How did they come to be there will very naturally be asked.

It must not be forgotten that, in those days, the provosts of the cities of Britain were members of the aristocracy--the great men of the district who condescended to enjoy the honor of the position without performing the duties.

No one in trade was considered good enough for the provostship.

We have remnants of this aristocratic notion throughout Britain to-day.

There is scarcely any life assurance or railway company, or in some cases manufacturing company but must have at its head, to enjoy the honors of the presidency, some titled person totally ignorant of the duties of the position.