1-150-215 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Reform Snap-Dragon', 1859. This shows (clockwise from left) Lord Derby, John Bright, Disraeli and Lord Russell. All of them are playing a popular party game in which they run the risk of getting their fingers burnt. All of these men were taking a great interest in the question of parliamentary reform. John Bright had aired the subject at an address he had just given in Bradford, but his reforms went further than many believed would be in the best interests of the future government of the country. Disraeli would shortly introduce a bill which, because it was seen as being primarily drafted to increase Conservative electoral chances, was defeated by 31 votes at the end of March 1859. Lord Russell, unlike many high whigs who believed firmly in their right to govern, was in favour of adopting a policy of moderate parliamentary reform. From Punch, or the London Charivari, January 15, 1859.