1-150-190 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Orestes pursued by the Furies', 1858. Lord Palmerston, Leader of the Opposition, is pursued by the Furies. These are John Bright holding the cat o' nine tails, Disraeli, the Conservative chancellor of the Exchequer with the birch and the brand, and a third, more schematic, Fury represents Roebuck. This cartoon refers to what Punch called 'The Battle of the Ballot' in which the extension of the franchise was discussed. John Bright and Disraeli were both advocates of the extension, whereas Palmerston just as passionately opposed any such extension. However, as Punch reported, the fight ended with the 'usual defeat' of the attacking forces. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 19, 1858