Omaha daily bee., 1902-02-14
HONORS TO CHAMBERLAIN
Lsrd Mayer Of LCndsn Presents Him with
Freedom u the City.
SECRETARY MAKES NOTABLE ADDRESS
Unity of Empire Involved in the
Struggle In south Africa-Out-
lines Causes which
g 90 the War.

LONDON, Feb. 1s.-TSis metropolis be-
slowed It's highest distinction on Joseph
Chamberlain, the colonial secretary, today,
when, at Guild hall, II conferred on him the
freedom OF the city in a gold casket. Mrs.
Chamberlain accompanied her husband and
they were greeted on their arrival with a
fanfare Of trumpets. Mr.. and Mrs. Cham
berlain we're conducted to the library, where
they were received by the lord mayor, Sir
Joseph c. Dimsdele, and the lady mayoress.
The hall was crowded, among those present
being Mr.. Chamberlain political colles CUES
and adherents. who duly applauded the be-
stowal OF the city's freedom. The address
In connection with the presentation con-
graduated Mr.. Chamberlain on the services
he had rendered to the empire during the
last twenty-five years, dwelling specially
on the way he has welded the colonies to-
gether.
In replying Mr.. Chamberlain disclaimed
any intention Of making political capital
out Of the occasion. but he said he thought
he might. in behalf OF the government,
make an appeal for national support. The
government had two great national objects
in view-to establish beyond question Brit
lsh authority in South Africa and to main
tain the unity Of the empire. Both objects
were involved in the South African war.
The war would always be memorable, be-
cause 1t had called out a greater military
EFFORT than ever before asked from Great
Britain and because IL had shown to friend
and foe the potential strength and mex
haustible resources Of the empire. He
had not thought 1t necessary to stoop to
meet the imputations of national greed,
lust or personal ambition and motives sug-
gested by the Insignificant minority. since
the war had the approval Of sister nations
across the seas.
Empire Was at stake.
In regard to the immediate causes of the
war, said Mr.. Chamberlain, It was not only
impossible for a great nation to allow its
subjects to be Inundated, or oppressed. its
engagements broken, and black races OPP
pressed. but the very existence Of the en-
pire was involved and the government was
pledged to continue It until the danger from
which they had escaped was forever
averted.
After a reference to shallow observers
abroad, who foretold Great Britain's down
fall" Mr.. Chamberlain concluded with q
great, glowing tribute to the colonies, who,
throughout the war, he said, had demon
strated their determination to share thl
obligations as well as the privileges Of the
empire. 1t was a long step toward
the consolidation, which was nov
within a measure Of practical accom-
plishment. He did not envy the states
man who would be willing to compromise
the issue for which the empire fought. Tn,
nation was not vindictive to its enemies
II they surrendered today they would b.
welcomed as friends tomorrow. The ex.
pulsion Of those who caused the war wa.
only q measure Of self-preservation. SINH.
larly, immunity for treason was not hu
manity, but was cruelty to the loyalist;
and to the Beers who now, in thousands
recognizing the futility Of the struggle
were aiding Great Britain to end the war
In Justice to those who had died. and al
security for the survivors, the Beers mus
: be made to recognize that they are de