1-150-234 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Derby - The Return', 1859. In the General Election of 1859 that followed the defeat of Disraeli's Reform Bill, the Conservatives made gains of some 30 seats. Here, Derby and Disraeli show John Bull their entry ticket showing the number of members returned as 302 to allow them to pass through the Government gate. However, as John Bull points out, 302 was not a sufficient return to give Derby a working majority. In the background, Palmerston can be seen, arms crossed, awaiting his turn. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 4, 1859.