Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-02-22

The Mechanic streeI Burial Ground.
The disposition to be made of the Mechanic
street burying ground is subject of much
interest just now and one in which the good
name of our city, as well as the private feelings
Of many citizens are involved. The arguments
in favor of appropnating it as a site for school
house were forcibly presented to the school
committee by Mr.. Jacques, and published in our
report of the proceedings of that board two
weeks ago, they are in part restated aud some
objections met in a communication which we
published yesterday. The other side of the
question was skilfully and impressively pre-
sented in the remarks Of Mr.. Chamberlin. AT
the last meeting Of the board of aldermen Iti
very clear and from this no one dissents. that the
present condition Of that cemetery is intolerably
disgracefu, humiliating to our sclfrespects as
citizens Of Worcester and standing insult to the
memory of the dead whose bones lie buried there
some Of whom at least deserve to be held in
honor. The ground must be redeemed in some
way from the dissertation which is now so
shocking. How this can best be done is largely
question OF sentiment. There are many peo-
pie, as scrupuIous in their reverence for the
memory Of the dead and in respect for the feel
ings OF the living as any of our citizens who
can see no improperly in placing school bouse
on ms ground, alter making suitable arrange.
ments for preserving the monument, and graves
While to Others such an appropriation seems al.
most sacrilegous. Pecuniary Considerations
are not Of much consequence here. The CITY
has no money to throw away; but it can afford
I" incur whatever expense is necessary TO secure
decent respect for the resting place of lis dead.
we confess that we can see no objection 10 the
plan appro ed By the school committee; but. if
considerable number Of others would regard
its adoption as a grievance some Difference IL
perhaps due TO their feelings. If the question
were one merely of money or convenience, the
opinion Of the majority ought, Of course 10
control; bnt IN matter Of sentiment, like this.
there is room for doubt whether II is uslHabe
TO carry into effect measure, not offensive, OF
even positively acceptable to the larger number
at the inevitable cost Of deeply ouiraging the
feelings Of a minority. II the view here sug.
eested is reasonable, then the practical question
is, Are there a considerable plumber OF persons
who would feel seriously agcrieyed II the pro-
po'eu appropriation were madeY This question
we are unable TO answer We have no reason to
"oup'' however, that the gentlemen who spoke
"&"i"S' Tue measure in the board of aldermen
arr 10 earnest and ihotihey represent not few,
VINO snare Their sentiments in relation 10 this
subject Their opposition is not the less serious
and respectable because the question 4 4 sent,.
mental one, aud. because that is iis nature 4, /.
rot likely 10 yield TO Argument aud will only ho
strengthened, perhaps embitercd, by nd,.
Guile Matters OF sentiment, as well as taste n
which ihe former Is closely akin, lie outside IN,
domain Of logic. u may be, however, tia
much Of the opposition to tbc school commit
ieSs plan arises from hasty and imperfect con
liberation Of i, with sensiiIyeness to appar