The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-12-24

For obvious reasons 1t will be
best not to reveal my name. | will
furthermore state that the authori-
ties would disturb the quiet of my
declining years If they knew what
| know. The game l played is
worth the telling.
For 80 years | served as funeral
director in one of our largest cities.
| became skilled in the art of en-
balming, but this was not enough
! made profound study of chem
stry and was at last rewarded.
discovered compound which, in
jected after death, left hte body in
tact. its substance being slowly re-
placed molecule for molecule by
mineral formation. had discovered
the art of rendering a dead body
permanent by petrifaction. The
mummies OF ancient Egypt were
not to be compared with my prod
uct. For my purpose the sculptor
was eliminated. l could produce the
real, with every feature retained as
at death.
AS say, had followed the bust
ness of undertaking for 80 years.
had also kept books, and knew
where my subjects lay. | found
soiace in the thought that l was
preserving the distinguished dead.
| knew that my time would come
and that there would be a better
way than working over block of
marble. My work would surpass
that of Phidias. People had always
longed to see their friends again.
would give them the opportunity.
I went about my work rapidly
even furiously. The years passed
an undertaken was sculptor in a
larger sense, There was pleasure
in the careful preparation of each
subject for the tomb, the bodies
being placed in natural, graceful
and artistic positions. My work
would be epoch making. The time
\ finally came for me to assume my
new role. closed out my business
and left town. After spending some
time abroad, disguised myself and
returned, opening up marble cut
ter's shop near the entrance of the
old cemetery where many of my
subjects had been quietly sleeping
for years
1t was not difficult to start my
business, for | had preserved my
records and knew where to solicit
patrons. | enlisted the services of
a couple of trusted cronies. Then,
going among the descendants of the
old and distinguished families, |
sought out photographs, telling my
customers that for a reasonable con-
sideration ! would furnish busts OF
life sized figures of their ancestors.
1t seemed to them marvellous that
man could produce a statute from
a photograph. but my work began
20 convince the most skeptical. The
mounting and polishing was all
done secretly, and no one was per-
. mitted to enter the shop. had or
ders from other cities, but of course
had to confine myself to the sub
iects | had handled
AS time went on the various GEM
eteries began to show the result of
my handiwork, and there were few
fombs which were not adorned with
a life sized figure or bust. ter
minated my labors by entering into
larger contract. Several public
spirited men had taken u great in
terest in my work, and movement
was soon on foot to place life sized
statues OF distinguished city fathers
and benefactors on pedestals about
the public buildings. took the con
tract and saw the work completed.
For once the critics had nothing to
say, The work was perfect. They
did not know that they were gazing
upon the originals. Henceforth |
was beseiged with orders, but could
no longer keep pace with the de-
mand made upon me. My health
was bordering upon a breakdown.
The fear of discovery nearly drove
me mad, while the faces of the
dead haunted me day and night. l
closed up shop, destroyed all evil
dence OF my operations and became
lost to the world.
one night a watchman's attention
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