The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-30
mo FLOWERS.n

Human love is the highest attribute. The
prompting that warns human hearts toward
their fellows, that seeks companionship with
its kind; the yearning that instinctively
stretches fngertips, even across the grave in
the vain endeavor to lead back the loved, is
one of the noblest traits of man. Nowhere is
this exhibited more beautifully than between
the living and the dying; the one 10th to give
up old friends to the cold clasp of the grave,
the other anxious, if it be possible, to tarry
yet little longer with warm companion
ship. 1t is not strange that the death scene
is saddest in all human experience. Realizing
that we are helpless only increases the desire
to smooth the way for the dying. And when
the end is come, and the beloved features of
the dead take on their CHASTITY immobility,
and the lips that were wont to speak such joy
Gus things are motionless and mute, it has
grown into almost universal practice to deck
the dead with flowers, emblems of purity
and beauty. Lilies and pansies, vio-
let's and carnations, have been wrought
into wreaths and crowns, anchors and broken
columns crowns and harps, and other
designs, according to the character of the de-
ceased, the idea being to write in flowers
mute but speaking eulogy of the dead. It
has been esteemed a precious trust to preserve
these tokens after the dead are laid away, as
though somewhat of the beauty and sweetness
of the lost one were woven in their odorous
meshes Tears Of anguish have watered them
"a baptism that has consecrated them so that
to touch them seemed sacrilege.
What must be the feeling when such a bur
lesque is made of this hallowed service as
was perpetrated at the funeral of
'Joe" Goss, the prize fighter and ruff
fan. 1t is told that at the
funeral the floral tributes were elaborate and
in great variety. One piece, however, was as
nearly in consonance with the character of
the deceased as flowers could be compelled to
assume--a floral belt the back made of deli
cate tinted pansies, and the front of white
pinks with buckle in crimson king carna-
tions in the center. The ''token" sent by
John l.. Sullivan however, was one that
would have been fitting only for character
assuredly pure, and one certain of entering
the kingdom. It was a great floral ''gates
aiar," five feet high and three feet wide Be-
tween posts of candidum lilies were hung
gates of lilies Of the valley, pansies and vio-
let's, over bsse of English ivy leaves while
the arch which crowned the whole. It is un-
charitable to criticise the dead, and
this is only to condemn the thought
lessness of the living It were
in exact consonance with the memory
of this man to crown his casket-if it must be
crowned-with other emblems than gates,
and anchors, and crowns and crosses The
floral belt was somewhat in keeping; at least,
it was sincere. Had this been supplemented
with boxing gloves, the unities would have
been preserved Humanity begs the careless
to leave 'tgates ajar' to others. Either this,
or the touching and beautiful custom must
be entirely abandoned, as it has been largely.
1t is proclamation of death to scatter roses
and lilies on the graves of Gosses and Jameses.
@Msz~.s.~
THE increased price asked for bread by French