1-150-763 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Keeping the Ring', 1876. Turkey, brandishing a sword, is beset on all sides by the dogs of war, Servia, Montenegro, Herzegovina and Bosnia. In the background are all the European powers, amongst them Russia and Germany. At the far right, John Bull and Mr Punch represent the British. This relates to the Eastern Conflicts presently involving Turkey and the Balkan States. Recently, Prince Milan of Servia had joined his army to fight for Servian interests. In late July 1876, Montenegro united with Servia in taking up arms against Turkey. The British government decided not to become involved and, together with the equally watchful European powers, left Turkey to battle with her militant provinces. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 22, 1876.