Broad-bottoms [graphic].

Satirical frontispiece to a tract entitled "An Address of Thanks to the Broad-Bottoms, for the Good Things they have done, and the Evil Things they have not done, Since their Elevation . ." on the coalition government, called broad-bottomed because it included Tories as well as opposition Whigs, and its failure to keep promises made in opposition to reduce taxes. The bare bottoms of members of the government are shown from the rear piled on top of one another over a pointed arch facing the rising sun. In the centre of the group Sir John Hynde Cotton is recognisable from his profile and his size. The members are defecating on to a group of asses beneath. Each ass carries a load labelled with the name of a tax: salt, land, soap, malt, candles, wine and tea. The burden on one ass is lettered "Septan", i.e. "Septennial", referring to Opposition promises to reduce the years between elections from seven to three. Another ass carries "Lottery" and "Annuities", and another includes in its pack "Black Act" (which created the capital offence of blackening the face, as a disguise, when committing a crime).--British Museum online catalogue