Disposal of our dead by cremation

The subject of to-night's paper is perhaps a somewhat sad one, and appeals largely to the sentimental part of our natures, but it is nevertheless of the greatest importance from a sanitary point of view, and that shall be my apology for bringing it under your notice. The disposal of our dead by some other and better method than earth burial is one of the sanitary reforms that must be adopted sooner or later. Cremation is the only practicable mode that we know of at present, which gives the greatest protection to the living, and if decently and reverently carried out cannot insult the dead nor hurt the feelings of those left to mourn their loss. Old time usages and prejudices have led many to believe that earth burial is the only Christian method, and that cremation is of heathenish origin, and all those who advocate the burning of dead bodies are without religious feeling. I trust I will be able to show you that not only need no religious feelings be violated, but that the beautiful service for the dead may be made even more impressive. Still there are some who will have sentimental objections to urge, but as we become better acquainted with the life history of disease germs, and the part they play in the causation of infectious diseases, we will be forced, whether we like it or not, to find a more sanitary way of disposing of our dead than by our present mode of burial. It may be the full benefit of cremation would not be felt in our time, but assuredly our children's children would enjoy the good that would come of it when our colony is more densely populated and our cities more crowded.