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The Grip cartoons: vols. I & II, May 1873 to May 1874 cover

The Grip cartoons: vols. I & II, May 1873 to May 1874

Chapter 9: No. 7. “Canada’s Laocoon.”
By J. W. Bengough
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About This Book

A curated selection of satirical cartoons re-rendered and presented with a brief introduction and concise annotations by the artist. The plates use caricature, visual puns, and topical pastiche to critique parliamentary scandals, civic disputes, public commissions, and notable public figures, shifting between single-panel gags and recurring motifs. Explanatory notes accompany each image to clarify local allusions and the cartoonist’s intent, so the sequence functions both as humorous commentary on contemporary public life and as an organized record of editorial opinion.

No. 7.
“Canada’s Laocoon.”

An adaptation of the classical story of Laocoon and the serpents to the circumstances of some of the parties to what was already known as the “Pacific Scandal.” The persons represented are Sir Hugh Allan (to whom the charter was sold), Sir John Macdonald (by whom ditto), and Sir Francis Hincks. It is due to the latter gentleman to point out that, as indicated in the cartoon, he was merely suspected of complicity in the matter, and most emphatically denied the truth of the allegation of his guilt, made in some of the newspapers.

July 19th, 1873.

No. 7.

CANADA’S “LAOCOON:”
OR, VIRGIL ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

“Ecce antem gemini a Tenedo tranquilla per alta, &c.”—Æneid, Book II (Freely Translated)

When lo! two snakes (perhaps from the Yankee shore),
Together trail their folds across the floor,
With precious scandals reared in front they wind,
Charge after charge, in long drawn length behind!
While opposition benches cheer the while,
And John A. smiles a very ghastly smile!—and—
Everybody knows the rest!