3-078-084 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Presentation of the Freedom of the City of London to Mr. Stanley at Guildhall, 1890. 'The gold casket presented with the freedom of the City of London to Mr. H. M. Stanley, on Tuesday, May 13, is arabesque in design...The pillars are of crocodilite, resting in sockets of gold and surmounted by gold capitals...This design, which was selected from among a number of the leading London goldsmiths, does great credit, as well as the workmanship, to the manufacturers, Messrs. George Edward and Sons...The reception of Mr. Stanley at Guildhall was attended by a large company of distinguished persons, many of the gentlemen wearing Court dress or uniform, and many ladies gracing the assembly in the great hall, which was decorated for the occasion. Several members of the Emin Pasha Relief Committee, and of the Royal Geographical Society, were present. In reply to the Lord Mayor's congratulatory address, Mr. Stanley made a speech, referring in a friendly spirit to Emin Pasha's acceptance of German service, and to the prospects of British enterprise in Africa. Captain Stairs, Mr. Mounteney Jephson, Dr. Parke, Captain Nelson, and Mr. Bonny, the comrades of Mr. Stanley in his late Expedition, spoke briefly in turn, praising the conduct of their leader'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.