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A Nice Distinction, 1875. Artist: Joseph Swain
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A Nice Distinction, 1875. Artist: Joseph Swain
A Nice Distinction, 1875. This cartoon shows Dr Edward Kenealy on the right preventing John Mitchell from entering the House of Commons. In mid-February 1875, John Mitchell was elected as Member of Parliament for Tipperary. Mitchell had been sentenced to transportation for life after his involvement in the Irish rebellion of 1848. However, he had escaped to America. The irony in this cartoon is that it is the infamous Dr Edward Kenealy who is barring Mitchells entry to the House. Edward Kenealy, who had been counsel for the claimant in the notorious Tichborne case. His unethical behaviour had led him to be disbarred and removed from the list of Queens Counsel. He was also a new MP, having been returned by Stoke-on-Trent. Punchs point is surely that Edward Kenealy, whose client in the Tichborne case was eventually put on trial himself for perjury, was just as criminal in his own way as Mitchell. In any event, Edward Kenealy was unable to find two sponsors to introduce him to the Speaker, whilst Mitchell was barred from taking his seat by 269 votes to 102. From Punch, or the London Charivari, February 27, 1875
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Media ID 14831295
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Edward Glasses Heritage Image Partnership House Of Commons Houses Of Parliament John Tenniel Joseph Swain Member Of Parliament Mitchell Palace Of Westminster Sir John Tenniel Spectacles Swain Tenniel Top Hat John Mitchell Mitchel
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A Nice Distinction, 1875
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a thought-provoking print that captures a significant moment in history. The artwork portrays the infamous Dr Edward Kenealy on the right, obstructing John Mitchell from entering the House of Commons. This cartoon was created shortly after Mitchell's election as Member of Parliament for Tipperary, despite his previous involvement in the Irish rebellion of 1848 and subsequent escape to America. The irony lies in Kenealy's role as the barrier to Mitchell's entry into parliament. Known for his unethical behavior during the notorious Tichborne case, which led to his disbarment and removal from the list of Queens Counsel, Kenealy himself faced accusations of criminality. Punch magazine cleverly suggests that both men were equally culpable in their own ways. Interestingly, while Mitchell was prevented from taking his seat by a substantial majority vote against him (269 votes to 102), Kenealy also struggled to find sponsors who would introduce him to the Speaker. This further emphasizes their shared predicament and adds another layer of complexity to this political tableau. Through Joseph Swain's skillful illustration and John Tenniel's artistic direction, "A Nice Distinction" encapsulates an era marked by political intrigue and questionable ethics. It serves as a reminder that power dynamics can be convoluted and morality subjective even within esteemed institutions like parliament.
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