1-150-167 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Dogs of War', 1876. A Russian struggles to control a group of dogs, representing the Balkans, which are pulling at their leashes, eager to chase Murad V, the new Sultan of the Ottoman empire, walking off into the distance. A policeman looking over the fence, (Bull A1, representing Law and Order) advises the dog owner: 'Take care, my man! It might be awk'ard if you was to let 'em loose!'. A contemporary quote from Punch illustrates that Britain was keen to prevent any aggressive action by Russia, which was considering war against the Turks in order to 'liberate' oppressed Christians in the Ottoman empire: 'All the Powers, agreed with us in thinking that no pressure should be put on the new Sultan'. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 17, 1876.