+More Denouements.+
By this 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 old lady. "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."