THE WRECK OF THE STELLA ' AND THE LAPIDARY STYLE.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] Sirs,—Whilst glad to see in the Spectator of May 20th " K's " excellent suggestion in memory of the noble 'Stella' stewardess, it is a still greater pleasure to say his wishes are already carried out. The well-known and honoured Miss Frances Power Cobbe at once wrote to the Times, offering the noble contribution of 225 for a similar effort, although too engaged to work it. This has been done by another lady. I know not exactly how far this good cause has progressed, but I enclose Miss Cobbe's words for the inscription, which I trust may speak to many a heart. I may add that any surplus will be devoted to benefit Mrs. Rogers's two children.—I am, Sir, d:c., 95 Onsloto Square, May 2nd. Arm MABsTax.
"In Memory of The Heroic Death of . MARY ANNE ROGERS, Stewardess of the Stella,' Who, Amid the confusion and terror of shipwreck, Aided all the passengers under her charge To quit the vessel in safety ; Giving her own life-belt to one who was unprotected. Summoned in her turn to make good her escape, She refused ; Lest she might endanger the heavily-laden boat. Cheering the departing crew With the friendly cry of Good-bye Good-bye I ' She was seen, a few momenta later, As the 'Stella' went down, Lifting her arms upwards with the prayer,
'GOD HAVE ME I
Then sank in the waters with the sinking ship.
Actions such as these— Steadfast performance of Duty in the face of death, Ready self-sacrifice for sake of others, Reliance on GOD,— Constitute the glorious heritage of our English race. They deserve perpetual commemoration ; Because Among the trivial pleasures and sordid strife of the world They recall to us for ever The nobility and love-worthiness of human nature."
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