Punch (74.1878)

182

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[April 27, 1878.

PUNCH'S ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

The Great Question still in statu: the statue still in the block.
Whether it is to be a statue of Peace or War as doubtful as ever.

The week dawned on sweet Spring-tide weather. But the political
weather abroad is as squally and stormy as it well can be. What with
War-cloud over Eastern Europe—War-storm in Southern Africa—
armed riot against Licence-tax in India—utter prostration of trade,
commerce, and manufactures at home, Parliament holiday-time
does not show a holiday face to thoughtful politicians, let the Jingos
crow never so loud, or bray never so blatant.

Monday, April 15 (Lords).—Lord Beauchamp brought down Her
Majesty's acknowledgment of their Lordships' loyal reception of her
gracious Message.

_ Is the Duke of Richmond's Medical Bill a bit of superfluous
tinkering about edges and handles, which leaves the hole in the
kettle unstopped ? It looks very like it, from Lord Ripon's hand-
ling of the matter. While the Duke, as representative of the
Medical Council, leaves nineteen examining medical bodies, with
different standards of qualification for England, Ireland, and
Scotland, he can hardly raise the standard of Medical Reform
very triumphantly. The Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians have
told him so in plain terms. Perhaps the Council thinks that in the
multitude of Medical Councillors there is wisdom. And they have
a sensible as well as a sagacious head in Dr. Acland, who has earned
his spurs in many a battle for the good cause in medical, educa-
tional, and sanitary war. The utmost the Duke can say is that his
Bill is a step in the right direction. Let us hope it may be. A step