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    decided that the Mayor might do as he pleased in such matters , and ordered the acquittal of M . Charles Bouras and the co-desecrators of his brother ' s grave . The defence , I think , must be admitted by all impartial persons to be grounded on untruth , and to be a paltry subterfuge . Supposing . the alleged intention to transport the brother ' s remains to be correct , and that orders were given for a thirty years grave only , would it have been any more than decent to have allowed the corpse to repose in peace until the removal could be effected , even though the additional cost should be HL ? or why was not the removal made at once ? If the deed was not one to be ashamed of , it is not likely that the

    disinterment would have been effected in the dead of night after the fashion of resurrectionists ; and how came it that the man and wife , whose grief was so acute as not to allow them to follow the funeral , coultl aid in and superintend the surreptitious digging up and reburial of the dead ? One would have thought that , if no affection existed in the breasts of the brother and sister-in-law a . regard for decent appearance would have forbidden the desecration of one who , besides being so near a relative , had bequeathed these unnatui-. nl kindred a handsome fortune . But no ; the paltry love of money , and contemptible greed to save 14 Z ., led thflin to violate the sanctuary of death , which the most barbarous nations , the most ignorant savages , have in all ages respected .

    It must not be supposed that this disregard of the better feelings of our nature is rare and exceptional among those who caH themselves the upper class of Trench society—la crcine de la crC-me . To the exposure in the police-court I will add a case which has recently pccurred , and which has been brought under my notice . The week before last there d ied suddenly , after dinner , at his country seat in the Seine-et-Marne , 31 . le Baron de Beauverger , ancient Prefet . and member of the L . egion of Honour . Almost immediately after death , the body was sent off by the railway to be buried in Paris , at Pere Liachaise . Instead of sending it to the deceased ' s residence in the IJue Chauchat , a private house—which would have necessitated the expenditure

    of additional fees—the corpse was received at the station by the agents of the Funerals Company ( Pompes Funebres ) . and by them carted off to the cemetery . No member of the family—although there were two sons and a son-in-law—followed the remains , to perform the last sad offices of . respect , and to do reverence to the memory of the dead . Like ordinary merchandise ,, the corpse was carted away , with nothing but the scant and purchased show of respect which the hired servants of _ lhe company might or might not choose to exhibit . An Englishman who had known the baron , and heard of his death , was anxious to rentier him the last honours . He managed to reach Pore L , achaise in time to see the member of

    earth shovelled in upon the remains . N " o the family—no servant—no friend—was there to say " Amen !" " to the prayer for resurrection in another life . Nor is this all . The notices of the death which set forth the titles of the family—how one son \ yas Deputy to the Corps Legislatif . and Conseiller of the Department—how the son-in-law was Roferondaire , &c—were not distributed until after burial , because , in order to save the halfpenny postage on each , they were entrusted to a menial to leave at peoples doors . I am very happy to bear my humble testimony that what are called the uneducated and working classes ot Franco are not gangrened by this love for gold , and are not forgetful of the respect due to the dead . I never see a tho relatives

    affection ; but this last was uppermost , and he declared that he desired to return home with his parents , brothers , and sisters . I told him that he was born a Jew , and that lie ought , like us , to remain steadfast in the faith . ' Dear mother , ' said he , 'I never fail to repeat the Sceman ( Jewish prayer ) every day . ' I told Mm that we were at Home to have him , and that we would not leave without him . The rector , his brother , and his sisters , were present at this interview , and did not know what to say . " The Ultramontane and Absolutist organs of the press are addicted to quote from , English police reports whatever may appear scandalous and revolting , for the purpose- Of exhibiting it as an average sample of English When unnatural father

    morality and manners . an counselled his daughter to prostitution , and drove her to attempt self-slaughter , ftL Coquille , of the Univers , wrote that such language and conduct were common to English fathers , and the result of their Protestant faith . This gentleman , omne tetigit quod ornavit , is accustomed to ornament all he touches with a garnish of falsehood and low invective ; he is compelled to season hia compositions to suit the worn-out palates of his readers , who , if not the most curious , are the least respectable portion of the community : sinners who do not lack the inclination to sin ^ but rather the opportunities ; elderly ladies and gentlemen who passed through the delicieztx abandon of the Direccrudities of

    tory and Consulate , delight in the salacious this journal , which are slipped into long tirades against Liberty , Parliaments , and Protestantism . The piquant dose of nastiness is conveyed in a lesson of morality , and there is consequently nothing surprising that those whose literary amusement is derived from sources similar to Holy well-street should be the chief subscribers to the Univei-s . Looked upon with disgust by the great body of Catholics—both clergy and laity—it is the refuge from ennui of Lais , in her old age , and of discarded knights , like Sir Pandarus of Troy . . . . Now , I trust it will not be considered intrusive or out of place if , following the example of the Univers ., Constitutionnel , and Gazette de France , except as regards their weakness for dirtiness and falsehood , I endeavour to glean some insight into the present condition of society here from

