LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE WRECK OF THE 'STELLA' AND THE LAPIDARY STYLE.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")
Si,—There is one purpose, hitherto overlooked, to which the lapidary style is perfectly adapted. Why should not inscriptions be composed, as simple and dignified as the parsimonious use of words can make them, in honour of the humbler heroes who die upon the common field of duty with- out the excitement of blaring trumpet and booming cannon The memory, even of admiration, is short, and history does not record the sacrifices of private citizens. He who strikes ahlow for his country wins instant renown ; he (or she) who gloriously performs an act of bravery lives for a day in the columns of a newspaper. Now a memorial is not merely a gracious reward ; it is also an honourable incentive, and many suggestions have been made for the proper perpetuation of unselfish courage. A temple of fame has been proposed, whose walls should be decorated with commemorative paintings. But one objection seems fatal to this scheme: that which is noble is not always pictorial, and though the ancient woodcut, and the rural painting which in Southern Germany (for instance) com- memorates an accident, are efficient and appropriate, a palatial canvas, which might be seen at the Academy, appears a clumsy and improper memorial. The painter's true busi- ness is rather to decorate than to record, and to set him down to illustrate heroism is to put both him and his subject in a false light. Why, then, should not an inscription, cut upon stone, mark the cenotaph of hero or heroine Why should not a small temple be dedi- cated to bravery, on whose walls the simple praise of simple citizens might be immortalised I No vast expense, no large ambition, need interfere with the project. A blank wall or one corner of .St. Paul's would be sufficient, and nothing more is necessary, save the chisel which shall cut upon the stone a plain tribute to those who save their life for their fellows. Not long since there was au admirable occasion to celebrate an act of virtue, which without a deserved tribute is too likely to sink to oblivion. When the 'Stella' went down the stewardess not only helped all the women ,into the boats, but when she discovered that one had no lifebelt, she removed her own and gave itto the passenger. Then as a last sacrifice, she refused to overweight the already weighted boat. Such, devction is expected of the t aptain. But a stewardess would be forgiven if she took some thought of her own safety. . Why, then, .should not an, incised stone imMortaiise this act of supreme unselfishness I In all modesty I.. suggest .an, in- scription, which one. more skilled than I. ean easilY better :— "In Memory of Mary Rogers,
Stewardess of the.' Stella,' Who in the faithful discharge of simple duties
Lived unknown until the supreme sacrifice made her for ever glorious. Preferring another's safety to her own, he tranquilly surrendered her lifebelt to a stranger,
• Refused to imperil an overfreighted boat, And found, in seeking death, a deathless fame."
—I am, Sir, ctsc.,
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