WHO PAYS HOMAGE?

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1046, 8 February 1911, Page 9

WHO PAYS HOMAGE?

Though there is 110 precedent for dfl Kos's doing homage at the Coronation for the barons of England in virtuo of the seniority of ilvo iicoraije she holds', it would be quito in the spirit of feudal law (snys nil English writer). Ccrtaip Coronation services have, 1 indeed, been performed by women or by deputies api>ointcd by them, but homage has never been one of them. .Tlio next in seniority, Lord Mowbray and Stourton, will represent his brother, barons,' just as' Viscount I'alkland at King Edward's Coronation represented liis senior, Viscount Hereford, who was not present. It is rcmarkablo thnHliere is a differneo of no lets than 2.13 years in the dates of creation between tlm, premier-Marquis of . England, Lilril Shrewsbury,, aud tlio .next in time, Lord Lausdbwne.- ...

iThfe a6t of homage'at tho Coronation consists'.in swearing allegiance, touching the crown, and kissing tjio King's cheek. I|i Earlier days it iwas 'counted 'of tho highest importance. At' the time of Henry Vl!s» Coronation ..a plague was raging, and to avoid infection a Bill was passed in Parliament permitting the omission of tho kiss in the act of hoiiiago. In this Act it was specially enacted that notwithstanding the omission of what was evidently./ art .essential .featureoorf r the thencers. wero entitled to re-ceivo-thS Official ' letter acknowledging that they had,' performed homage. Macaulay, who was. present at William. IY's Coronation, gives an amusing picture of Apolitical partisanship while tho peers'wero going; up to do homage. "Sbme 'of tliein," ho writes, "were cheered, .which I thoiight indecorous in such a placo and on >"Uch. an occasion, • The • Tories cheered .the .'Duke .of Wellington, and our peoplo in revenge cheercd Lords Grey and Brougham." " '