29 DECEMBER 1877, Page 3

Mr. Welby-G-regory, writing to Wednesday's Times from Denton Hall, Grantham,

proposes a new and somewhat original solution .of the vexed question of Burials in Churchyards. He would have that part of the service which is conducted at the grave con- -ducted in the church, so that all burials, whether those of Churchmen or of Dissenters, should be put on the same footing, and no part of the service performed, in either case, in the Church- yard. He supposes that in this way the Dissenters would be put on an equality with Churchmen, and that the whole of the religious service would necessarily be conducted either in the -chapel or church, or in the private residence of the deceased. But the rites at the grive are the most solemn of all, and rites which Churchmen and Dissenters alike will be the least willing to celebrate elsewhere ; and accordingly we fear that this proposal to get rid of the claim of the Dissenters for bread, by binding Churchmen rigorously to starve themselves, will not be received with any great enthusiasm by either party. When the commander of an army whose provisions have run short, puts himself on half or quarter rations in order not to fare better than his men, no doubt he establishes a claim to their fidelity and gratitude. But if with plenty of provisions in camp he does the same,—only because ho would rather starve himself than feed them, —he will getsmall thanksand no loyalty for his pains.