LORD MILNER.

Wanganui Chronicle, 25 July 1901, Page 3

LORD MILNER.

PRESENTATION OF THE FREEDOM

OF LONDON.

HIS LORDSHIP'S SPEECH,

Received July 24, 10.35 p.m.

LONDON, July 24

Dense crowds attended the Guildhall, including the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, the Earl of Snlborne, 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 London. Lord Milner, who was received with ringing cheers, in the ■ course of a speech emphasised the remarkable, almost phenomenal, steadfastness' of the bulk of the nation, and the virtual unanimity on the man issue. A few were willing to purchase peace by concessions compromising the future and popularising rebellion by treating deliberate crimes stained by treason as venial offences. 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 a bold development of the j natural resources of the annexed Republics. The gradual and prudent introduction of self-government would heal the old sores, create new interests, and bring the ! divers sections to co-operate for the com-

mon good.