SIR,—I admire the courage of your observations (Spectator, October 21st)
as to the " burial " of the lamented Sir Hemy Irving in Westminster Abbey. They reflect the opinions of many not daring to express them. But for the sudden and tragic end of the popular favourite, such sepulture would probably have occurred to no one, least of all, to him- self. It practically originated in the hysterical exclamation of a comrade overcome with sudden grief. Once started, it took on. No one to whom such a memorial was presented for signature could well refuse. Nor could the Dean of Westminster, unsupported by any Council or Committee, easily decline to give effect to it. Ought there not to be some body to whom the Dean could refer ? If not his own Chapter, then say a Committee consisting, maybe, of the Lord Chan- cellor, the Speaker, the Prime Minister, the First Com- missioner of Works,—five with himself. All who knew Sir Henry Irving liked and respected him as an individual. Some appreciated his acting. But it is not easy to discover the national service rendered to the Empire, which by general consent should be the sole passport to the small remaining space in the 'national Valhalla. Irving honourably followed an honourable calling, but for private gain. Nothing that he did can live or benefit posterity. He was a favourite actor, and that is all. Sentimental and excitable as are our good friends the French, they have an extraordinary sense of the fitness of things. Can any one imagine the interment (may it be long hence !) of Sarah Bernhardt in the Pantheon ? Yet the one has ennobled the actor's profession as much as the other, and made it also a valuable instrument of charity. Moreover, was there not something too theatrical in the ceremony of last week ? By his own laudable wish, the body of Sir Henry Irving was cremated. His ashes filled a tiny casket. And yet, by the newspaper accounts, these ashes appear to have been placed in a full-sized oak coffin, and this laid in a grave. For the " ashes " of the illustrious dead in suitable receptacles there is ample room in the Abbey for many generations, if there is insistence on real and very
• conspicuous Imperial service. But it is hardly fitting that the ground area that is left should be encroached upon by an
all but empty box.—I am, Sir, &c., ONLOOKER.
THE CHINESE IN SOUTH AFRICA.
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