The morning call., 1891-01-30
EDITORIAL NOTES.

Two novel schemes for the disposal OF the dead
are being extensively discussed In New York
ana Pilisburg. Tile first proposes The erection
fd shEf faa y r ssii.a Tps6ossffr
size ana stately dimensions, being devoted 10 the
preservation OF the dead on plan which Is
original, but yet in sense but a return TO the
ancient customs OF Egypt, Rome and Greece.
The structure Is to be square, extending $50
feet in each direction. The style being Italian
renaissance. There are 10 he three stories be-
low ground and TWO or three above. On the
ground floor there VIII be a memorial hall,
where The last services OF lie chulch may be
held over the departed. IN Tie immense maui
solemn, which VIII cost S75o.o0o, there will be
10000 sepulIures. formed OF concrete, and the
preservation of the remains Is to be accom-.
plisbed by the simple process of desIccaiion, a
current of dIy air being circulated through the
sculpture long enough to gradually dry the body.
a glass plaie in tie sepuinre viii permit one, II
he so desires, 10 look upon the feaIur Of The
departed. 1t is suggested that the millionaire
can decorate his burial chamber in gold and
silver and with statuaTy. at Plttsburg the prop
ostion has been made that cremation be gener-
ally adopted. and that the city erecI au Imposing
ediice in which 10 deposit the ashes of the dead,
each la single urn, the name, age and birth
place OF The departed being burned in it when
formed.
The Senate, contrary to the expectation of
many, has adopted the House Reapportlonment
Bill without amendment. The measure prepared
by Congressman Frank fixed tile member ship OF
the Flfty-tlird Congress at $50. the ratio OF rep
resentation being 173. 901. This gave California
an additional member. 1t was the belief OF some
that The Senate would incorporate an amend.
ment providing that the increase due TO the new
census should apply to the Fifly-second Congress
recently elected, lie additional twepty-six men,
bers being chosen at special elections IN the
States Interested. With eighiy-eight Senators
from foIty-four States and $50 Representatives
the Electoral College win consist OF 444 mem
bers. Instead OF 401 as in 1888.
Tie recent earthquake In Java was marked by
disastrous results 10 life and property. Tie
earthquake proved heaviest in the province OF
Japara. In lie town of Joana which suffered
most, the Chinese quarter is a heap OF ruins,
and most OF the EuioDea n houses are not habita-
Bile. In this town Twelve lives were lost. All
the houses left standing ale in such a rickety
condition that heavy shock would convert
them mic a mass OF ruins.
The decree OF he Emperor OF China announcing
that all foreign Ministers are hereafter 10 be
granted an audience on the morn of the CelesiiaI
New Year intimates thai they are to be enter
tanned at banquet on the following day. This
impeneirable veil of exciusiveuess surrounding
the throne will be drawn aside for the benefit of
the representatives OF the foreign powers.
Secretary Blaine manifestly looks with disfavor
upon Sir John Macdonald's one-slded reciprocity
ideas. He declares that no negotiations what
ever are on foot for reciprocity with Canada. and
that no sch me for reciprocity with The DomIn-
ion confined TO natural products viii be enter
tanned.