THE THIMBLERIG.
This cartoon appeared during the discussion of the removal of the Seat of Government from Montreal after the destruction of the old building at the hands of the mob. Hon. Robert Baldwin, who was Premier at the time, was supposed to favor his native place, Toronto, in the selection; Kingston and Montreal were the other competitors for the honor. Mr. Punch naturally gave Montreal the preference.
Punch in Canada, September, 1849.
THE GOVERNMENT THIMBLERIG.
Here I am, Sporting Bob from York!—Rowl in here, gentlemen, and stake your money. Now, Mr. Sherwood! I see you looking at one of the thimbles;—walk up, sir, like a man, and go your length upon it in gold or silver,—Debentures taken at a small discount. Here you are, Mr. What-d’ye-call him, the coroner from Kingston! Sport your jinglers here upon the lucky thimble;—a quick eye and a ready observation takes the tin. O, there’s the French gentlemen from Montreal feeling for their purses!—step this way, gentlemen, and the day’s your own. Rowl in.
(Here Punch clandestinely tilts up a thimble, and discovers the pea.)