At an early period you will have to determine what appointments will be requisite, with a view to the architectural and other designs of your cemetery, to its economical planning and decorations, to the superintendence of its daily working, to its financial management, to the conveyance of bodies, and to all intramural organisation connected therewith. Minute details will be best considered when these appointments are made, and when you will naturally have the benefit of such practical experience as may best assist your deliberations.
For the task on which you are engaged extends, I need hardly say, far beyond the purchase of certain acres for your burial-ground. It implies for its completion, that you shall possess an adequate plan on which the interment of your population may be managed during many succeeding generations; a plan constructed, first of all, with entire regard to the general good of the public, and next, with as little violence as may be to those habits, prejudices, and interests, which are involved in the present system of interment.
The construction of such a plan constitutes a very large question of municipal policy;—one which, because of its solemn subject, and because of the degree in which human feelings and affections are involved in it, requires to be handled with peculiar discretion and delicacy; but which not the less requires to be contemplated in a large and comprehensive manner.
I have therefore thought I should best fulfil the object of your reference, by bringing before you those general principles which lie at the root of all minute considerations: in order that, having first determined on them, and having taken one collective view of the subject, you may better know at what time, and in what order, and to what extent, you would wish the minor details to be developed for your information.
I have the honour,
&c. &c.
THE END.
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