The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-07-25

occasionally one is removed for misconduct
OF the earliest appointments made, Aug. g.
1867, eight are still in the service. They take
great pride in their work, and almost invaria-
bly, make warm friends at the stations where
they are located. This is seen when it becomes
necessary for the interest of the service to
transfer them from one cemetery TO another.
The Office at Washington is Immediately food
ed with requests and petitions for their reten-
tion; and one Superintendent. in urging that
he be not disturbed, reported officially that the
women and children met him in the streets
with tears in their eyes and begged him TO re-
main with them.
THEY ARE IN THE MAIN MEN OF INTBLLI-
GENCE,
as can be seen from their official correspond
ence. and readily perform the duties required
of them. At the smaller cemeteries they take
exclusive care of the grounds, cutting the
grass, sodding the graves, trimming the trees,
aligning the headstones, etc. At the larger
cemeteries laboTers are employed 10 assist
them, as they are fully occupied in supervis-
ing the work and waiting upon visitors. The
question of the amount and kind of labor they
are 20 perform is often the subject of corre-
spondence and a few have entertained the idea
that the sole business of Superintendent was
30 superintend the work of others. But in
no case are the duties laborions. Still some
reason OF their wounds, aud the question will
soon arise, what is 10 be done in the case of
those who are no longer able 10 perform man
ual labor. Already it has been proposed 10
create for them a retired list such as now eX-
lists FOR soldiers OF the Regular Army. Some
thing of the kind must be done eventually.
While the compensation they receive is sulf-
cient FOR present necessities, it is not remuner-
atiye enough TO allow of much provision for
old age; and il would be extremely hard to
say 20 these faithful and crippled servants of
the Government when they are no longer
able TO discharge their duties, GO; the coun-
try has no further use for you'll"
Among the features OF these cemeteries are
the iron gun monuments, the rostrums the
pateways the approach roads, aud the iron
tablets on which are inscribed appropriate
notices. The gun.monuments are usually 80.
Founders set vertically on their bases, sur
mounted by a cannOn-ball and surrounded 10y
four groups of shot of five each. The rostrums
have been built for the use of speakers on
Memorial Day, which is regularly observed
at all the cemeteries, and at some the ceremo-
nies are very imposing. The approach roads
have engaged the attention of Congress and the
Department for several years. They are built
from specific appropriations made by Congress
for this purpose, and under the supervision of
engineers of the Office Of National Cemeteries.
They add greatly 10 their beauty. While all
the cemeteries are provided with gates, which
are closed at night, yet at only the larger,
such rs Arlington, Soldiers Home Chatta-
nooga, Nashville Marietta aud Vickshurg.
have eateways been erected. The columns for
the gateways at Arlington
WERE TAKEN FROM THE OLD WAR DEPART
MENT
building and those for Soldiers Home from
the interior of the Patent Office The iron
tablets have taken the place of less permanent
ones On some are inscribed sentiments of
verse appropriate 10 the character of the cemc-
teries while upon others are spread the laws
and regulations governing these Enclosures.
The greater part Of the sentiments are taken
from Col Theodore O'HRra's poem. " The Bv-
ousc Of the Dead" written during the Mexican
war; the address Of President Lincoln at the
dedication OF the Gettysburg Cemetery in 1864,
aud that extract from the orstion Of Col. Robt
g. Ingersoll to the Boys in Blue at indianapolis
in 1876. commencing. The past rises before
me like a dream" have been neatly printed
and framed and hang in the lodges Of all the
cemeteries.
Who may be buried In National CemeteriesY
The law is now very comprehensive and in
ciudcs any soldier, sailor marine who served
Ia The Army or Navy of the United States
whether dying IN the service or after his mus.
tero out or discharge. The presentation Of his
discharge papers TO the Superintendent. or any
reasonable evidence that the deceased had
been IN the military or naval service of the
United States is sufficient TO warrant him in
granting permission for interment Ia case of
doubt he tciegTaphs 10 the officer in charge {
National Cemeteries for Instructions aud the
matter receives prompt attention. These in-
tcrnenfs arc reported by the Superinteudents
IN the monthly reports they are required 10
make Of the condition Of their cemeteries, and
the names added 20 the records al Wash
ington. Headstones of marble are then fur
nisied for the graves, unless provided by
friends.
LIST OF NATIONAL cR8ETEnIEs.
The following is a list Of the National Gene
teries showing the number Of interments IN
each up 10 June 30, 1855: