1-150-787 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Pigheaded Obstruction', 1877. This cartoon shows Mr Whalley, the MP for Peterborough, with his collection of pigs, obstructing the railway line, and preventing the Parliamentary train from moving on. This cartoon relates to the new parliamentary tactic of Obstruction which was rapidly becoming a favourite manoeuvre to block unpopular proposals. A group of Irish MPs, including Charles Parnell, were actually called the 'Obstructives' due to their deliberate use of this measure to interfere with the business of parliament. This cartoon relates to 2nd July 1877 when a sitting beginning at 4.00pm did not end until after 7.00 the following morning due to the use of this Pigheaded Obstruction. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 14, 1877.