St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1884-02-23
Cremation Of the Future.

1t Is not disagreeable journey on
which we now propose to take our read
ers. 1t is to witness the final disposition
of a friends remains in the ideal crema-
tory of the future-science having
already perfected the mechanical APP
pliance necessary in conducting it in the
way we describe. Our friend has died,
and, through the usual announcements,
we learn that the last rights will be per-
formed in the columbarium at given
hour. Repairing thither at the appointed
time. we first pass through grove Of
stately trees. the soothing murmur of
whose rustling leaves brings peace and
quiet into the hearts of those who
mourn and gather to pay the last trib-
ute. Within the grove stands massive
building of gray masonry, whose
architecture shows no striving after
ornamental effect, and whose solid pro-
portions give sense of eternal permar-
eney. A few small windows in the
simple frieze which crowns its walls DO
not destroy this effect, and their plain
stained-glass clashes in no wise with the
harmony of color between the sky, the
trees and the gray stone of the temple of
rest. About the Doric pillows of its
portico green vines twine fondly, as
they, too. would do their share in rob-
bing death of all its hideousness. To
this loving hands have born the body of
our friend. No coffin lends its horror
to the journey from this earthly home
to here, where eternal sleep awaits him.
A flower-strewn bier gives poetic car
riage for this short and final journey.
Entering the broad portal, the soft deep
notes of an organ charm the ear. The
eye takes in a most imposing sight. The
entire interior of the building is one
impressive room. with walls, floor, cell
ing, all of white and spotless marble.
The view is not dazzling one, for the
light is subdued and comes in varied
color through the windows at the top.
On either side of the chamber stand .
few memorial statues-real works of
art-each one of them keeping alive the
memory of some one who in his life was
either good or great. Many of the mar
BILE slabs in the sides and floor of the
temple bear in plain, sunken letters a
name and two dates. Behind or be-
meath them are inches containing urns,
where rest the pure white ashes of the
beloved dead. On simple dais in the
middle of the room lies the body of our
beloved friend. The hour has come. and
about it are gathered those who knew
and loved him while he lived. The
scene, the surroundings, the subdued
music of the organ, the absence of
everything to jar upon the taste or
senses, brings on mood of solemn con-
No thought of physical
corruption jars upon our memories of
the dead. The opening words of the
speaker are said, hidden choir harmo-
niously chants of hope and life, and now
the end has come. With the words
''ashes to askes'' white pail is thrown
over the dais and we have looked upon
our friend for the last time. The dais
noiselessly sinks from sight, short hour
S spent in listening to funeral Grafton
,r in contemplation, until the dais, still
covered with the pail, rises from below.
The pail removed, we see upon the dais
IN urn-provided beforehand, and con-
aiming the ashes of our friend, This is
low sealed into one of the inches. and |
he ceremony is over This is not pure
Modern invention has
obbed incineration of all its objection
lble features. Never till of late wears
ould the world well and simply solve
he problem of what to do with its dead.
The whole process can be carried on as
We have pictured, and without single
evolting feature in any part of 1.-THE
MODERN Age.