Bribe takers both
Subject(s): Bribery, Corruption, Elections--Political aspects, Free trade--Protection, Voting
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On the left a man labeled “Tariff Coddled Manufacturer” votes with one hand and receives a bribe in the other, in the form of a “High-Protection Schedule,” from a large hand labeled “Rep. Congress” extending above the U.S. Capitol. On the right a diminutive man votes with one hand and receives money with the other from a man leaning out of a saloon. Caption: It’s only a question of size.
Comments and Context
Puck‘s drawing by its chief political cartoonist Udo J. Keppler, is generic — that is, a political cartoon with no politics — addressing no specific candidate or office-holder, nor discussing any pending legislation. In fact, through its existence, Puck routinely and often attacked political corruption and, as here, unholy alliances whether in high chambers of corporations or saloons in lowly slums.
The general problem Keppler attacks is not exclusive to the Gilded Age of Puck‘s birth, nor the Muckraking Era of this cartoon, nor the dawning Progressive Era.
Influence-peddling unfortunately is endemic to democracy. With changed labels, this cartoon would be pertinent to any period.
Collection
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Creation Date
1906-09-05
Creator(s)
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
Page Count
1
Record Type
Image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Bribe takers both. [September 5, 1906]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o278571. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956. Bribe takers both. [5 Sep. 1906]. Image.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. August 3, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o278571.
APA:
Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956., [1906, September 5]. Bribe takers both.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o278571.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. August 3, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
APA:
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-prints-and-photographs.
