8 FEBRUARY 1902, Page 17

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")

Sra,—May I relate the following story ? A lady was dying of a fatal and painful disease in poverty and neglect. Her only known relation, a son, had disappeared many years before, and she believed him to be dead. Euthanasia appeared to her to be justifiable. About this time her son, who was in Canada, was filled with remorse at his unfilial conduct, and made a vow that if he was permitted to see his mother alive and ask for her forgiveness he would lead a new life. Thanks to the influence of her doctor, she was still alive when he reached England, and was made to realise what her act would have meant to her son. She lived many months, and died peace- fully in her sleep. Dante places those who take their own lives with the violent; but in the present day would he not have associated them with the robbers and thieves ? Who knows what value any part of their life may be to others, or to the world in general P—I am, Sir, &c., D. M. LEAKE.