Ruling the Waves. (?)

John Tenniel, artist

Swain, engraver

Punch (4 October 1884)

Mrs. Britannia. “Here’s a fine to-do! Do I rule the waves, or do I not? Where’s my first lord of the admiralty?”

Mr. Prime Minister. “Well, Ma’am, — we — er — we’ve sent him to Egypt — on —ahem! —Money Matters!!>”

Mr. Punch comments on the Gladstone ministry’s belated recognition for a need to modernize and expand British sea power after both France and Russia created powerful fleets.

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