GEORGE CRUIKSHANK

HAVING received a Requisition, numerously signed, alluding to the decided vacancy among the M.P.'s or Monthly Periodicals, and inviting him to come forward on the great national interest, consented to be put in nomination, as a candidate for public favour, and added that nothing would delight him more than to be brought in triumphantly on that most patriotic of pickabacks, the "shoulders of the people." He should, however, like to be allowed to name his colleague, and he begged to propose MR. GILBERT À BECKETT, a gentleman, &c., who, &c., never, &c., always, &c., proudest moment, &c., &c., &c., &c. In furtherance of this object it was suggested that a meeting should be held in MR. GEORGE CRUIKSHANK's house, where it would be his study (that is to say his Drawing Room) to accommodate as many as could get into it. At the hour appointed the room was completely crowded; and in order to make a distinction from the general mass who filled the chairs, the individual chosen to preside was unanimously elected to the Easel. He briefly explained the object of the meeting; and MR. GEORGE CRUIKSHANK, having been loudly called upon, proceeded to make the following observations:—

Gentlemen,—After mature deliberation I have determined on standing as a periodical candidate for your universal suffrages. (Cheers.) Instead of throwing into the scale of others what little weight may attach to my name, I am resolved on using it to make myself an independent member of that periodical literature of which I have hitherto been generally a constituent. (Hear.) After many years' experience in drawing, I have at last commenced drawing conclusions, the result of which has been to induce me to draw to a conclusion my engagements with others: and I have determined, like the hero of a melo-drama, to "draw and defend myself." (Hear.) I propose to lay upon your tables, on the first of every month, the result of my labours, in the shape of GEORGE CRUIKSHANK'S TABLE-BOOK.

A Voice.—Which side do you mean to take in politics?
Mr. G. Cruikshank.—Why, as I don't intend to go into them, I suppose I must take the outside.

A Voice.—What do you mean to do about the Income-tax?

Mr. G. Cruikshank.—I mean to pay it.

A Voice.—What do you say to Young England?

Mr. G. Cruikshank.—I don't know Young England, but I have a passing acquaintance with Little Brittain.

A Voice.—How about the "Five Points?" He and his colleague would endeavour to get the greatest quantity of Point into the smallest amount of matter.

A Voice.—Are you an advocate for admitting articles duty free?

Mr. G. Cruikshank referred to his colleague for an answer to this question; and Mr. à Beckett avowed that they intended encouraging the importation of all articles of value, from whatever quarter they might come. Very heavy articles, which inflicted a severe tax on the literary consumer, they thought ought not to be admitted on any terms.

The sense of the meeting being decidedly opposed to this species of questioning, there were loud cries of "Easel," and the President immediately interfered. He said he thought any inquiries addressed to MR. G. CRUIKSHANK should go through the chair—he meant to say through the Easel. MR. G. CRUIKSHANK said, he was very anxious to afford every information. What he proposed was, something that would be suitable to everybody's table. There would be a great many Plates, which it would be his object to fill with as many good things as possible.

Thanks having been voted to the President for his firm and impartial conduct on the Easel, it was—

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, 1

That on the 1st of January, 1845, and on the first day of every succeeding Month shall be published

George Cruikshank

TABLE-BOOK

*Edited by*

Gilbert A. a Beckett.

It will contain some of the best and most carefully selected Articles by the most popular Writers of the day, PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK, and handsomely printed on fine paper,