Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1876-05-30
STRANGE FUNERAL RITES.
Funeral in New York of Baron De-
Palm, n TheosOphist, According
to Ancient Egyptian Rites
The Remains to be
Cremated,

New YORK, May 29-The funeral of
Baron DePalm, according to ancient
Egyptian rites, was the occasion for the
gathering Of nearly four thousand per-
SONS at the Masonic temple this after
noon. The deceased baron, who came
to this country fifteen years ago, had ex-
pressed the wish that no christian priest
or minister ba allowed to take part in
bis obsequies. They were conducted by
the TheosOphicsl society OF this city, OF
which the deceased was q member.
Only those hSving tickets, about flteen
hundred in all, were admitted to the
building. The assemblsgs was we'll
dressed, and intensely curious in regard
to the nature OF the funeral rites. They
were OF much simpler character than
had been expected The platform or
altar was embellished by an incense
burner, which, according 70 the Offices
of the society, was EN- mblenatic of the
worship Of fire; and q wooden cross
bearing a serpent, who seemed engaged
in an honest but fruitless effort to bite
his own tail. This was typical, accord.
ing to a member Cf the association, OF
the evolution of water. Between the
cross and the vase of burning incense,
and directly in front OF the stage, ap.
peared the coffiD. 1t was handsome
ebony casket, bound with silver, aud
bearing the name and titles OF the dead
gentleman. On it 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 aud light. Seated on the
stage in circle behind the coffin were
the president and six members Of the as
sociatiop. They were sill clad in long
flowing gowns Of heavy black woolen
material, and each OF them bore in his
hand q bunch of green leaves, which
signifisd their good will and peace to-
ward men. Colonel O.oott acted as
masteraud )nductor of the ceremonies.
After brief interval of music the ques-
tiOns and responses began. They con-
sisted of curiously- phrased questions
and answers from regular ancient
Egyptian liturgy, in regard to the ma
ture Of God, the human soul, and future
existence. During the questions and
answers the incense was burned. An
old gentleman vino did not like the ma.
ture of the ideas put forth in the itual
ordered his daughter to leave the organ.
So part of the musical ceremonies had
to be dispensed with. Cololel Olcott de.
livered long address on the nature of
Theosophism, and said the deceased
baron, after long life in the courts and
q career of ambition, finding nothing in
the creeds to satisfy his inquiries in re-
gard to the future state, found consola-
ton in Theosophy. After the rites were
ever 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 au-
thorities. The body was embalmed
soon after death.
Shocking Death of Mr. Boss, Editor
of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
CINCINNATI, May 29.-G. M. D. Bloss.
one Of the editors Of the Cincinnati En-
Qorirer, and widely known throughout
the country, was instantly killed at
about balf-psst seven o'clock, while
walking on the track of the Little Miami
railroad, near Branch Hill station, where
he resided. The er gineer OF the train
saW him on the track and blew his
whistle, but Mr.. BiOss apparently not
hearing the sJglsl, remained on the
track; the air brake was used ineffsctu
ally, and he was struck by the engine,
crushing his skull and breaking bo:h of
his lfg3. The accident occurred near bis
house and the body was recognized by
the railroad men and carried to his
home. The deceased bad been connected
with the Cincinnati Enquirer for tweu-
ty-ye re, and was prominent authority
among Democratic politicians for his
statistics. He wss a warm personal
friend of Hon. George II. Pendleton,
and although asteadfaat supporter ofthe
Democratic party, and an earnest work
er in its behalf, he never held an office.
Two years ago be was a candidate for
congress, but failed to be elected, owing
10 the lukewsrmness ef his partisaas.
He was in his fiftieth year, born in Dar-
by, Vermont, and leaves wife and four
children.