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William H. Taft and J. S. Sherman sit atop the Republican elephant that stands on a washed-out bridge with President Roosevelt. The “Democratic votes” river beneath them is rising as they look at Washington, D.C., in the background. Taft says, “What’s the matter, Teddy?” Roosevelt replies, “Never saw the river so high since Cleveland was elected!!”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-01
President Roosevelt is pictured in his “Gun Room” cleaning a shotgun, with a variety of items around him: two books–“Handbook on Lions” and “In Darkest Africa,” a box of shotgun shells–“Lion Killers,” and a paper that reads “Taft’s Elected.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-05
President Roosevelt holds up William H. Taft, who has a black eye and is sweating in the boxing ring. Meanwhile, William Jennings Bryan holds up his “speeches” boxing gloves. Taft says, “Don’t hit me below the waist!”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-02
President Roosevelt stands on a pedestal labeled “fame” as Uncle Sam holds a paper that has the headline of “Mr. Bryan’s Day’s Work” with a long list of tasks. Roosevelt says, “Imposter!!” Caption: Uncle Sam: “Get down and out, you are a back number–Mr. Bryan will take your place hereafter!”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-30
President Roosevelt holds a “big stick business” and an “imperialism” crown and sits near the “increasing tide of Democratic strength.” William H. Taft, J. S. Sherman, and Roosevelt all say, “Go back!” William Jennings Bryan watches from afar: “Watch them get wet!”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-27
William Jennings Bryan kicks President Roosevelt into the Ananias Club as Roosevelt says, “Liar!”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-10
President Roosevelt and William H. Taft sit on the lap of a man labeled “tariff protected trusts.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-06
President Roosevelt wears a tie with an elephant on the knot, cufflinks that have “T. R.” on them, and a chip on his shoulder in the shape of William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-03
President Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan throw bricks at one another and unintentionally hit William H. Taft in the head. Bryan’s brick bounces off Roosevelt’s head originally while Roosevelt’s bounces off “Jeffersonian Democracy.” Bryan says, “Take that you inventor of the fake ‘square deal.” We’ve got you going now!!” Roosevelt replies, “Moneycoddle!”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-30
President Roosevelt pours a basket of “votes” into the top of “ballot box Taft” in the shape of William H. Taft’s face. His mouth is spewing out votes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-09
President Roosevelt holds William H. Taft, who is depicted as a baby and holds a Republican elephant rattle. Uncle Sam, who has a cigar in his mouth, looks on. Caption: Uncle Sam–My, what a big boy! But Bryan says he can’t talk? Papa Teddy–Oh yes, he can! He repeats everything I say.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-16
A phonograph of “Taft’s speeches” releases “T. R.” glasses and teeth toward a parrot with the head of William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-12