1-150-489 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

The Cat out of The Bag, 1867. The Home Secretary Mr Gathorne Hardy, invites Mr Punch's opinion on how to deal with society's vicious elements, represented by the brutal labourer in the custody of the police. Mr Punch is ready with the remedy, and, from a bag, produces a cat-o'-nine tails. Mr Spencer Walpole, the Conservative Home Secretary, had resigned, and had been replaced by Mr Gathorne Hardy. One of the criticisms levelled at Walpole was that he had been too lenient and timorous in his dealings with rioters and ruffians. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 22, 1867.