    capacity to obtain the condemnation of Orsmi and his accomplices at the beginning of the year . Better , far better qualified is M . Chaix d'Est Ange to adulate power as he did in the following terms : "In the midst of different trials of incessant difficulties which beset the possession of power , what sovereign has ever shown himself more calm and . moderate than ours ? "When was his goodness found at fault . Can it be said that ever in his high fortune he allowed himself to be carried away by anger ? It is he'also , it is his example , that have taught moderation

    us benevolence . , . . Everywhere his is equal to his firmesss . TVThile to the utmost limits of the earth be upheld by our arms both the eclat of his name and the honour of France , here he anticipates all our wants , and seeks , with his own eyes , to interrogate and to learn . What a lesson for us , gentlemen , and what an example ! Indefatigable in his love of good , accessible to all , a benevolent address , he listens to complaints and prayers , and those whom he cannot satisfy , he , at all events , encourages and consoles ! state that the

    Having spoken of admonition , I may letter to Prince Napoleon a propos of the Charles-et-Georges , is looked upon as containing a double meaning , and to be a reprimand address , sub rosd , to the Pontifical Government . It is pretty certain that between ^ the Empire and the Papal See no great affection exists . The remonstrances of the official people have been treated with what looks like contempt . The only answer that has been obtained from Rome to the humble prayers to restore young Mortara to his parents has been the everlastingly expected Non possumus . I subjoin some further details which are likely to make the scandal greater .

    During the jonrney from Bologna to Rome , the child did nothing but cry , asking to be taken back to his father and mother . The brigadier ( sergeant of horse ) who had charge of him , sought to forcibly place a rosary round his neck , which , he resisted as long as he could , refusing to kiss it , and crying aloud for the name of God in Hebrew , which Israelite children are accustomed to wear . All this has been witten to an inhabitant of Bologna and confirmed by the parents of the child in the presence of the rector of Catechnmen . At a visit of the father to his son , he said that , he hoped to obtain - the Pope ' s permission to take him back to Bologna , and the child cried quite joyfully that that was what he desired , should he be obliged to sleep in the

    cartheir own published law reports , and to show how inordinate is the greed of gain among the wealthy classes- In the papers of yesterday is an account of a trial which took place on the 5 th instant , before the Tribunal Ccrrectionnel of Privas . M . Charles Bouras , formerly registrar of mortgages in the department : of the Ardeche , was summoned before the police-court , and accused of violation of sepulture . The court was crowded with magistrates , public authorities , and functionaries , and elegantly dressed ladies . And this is what came out on the trial : —M . Guide Bouras , who for thirty years had been judge otthe Tribunal de Premiere Instance at Privas , died on the 28 th of last September , and was buried on the following morning at nine o ' clock . He left to his brother , the accused , 6400 / ., who already possessed a fortuno of 32 , 000 ? . On the day of interment Charles Bouras and his wife declined to follow the deceased

    riage the three days necessary for the journey . " W"hen the father and mother arrived in Rome , they learned that their child had been removed to Alatri , fifty miles from the capital . The mother , although broken down by fatigue and grief , determined to proceed thither iinmediately with her husband . Arrived at Alatri , they got a woman to accompany them to the rector , whom they found was at mass , and had taken the child with him . The . Signor Mortara left his wife in the rector ' s house , and went to meet at last his beloved son ; but a brother of the rector had preceded him , and when he was seen under an arcade that is before the church , the door was immediately shut against him . The unhappy father decided then to wait in the street , and a short

    afterwards he saw hia son leave the church , between the rector and the rector ' s brother ; but iustead of going towards him ( the father ) , they took an opposite direction , dragging the child with them , who kept constantly turning round to see his father , and to run to kiss him . The father returned to the rector ' s house , where he had left hia wife , and waited for two hours in vain for the arrival of his son . Going to the window , he perceiyed that two gendarmes were watching the street , and not doubting that it was for him they were there , he wont out with his wife to learn their intentions ; the gendarmes followed them step by step without saying anything . Soon they ( the Jewish couple ) perceived a , mob gather round them that pointed to them in a

    to the tomb , alleging that they desired not to obtrude their grief on public notice , but to weep in silence over the loss of their brother and benefactor . They gave full power to a friend to do what was necessary to the interment , and he , considering the position of the deceased , his fortune , and the fortune of his heirs , ordered a firstclasa funeral and freehold grave . A week afterwards the secretary of tho mayor called on M . Charles Bouras , who happened to be from home , for 18 / ., the price of a freehold grave , or perpetual concession , as it is called . The aeoretary then saw the . wife , who said that her husband had spoken to her of a concession trcntenairc ( a grave that would not bo disturbed for thirty years ) , for which she was not to pay more than 31 . 11 s . 8 d ., and

