1-150-694 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

Come a Cropper!, 1873. Mr Gladstone, the Liberal Prime Minister, stands beside his fallen steed, as a bunch of assorted Irish priests and peasants shuffle off. This relates to Gladstone's attempts to push through his Irish University Bill. This was intended to remove religious discrimination from education, but was thoroughly opposed by the various religious factions, particularly by Irish Catholics. Gladstone was defeated by three votes. From Punch, or the London Charivari, March 22, 1873.