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The Corporation of London: its rights and privileges.
by William Ferneley Allen,
sheriff of London and Middlesex, and alderman of the ward of Cheap.
PREFACE.
Some apology is necessary on the part of one whose acquaintance with
civic affairs is of such recent date, for presuming to stand forth as
the champion of the fights and privileges of the City of London.
No man of common spirit, however, could tamely submit to the insulting
charges and coarse insinuations with which the Corporation has long
been assailed by malevolent or ignorant individuals. That the civic
system is free from spot or blemish, no one in his senses would
pretend to assert. But it may honestly and truly be asserted that the
Court of Aldermen have both the power and the inclination to amend
whatever is defective, and to introduce whatever reforms are
desirable, without the irritating and officious interference of the
imperial legislature. The system may not be perfect, for it is of
human origin; but its administrators are men of upright character,
practically conversant with the requirements of trade, and animated by
am earnest desire to promote the interests of their fellow-citizens.
Why, then, are they not intrusted with the honourable task of
gradually improving the machinery of the civic government, and of
completing the good work they have long since spontaneously
inaugurated? It might, perhaps, have been better had this pamphlet
never taken form and substance. A feeble advocate endangers, and
oftentimes loses, the best possible cause; but still, out of the
fulness of the heart the mouth will speak, and pour forth sentiments
and feelings that no longer brook control. This, at least, is the only
excuse that can be offered for troubling the public with the opinions
of a comparative novice.
7, LEADENHALL STREET, July 26th, 1858.
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTORY SKETCH.
London under the Romans
Gilds
Burghs
Charter of William the Conqueror
Reflections
Subsequent Charters
City divided into Wards
Civic Hospitality
The Quo Warranto Case
Restoration of the Charter
PART I.
THE CORPORATION AS IT IS.
The Municipal Constitution
The Lord Mayor
The Aldermen
The Court of Common Council
The Citizens
The Livery Companies
The Sheriffs
The Law Courts
Public Charities
Conservancy of the Thames
The Metage Dues