    threatening manner , and they ' learned that the frightful slander had been spread abroad that they had coine thither to slay their infant . Seeing their danger , the unhappy pair returned to the hotel , where they were joined by a quarter-master of gendarmerie and an in * spector of police -who asked them for their passports , and , after having obtained posseasion of them , gave the Jewish pair the order to follow to tho governor of the town . The last-named personage told them that he was not ignorant of tho object of their journey to Alatri , but that all steps to see their son would bo -useless , since the Bishop , knowing the Pope had not given hia permission for it , ¦ would never consent to it . Lastly , the Governor signified to them the order to leave Alatri within two hours . Returned to Rome , tho Mortara found a more kindly

    rowhich she was then ready to pay . The secretary refused to accept this sum . M . Charles was written to , "who came back forthwith , and proceeded to tho mayor ' s office ; ho declared to tho secretary that hia orders had been exceeded , that ho only desired a concession trentcnaire , and that he would pay no more than 3 / . lie . 8 d . The secretary answered that the thing was done , and could not be altered ; moreover , that ho had nothing to do with the matter . From the aecrotary M . Charles Bouras wont to tho mayor , to whom ho related tho saino story , and from whom l ) o got the same answer , with the additional observation that the authorities did no more than obey tho instructions of his , M . Charlea ' s , ftgont , who managed the funeral . A long diaousaion followed , in tho courao of which M . Charlea remarked that ho

    ception , and the Secretary of State promised the mother to have the child brought back to Rome for her to see him . " May God render mo worthy of him ! " exclaimed tho mother , in tears . In abort , Friday , 22 nd October , she received , him in her arms , and this is how tho unhappy woman describea the Intorviow to one of her friends at Bologna ;— " Thia morning my husband and myself were directed to the Catechumen ; wo found our eon and the rector , who , had arrived at tho sama time from Alatri . Wo went up directly , And our dear Edgar flew into our anna . Convulsive and trembling , I em . braced him without censing , inul ho returned mo with the same warmth embraces nrul kisses . He was moved , Inflamed , and struggled , while in tours , botwoou tho fear of those who doraineored ovorliim nod hia unaltered filial

    should find a monns of avoiding payment . The upshot was that a permission , more or loss formal , was given to disinter hia bothcr ' a corpse . In tho courao of the night M . Charloa Bourns , his wife holding a wretched lantern , tho gravodlgger , and his five assistants , dug up tho body of the so-lamentqa brother , and cast the corpse , without ceremonies or praycra , and furtively , into a thirty yeara grave ,, ( Venn dug ; and so thla man , a French mllllonnairo , saved ljWC 8 s . 4 d . . Throe , days after tho doaeonitlon became known , and tho public prosecutor took it up , Tho dofonoo , presented by M . Nogont St , Lnurona , of the Paris bar , consisted in tho allegation that Af . Charles Bourns intended , floino time or other , to rowovo hia brothor ' a corpse to a ohapol in hia country scat At Froyolnot , in the department of the Drdtno . TUorcourt

    poor funeral pass that is not followed by , friends , and acquaintances even , of tho deceased , luey follow with respectful demeanour and uncovered heads , through rain and snow , and piercing winds , « ml >» rJ'l best attire , the poor corbillard on its and journey . A" ° y gather round tho fosse commune , standing in mud , mire , and sprinkle with tho aign of man ' s rodemption tno bare elm coffin before it Is piled up with ethers in tne common ditch . If a mnn diea who waa employed in « n atelier , not one oC hia follows , be tho acquaintance over so alight , would abstain from following him to the grim ? , and this mark of respect is paid , ho it ramembcroU , ot tho sacrifico of tho day's wages . Your rondora will »«« , I trust , fancy that in those remarks I seek to follow m tho footsteps of Mr . Bright by abasing tlio rich niw unduly oxnlting tho people . 1 mcroly relate wllft » '" ft l olltlc

    ono may witness for liimsolf here , and have no » j " capital to make , no ill will to gratify , by inilultfi » t , " » misrepresentation . ' Tho French moneyed elussos mi , generally spooking , rotten to tho core . They lm \ o »" real patriotism , and could they hava broug ht it "" ° " ' would have deaortod the English allianco in I " " ™""} war . They arc ignorant of family lovo-tlie ''>> > ' 1 U looking upon the increase of family as an iin" » tunato addition to hia expenditure , niul reaou ¦ " ¦ fa to moans to prevent it —tho son looking "I 10 " " 1 " father as tho withholdor of hia pronorty . * ¦»« . 1 have no sympathy with humanity , and nro Jli on l ' n % " tho most trifling solf-saoriflco . Jn ahort , llioy ftl « ' , veriest alavos that over bowed down ana worem ' boforo the slirina of tho Golden Calf . 1 lio vroi « "b clnasoa nro mndo of it very dlflbront stiifl , « " «• ao " appear to belong to the sanio rnoe . I will iiqmit . groat an o . \ tont as thoir most inveterate dotpnotoi can . wish , thoir many falling . They nro frivolous at times , niul , In moments of political frenzy , perhaps « rl "' 1 ' * though 1 boliove thouUnnooont of thu atrouitios c «»

    Untitled Article

    1216 THE ~ L E A D E R . [ No . 451 , November 13 , 1858 .

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), Nov. 13, 1858, page 1216, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2268/page/8/