1-150-570 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Easing The Curb', 1869. This cartoon depicts Napoleon 'easing the curb' on the horse to allow its smoother handling and easier passage. Emperor Napoleon III was having difficulties at home. During the previous few years, he had pushed through a number of constitutional reforms which would leave him in much the same position as a constitutional monarch. However, his popularity was very low and so he announced his intention to relinquish a number of his prerogatives in the public interest. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 24, 1869.