1-150-823 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Colossus of Words', 1879. This cartoon shows Mr Gladstone, the former Liberal leader. Like a Colossus, he stands with one foot either side of the harbour into which the little ship of reform is sailing. This illustrates the start of Gladstone's campaign as the General Election looms. His first attack lasted more than a week during which he delivered many speeches in public and at private events, and missed no opportunity to emphasise the failings of Conservative policy. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 13, 1879.