The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-11-11
ANCIENT
BURIAL
PLACES

- The disgraceful condition OF some or
the cemeteries of Rhode Island and New
England was the theme OF the Historians
discussion. yesterday. at the Mathewson
Street NJ E auditorium OF the Historical
society After tho reading and approval
OF the records, the secretary handed the
president a letter which he read. 1t was
the resignation or the office OF treasurer
by him
After Mr. Bcknell. and COL Eaton had
made remarks, Mr.. Brown rose with
resolution. which President Dyer said
would be I'm order after the acceptance or
the resignation. which WAS then accepted
Mr. Bicknell with a motion 10 appoint
committee OF three. on the treasurership
and Mr.. Brown with a resolution. then
both rose each claiming the floor Mr.
Brown claimed the floor on the presi-
dents decision after the acceptance and
Mr. Eaton thought that, as Mr.. Bicknells
motion was germaine to the previous mo-
ton he had the floor. After a considera-
BILE discussion OF Cushing's manuel and
parliamentary tactics the president de-
cided that the committee OF three should
be appointed First. namely. Messrs.
Eaton, Bicknell and Stone on the treasur-
er matter The president then said the
resolution OF Mr. John II. Brown would
be IN order which he read, as follows:
RESOLUTION OF CONFIDENCE.
Resolved. whereas Mrs Chaffee, the
treasurer Of the Historical association by
u years faithful services. has contributed
largely to the success OF the association,
and gained the confidence, and regard, or
It's members, and, whereas the committee
on nomination having had misrepresenta-
tions made 10 them. that she had resign
ed when she had not. and nominated an
other i'm her place when she would con-
sent to serve the ensuing year Therefore,
Resolved. That the action OF the asso-
citation a Z the last meeting In electing an
other treasurer be reconsidered, and that
Mrs Chaffee be continued In the office
the ensuing year, as she desires In order
that she may collect and satisfactorily
settle the accounts OF her long official
life an endorsement. due not only 10 her,
for her earnest, faithful services hut due.
from the association. also, towards
most worthy and active member and
friend
on motion OF Col Amasa NJ. Eaton.
who said he cor~ellly agreed with the
sentiment OF the resolution. IL was re-
ferred to the treasury committee TO be
reported on at the next meeting.
Mr. Brown in his remarks spoke very
highly OF the record OF the treasurer.
Mrs. Chaffee, and OF her kindness to the
sick members OF the Historical associa-
ton, she was absent today TO take care
OF a sick friend, with diphtheria. not ex-
pected TO live and took her a beautiful
bouquet OF 81 roses, typical OF her birth
day.
OLD CEMETERIES
President Dyer then introduced Hon.
James n. Arnold the well known historian,
who gave an eloquent and interesting
address entitled Rhode Islands Ancient
Burial Places. and What Should be Done
for Their Preservation"
Mr.. Arnold gave a very exhaustive
history OF the cemeteries since the set
tlement of this country till tho present
time-of the care and attention OF our
ancestors in the burial OF their friends
and in marking their graves; OF the great
care OF the churches. the Congrega tional.
Episcopal and Baptist and Friends in
numbering and keeping complete records
of all their dead friends.
He spoke I'm part as follows: The
greatest virtue that scripture teaches is
due respect for parents AS far back as
we can trace the annals of history this
is spoken OF. and the wise men of all
ages have made 1t the first principle OF
their moral philosophy. Blessings are
promised for all that would know II. and
curses for those that would not.
The Chinese compel railroads not TO In
terfere with their sacred spots. We have
much TO learn In this people regarding
due respect TO burial places. II Is true
and TO our credit that our modern ceme-
teries are laid out with great care. and
with beautiful memorials and menu-
ments. and free from trees and brush,
turfed and lawned and ornamented with
potted flowers, roses and plants. and
park on one side with trees and plants.
and an abundance OF settees and seats.
and an effort 10 make these places more
attractive In the future.
REWARDS RECOMMENDED.
We have system OF laws In regard
TO cemeteries and those should be faith
fully executed-laws TO allow towns to
be custodians OF perpetual funds for the
care Of burial lots. laws and penalties
against dissertations.
Dissertation should be a states prison
offence, and a heavy fine and a reward
of from $50 TO $500 to the compla inant
who is successful in proving his COM
paint.
If these two things are attended to
much evil would be eliminated Mr.. Ar
mold spoke with great feeling OF the In
difference and neglect OF our cemeteries,
when so little time and care might pre-