Canfield, William P. (William Parker), 1874-1938

A Republican elephant dressed as a palmist supposedly reads William H. Taft’s hands but actually reads President Roosevelt’s hands and says, “I see by the lines in your hand Mr. Taft that you will be the Republican nominee for president.” In a handwritten addition to the cartoon, John M. Woll writes, “I hope to God the above reading will come true.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

At first glance this political cartoon by William P. Canfield would seem to suggest that the bona fides of William H. Taft would be identical to the policies of Theodore Roosevelt, and that both men were happy to be so identified. Actually the cartoonist was suggesting, as many cartoonists and editorial writers did, that President Roosevelt fully intended to be the nominee in 1908 — hoping all along to be drafted, or using his endorsed favorite, Secretary of War Taft, as a stalking horse.

Cartoon depicts a crying Uncle Sam and hunting dog as President Roosevelt stands aloof and bears call from the woods that Roosevelt will have no bear rugs this trip.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-20

Uncle Sam speaks to a destitute miner’s family as President Roosevelt can be seen lecturing John Mitchell and mine operators through the window.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-03

Cartoon depicts George F. Baer, representing the coal trust, as a giant bear trampling over the people and the miners as President Roosevelt stands against him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-14

Cartoon depicts President Roosevelt signing the coal strike settlement. He is crowned with laurel just like the statues of Washington and Lincoln in the background. A quote from the Foreign Press is included: The American people are clearly going to trust Roosevelt as they trusted Washington and Lincoln and their trust will not be misplaced.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-19

Cartoon regarding Roosevelt’s plan to speak at Pittsburgh’s 4th of July Celebration. Roosevelt is shown in Rough Rider garb on the back of a horse as fireworks go off and Father Pitt claps.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-05-17

President Roosevelt charges up a hill toward several men behind “postal frauds” barriers while the “Democratic press” sits in a tree.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-01