1-150-547 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'A Dress Rehearsal', 1868. The campaigning for the General Election of 1868 was well under way, and it was apparent that the Liberal party were leading the race. It was being suggested that the former Radical, John Bright, would be in line for a key government post, should the Liberal party indeed win power. Here, then, Punch depicts that former radical trying on his new outfit in anticipation of office. In fact, the Liberal Party did win office, and John Bright did indeed become a cabinet minister and privy councillor in December 1868. From Punch, or the London Charivari, September 12, 1868.