The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-28
CREMATION OR
INHUMATION.
The Opinions of French Writers
on the Subject.
Alphonse Daudet Declines Beth the Crematory
and the Grave-Zola Has Not Yet Made
Up His Mind-Bernhardt's Views.
Written for THE SUNDAY CALL.

AE1tTd FEW days since the idea occurred
VIM to me that it might be interesting to
INV the public to know which some of
the leading French writers and actresses
preferred for themselves, Incarceration or in
torment. l therefore communicated with
several of them, receiving replies more or
less Characteristic from Francois Coppee,
AlphOnse Daudet. Jules Simon, Hyacinthe
L0yson, Emile lola, Henri de Bornier.
Leconte de Lsle, Francisaue Sarcey. Leon
Cladel. Vfct0rien Sardou, Armand Syl-
vestre, Pierre Vcron, Sara Bernhardt and
Jane Hading. Thus l had represented
poetry, romance, craftsmanship, theology,
dramatic literature, journalism and the
stage.
C0ppee. contrary to what one might ex-
pect from poet of such fine feelings, is in
clned to treat the matter humorously, and
gayly confesses indifference as to what may
become of his remains. Here is his answer
in full:
Your question. my dear confrere, "would you
be buried or burned?" reminds one of that
mands to be skinned alive; the hare prefers to
wait" ask permission to 40 like The hare.
Laugh - because aaH do not fear death II it
pose In Montparnasse Cemstery, In the only real
estate possess, beside my beloved parents. Be-
which renders me quite Indifferent as to the fate
reserved for my remains cannot believe. nay,
do not believe. that l shall disappear wholly In
the grave. Sperat anlma mea.
These opinions are dashed on in haste.
FRANCOIS CoPPEE.
DAUDET DON'T WANT EITHER.
The long halred and decidedly eccentric
author of "Sappho," lie Nahab." 81 I'M
mortel, Fremont jeune ct Riser aine,"
and others of the greatest fctions which en-
rich the current French literature, was evil
IDENTIFY both Mortified and disguised by my
interrogation. His reply is very brief, but
come straight to the point:
Buried, Moderated Both will be equally dis.
agreeable to me. Wholly yours,
Jules Simon sends a reply altogether wor-
thy of cautious and subtle statesman. He
is content to leave the matter to his chill
dren, but expresses no opinion:
Instead Of sending my opinion TO you relative
to the funereal subject with which 1t pleases you
to occupy yourself, 1 Will walt to form one until
you have published yours have not up to the
barium and the "reter." 1t is probable that
shall make no will, having nothing 10 leave any.
body My children will choose the procedure
leave them The option between preserving my
ashos In an urn or my bones In coffin. am
aware mat certain Catholics Iepnlse cremation
In our bodies. But very little OF our bodies re-
mains iD the cemeteries, and God does not need
JULES SIMON.
The famous Pere Hyacinthe confesses to
very little personal interest In the matter.
He. however, seems to be somewhat tor
tured by the fear of being buried alivo.
Here is what he writes:
Personally the question interests me very lit
tie. think, like Plato. that man is not tie Dody
''but that which has the body.n The quest Ion
which imposes itself Is not TO be inferred living
which happens more frequently than people
think. HYACINTHE LoYsoN.
lola HASN'T QUESTIONED HIMSELF.
Emile lola is non-committal. Like Jules
Simon. he prefers to leave ''the care of the
decision" to the loved ones remaining be-
hind him. His letter cannot be called
characteristic Of the man, for IL lacks Zola's
well-known determination and self-suf-
fciency. His opinions on social matters are