Brief Scene From A Drama

491

Brief Scene From A Drama

This satirical broadside presents the first act of a drama probably realised by a private citizen to denounce a current political issue. The first character of the drama, called "Ed.", sees no solution other than death to escape disgrace. He has not been able to prevent the "vile Duncan" from obtaining the favour of the people, despite Ed.'s numerous efforts. A High Civic Dignitary (whose name is "P--t") and his Clique, represented as rather naïve, try to ascertain whether Ed. is effectively deceased.

Unfortunately, since this document lacks a date or proper names, it is hard to understand exactly what matter it is addressing. The words "Links", "Duncan", "petition", "train" suggest that the broadside may refer to a rivalry between two competing railway companies' directors which occurred in 1856. Mr. Duncan (John Duncan), mentioned twice by the first character, had appealed to the public to obtain permission to build his railway line on the Links. He was denounced by his opponent for not having followed the legitimate procedure of lodging a Parliament Plan. More details on the question can be found in a broadside from our collection titled "Taking Lawless Possession", available here.

Broadside

HD04_18

Political Satire

Aberdeen Local Studies

Yes

Yes

Yes