Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-08-20

49,.
tending 10 cultivation Of the The anciens exccled
species of sculpture specimens of Etrusca
OF Nola, Capua, Santa Agath SC testimony;
and twas only ecadence of arts that the oathsome
manner at present adopted The proudest mon
ments of genius still exist in the debris mutated columns
OF ancent mausoea sarcopa and sepuchra vases; aud il
mgn almost be assumed as an axo that the of scupt
ure and architecture will reach that degree of excellence
from which they have deteorated until the practice revyed
because whatever efforts made upon extensive
scale as render them expensive, and rare
whereas by adopting the ancient method of enomben the
experiment would always be commensurate means
the taste and ability with the meas and
ultimately subjects of propoionae grandeur and subnty
oil vigorous and aspiring minds from the shackes of
those customs which have by usage; and at
hney 10 choose our own modes, and mark destiny
almost seems to be duty which fame our free
DOM and our spirit to revive classic beautiful, and SO
healthy custom ss=
am not aware that are acquainted with the method
oy which the ancents separated ashes of the dead
burning tom those of the wood with which they
sumed.
We care but little for the consequential benefit
which might result to the arts-where the heart and
affections concerned no other consideration is
worthy IF entertainment-but to the preference of
the funeralpe to the grave and of fire to the worm
of quick consumption the lingering and disgusting
process of putrefaction-we long ago subscribed.
Phe author does not examine as infinitely as we
could have wished the question how far the health of
cities is affected by the practice of buryng the dead
certain the TRUTH but possible cause of disease,
burial grounds ought certainly to be kept far from
crowded population.
Phe following extract deserves perusal no less for
It's suggestions, than its elegance and tenderness
But if our object be preserve dead in distinct graves
and perpeae memento of then, in agreeable
TO present practice of buryng think it would he
project promising profitable return if permanent reve
nus to the city, Tor our munich pal authorities purchase
Oh land lying beyond the limits of the city, sufficient area
and enclose with durable barrier of railing; them let ii
os iao OUT INTO Indefinite number OF seron OF
ble to the demands of the prcasersIet planted witt,
angles with gaveled walks Vaults might be excavated when
ever desired and sold to families Fee subec. to very small
the bounds of the cemetry beauty of the whole be
consulted preference individual caprice save where that
partaly might lead the erection of magnificent mausolea
ther all the dead of the city should be brought neren
and none suffered to he buried elsewhere centre of this
cemety circular mound should be raised middle
WINCH should spring colossal shaft inscribed the memory of
the father OF his country while around might
ed the mausolea of the lesser great of his
lowered suPremey above them all In such receptacle tho
ashes OF the dead might undsurbed repose
anon, be breathed from the lips of tho living that sayed in
melancholy musng among he habi;ations of the quiet dead
The of their tombs would perpetual legacy
descendants and the ground they slept in be haowed by the
of That dread of togetfuness living
which hangs human nature in spite of all philosophy
would cease and the that he should sleep with his
fathers and live in the memory of his Children olace
There no person living who does sometimes indulge the
anxious question: How shall he die and where will they lay
'snuuien Oh ms mortal coi' That ago
nzed affection which cngs every vestge of once
companion that haunts the silent tomb fondness
lies buried might wander forth the close day.
melancholy aspirations to which the surchaged
bursts 10 give utteance, unarnoyedb by din of bsy CITY,
and witnessed only by kindred beings mpeed by tho
rows The poetic and moving spectacle often
France of the living sewing flowers graves their
departed friends and paying the tribute of
memory would here be displayed and the pines 10
e one sickness OF consuming regret might be refreshed
and nvgorated with the reflections sprngns from pous
offering
GE5' Messrs. Thruston and Eendall, the conductors