1-150-785 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Extinguisher on Fire!', 1877. The Conservative Prime Minister Lord Beaconsfield (on the left) and his Foreign Secretary, Lord Derby watch the Protocol go up in flames. It is balanced on a bonfire made up of the weapons of war. Recently, a Protocol had been signed by the European Powers to protect the interests of Christians living in the East. However, the Protocol was rejected because Turkey had had no involvement in drawing up its terms. There was much discussion in the Lords on the Protocol, with the Conservative government being pressed for details of its policy. Lord Derby avoided the direct answer, simply saying that the government had to consult its European partners on the issue. However, according to Punch, it was obvious that the Protocol, and all other attempts to avoid the impending war, were doomed to failure. From Punch, or the London Charivari, April 28, 1877.