The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1877-07-18
What Freedom of city, Means.

The presentation to General Grant, OF the
freedom of the City Of London, 10 gold box
is announced BY cable. Although is is common
enough in our country, where freedom of the
city has no meaning, for city authorities to ex-
tend that empty compliment, in London it has
meaning, and is no hackneyed courtesy. The
City" is municipality within the metropolis of
London, ruled for the most part By its own gov
eminent, whilst the rest Of London is governed
mainly under authority of Parliament The
Lord Mayor has privileges which put him face
10 face with the Sovereign, and within the city
limits be takes precedence of all the ROYAL
Family. In fact. by custom, tie Sovereign can
not enter the city without the Lord Mayors
formal PERMISSION. The Corporation of the City
of London cling to their ancient rights and pri-
vIleges, and the profer of the warrant of their
franchise is regarded by them as a tender of the
most precious thing they possess. 1t is prof
Ter made only to such eminent personages as
they specially desire to honor. Among those
to whom the freedom Of the city has been ex-
tended, are General Butcher. Monsieur Theirs.
and the Emper0rs of France. Russia, Persis, aud
Turkey. 1t is always regarded as the highest
compliment that can be paid by London to a
distinguished man aud his country. Certain
British peers hold the right by Inheritance.
The ceremonial attending the presentation of the
franchise is simple aud impressive The citizens
Of the city Of London, meeting at Guldhall. vote
TO bestow their warrant, and, after notifying
General Grant, be will, upon some convenient
occasion, appear before the City Chamberlain to
receive IT. His name will be enrolled. in the
books, with the name OF the clerk and officers of
the City Chamber as his eompurgators," who
make themselves responsible for his good ciii-
zenship The Chamberlain then administers the
oath Of fidelity, shakes hands with him, ana gives
him, in gold box, parchment slip warrantiug
to him and his children dwelling within seven
miles OF the city, " the franchise of a Freeman
OF London" This carries with il various rights
and privileges. He may carry on any retail
trade in the city without being taxed for the
goods he brings 10. If be elects to live within
the city he will be free from all tolls aud Gus
toms throughout all England and ports of the
sea- His children, being left orphans will have
the right to become wards Of the CITY. ard out
their property for safe keeping into the City
Chamber. he also has the right to hunt within
the county of Middlesex. though possibly be may
not find any game. He is also-and this is very
good thing for az American, more appreciated
formerly than noI-exempted from compulsory
service in the British army or navy. 1t il quite
probable that banquet at the Guildhall will
mark the presentation-for E1giishmen do no.
thing without banquet, Just as Americans can
do little without oratory. although the latter
rather iske 10 banquet tOo-but, eonceding the
round OF dinners our tx President is undergoing.
be viii probably by that time be seasoned to his
succession Of fesstings.-Phil. Ledger.