Punch (103.1892)

290

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. [December 24, 1892.

THE SKELETON AT THE FEAST.

"I confess it does sesra to me that certain decisions made by a competent
tribunal hare rendered it extremely doubtful whether there is a single one of
the 670 gentlemen who now compose the House of Commons, who might not
find himself, by some accident, unseated, if a full investigation were made
into everything that had taken place in his constituency, say, during the ten
years preceding his candidature."—Mr. Balfour at Sheffield.

M.P. {of any Party you please), loquitur :—
Phew! It's all very fine, when you gather to dine,
And to blow off the steam, while you blow off your 'bacca,

(As the farmers of Aylesbury did, when their wine
Was sweetened with " news from the Straits of Malacca "]

But things are much changed since the voters of Bucks
Flushed red with loud fun at the phrases of Dizzy,

And M.P.'s are dreadfully down on their lucks,
Since Balfour's confounded " tribunals " got busy.

"What precious stiff posers to loyal Primrosers
Are offered by Rochester, Walsall, and Hexham!