Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 1.djvu/185

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE.
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wherever there are any, have ever been directed to that point. How then could this object be effected, if the transept in the instance of Westminster Abbey is opened as proposed? Two bodies of persons will be seated in the church, one of which would look exactly into the faces of the other, if the view were not interrupted by a third body occupying the present seats and standing-room in the choir; surely the effect of such an arrangement would be incongruous and irreverent. The persons who would occupy the seats in the transept would be those who coming late could not obtain a sitting in the choir, as they could not see either the clergy, the choristers, or the Altar, and, in all probability, hear very imperfectly the service; all that would be gained by the alteration, would be a body of persons constantly moving and endeavouring to obtain a better seat, to the annoyance of the service and of those who were attentive listeners. It will however be asked, how can the increasing congregation be provided for if the transepts are kept in their present state? The answer to this is, that the nave offers sufficient accommodation for any congregation which may be reasonably expected to assemble there. If the proposed accommodation is given in the nave, it will be strictly in accordance with Church principles, and will occasion no alteration in the choir, at least no alteration destructive of its ancient character. A pamphlet has recently been published in the shape of a letter addressed to the Dean and Chapter, in which an arrangement of seats in the nave has been advocated, and a plan appended to the pamphlet shews the entire practicability of the alteration. The only objection to the plan is, that it contemplates an alteration in the present dimensions of the choir; in other respects it appears to present a possible arrangement, and which might be effected without any alteration in the choir." Mr. Carlos then proceeded to make some suggestions as to steps which ought to be taken to secure this noble monument from any unnecessary innovations and injuries. It was stated confidently before the Committee that there existed at present no decided intention on the part of the Dean and Chapter to make the reported alterations; and Mr. Carlos's communication was therefore reserved for future consideration.

The following letter in reference to Mr. Sydenham's communication, has been received by Mr. C. R. Smith.

My Dear Sir,

You expressed a wish to be apprized of what might transpire in regard to the menaced destruction of the majority of the barrows in Greenwich Park. I grieve to have to report that the efforts made for their preservation have failed. The Vandalic spirit of utilitarianism has prevailed; and the monuments of a thousand years have yielded to its influence.

A public meeting of the inhabitants was fixed for last evening, and, in the meanwhile, memorials were presented to Mr. Sidney Herbert, the Secretary to the Admiralty, to Lord Haddington, the First Lord of that Board, and to the Earl of Lincoln, as the head of the Woods and Forests' Committee. The immediate result was that the works were suspended, and that an interview was appointed for Thursday on the locus in quo. The Earl of Lincoln, the Hon. Mr. Herbert, and the Hon. Mr. Corry, then attended, with a numerous staff of engineers; and the vicar of the parish (who has acted with much earnestness in the matter) urged the objection to the proposed measure, the force of which was admitted. Other spots were suggested for substitution, and it was arranged that the vicar should the same evening be informed of the result of a deliberation between the authorities. That result was, that the work was to proceed as previously ordered, and that the Admiralty