Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-06-02
THE LEVELED GRAVES.
Indignation Meeting Held AZ the Court.
hOuSe Last Night

About two hundred persons, one-third of
them ladies, met as per advertisement at the
County Courtroom last night, to protest
against the ieveling of graves in Elmwood
Cemetery and urge upon the trustees the
propriety of stopping the work and restoring
the little mounds that have been 20 ruthless
ly torn down. Messrs. Gale, S. G. Toof and
John Lenow, representing the Cemetery
Trustees, were present.
Mr.. 3. NJ. Estes was unanimously elected
chairman and G. A. Hessen secretary. Mr..
Estes stated the objects of the meeting, after
which
Mr.. Gallagher read a communication
which appeared in Sundays APPEAL, and
stated that he had examined the charter OF
Elmwood and could find no law authorizing
the trustees to level the graves in the ceme-
terry. 1t was unconstitutional.
Mr.. Chairman Estes suggested that a re-
quest be made of the trustees that they de-
sist and make no further dissertation of the
graves.
Esquire R. B. Miller then offered the fol-
lowing:
ed to draft suitable resolutions, and that the
chairman be member of that committee.
The following gentlemen, with the chair
man, we're appointed such committee: r. B.
Miller and Henry Mode.
The committee retired, and pending their
absence Mr.. S. C.. Toof said the trustees would
be glad 10 hear complaints from all who had
them TO m axe, and that they did not desire
to do anything but what was right.
Mr. Gale said about four hundred of the
graves were below the surface and they were
to be filed up by the superintendent. He said
unless they visited the graves every month
those present would find it impossible to find
the graves. He felt satisfied that in less
than two years all would be satisfied with the
lawn plan. He also said he was going North
and would visit the cemetery in Cincinnati
and would report to the citizens. The ques-
ton was asked why they proposed to level
single graves and not those in lots. He said
with the consent of the owners the lot graves
would also be leveled.
A lady whose name the reporter did not
CATCH made some forcible and telling re-
marks that were loudly applauded.
The committee retired she speak
ing, and when she had finished reported the
following resolutions, which were adopted
unanimously:
WHEREAS, 1t is understood that measures have
been taken TO level the grave mounds IN Elmwood
deceased persons there inferred; and that this
process has been actually executed in part, there
Rcsolued, By this meetius that the officers of the
cemetery be respectfully and earnestly requested
repair all damage already done.
Resolred That the trustees, IN whom we alike
confidence give diligence to the discharge of their
official duties and adopt and have executed under
their authority all proper and Deedful reg uaioDs
for the protection and identifying of this sacred
resting place OF the departed.
Mr.. Henry Mode made a very telling
speech, in the course of which he answered
the points in Mr.. Lenow's communication.
He was warmly applauded.
Mr.. Gallagher said that if the cemetery
authorities did not re6x and arrange the
graves of his dead as they were before the
lawn plan was adopted he would prosecute
them and he would, free of charge, do the
same for any one who had a similar COM
plant 10 make. He then moved that the
meeting adjourn. Carried, ami the meeting
broke up, all present expressing themselves
satisfied with the result. The general feel
ing of the meeting very bitter, and many
persons present suggested suits, and offered
10 subscribe literally TO fund for that
purpose.