A PROPHETIC VIEW OF THE SUBTERRANEAN RAILWAYS.
20.—MR. PUNCH SCOFFS AT THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY SCHEME. 1846.
No. 16 introduces us to a very early Punch-picture of Benjamin Disraeli [June, 1845]; not the first, which was, Mr. Philip Agnew tells me, in the year 1844, but this is the more interesting picture of the two. Mr. Punch was sometimes very severe in his treatment of Disraeli, and this sketch with the accompanying verses is a good example of Punch's early satire. As regards Mr. Punch's politics, it is interesting to quote the following words from "The History of Punch":—
"The Table" [i.e., the weekly Punch dinner-table at which the cartoons, etc., are discussed.—J. H. S.] has always shown an amalgam of Conservative and Liberal instincts and leanings, although the former have never been those of the "predominant partner." The constant effort of the Staff is to be fair and patriotic, and to subordinate their personal views to the general good. For, whatever the public may think, neither Editor nor Staff is bound by any consideration to any party or any person, but hold themselves free to satirise or to approve "all round."
When No. 16 was published, Disraeli was the leader of the "Young England" party, having some years previously been converted from a Radical into a Tory: hence the allusions contained in the lines below this sketch.
THE RISING GENERATION.
Juvenile. "I tell you what it is, Governor, the sooner we come to some understanding, the better. You can't expect a young feller to be always at home; and if you don't like the way I go on, why I must hate Chambers, and so much a-week!"
21.—ONE OF LEECH'S SKETCHES. 1847.
