SIR ALFRED MILNER.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXV, Issue 170, 25 July 1901, Page 2

SIR ALFRED MILNER.

Press Association. Electric Telegraph.

Copyright.

London, July 24,

Dense crowds assembled at the Guildhall, including theHon J. Chamberlain, Lord Selbourne, Mr Goschen, the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Cromer, Sir Claude McDonald, and other notables in connection with the ceremony of presenting Sir A. Milner with the freedom of the City of London.

Sir A. Milner, who was received with ringing cheers, in the course of his speech emphasised the remarkable and almost phenomenal steadfastness of the bulk of national and virtual unanimity on the main issue. A few were willing to purchase peace by concessions compromising the futnre and popularising the rebellion by treating deliberate crime-stained treason as a venial offence. The country, on the other hand, resolved to treat the burghers with such fairness and generosity as to help them to accept the position and ultimately acquire the sentiments of British citizenship. The work of reconstruction was proceeding despite all drawbacks, and pointed to the bold development of the natural re ources of the annexed republics. A gradual prudent introduction of self-government would heal o'd sores, create new interests, and bring divers sections to co-operate for the common good. By giving the world an object lesson of good Government and of reviving industry in the more or less settlod districts the struggle would soon be ended.