The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-08-01
.gThe Freedom Of the CITY,.

Now and then il is announced in the
newspapers that some eminent man
usually an Englishman, bu. occasion
ally foreigner-has been presented
with the freedom of the city of London
in gold box"
The custom is an ancient one, and is
attended with much elaborate cere-
mony. IL is voted TO a distinguished
man by the corporation of the city of
London; a day is appointed; the com
mon council gathers in official costume
in the ancient Guildhall; certain mem
bers are appointed, who vouch for the
worthiness of the recipient of the hon
or, and who are called "compurgators;"
the new freeman" signs the roll; and
the Lord Mayor, clad in the robes of
his Office, presents the eminent man
with richly ornamented gold box, in
which is placed the certificates of his
freedom of the city"
There are four ways in which man
may become what is called freeman
of London" The first is by inheritance.
The sons of one who is already free
man have the right to be also enrolled
as freemen of the city. The second is
by "servitude or apprenticeship to a
master already freeman" The third
is by redemption, or purchase; and
the fourth is by vote of the corpo-
ration, comforting the freedom of the
city as gift, this being an honorary
distinction. All these methods are a
part of the very ancient system of the
municipal government of London city
features of which, indeed, may be
traced as far back as to the Saxon
period of English history.
The freedom of the city is conferred
upon eminent men for great variety
of achievements. 1t is given to states
men when they have done some signal
act of statecraft, or have won some no.
table success in diplomacy; to great
captains or sailors who have given
luster to British arms, or, in other
countries, have had a brilliant career; ;
to men of science, discoveries, explor-
ers and philanthropists.
1t is frequently conferred on royal
personages. On the roll of the freemen
of the city by gift during the present
century are to be found tire names of
Pitt, Brougham, Peel, Russell, Cob
den, Beaconsfeld and Salisbury for
their success as statesmen; Wellington,
Nelson, Garibaldi, Napier of Magdala,
and Wolseley for deeds of war; Jen-
ner, Rowland Hill and Shaftesbury for
philanthropy; M. de Lesseps for en-
cheering science, and Livingstone for
discovery. The royal Dukes of Kent
and Sussex and Prince Albert were
added to the list, and the Prince of
Wales and his son, Prince ALDER.
Victor, derive their freedom of the
city" by inheritance. Mr.. Gladstone
is freeman by purchase. Three great
Americans-General Grant, George
Peabody, and Henry NJ Stanley-have
also been presented with the freedom
of the city.
As practical fact, the receiving of
the freedom of the city Ivy gift of the
corporation is an honor, high, indeed,
bat without many substantial priv
leges. a freeman of the city has the
right to vote for aldermen and common
councilmen, and is eligible for those
Offices. II is needless to say, however,
that the famous men who are added in
this way to the civic roll of renown do
not avail themselves of these rights.
Yet to receive this honor is so marked
n recognition of eminence that it is
always gratefully accepted. YOUTHS
Communion.