St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-08-24
MARKERS AND MONUMENTS
Debated by the Cemetery Super
intendents.

Debated by the Cemetery Super
intendents.
There was large attendance at the
the American cemetery superintendent
yesterday morning.
There were several important papers
read and discussions held. the most ami
mated being over the question as 10
where the line could be drawn between
marker and a monument. 1t appeared
to be the opinion of tie superlntend-
ents that the old practice of people
placing any sort of a monument OF head
stone at the grave of the departed
hat they wished was a decidedly
ancient and barbaric custom, cal
culated to make cemetery look like
patchwork, and the discussion was held
that an end might be reached whereby
only one monument should be allowed
upon lot, the balance of the stones TO
be simply markers. Vlce-President
Mccarthy. in order 10 form some basis,
made the motion that no lots having
monuments should be graced with head
stones higher than two feet or thinner
than six inches. His motion was
amended SO that when 1T was passed it
read that no markers or headstones be
allowed higher than the surface of the
ground, an important step in the rules
of cemeteries if it can be enforced.
The next in Importance was the very
Providence, Il. L., on The perpetual care
of lots. This appeared to be wonder
fully open question as to how a fund
should be provided for the care of lots.
The reader advocated double fund,
one for the care of the lots and the
other permanent fund for the care of
the cemetery proper during all time. In
his opinion the interest money of these
funds only should be used, and
thus insure permanent fund
for both purposes. His paper was
discussed at great length, several
parties giving their experience in the
matter. A. W. Habert, of Minneapolis,
stated that in this state the law pro-
yided that One-fourth of the funds de-
rived from the sale of lots, should be
devoted to such funds.
ii. j. Deering, OF New York. was not
present. but sent paper on the drain
age of swamp aud wet lands for burial
purposes. John j. Stevens. of Column
bus, o., read an interesting paper on
Sunday funerals, which was followed
by short discussion.
The afternoon programme provided
for trip to Minnehaha, but as the visit
to Lakewood, arranged for Tuesday
afternoon, had been spoiled by The rain,
it was agreed that the visitors wou d
visit that place instead, and take the
Minnehaha trip later. At 1:30 busses
guests of Mr.. Hobart in the trip to Lake
wood cemetery.
The afternoon was spent by the GEM
etery superintendent In looking over
| Lakewood cemetery under the guild
ance of Supt. A. w. Habart and G. III.
| Loring. The inspection evidently gave
them great deal of pleasure, for
when the evening session came and
| John G. Barker gave his report of
the visit to Lakewood, he could find
| nothing but commentator to give the
place. Considering that Mr.. Barker is
| himself superintendent OF Forest Hill
cemetery, Boston, and an acknowledged
critic on matters pertaining to the keep
| ing of cemeteries, this communication OF
| Lakewood amounts 10 a great deal
Evidently the cemetery superntendents
place Lakewood among the prettiesi
cemeteries of the country. 1.-The besl
comment on Lakewood is Lakewood
ITSELF" said Mr.. Barker. Neatness anG
simplicity characterized the place. Its
undulating surface and scattered trees
gave IL a natural attractlveness, and the
natural beauties of the place had beer
judiciously preserved. The handsome
Lakewood entrance with its ample con
venience came i'll for compliment.
Following MIR. Barker, q. &. Simonds
of Graceland cemetery, Chicago, spoke
OH The Objects OF Our Association
The work OF our association will only
be complete" said Mir. Simunds, .'wheI
not only the cemeteries of the town:
and cities are properly managed anC
cared for, but when every little country
cemetery is no longer an eyeSore. as mos
of them are now, but charming hi
of nature" Work. not play. was thu
object of the ASSOCIATION. Cemeteries
were rather fol the living than for tn,
dead. Mr.. Simonds is landscape gar
dener of reputation, as is also Bellot
Lawson, the gentleman who followed
Mr.. Simonds with speech on the ques
ton lis Flower Planting Desirabl,
in the Modern Cemetery?" Mr.. Lawson
ID superintendent Of lakewood cemetery
IN Chicago, and he looks upon flower
planting as a questionable practice il
cemeteries. Green lawn was most rest
full to the eye, and suggested the tittin,
idea of the eternal rest. Bright flower.
seemed out of place. Lot owners, i
allowed to plant flowers at will abou
graves, each according to his individual
taste, would vie with each other il
producing the gayest grave, and as re
suit the cemetery would soon look Iik.
a crazy quilt. "A cemetery should lool
Simple aud park-like. and should be ar
ranged with regard to the general effect
without regard to the individual graRe
Today the larty will go to st. Paul
and this evening George w. Greasy vii
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