Punch (101.1891)

July 4, 1891.] PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

URBI ET ORBI.
Mr. Punch returns thanks for the anticipatory con-
gratulations on the occasion of his Jubilee, and takes
this opportunity of informing his friends—which means
Everybody Everywhere—that the 50th anniversary of
his natal day is July 18 prox., which day Mr. Punch
hereby gives full and entire permission to the aforesaid
Everyone Everywhere to keep as a whole Holiday, and
do in a general way, and to the utmost of their ability,
just exactly what best pleases them.

THE CHANTREY BEQUEST A LA MODE DE LISLE.

[" Mr. De Lisle wished the Government to veto any pictures purchased
under the Chantrey Bequest that did not meet with their approval."—
Daily Paper.]

Scene—A Studio in the Royal Academy. The President and
several Members of the Council waiting arrival of Government
to inspect their most recent purchase.

President [with assumed joviality). Well, my dear Colleagues, I
do not think exception can be taken to this composition. Simple
and effective, is it not ?

First Member of Council {gloomih/). Oh, you never know! I
think we ought to nave opposed the admission of the Cabinet—what
should they know about Art ?

Second Mem. {drily). Enough to make speeches at the annual
dinner—to which they wouldn't come if we snubbed them.

First Mem. What of that? I am sure the President is quite
eloquent enough to stand alone.

Pres. {with a graceful bow). You arc most kind. But, hush!
here comes Lord Salisbury !

Enter the Prime Minister. Cordial greetings.

Premier {briskly). I am sure you will forgive me if I get through
this quickly. {Looking at picture.) Hm ! Yes, very nice ; but did
Edward the Black Prince wear his Garter ribbon in battle ? I am
sure I refrain from appearing in mine under similar circumstances.
{To Pres.) Do you think the Artist could paint it out ?

Pres. I feel sure he will do everything in his power to satisfy your
Lordship's artistic instincts.

Premier. Just so.

[Exit r. when enter First Lord of the Treasury, l.

Pres. {greeting new-comer cordially). Most glad to see you, my
dear Right Hon. Sir !

First Lord. Yery good indeed of vou to say so, but am always
anxious to do my duty to my Queen and Country. (Gazing at picture.)
Hm ! Not bad ! But, I say, I do know something of yachting, and
that isn't the way to brace up the marling-spike to the fokesell yard
with the main jibboom three points in a wind with some East in it!
If I may venture a suggestion—hope Artist will paint out the gondola.
Ta-ta ! A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. [Exit.

Pres. Well, well, I do not know what our friend Mall think of the
matter, but perhaps the Hansom of Yenice is a little superfluous.
Why here is the Home Secretary.

[Enter that august personage—mutual greeting.

Home Sec. {examiningpicture). Yes, very nice. Just my idea of
what a historical picture should be ! Sea-view very fair indeed, and
I think that the suggestion of the presentation at Court is also
extremely neat. The Black Prince, perhaps, a little near Oliver
Cromwell, but then that is a detail that will not challenge particular
attention. I like too the view of Yauxhall Gardens—very good,
indeed! But why should a scene of this great historical inqwrtance
be laid in Charing Cross during a labour demonstration ?

Pres. {frankly). I cannot say that I have looked up all my
authorities, but I do not think our friend would allow himself to be
wrong on so important a point.

Home Sec. Well, I think it would be in better taste if the Artist
cut out that stampede of police—it is not true to nature ! [Exit.

Pres. There may be something in what he sayrs, but I do wish
these amateurs would keep their suggestions to themselves.

Enter First Lord of the Admiralty.

Pres. {cordially). My dear Lord, delighted to see you—what do
you think of it ?

First Lord. Hm ! Yes ! Perhaps ! But, I say, what right has
the Artist to put the white ensign on the top of that light-house ?
It's against the regulations—they should be flying the Trinity House
hag—if anything. That must come out, you know—it really must!

[Exit.

Pres. Silly blunder, but it can be easily remedied. Ah! the
Secretary of'State for War! {Enter that official.) Well, Mr. Stan-
hope, and how do you like the new purchase ?

War Minister {after a glance at the canvas). Tol lol. But come,
I say, come ; the Iron Duke never wore a hat like that.' And, I say,
as it isn't raining, why has he put up his umbrella ? In the cause
of historical accuracy that should not be allowed. [Exit.

Pres. {drily). I am afraid our friend will have enough to do.
{Enter the remainder of the Cabinet together). Well, Gentlemen—
hope you approve of our purchase ?

Remainder {together). Not at all. You should have only bought
the frame ! [Scene closes in on the consideration of this new point.

vol. ci.

B