The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1886-06-18
EXTRAVAGANCE OF MODERN
FUNERALS.

Iu6 AEcnDlSnOp OF CdnIcrDury pre-
sided at a meeting of the Bishops OF
the Church of England when the Dean
OF Lincoln presented petition setting
forth that excess in mourning attire
funeral paraphernalia, and floral dee.
Orations was no real indication of af.
lection or respect, and urging that
burials should be conducted in the
simplest possible form, in speedily
perishable collins; in earth sufficient
and suitable for the resolving of the
body into its ultimate elements " with
only such accessories as are in accord
ance with the Christian principles of
faith, hope, and love. "-Harper's Week
".
An intelligent friend sends us tie
above selection from Hasper's Weekly
suggesting it's publication, for the rea-
son that funeral extravaganza calls
for check. Attention has more than
once in past years been invited to this
subject in this paper. There hare
been protestations from the pulpit ard
the press in various parts of the couT-
try, without apparent effect. There
has been no diminution of expensive
funerals, but their cost has been rattle,
on the increase. Some persons coun;
the carriages in funeral procession
and the greatness of the funeral is
estimated on the number of vehicles
moving in line. 1t does not matter il
some of the conveyances are little
rickety or some of the horses spawned,
since it is the total number counted in
the procession that tells. It is not
many years ago when nicely finished
pine or cherry coffin, with some few
inexpensive trimmings for the conye-
nience of handling, was looked upon
as sufficiently decent to enclose the re.
mains of the most respectable citizen.
Now the modern casket has come in
fashion, and many families who can
ill afford the expense secure one of these
when member dies. Burial caskets
of the later styles cost all the way from
500 to 5000. One has been sold at the
establishment of Hansen & Huck in
this city for $500. Then, again, if the
funeral be in the city or vicinity, livery
stable teams and carriages are required
in accordance with the custom of the
times. Other incidental expenses at
tend the preparation for funerals
which are readily suggested. Men and
women in moderate circumstances,
having families dependent on them for
support, must naturally dread to die.
They have before them the alternatives
of cheap, old-time decent outfit for
burial, or one which modern public
opinion now regards as more respect.
able and costly. 1t would prove a
great blessing to hundreds of families,
who are anxious to keep in the ranks
of responsibility, but cannot afford to
follow the extrayagant customs of the
times, if some wholesome reforms
could be inaugurated, especially in re.
spect to funeral expenses.
In matters of mourning apparel there
has been some progress in reform.
Many respectable families have ven-
tured to face the current of custom,
which sometimes expresses real sorrow,
but too often is simply in obeyance to
the demand of fashion. If only a few
Of the leading families in every town
would refrain from putting on the
habilaments of mourning, the practice
would soon fall into disuse. People of
wealth and standing who secure a
outfit on the death of a
friend act unwisely, because it leads
those who cannot afford the expense
to follow their example.