1-150-798 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Gathering of the Eagles', 1877. The Russian Bear licks a cut on its paw, as Turkey lies wounded on the ground. Gathering around are the two-headed eagles representing Germany and Austria. On the 10th December 1877, Turkey surrendered to Russia. On the 14th December, Serbia declared war against Turkey. The Russian Bear had weakened Turkey to the point where she was easy prey. Britain had remained neutral and Punch was now advocating some action: 'will the Lion that has kept aloof/Bestir himself at length in Right's behoof?'. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 22, 1877.