Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1851-06-07
The Graveyard.

ii lncfe IS 4 spot OF ground upon Tie Wide
earth which should be ha!lowcd to the feelings
Of the living, it is that quiet and solemn place
where rest the remains of those whom we
have loved while the current Of life went
c%oursing through their blue ycins-when their
eyes beemcd with love deep and unutterable,
and the warm heart Of fidelity and friendship
beat with glad thoughts and happy anticipa-
lions. Here, in this sacred resting place OF
our buried loves and alterations, the hand of
neglect should never be visible, but give evil
dcnce in the care and beauty which pervade the
silent mansions, how precious is the memory
of those who occupy them.
The graveyard is the place for meditation
and thoughtful is the school-house of practi-
cal wisdom and philosophy-the blest abode of
departed souls whom we sigh for in sadness and
in sorrow: there we learn mcckness and hui
mility there we realize the true value Of earth
and become glaringly sensible Of the folly and
vanity which mark the actions of US all.
This spot, tlcn-the common property Of
us all-should be regarded with no common
interest, at least by those whose hearts mourn
for the lost ones there cntombed-whosc cold
and dreary repose we would not have appear
more desolate and forbidding through inatten-
ton or want Of excrtions on our part.
These brief reflections have been drawn
from us by the fact which is evident to all,
and about which we have been spoken to fire.
qucntly we refer to the neglected condition of
the Protestant Burying Ground in Plaquemine;
Qhe Catholic being under the care ofthe Priest,
and not coming under our cognizance.) 1t
is recommended that immediate steps be taken
to put this burial place Of our town in a condi-
ton of which we will not be ashamed. The
large trees and underground should be cut
away, bitches made to convey off the water, ne
'essary walks laid out and covered with sand,
and a keeper provided, whose duty it will be to
see that the ground is kept in order, and that
no cattle get into the enclosure. All This
would require comparatively small expense.
Where is the father, mother, husband, wife,
brother, sister, and other dear relatives, who
would not subscribe literally to such a work?
Unless it is done-and nothing would conduce
more to the honor ofour citizens-it is almost
folly forindiyiduals to decorate the tombs of
loved ones who have gone before them.
We request our citizens to give attention To-
these remarks. A subscription list is now out,
or will be in a day or two, giving in detail ex-
plicitly its humane and generous design
design exhibiting on its face the noblest at
tributes Of our nature-which we feryently.
trust to see literally subscribed to, and with
e~lacrity, that the work contemplated can be
commenced at once. After Monday next, a
list can be seen at our Reading Room, to
which we invite the attention of all good citi-
zens.
Since the above was written we learn that
our Catholic Priest here, the Rev. Mr.. MoUREr,
has, with commendable goodness and liberality,
frequently hired a servant to turn out cattle
from the graveyard, which were admitted BY
persons pulling away the pickets for that pur-
pose. This incident strcnuously urges the me-
cessity of a keeper.
E- E-EE