372 
PARK AND CEMETERY 
While perfectly aware that the powerful efforts of dealers 
in monument work to encourage and direct the placing of 
stonework will strongly overbalance our efforts to discourage 
that custom in its present promiscuous use, I am nevertheless 
of the opinion and hope to see the time that, by persistent' 
and proper educational efforts on our part, combined with 
the co-operation of the enlightened and progressive patrons, 
we shall find an acceptable adjustment along these lines. 
I wish to call your attention to a subject which heretofore 
has only been touched upon superficially; it is worthy of your 
liberal-minded consideration and support. 
When we recall how much has been gained by the work of 
this association for cemeteries in larger communities, it is 
reasonable to expect much more will result if we turn our 
particular attention to reach the numerous smaller cemeteries 
throughout the country, which, as a rule, are unable to send a 
representative to our meetings, are generally not abreast of 
the times, probably mostly for want of proper knowledge and 
a systematic manner of procedure. This can be accomplished 
by the formation of auxiliary associations in each state ; in 
other words, state associations. Superintendents of cemete- 
ries in larger cities, and particularly members of this organ- 
ization, I am sure will gladly and willingly join such auxiliar- 
ies for the purpose of giving advice, information and encour- 
agement, and thus produce a strong and far-reaching influence 
over smaller communities, and be of much practical help and 
benefit in inculcating advanced methods in hundreds of coun- 
try and rural cemeteries. 
It seems to me it is our duty not to neglect this important 
matter. Cemeteries of smaller communities above all are in 
need of reform, as they are most generally in neglected con- 
ditions, due to lack of the proper spirit of reform. 
My own experience — if you will pardon persona^ allusion — 
is to note that those in charge of such cemeteries, if properly 
approached, are usually willing and eager to be taught. 
In the matter of disposing of the dead, we must admit that 
the methods of the present time indicate a stand still rather 
than progress. 
Among all classes there is to be found a feeling of repulsion 
concerning earth-burial ; this accounts for constant efforts 
to prevent the dead body from mingling with and returning 
quickly to its original elements. Mausoleums and vaults are 
erected for entombment, stone, slate, cement and metallic 
boxes are constructed to receive caskets in which the decaying 
mass will lie and molder for years, a puny effort to retard 
dissolution aside from being repulsive and undeniably dan- 
gerous to the living. 
It is difficult to conceive that even those who are far above 
the average intelligence and culture, and who pretend to a 
tender feeling and refined sentiment, are indifferent to these 
conditions. 
The time has come when the knowledge of these facts has 
brought to the intelligent and reflecting the conviction that 
they demand some better, more esthetic and effective method 
to dispose of the dead body. 
Modern science furnishes this method through cremation 
or incineration, which accomplishes in a brief space of time 
and by precisely the same process that which it requires years 
to accomplish by the immutable laws of nature. 
It is not my intention to take up any time to present the 
many reasons in favor of incineration as against direct earth 
burial or entombment ; nor will I dwell on the erroneous 
conception most people have formed of the process itself. 
Much has been written in support and explanation of this 
subject by eminent men and women, both of the clergy and 
laity, and I will refer you to such literature for enlighten- 
ment. I merely wish to add that within the last ten years 
crematories have been erected in quite a few cemeteries in 
order to meet a growing demand. 
It has been repeatedly and correctly said that the work of 
our organization has not been given the publicity which it 
deserves. If our deliberations, discussions and recommenda- 
tions are not permitted to pass beyond our own limited circle 
to reach those who give these matters little or no thought, as 
well as those who may be opposed to our views, our efforts 
will extend to and benefit comparatively few. 
Progress can only follow energetic and enthusiastic en- 
deavor on our part to convey the ideas conceived, plans ma- 
tured and innovations and reforms recommended into the 
proper channels to reach the people we wish to educate. 
Of cemetery lite*ature such as would be beneficial to pros- 
pective lot owners and the general public at large, there is 
none, practically. The daily press, periodicals and magazines 
of all descriptions fairly teem with information of the most 
varied kind, keeping the public informed and abreast of the 
times on things that are going on in every phase of life. 
Nothing, or very rarely, is anything ever offered in an educa- 
tional way to set people to thinking and discussing about 
funeral, burial or cemetery reform. It is true, we have that 
most excellent and worthy publication, “Park and Cemetery,” 
devoted almost exclusively to cemetery interests, and through 
it a medium by which proceedings of these meetings and mat- 
ters of reform reach a wide circulation among the cemetery 
fraternity. It seems to me, however, there might be ways 
and means formed to reach out additionally, and I hope a 
full discussion of this question will meet with your approval. 
It would be a great help to us all if we could devise means 
also to be in closer communication with each other. 
During the year we have been notified of the death of two 
members, Hezekiah Hulme, Jr., assistant superintendent of 
Grove Cemetery, New Brighton. Pa., and B. B. Morehouse, 
superintendent of Cortland Cemetery, Cortland, N. Y. Thus we 
are reminded again of the frailty of life and that we can 
never know when and where the dread destroyer will call. 
Our membership stands nearly the same from year to year, 
just about as many retiring as new ones join. It is to be 
regretted that there are so many of the leading cemeteries 
without representation. We need the support and good will 
of all those men engaged in cemetery management who, thus 
far, could not be induced to join us; we need their presence, 
their counsel and advice; it will strengthen bur position in 
the eyes of our directors and before the public, and we should 
use every effort possible to have them unite with us. 
