The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1880-11-06 00:00:00

THE HABERDASHERS' COMPANY AND

LADY BURDETT- COUTTS.

In London, on Monclay afternoon, a special court of the
Haberdashers' Company was held at the Hall, Gresham-
street, to present the freedom and livery of the com-
pany to the Baroness Burdett-Coutts. The master,
Mr. J. A. Archer, and the wardens received the
Baroness and her friends in the drawing-room, and
thence proceeded to the court-room. The Clerk read
the resolution of the court that the freedom should be
conferred on the Baroness, and administered the
declaration to the Baroness, who inscribed her name
in the freedom book. Motion was made by
the Lord Mayor, seconded by Mr. Alderman
Stone (who said this was the first time the
company had exercised the privilege under the
charter of Queen Elizabeth admitting ladies),
that the livery of the company should also be con-
ferred on the Baroness; an'd this having been agreed
to her ladyship was clothed with the livery-gown of
this company, which in her case consisted of white
cashmere lined with blue silk. The master said he
was desired to express the high satisfaction at the
opportunity afforded them of conferring upon Baroness
Burdett-Coutts the freedom and livery of the com-
pany. The Court of Assistants begged leave to en-
dorse the universal testimony which the civilised world
had been glad to bear to the judicious and extensive
benevolence exhibited by her ladyship to advance the
temporal and spiritual interests of her fellow-
citizens, not forgetting the very humblest classes
of society; nor-could they omit to mention the charac-
teristic interest which she had constantly exhibited in
acts and words of kindness in her endeavours to
ameliorate the condition of the animal creation. In
conclusion he requested her ladyship to accept a gold
medallion bearing the company's arms, and having an
inscription commemorative of the honour that day
conferred upon the Haberdashers' Company; and in
accordance with ancient custom he now offered her
the right hand of welcome, and gallantlrjkissed the
lady's hand: The new haberdasher was introduced to
each member of the court.

Lady Burdett-Coutts said when the heart wa:s full
words were but lame instruments of 4ixpression. To
use a homely phrase, she was touched to the quick ;
but pain and pleasure did not find a ready exponent in
the tongue. She begged the court to accept in the
simplest words her acknowledgment of the great
satisfaction she felt at the honour that had been
conferred upon her. She hoped, if it had been
possible for Queen Elizabeth to look down upon
the ceremony, she would not be displeased with
the addition now made to this company (hear,
hear), and she trusted that the incident might
give satisfaction to our own gracious and honoured
Sovereign. An act like this had, however,
public and wider interests than that of mere
personal friendliness and kindliness of appreciation of
a life which had been spent almost wholly in London
and its precincts. She could_ not but feel that the
is an honotir confe-rred upon themseis..—liiis com-
pany, which was distinguished by large and
important educational establishments must kßow
know almost better than any one how vast a number
of women, indeed, and men too, following the numerous
avocations to be found in this great metropolis
were working in unknown spheres, contributing to
the honour, glory, and safety of our country. As there
were moments in every person's life when a kindly
appreciation of services was peculiarly grateful, so
she could not but think at this moment, when so
much distress existed, when the wail of sorrow and
turmoil was heard all round us, and especially not
very far from our shore,—it would be a great grati-
fication to those who were pursuing humble duties,
whether rich or poor, to find that this court recognised
such services in her. (Hear, hear.) She hoped she
did not arrogate too much to herself in offering to the
Master and Wardens the thanks of all such persdns as
she had described.

At the close of her address Lady Burdett Coutts
was loudly applauded. A luncheon followed.