The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1877-06-09

The following article from the
Philadelphia Ledger, on what /" Free
dom of City " means, will be read with
interest by many of our readers at this
time:
The presentation to General Grant, of "the
freedom Of the City OF LonGOn, IN q gold box"
is announced by cable. Although It is common
enough IN our country, where the freedom of
the city" has no meaning, for ciUy authorities 10
extend that empty compliment, in London 1t
has q meaning and is no common hackneyed
courtesy. The City" is a municipality within
the metropolis of London, ruled tor the most
London is governed manly under authority of
Parliament The Lord Mayor has privileges
and within the city limits he takes precedence
of all the Royal family. In fact, by custom, the
Sovereign cannot enter the city without the
Lord Mayors formal permission. The Corpor'
alton of the City OF London cling to Their an:
Gent rights and privileges, ana the proHer or
the warrant OF their franchise is regarded by
they possess. II is a profer 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 Blu.
| cher, Monsieur Theirs, and the Gmper0fs OF
France, Russia, Persia and Turkey. II Is al
| ways resarded as the highest compliment that
| can be paid by London to distinguished mall
and his country. Certain British peers hold the
right by inheritance. The ceremonial attend
| ing the presentation of the franchise is simple
| and impressive. The citizens OF the city OF
London, meeting at Gulldhall, vote to Destow
their warrant, and, after notifying General
Grant, he WILL upon some convenient occasion,
| appear before the City Chamberlain to receive
| it, His name VIII be enrolled in the book, with
the name OF the clerk and officers Of The Clty
Chamber as hls "ComDurgatOrs," who make
| themselves responsible for his good citizenship,
The Chamberlain then administers the oath Of
| fidelity, shakes hands with him, and gives
| hun, in gold box ia parchment slip warrantlne
| TO him and to his children dwelling within seven
| miles of the city, "the franchise IOf a Freeman
| OF London" This carries with 1t various rights
and privileges. He NAV carry on any reIai
| trade in the city without being taxed for the
| goods he brings in. II he elects to live within
the city he Will be free from tolls and custom;
,throughout all England and ports Of the sea.
| His children, being left orphans, will have tht
| right TO become wards Of the city, and put theiI
property for safe keeping INTO the City Cham
| Der. He also has the right to huLt within the
| county OF MtddleseX, though possibly he may
not find any game He is also and this is
| very good thing for an American more appre
| ciated formerly than nOw-he is also exempted
| from compulsory service in the British army Of
navy. 1t is quite probable that banquet a
the Guildhan will mark the presentatiOn-fOl
Englishmen do nothing without a banquet, JUS
us Americans can do iittle without oIatOry, al
though the latter rather take to banquets too
but cOnceding the round of dinners our eX. Pres
ldent is undergoing. he will probably by tina
time be seasoned to his succession OF feastings