1-150-573 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Destiny and Fête, Or Time Works Wonders', 1869. Napoleon III of France was struggling against a wave of unpopularity at the time. Therefore, he celebrated the centenary of the birth of Napoleon I by proclaiming a complete amnesty for political offenders. Enhanced pensions were awarded to survivors of the Grand Army. Here, the ghost of Napoleon I appears to offer rather muted praise of these measures. The important thing, though, is to preserve power for the present Emperor's young son, seen here in the background. From Punch, or the London Charivari, August 28, 1869.