Edmund Burke, arguing in favour of control of immigration from France, points towards the dagger he has just thrown on the floor of the House of Commons; William Pitt the younger and Henry Dundas are seated on the Treasury bench, while Charles James Fox, R.B. Sheridan and M.A. Taylor look on with alarm. Etching by J. Gillray.
- Gillray, James, 1756-1815.
- Date:
- [1830]
- Reference:
- 585500i
- Pictures
About this work
Description
The Alien Bill 1792 was introduced in response to the French Revolution and the prospect of war with France. It required foreigners entering Great Britain to be in possession of passports from 1793 onwards and to register on arrival. During the debate in the House of Commons on 28 December 1792, Burke threw down a dagger having mentioned that an order had been given at Birmingham for 3000 daggers. Of the people shown in the print, Pitt was in favour of the bill but Fox and Sheridan were not. Dundas was then Home Secretary in Pitt's government
Publication/Creation
[London] : [Thomas McLean], [1830]
Physical description
1 print : etching ; image 18.4 x 15 cm
Contributors
Lettering
The dagger scene: - or the plot discoverd
Burke says: "There! that is what you are to gain by an alliance with France! - such are the instruments with which they have determin'd the destruction of the human race! - Three thousand such daggers are now manufacturing for this country! - for where French principles are introduced, you must prepare your hearts for French daggers! - Nineteen assassins are already here, who aided & abbetted by wretches who do not believe in a God, are preparing to scour the filth from your streets with the blood of all who are virtuous & honorable!!"
References note
British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, vol. VI., London 1978, no. 8147
Reference
Wellcome Collection 585500i
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores