Engelsch Nieuws. (BM 1898,0520.184)

A broadside referring to the Gordon Riots in London, and criticising current anti-Dutch politics in Britain.
Men grouped on the sea-shore with allegorical figures in the clouds above. They have numbers referring to a printed text in two columns beneath the print giving the words they are supposed to speak. There is no relation between a Dutch group, an English group (left), and the solitary figure of Lord George Gordon (right). The central group is that of a Dutch sailor (1), wearing striped trousers, who holds a paper inscribed “Nieuwe Klaghten [Complaints]”. He stands between (2) a man wearing a gown and bands, who admonishes him with upraised forefinger, and (3) Mercury with his caduceus, symbolizing Commerce, who is also addressing him.
Beside (2), "Staatkunde" (Policy or Politics), is an iron-bound padlocked chest inscribed “in hande”, on which are money-bags, inscribed “600”, 275”. Beside it lie a scroll inscribed “credit” and a yoke. In the foreground is a paper inscribed “Plan van verbetering [Plan of Reformation]”.
The Dutchman says “The English must get to know us better, we ourselves know best what we should do. Trade and politics are always our business. I do not doubt but that the daily oppressions will turn out to the disadvantage of their perpetrators.” Policy advises him, “Complain unceasingly, forget not to recite the violations of our coasts and ships in the strongest terms, hold fast to your friend Mercury, through him will you be welcome everywhere, and so long as he stays with you you will be necessary to, and respected by, all your neighbours; for since everyone would gladly be under his protection, so will each one always keep an eye on him. It would be a disgrace for a lion not to roar once if his tail is unjustly pulled, it is imprudent to provoke him, because he grants everything in reason, and it is known that he is generous by nature.” (For the Dutch lion see BMSat 5712-14, &c.)
Mercury says, “So long as you remain a true Dutchman, I will not leave you. I am in my right place with you, for my disposition is rather to take care of myself than another. Your continual industry, your enterprise and reasoned though slow ingenuity, can make me flourish although/the present times are very dangerous for me, but where can I now enjoy permanent rest, without being one day obliged to rise out of my little cell from my book of reckoning, in order to extend my thoughts and vision over more spacious fields.”
On the left is a group of five Englishmen: (4), “a very eminent Englishman”, wearing a long cloak, evidently George III, stands with outstretched arm facing (5) “Lord N****” [North]". He says, “Ah my dear Lord, what is wrong now, let your eyes feast once on this still unfinished picture, troubles within and without consume us.” He is pointing to a picture inscribed “Het verwar de Eiland” (the distracted Island), which a kneeling man holds up. It depicts the Gordon riots, incendiaries are burning a building. North, with a downcast expression, answers “Let us treat this hot fever with which the entrails of the state tremble, even if it should become worse, on the old lines, like the Scottish affair, firmly but according to their wish. It is well, since we can now grant it as masters, but above all things do not leave out the words 'since we now find it of service to us'. A reward has been offered for the discovery of the Delinquent of Delinquents, but as regards foreign troubles, shall we begin with the Dutch? Their complaints, I fear, are not without reason, it would be fortunate if there were one among us who could discover the suitable remedy, we expect much from Lord Shelburne – but unfortunately a duke is indisposed, and thus an important matter intended to be settled as soon as possible, was held back. Our navy also ought one day to be overhauled. Rodney writes a great deal, but what avails a victory which decides nothing; daily we risk a frigate with officers whose conduct demands an enquiry - soon it will be as hard to get captains as sailors, yet this task Sandwich and the others can bungle. I hope Heaven may bless us all.”
Lord Shelburne (6), his back towards North and the king, puts a finger to his forehead as if in deep thought. He says, “What a heavy burden it is to carry a weight which the whole nation might lighten, each new event encroaches on my schemes. The Dutch make ever stronger complaints, and now begin to threaten a little. The French have now a strong influence in that country, they do not obstruct their trade, or capture their ships, yet it is we who pass for friends and what is more, for allies.” With this group, but without a number, is a man seated on the ground in back view, writing.
On the right Lord George Gordon (7) stands alone on a hillock, supporting his head on his hand. He says, “Well begun, but not yet completed. Should the resentment of the passionate public not subside, what will happen to Gordon? It does not become a nobleman not to adhere to his purpose. People might say, 'What is that hot-headed fanatic beginning to do ? If he meant well, why is his country in such straits, filled with domestic disturbances and disasters ? This is the conduct of a fool, and if he is not that, he must surely be a rogue, since he lays in wait in order to overthrow by violence and mishandling, when he was engaged on other business, suited to a proud nobleman, which never gave occasion for unrest and entanglement.' But those who say this, may be pleased to know that our religion lies close to my heart, although many moral precepts, such as, love your enemies, . . . meekness of spirit, &c, I find rather difficult to practise. - To oppose the great influence of the Catholic doctrine, I would even support with my presence a question, a petition, but who knew that passion would go so far ? . . . even to violence and arson - truly, I have nothing to do with it. Do not believe that I who humbly embrace the pure doctrine in my heart, can so far degrade my reason in order to trumpet forth my name everywhere, even if it should cost me . . . my life. . . . No, all my desire is for the salvation, alleviation and comfort of my fellow citizens, could my bonds only heal the wounds which the imprudence of zealots have inflicted on my worthy fellow citizens. Ah if only we were all like lambs and not like wolves in the sheepfold!”
In the clouds a helmeted figure (? Victory) holds out a picture of a small single-masted vessel with a crew of four men, on whose mainsail is an eye, it flies a pennant with three stripes. On the left is the Dutch lion holding up a spear supporting the hat of freedom and a striped pennant. On the right is a winged female figure (? Fame) with a globe on her head, holding out a laurel wreath towards the picture. She holds a cornucopia from which fall flowers and a hat.

At sea, between the Dutch and English groups, is a naval engagement between ships flying the British and (?) French flags. Behind Gordon (right) are two parties of men firing at each other, a dead body lies between them. Black clouds extend over the heads of the English group (left) and over Gordon (right), above whom is a large flash of lightning. (n.p.: 1780)