1-150-545 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Rising Tide', 1868. The campaigning for the General Election of 1868 was well under way, and it was apparent from Gladstone's earlier victories in parliament on the question of the disestablishment of the Irish Church that this would feature strongly in his campaign for, in his view, the Irish Church was 'wholly disabled and disqualified for performing the purpose for which it exists'. This comment caused great concern in amongst Conservatives and much alarm amongst the Anglican hierarchy. It was generally believed that Gladstone's attack on the Irish Church might just be a forerunner of a sustained attack upon the Anglican Church. So, here, the Standard, a firm supporter of the Liberal, Lord Russell, chastises little Gladstone as she points with her umbrella to a representative of the Anglican Church whose spire can just be seen in the background. From Punch, or the London Charivari, August 22, 1868.