The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-06-09
What Freedom of City" Means.

The Philadelphia Ledger of June I'd
says The presentation to Gen. Grant, Of
"the freedom of the City of London, in a
gold box" is announced by cable. Al.
though it is common enough in our coun.
try, where the freedom Of the city" has
no meaning, for city authorities to extend
that empty compliment, in London it has
meaning, and is no common hackneyed
courtesy. "The City is municipality
within the metropolis of London, ruled for
the most part by its own government.
whilst the rest Of London is governed
mainly under authority of Parliament
The Lord Mayor has privileges which put
him face TO face with the Sovereign, and
within the city limits he takes precedence
of all the Royal family. In fact, by Gus
tom, the Sovereign cannot enter the city
without the Lord Mayors formal permis-
sion. The Corporation of the City of
London cling to their ancient rights and
privileges, and the proffer of the warrant
OF their franchise is regarded by them as
tender of the most precious thing they
possess. 1t is profier made only to such
eminent personages as they specially desire
to honor. Among those TO whom the
freedom of the city" has been extended
are General Blucher, Monsieur Thiers, and
the Emperors Of France, Russia, Persia
and Turkey. 1t is always regarded as the
highest compliment that can be paid by
London to distinguished man and his
country. Certain British peers hold the
right by inheritance. The ceremonial at
tending the presentation of the franc hise
is simple and impressive. The citizens of
the City of London, meeting at Guidhall,
vote to bestow their warrant, and. after
notifying General Grant, he will, upop
some convenient occasion, appear before
the City Chamberlain to receive it. His
name will be enrolled in the book, with
the name Of the clerk and officers of the
City Chamber as his "compurgators, /" who
make themselves responsible for his good
citizenship. The Chamberlain then ad.
ministers the oath of fidelity, shakes hands
with him, and gives him, in gold box, a
parchment slip warranting to him and to
his children dwelling withing seven miles
OF the city, "the franchise of Freeman
of London." This carries with il yarious
rights and privileges. He may carry on
any retail trade in the city without being
taxed for the goods he brings in. If he
elects to live within the city he will be
free from tolls and customs "throuehout
all England and ports of the sea-" His
children, being left orphans, will have the
right to become wards of the city, and put
their property for safe keeping into the
Clty Chamber. He also has the right 10
hunt within the county Of Middlesex,
though possibly be may not find any game
lie is also-and this is a very good thing
for an American, more appreciated form,
erly than now--he is also exempted from
compulsory service in the British army q,
navy. II is quite probable that a bapSueI
at the Guildhall will mark the presenta.
tion-for Englishmen do nothing without
banquet, just as Americans can do it'll,
without oratory, although the latter rathe,
take to banquets too--but concedinp III,
round Of dinners our Ex- President is nm
dergoing, he will probably by that tim,
be seasoned TO his succession Of feastines