OBSERVATIONS ON AN INTERCEPTED CARICATURE. It may puzzle the uninitiated to understand how Caricatures can insinuate themselves among solemn State Papers. We confess we ourselves are at a loss to account for the existence among Russian documents of a Caricature of such a character as that which accompanies this number. There are several able caricaturists, (we mean using the pencil), in the diplomatic service of Russia, but we doubt that their talents would be employed precisely in the representation of such features as these of Russian power: we, therefore, suspect that this Caricature has been bought up, dreading its effect on the public feeling of England. Certainly, never in fewer lines has the state of Europe been epitomized. Hideous and humiliating representation! VOL. III.NO. XXII. R There is but one point on which we feel inclined to criticise it. Louis Philippe dances with energy and zeal, but he deserves promotion. He ought not to be placed in the Russian dance below the old Emperor of Austria; but, on the other hand, his position is well chosen, as enabling him to win into graceful motion the reluctant attitude of his English ally. Prince Metternich once, to his cost, indulged in satire of this kind against the Emperor of Russia and his Court - when, at Paris in 1825, he was so unguarded as to allow to be seen there graphic sketches of his pen. They were communicated to the Russian Court, and produced the greatest indignation against the Chancellor of the Court and State. Who was guilty, it will be asked, of this violation of private confidence, of this sin against the political faith of this country, if not of France? Of course it will be said that it was the subservient cabinet of France. It was not. It was our gifted Canning! It was conceived by him to be a splendid hit at the system of the Holy Alliance. Such has been the lamentable policy of this country at all times, whether directed by a genius or an humbler mortal. |