1-150-940 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage Images

"Follow My Leader!", 1884. The Conservative Leader in the Upper House, Lord Salisbury, leads this flock of sheep over the hurdle. This relates to a meeting arranged by Lord Salisbury to decide how to vote on the Liberal's Franchise Bill. It was eventually agreed that they would vote for an amendment proposed by Earl Cairns. This proposed that the Bill should not come into operation except as an entire scheme which would include the redistribution of parliamentary seats. Voting for this amendment meant the almost certain rejection of the Bill. This decision was roundly condemned. From "Punch, or the London Charivari", July 26, 1884.