[The figures in the example No. 1. forwarded by B. W. cannot possibly have been intended for
anything but SS.; while, on the other hand, those in No. 2., as he rightly observes, are more like figures 8, 8, than the letters SS.]
While the origin of the Collar of Esses is instructively occupying your correspondents, allow me to direct your attention to the enclosed paragraph extracted from the Morning Post of the 18th instant, from which it appears that Lord Denman's collar has been "obtained" (Qy. by purchase?) by the corporation of Derby for the future use of their mayor. I wish to know, can a Quo warranto issue to the said mayor for the assumption of this badge? and if not, in whom does the power reside of correcting this abuse, if such it be?
"The Gold Chain of the Lord Chief Justice of England.—On Wednesday week, at a meeting of the corporation of Derby, the mayor stated that the chain he then had the honour to wear was the one worn by the Lord Chief Justice of England, and that it had been obtained from Lord Denman by the corporation for all future chief magistrates of the borough. We understand the corporation obtained the chain upon the same terms as it would have been transferred to Lord Campbell, if his lordship had taken to it from his noble predecessor."—(Quoted from Nottingham Journal, in Morning Post, 18th Oct. 1850.)
F. S. Q.
The inclosed paragraph, extracted from the Morning Post of last Saturday completes the history of the municipal collar of the corporation of Derby, concerning which I recently proposed a Query. The right to purchase does not, however, establish the right to wear such a decoration.
"The Insignia of Mayoralty.—Considerable excitement prevails just now in many municipal corporations respecting the insignia of mayoralty. At Derby the mayor has recently obtained the gold chain worn by Lord Denman when Lord Chief Justice. In reference to a question whether or not the chain was a present, a correspondent of the Derby Mercury says, 'I am sorry to admit, it was a bargain; it cost 100l., and is paid for. The chain is the property of the corporation, and will grace the neck of every succeeding mayor. The robes did not accompany the chain; they are bran new, gay in colour, a good cut, and hang well; they are private property, consequently not necessarily transferable. Every mayor will have the privilege of choosing the shape and colour of his official vestment, and can retain or dispose of it as he may deem proper. It was suggested that the robes should be the property of the corporation, but a difficulty arose, from the fact, that mayors differ as much in their bodies as they do in their minds, so that one measure would not conveniently fit all. Economically speaking, the suggestion was a valuable one, but the physical difficulty was insurmountable. It has been hinted that a wardrobe of habiliments for different sized mayors might be kept on hand at the Town-Hall, but as the cost would be great, and the arrangement would partake too much of the customary preparation for a fancy ball or masquerade, it was thought objectionable. The Liberal corporation have, therefore, very properly resolved on throwing no obstacle in the way of Free Trade, and it is their determination to enable all mayors, in the selection of their vestures, to buy in the cheapest market and sell in the dearest.'"—Morning Post, Oct. 26. 1850.
F. S. Q.
As I was the first to open the fire on the very puzzling subject of the SS. Collar, which has led to more pleasant and profitable, though warm discussion, than ever any person could have expected, it seems now to be time for some to step forward as a moderator; and if I be allowed to do so, it will be to endeavour to check the almost uncourteous way in which our Armiger friend has taken up the gauntlet on the question.
If, Sir, you admit severe and sneering criticism, it will, it may be feared, tend very considerably to mar the influence and advantage to be drawn from your useful pages, which are intended, I conceive, for calm, friendly and courteous interchange of useful information. Without vituperating the lucubrations of Mr. John Gough Nichols, or sneering at those who "pin faith on his dicta," which have much merit (Vol. ii., p. 363.), it would be surely possible for Armiger to advance his own views with good temper and friendly feeling.