Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-01-23
A Public Cemetery.

II is less the preparation of miserable pun than
the enuncation of solemn truth, 10 say that the na
resting place OF the dead is matter of grave conside
ration, and that the want of suitable spot for such
purpose is beginning 10 be severely felt by our grow
ing population AS greater attention begins 10 be paid
10 public hygiene the sanitary laws Of most large and
crowded cities have been framed modified TO
prohibit the appropriation OF any ground within
their corporate limits for burial purposes, while the
contents OF many old have been removed 10 other
and more secluded spots; such removal being dictated
by regard for the health of the surrounding popula-
lion believed TO be injuriousy affected by the close
proximity of crowded graves and vaults.
1t would seem that it is in the present Stage OF
our towns progress when this matter of public bu
rying ground, in the neghbohood of town, but still
beyond the limits Of probable possible population,
might be met with less trouble than at any future pc
Rod 1t is than probable that the price OF a suit
able site will appreciate in value 10 considerable ex-
tent, before many years 1t is also not only probable
lat certain hat The natural and true ornaments of such
spot az trees, etc, matters quite much of time
as labor or expense, and that in this case at least
there are things which money cannot do.
An enclosure OF sufficient extent, properly fenced in
and laid off in lots of suitable size for the accommoda-
Ion of family parties, while ii could possibly be
regarded matter Of speculation, nor indeed be made
one under any circumstances, would still, think,
pay for itself after time, and perhaps admit of some
appropriations for its adornment We have sort of
belief in that French volatility which would cover the
grave with wreahs and prellinesses, mockng with
petty tricks and trunpery the mcudering remains the
dust and ro:tenness below. We would as soon think
socaiions of another kind, soothing and appropriate
The silence OF Ealure-shade and vcrdnre-sacedne
from intrusion. and above all. the feeling that il is in
deed the last resting pace of those who repoSe there
these things cannot it is true, benefit the dead, but
they refine the sentiments of the iving such effect
however, hardly be expected from grounds within
the shade of houses, and separated from the hurryng
world by fragile fence.
Among the many things in English rural life which
attract the notice OF the American traveller there is
impressive rs the country church yard, where
Each in his bed forever laid,
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.
Some such feeling has led TO the formation of large
and beautiful cemeteries in the neghborhood Of mos,
of our populous cities.
We learn that some gentlemen of our town have
mentioned this subject 10 d.. Togno, which is al least
an evidence that it has attracted attention We hope
that the project will not be let fall through. The
Doctor, doubt, understands the laying off and ar
ranging any grounds that might be procured. The pro,
curing such grounds and the labor necessary mat
Ter of dollars and cents, and when that point has been
reached we are out OF our latitude and longitude boh
and will not venture suggestion about the modus ope-
randi, leaving such practical matters in better hands.
So ends our homily Amen