1-150-338 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Present and The Future', 1862. John Bull comments: I'll Do My Best to Help You Over The Christmas - You Must Then Look to My Friend Yonder. The Lancashire Cotton Famine was causing immense distress at this time. The cotton supply from America had long ago dried up, and reserve supplies had been used. Some half a million workers were directly dependant upon this industry, and many more were being indirectly affected. Public and private charitable donations were being made to support the workers, but a long term solution was needed. Here, John Bull on behalf of the People hands out help to a starving cotton worker and his distressed family. However, says Mr Bull, for long term help you must look to the Government, represented here by Palmerston standing looking thoughtful. From Punch, or the London Charivari, November 15, 1862.