The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-13

OF THE
CITY
Conferred on Colonial SscTe-
tary Chamberlain al tha
GulIdhaII in London Today.

London. Feb. l3-This metropolis be-
slowed its highest distinction on Joseph
Chamberlain. the colonial secretary. to-
day. when, at the Guildhall, 1t conferred
on him the freedom of the city. In a gold
casket
Mrs. Chamberlain (who was Miss Mary
Endicott OF Peabody, Mass.,) accom-
panied the colonial secretary. and they
were greeted on their arrival with fan
fare OF trumpets. Mr.. and Mrs. Cham
berlain were conducted 10 the library,
where they were received by the lord
mayor. Sir Joseph &. Dimsdale, and the
lady mayOress.
The hall was crowded among those
present being the colonial secretary 5 po-
ltical colleagues and adherents. who duly
applauded the recipient Of the city's free
dom. The address in connection with
presentation congratulated Mr.. Chamber
lain on the services he had rendered TO
the empire during the last . years. dwell
ing especially on the way in which he
had welded the colonies together.
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 gov
ernment make an appeal for natlonal
support: The government had two great
national objects in View-to establish be-
yond question British authority in South
Africa ahd To maintain the unity of the
empire. Both objects were involved In
the South African war The war would
ed out greater military effort than ever
before asked from Great Britain and be-
cause II had shown 10 friend and foe the
potential strength and almost lnexhaust-
bic resources OF the empire. lie had not
thought IL necessary TO stoop 10 meet the
imputations OF national greed. lust OF
territory or personal ambition and criml-
nal motives suggested by the insignificant
minority. since the war had the approvai
OF sister nations across the seas.
In regard To the immediate causes or the
war. continued Mr.. Chamberlain, IL was
not only impossible for great nation 10
allow its subjects 10 be Inundated or op-
pressed. it's engagements broken and
black races oppressed. but the very ex-
istence of the empire was involved ana
the government was pledged 10 continue
II until the danger from which they haze
escaped was forever averted. After a
reference TO shallow observers abroad,
who foretold Great Britains downfall, Mr..
Chamberlain concluded with paying a
glowing tribute TO the colonies, who,
throughout the war, had demonstrated
their intention TO share the obligations as
wei as the privileges of the empire
1t wsaS long step towards the con-
solidation which was now within measure
Of practical accomplishment. He did not
envy the statesman who would be willing
to compromise the issue for which the
empire fought. The nation was not vim
dicative TO its enemies. If they sur
rendered today they would be welcomed
friends tomorrow. The expulsion OF
those who caused the war was only a
measure of self preservation.
Similarly immunity for treason was not
humanity. but was cruelty 10 the loyal
lists and TO the Beers, who, now in thou
sands, recognizing the futiity of the
struggle, were aiding Great Britain TO end
the war. In justice TO those who had died
and as security for the survivors they
must make the Beers recognize that they
are defeated and take from them the
barest possibility OF repeating the at
tempt. To do otherwise would be TO i'm
vite the contempt of foreign countries
whose affection 1t seemed impossible for
them to gain. but whose respect at any
rate. they were able TO secure
A luncheon followed the reply of Mr.
Chamberlain to the presentation ad-
dress.