The Davenport daily gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1869, 1857-07-28

tFof Inc Oato1PpSt 089Uo
MEssRs. Epiross. In population Of co.
700 il is 4 small estimate that three hundred
deaths occur annually Among that num-
oer many OF the best, and most useful and
enterprising citizens are recorded; men
whose lenius, activity or wealth have helped
TO build the city of the living, preparatory
TO their departure for the city Of the dead ];
leaving their example and their means 10
oeautify and sustain the thriving mart.
Nothing bur the sLroad, the coffin and the
tomb do they claim and even the latter Is
frequently denied them. Ia after years
friends seek their burial place only 20 learn
that the living city has oversprsad the hsbi-
tations OF the dead This is civilization.
IIeathcnism iorbi,ls II. II is not right, and
should he reformed.
Burial places should be perpetual aud IN
,iol~te and il becomes every prosperous
city to establish Cemeteries ON such basl. A.
viii render them literally resting places for
the dead A. counterpart To the avenues
II life, they should be the solemn avenues
Of death where the mind Of the visitor
luosed from the cares and strife Of the life
struggle, can wander amid the yews, the
laurcl- aud the willows which overriding the
testimonials &C affection that make up the
rich, sad garniturc Of the burial ground.
Davenport has taken step in the right d.
rection oakdale Cemetery is the most
charming spot that could have been selected.
Fruit trees cover two thirds Of its area.
Hill and valley, lawn and thicket, winding
stream and prairie plain, diversity its natu-
raj face; and a plat Of curved and labaryn-
thine avenues has been tastcfully adapted to
the surtace, retcctieg high credit on the &C.
MUS Of Major dc Ia Roche, who came from
Washington at the solicitation Of the Di-
rcctors, expressly Cor the purpose. The
price Of lots is fixed At fry dollars each, .
moderate sum for the permanent abode Of .
family Of IL or IL Of our dear, departed
ones And then | cannot forbear allusion
to that paucity Of expenditure that tho dead
too frequently receive 1t our hands, neg
lect that leads to forgctfulness and makes
the rubbish Of the graveyard" to be avoid
ed, when it should be an attractive and edi-
flying place Of resort.
This Company has corporate existence
and lie laws require that receipts be applied
to the improvement OF the grounds. A
Chapel, in which 10 TO hang suitable bell
q mausoleum for the reception Of the dead,
when from any cause il 10 impracticable to
buy them At onee-a PASTORS lodge, and ell
other necessary conyenieuccs for Cemetery
are to be erected ~ econ - tho sals Of lots
will furnish sufficient means The broad,
graded avenues are already being developed
and the marble tombs cluster around sacred
localities, where repose the dust Of those
whose friends still wish to cherish unfading
msmories.
oakdals has strong elaine upon the eiti-
ssns Of Davenport. Unehanssably and per-
pstually . grave yard, with Sexton resi-
dsnt On the ground to smbsllish and protect
them, provision for permanent fund, sum-
cisnt 70 make Il the most beautiful Genet
ssy IN the Wet. Situated half mile from
the corporate lins, on high, realing ground,
whsre eroups Of shade tres and undnlating
saopss, saord every variety Il situaaioa TO
meet The tastes Of all-is shenla - 60 d
the chGished spoes u To city, fosasssd By
esassAl po&yo0aga and sinilSne tha4 the
gssas hsart thAt bsan = u enusn1in9
SurD q b0sfling " aEu1na, - slD q Nd
prsciatin u tt hsantioal, aniA Il quiet
shaAss q ~ sepn1chss. 8.