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Looking into the Accounts, 1861
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Looking into the Accounts, 1861
Looking into the Accounts, 1861. Mr Bull, the representative of the British people, hangs up his coat and hat, ready for a long stint of checking the nations finances. Mr Gladstone, perched uncomfortably on a high stool, rather like the descriptions of Dickenss Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, with a quill behind his ear, is caught in the act of closing the ledger marked Income Tax. John Bull is encouraging Gladstone to take a short break so he can have a look at the ledger. This relates to a debate in the House of Commons when the Conservative MP for Buckinghamshire proposed a motion for a Select Committee to sit in judgment on Income Tax and assess if it could not be more equitably levied. Gladstone strongly opposed such a suggestion, but eventually the government was defeated by four votes. Punch goes on to say that Mr John Bull, like a sensible commercial man, resolves to make his clerk Gladstone take a holiday, and meantime Mr Bull means to examine his books for himself. From Punch, or the London Charivari, March 2, 1861
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Media ID 14829357
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
A Christmas Carol Accounting Charles Dickens Charles John Huffam Charles John Huffam Dickens Dickens Gladstone Heritage Image Partnership Income Tax John Bull Ledger Quill Stool Taxation William Ewart William Ewart Gladstone Allegorical Figure Bob Cratchit
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print titled "Looking into the Accounts, 1861" we are transported back to a significant moment in British history. The image captures Mr Bull, representing the British people, as he prepares himself for an arduous task of scrutinizing the nation's finances. With his coat and hat hung up neatly, he is ready to delve deep into the intricacies of economic matters. Seated uncomfortably on a high stool is Mr Gladstone, resembling Dickens' iconic character Bob Cratchit from "A Christmas Carol". A quill tucked behind his ear signifies his role as a diligent clerk responsible for closing the ledger marked Income Tax. Caught in action, Gladstone seems engrossed in his work while John Bull encourages him to take a well-deserved break so that he can examine the ledger himself. This scene reflects a heated debate that took place in the House of Commons when a motion was proposed to assess if Income Tax could be more equitably levied. Initially opposing such suggestions vehemently, Gladstone eventually faced defeat by four votes. Punch magazine humorously suggests that John Bull takes charge and decides to give Gladstone some time off while personally examining the books. Preserved through time and captured by Charles Dickens and an unknown creator, this print offers us a glimpse into both political dynamics and daily life during this era. It serves as a reminder of how even great nations like Britain have grappled with financial matters throughout history.
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