3-065-926 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Presenting the City of London Address to the Emperor of Russia at Guildhall, 1874. Alexander II on a state visit to the city of London. 'The presentation at Guildhall, on the Monday, of the complimentary address of welcome to the Emperor from the City Corporation was a scene likely to be regarded hereafter as one of historic importance. It is therefore represented on our front page. The manner of performing this ceremonial has been described. The Town Clerk first read the resolution of the Court of Common Council. The City Recorder read the address. Lord Mayor Lusk delivered the written copy of it to the Emperor, who accepted it, and handed it for safe keeping to one of the Russian Court officials. The Emperor then read, in English, with a slight foreign accent, his brief and suitable reply. The Lord Mayor introduced to his Majesty two members of the Corporation, Alderman Besley and Mr. Deputy Hart, who had been engaged in preparing this municipal act of courtesy. The address will be kept in a gold casket, now being manufactured by Mr. J. W. Benson, the design of which was shown to the Emperor'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.