1-150-656 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

Under the Dark Blue Waters, 1872. Father Neptune wishes to relax with his drink and a pipe. In front of him is the trans-Atlantic cable, the first of its kind, and used to telegraph messages all the way from Britain to America. However, it is now being used to telegraph squabbles and vitriol. This relates to a matter that had been causing difficulties between the two nations ever since the end of the American Civil War. The Alabama Claims, mentioned on the cable in the cartoon, had been prompted by the damage done to American commerce by the 'Alabama', a privateer fitted out in England. The main issue was whether England should have prevented the ship from leaving port. The amount claimed in respect of indirect damages continued to grow. From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 25, 1872.