Protection

An ostrich labeled “Republican Party” tucks its head in a hole labeled “‘Stand Pat’ Policy” as a tornado advances from behind with dark clouds labeled “Tariff Reform.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

The Republican Party’s attitude toward tariff reform is depicted in this cartoon by Pughe as one of foolish or willful neglect, with sure disaster as the price. Yet with President Roosevelt at the helm, it is generally the case that avoidance of dealing with the tariff issue was a calculated risk.

In the first place, “tariff reform” for decades had meant one thing, or, rather, two: higher rates under Republicans; lower rates under Democrats. So the topic, and politically addressing it, was a sure electrical storm looming on horizons. Secondly, however, Roosevelt was almost congenitally uncomfortable, even inept, at economics. This even extended to his personal finances; his cousin handled his finances, and his wife Edith parceled out his pocket money.

Roosevelt’s lack of assurance about economic matters did not prevent him from employing a famously astute political instinct. Major tariff revisions through the years — including, significantly, after Roosevelt’s term — often resulted in political turmoil and negative effects on the “reforming” party. Challenges were inherent and perhaps inevitable when competing interests asserted their claims. For instance, traditional Republican constituencies of manufacturers and merchants (as well as consumers) viewed protective rates on imports from different perspectives. The same was true of importers and exporters, dealing with overseas commerce.

In Roosevelt’s first term, there was unbounded prosperity and an expanding economy. Also, the United States found itself as the world’s leading nation in manufacturing, agricultural, and export sectors. The president paid lip-service to maintenance of protective tariffs but encouraged reciprocity with some nations. Otherwise he and his party said little about tariff revision through his presidency.

Roosevelt saw this policy as not rocking the boat. The cartoonist saw it as the party burying its head in the sand. Looking ahead, in the first two years of the Taft administration, Roosevelt’s successor allowed the Senate drastically to raise tariff rates, and he attempted a series of reciprocity agreements, notably with Canada… inciting public displeasure and political backlash.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1904-01-06

Creator(s)

Pughe, J. S. (John S.), 1870-1909

Period

U.S. President – 1st Term (September 1901-February 1905)

Repository

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Page Count

1

Record Type

Image

Resource Type

Cartoon

Rights

These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.

Citation