grief and despair—in the other two cases, and in one of the attempted cases, marital troubles or disappointment in love affairs are the apparent causes.

As suicide formerly was almost un known in the Marshall Islands (according to my recollection, there were only four cases in the previous 45 years), the ques tion arises as to the possible underlying cause of this development. Marital troubles and love disappointments always have been common without inducing sui cide —such, probably, are only minor factors. It seems to me that the major factors may be traced to the advancement of civilisation —the inability of some to adjust themselves to the tempo of modern life, the acquirement of new ethical standards, and a new attitude towards self-destruction.