The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-06-14

The Influence OF Munscipai Rights OF CITIES 4"
ths Estsbitshsoens, r, oercss and DEFENCE OF
Civti and Rels Sous MISREPRESENTATION.
The history OF London is, to great extent,
The history Of the struggles from an early period
in Eceland 10 behalf Of civil and religious liberty
euaraut ied and regulated by constitutional COM
paots
To this day the chartered rights Of the city of
London impart to it the features of democratic
municipality in the heart of a constitutional
monarchy The vested chartered rights of the
citizens of London acquired from the Parliament
and Crown at vsrious periods In their history
have remained inviolable. Royalty, in the per-
son of the sovereign, cannot enter the city with
oct the consent of tbs bord Mayor; aud neither
Parliament nor thg Queen would dare, without
the clearly expressed IN, Of the citizens of Lon
don make the slightest attempt to impair their
existing chartered rights, or to force new char
ter laws upon them without their consent
The earliest privileges bestowed upon the city
OF London were conferred by Alfred the Great
IN SS4, soon after gaining possession of it by the
expulsion Of the Danes He no sooner came into
power than be laid down a plan Of municipal 60
vernment for the city. which gradually moulded
itself into its present form. He also instituted
the Office Of Sheriff
The first fec Of moment belonging 10 England
was fitted out in Alred's reign at London.
William l., who began his reign in 1866
granted a charter to the citizens of London
Henry ], in 1877, granted another charter of
extensive privileges to the citizens, among which
was the perpetual Sberiifwick of Middlesex, which
continues to be held to the present time
In The reign of King John several other char
ters we're granted 20 the city, one of which al
lowed the citizens of London to choose q Mayor
annually or TO re-elect the Mayor, at their own
choosing.
During The contest between King John and
the Baress, the citizens of London, true to their
instincts OF liberty, inspired by the enjoyment of
municipal privileges, sided with the Barons and
took an active part in their behalf against the
sovereign; and when John was compelled to
sign the Magma Chsrta it was therein expressly
stipulated toat the city Of London should have
al It's sncient privileges and free customs, as
well by land as by water" Henry ILL., also be-
slowed several charters upon the people of Lon
don King Edward !. granted two charters to
London. BY the first, all the ancient privileges
were confirmed and additional ones bestowed
and by the second South xark was given to the
citizens in perpctuity. In this reign the city was
divided into twenty -four wards, over each Of
which presided an Alderman Henry w. also
confirmed the previous grants of privileges and
added some that were new. Edward Nv. be-
slowed the honor of knighthood on the Mayor
Recorder and twelve Of tue Aldermen. after the
battle of Barnet IL was In this reigu that
printing vas commenced in London by
William Caxtop citizen and mercer of that char
tercd ~ -
privileges upon the citizens aud merchants of
London, and did much to restrain the authority
OF the Pope ADD to encourage the manufactures
and commerce of the city and country at large.
The naughty and tyrannical Henry VIII.
attempted TO raise money without the aid of Par
lament when the citizens of London made such
determined opposition, and their example had
Elch influence throughout the kingdom, that the
King. Ia full council, abandoned his design and
granted pardon TO all who had opposed him
In 1872 the Bible was irst printed by his AL
tho-ity in London.
In Msry's reign new buildings were forbidden
to be erected in London beyond the city proper,
IA it was deemed that the city was already too
ropulous.
In the reign OF Queen Elizabeth the patriotic
citizens Of London afforded her the greatest aid
in enabling her to resist the contemplated attack
from the great Spanish Armada BY their exer-
tons they raised 10000 men, and supplied six
to the Queen knew no bouods, and their zeal, no
les than their material assistance largely con-
tibuted TO scatter and destroy the grand feet Of
the enemy, Gnd save England from the brink of
ruin
Il WAS in this reign that the Royal Exchange
wa built In 1909 the city, under James l., ac-
uured considerable accession of power and
property. II was in this reign the "Gunpowder
Plot was discovered, and an Englisb colony was
planted in Ulster, In Ireland, OF which Londoo-
derry snd Coleraue became the chief towns. 1t
wa in this reign Hugh Middleton, a native OF
North Wales, introduced water into London from
New River, near Ware At this period flag
stones were first used.
The citizens Of London having suffered severe.
ly from the exsctions OF the High Commission
and Star Chamber iu the reign Of Charles l.,
sided with toe Parliament against the King.
and ALEC coiscided with Hampden in opposition
10 the payment Of ship money
On the return Of Charles ri. the citizens OF
London, having opposed the Rump Parliament of
Richard CGomgell aided General Monk 10 bring
ing about tbe Restoration in the person of
Chsriee IL In 1860, during his reign. IL il said
6S,a50 persons fell victims to the plague. and
in 1866. Sunday. Sept ~ great fire broke
out which lasted near -four days. The amount
of property destroyed was estimated at abou.
$4,000 600.
In the reign Of the bigotted and imbecile James
IL the CITY of London united in an invitation 10
William. rrince Of Orange, 10 assume the mon
arcpy in hls stead being actuated and influenced
in their oouree by their long cherished love of
ciyii and religious liberty, which James was en-
deasosi0g. by every species Of art and fraud 10
undermine and overthrow. james, amidst such
a formidable manifestation against his authority.
soOn after, amidst deep humiliation, was made TO
resgs his crown, and was afterwards rode
through the streets Of London on poor horse
AN object of deriion aud contempt
In the reign OF William aud Mary ON act was
passed by which all proceedings OF former reisns
against the city charters were reversed. and all
tAsriEbts and privileges of the citizens were
fully re-sstsbiished. In 1922. during the Kings
sbserce ia Holland, the Queen borrowed about
$4,000, 600 OF the city to meet the exigencies Of
government In 1927. in this reign, the privi-