Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-02-14
CHAMBERLAIN HoNoREo.
Freedom Of City Of London Bestowed
on Him, Thursday.

London. Feb. 13-The metropolis be-
slowed it's highest distinction on Jo-
serh Chamberlain, the colonial secre-
tary. Thursday. when at the Guild hall
it conferred on him the freedom of the
city in a gold casket. Mrs. Chamber
lain twho was Miss Mary Endicott Of
Peabody. Mass), accompanied the colo
NAL secretary and they were greeted on
their arrival with a fanfare Of trum-
pets. Mr.. and Ms. Chamberlain were
conducted to the library, where they
were received by the lord mayor. ir Jo-
seph c. Dimsdale, and the lady mayor
ess. The hall was crowded among
those present being the colonial secre-
tary's political colleagues and adher-
ents who duly applauded the recipient
of the city's freedom. The address in
connection with the presentation con-
graduated Mr.. Chamberlain on the SER
vices he had rendered to the empire
during the last Is years. dwelling es-
pecially on the way in which he had
welded the colonies together.
In replying Mr.. Chamberlain dis
claimed any intention Of making politi-
cal capital out of the occasion, but ne
said he thought he might, in behalf Of
the government, make an appeal for
national support. The government had
two great national objects-to establish
beyond question British authority in
South Africa and to maintain the unity
of the empire. Both objects were in
volved in the South African war. The
war would always he memorable be-
cause it had called out a greater mill
tary effort than ever before asked from
Great Britain and because it had shown
to friend and foe the potential strength
and almost inexhaustible resources Of
the empire. He had not thought it nee
essary to stOop to meet the in,putations
or nationl greed. lust Of territory, or
personal ambition and criminal mo-
tives, suggested by the Insignificant
minority. since the war had the APP
prevail Of sister nations across the sea.
In regard to the immediate causes Of
the war, continued Mr.. Chamberlain, it
was not only impossible for a great ma
ton to allow its subjects to be humili-
ated or oppressed, its engagements
broken and black races oppressed; but
the very existence Of the empire was in
volved 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
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 well as the privileges
Of the empire. 1t was a long step to-
ward the consolidation which was now
within measure Of practical accomplish
ment. He did not envy the statesman
VINO would be willing to compromise
the issue for which the empire fought.
The nation was not vindictive to it's
enemies. If they surrender, today, they
would be welcomed as friends. tomor-
row.
The expulsion of those who caused
the war was only a measure of self
preservation. Similarly immunity for
treason was not humanity but was cru
city to the lOyalists and to the Beers,
who. now in thousands, recognizing the
futility Of the struggle. were aiding
Great Britain to end the war. In JUS
tice to those VIII have died and as Sc
curity for the survivors they must
make the Beers recognize that they are
defeated and take from them the bar
est possibility of repeating the attempt
To do otherwise would be to invite the
contempt of foreign countries whose
affection it 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 adj
dress.
Replying TO toast TO himself and
wife. at the luncheon which took place
ia the Mansion House, Mr.. Chamber
lain said: MY wife is Of two nation
alities. but. as those are the two which
II Is the chief object of our diplomacy
to keep In agreement and affectionate
accord. 1 hope you viii think that my
wife's position is no disadvantage"
Referring to the colonial support of
the South African war. Mr.. Chamber
lair observed that 1t would have special
effect in the United States. whose
friendship we desire. of all others, to
keep and enjoy
The above excerpts from the colonial
secretary's remarks were the most in
tcresting to the Americans present.