1-150-997 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage Images

'The Great-Little "Random", 1887. Little Lord Randolph Churchill is seen storming off in a huff, refusing to obey the Ringmaster's instructions. The Ringmaster is the Conservative Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury. Churchill had been unable to have his own way about proposed defence cuts. Other cabinet ministers had fought against him on the issue, believing that national security would be put at risk. In a moment of pique, Churchill sent a letter to Salisbury resigning from office at the end of 1886. Salisbury, who had tired of the challenges to his authority that Churchill constantly presented, simply accepted the resignation. Churchill was never to hold office again. From "Punch, or the London Charivari", January 8, 1887.