The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-05-29

NEw YORK, May 2S.-The funeral OF
Baron De Palm according to the Ancient
Egyptian Rites, was the occasion for the
gathering OF nearly 1900 people at the
Masonic Temple this afternoon. The de-
ceased Baron, who came to this country
fifteen years ago, had expressed wish
that no Christian priest or minister be al
lowed TO take part in his obsequies, and
they were conducted by the Theosophi-
cal Society Of this city, OF which the
deceased was n member. Only those
having tickets (about 500 in ally were
admitted to the building. The assem-
blage was well dressed and intensely Gu
rious in regard to the nature OF the
funeral rites. They were OF much SIM
pier character than had been expected.
The platform or altar was embelished
by an incense burner, which, according
to the offices Of the society, was emblem
attic OF the worship OF fire, and
wooden cross, bearing serpent which
seemed 10 be engaged in an honest but
fruitless effort 10 bite his own tail. This
was typical, according to a member Of
the Association, OF the Evolution ofmat.
ter" between the cross and the vase OF
burning incense, and directly in front OF
the stage appeared the coffin. II was a
handsome ebony casket, bound with silver
and bearing the name, age and titles Of the
deceased. On il were placed seven
lighted candles, five Of them white, one
red and the other green. They also were
intended to typify the worship OF fire
and light. Seated on the stage in cir
Gle behind the coffin were the President
and six members, or fellows, OF the asso.
citation. They were all clad in long
flowing gowns OF heavy black woolen
stuff, and each bore in his hand bunch OF
green leaves, which signifed their good
will and peace toward men," Col. 0lcott,
as master, conducted the ceremonies.
After brief intervals Of music the ques-
tions and responses began. They consist
ed Of curiously phEased questions and
answers from a regular ancient Egyptian
liturgy in regard 10 the nature OF God,
the human soul, and future state OF
existence. During the questions and an
swers incense was burned. An old gen.
tlsman who did not like the nature Of the
ideas put forth ia the ritual ordered his
daughter to leave the organ, so a part Of
the musical part oil the ceremonies had to
be dispensed with.
Col. Olcott delivered lengthy address
on the nature Of theosophism, and said
the deceased Baron, after a long life in
the courts and career Of ambition, find
ing nothing III the creeds TO satisfy his
inquiries in regard to afuture state form
ed consolation in theosophy.
After the rites were over the remains
were removed TO vault in the Lutheran
Cemetery and will, it is said, be cremated
as soon as permission can be obtained
from the authorities. The body was en-
balmed soon after death.
PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY,.
There was large missionary meeting
in the Brooklyn Tabernacle tonight un-
der the auspices Of the Presbyterian As
sembly. Rev. Finley, of Oregon, presided.
Rev, DR.. Mennard delivered an address
in behalf of women's work in missionary
labor. The women workers had this
year raised Sl50,0OO for missionary.
work.
Rev. DR.. Brodhead made some remarks
on missionary work in India.
Rev. DR.. Talmage said response had
been received through the Associated
Press from the Southern Presbyterian
Assembly, and there was now no doubt
that they would be united soon with
their brethren OF the North.