THE BURIALS' BILL.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPEOTATOR.1
SIR,—May I add one final word, after reading Mr. Mitton's letter ? Aar. Mitton has the advantage of me technically and legally, but 1-contend that my moral position is much the stronger. I hope to see the day when the churchyard will no longer be the "parson's freehold," and I welcome the Burials' Bill as one important step towards doing away with this ancient anomaly.
As to fees, we are paid regular stipends. And I feel so strongly the degradation of my office in the eyes of the people by the .monetary quid pro quo which we call fees, that I would gladly see all fees abolished, except those for marriages.
Offerings may (and will) be made by those who can afford them ; but there will be an end to the levying clerical black-mail by the parish clerk, before he fills up the grave.—I am, Sir, &c., THE POOR CLERGYMAN.
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