Chapter VII.More Denouements.
More Denouements.
Bythis time, the old lady had finished her memoranda, and she now produced a small book which seemed to contain much data.
“I have not tried to adopt any system in regaling you with my story, but have taken it up by piece-meal, believing that it would be of more interest and, if you do not object, I will continue in the same way.”
I assured her that I was very deeply interested and that the story would be received with much delight by all and begged that she proceed in her own good way.
“For 50 years prior to the present date, the subject of cremation has been vigorously discussed both by press and pulpit and now the people are ready to give up their ancient pagan ideas of burying the dead and have adopted the cleaner, and more economical method of cremation. Cemeteries have been turned into play grounds, tombstones removed and no vestige of the former gruesome abode of the dead is visible.
“This new order of disposing of those who have passed away was at first very bitterly opposed by members of some of the orthodox churches, but the innovation was finally conceded to be right and that it did not conflict with the teachings of any church and it has become the general custom.
“A favorite way of disposing of the ashes is to take them up in an air vehicle out over the Pacific Ocean where the urn is emptied and the ashes carried away by the four winds.
“It is strange how some people want the whole earth and would like to have it fenced off,” pursued the oldlady. “When the science of practical, safe and easy air travel became fully demonstrated some property owners had the audacity to erect a sign on their buildings warning all flying machines from trespassing over their property.
“One prominent lawyer who owns property down on First Street was one who objected to having his space invaded by flying machines. He was asked how high in the air he owned and replied, ‘Clear up to the sky.’
“In carrying out this idea, a railroad company recently petitioned the City Commissioners to give them an undisturbed and sole privilege of all space in the air up Seventh Street from the height of 100 feet to 500 feet and excluding all other air vehicles from trespassing on this ‘right of way’ up Seventh to Grant and over the Broadway bridge. I am glad to say the City Commissioners declined this arbitrary spoliation of God’s free air and the franchise was refused.”