Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/290



IFE has been very good to me," H. H. was sometimes heard to say, and he spoke humbly as one undeserving of much reward. In a world where so many lives are embittered by disappointment, so much merit unrecognized, it was always with a sense of heartfelt gratitude that H. H. received the just reward of his labours.

I think the honour he prized beyond all things was the bestowal upon him of the Freedom of the City of London, in 1899. It is an honour few may claim. Titles may be bought, patronage may secure privileges, but merit alone can win a place upon "London's Roll of Honour." The casket containing the scroll of Freedom was of solid gold, ornamented with enamelled panels representing the old fashioned mail coach and mail train and views of an old-type sailing ship and modern steamer. The quaint testimony of the "compurgators" was read before the Lord Mayor, declaring that "Mr J. Henniker Heaton, M.P., is a man of good name and fame, that he does not desire the Freedom of the City whereby to defraud the Queen, or this City of any of its rights and customs or advantages, but will pay scot and bear his lot, and so they all say."

The Chamberlain, Sir Richmond Cotton, in moving the address said: