A question of courage
Subject(s): American Republican Party, Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925, Cannon, Joseph Gurney, 1836-1926, Conners, William James, 1857-1929, Democratic Party (U.S.), Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826, Kenna, Michael, 1858-1946, Political corruption, Political parties--Platforms, Presidents--Elections, Taggart, Thomas, 1856-1929, Voting
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A man labeled “Average voter” stands between two fields, trying to decide which one he should choose. On the left is the “Democratic Lot” showing “Bryan’s Financial Fallacies, Schemes, Dreams, [and] Instability”; “Opposition to a Sound Banking System”; “Inexperience”; “Obstructive Policies”; “Tariff Reform”; “Jefferson’s Ideals”; “Low Leaders [Thomas] Taggart, Fingy [William J. Connors], Hinky Dink [Michael Kenna]”; Anti-Everything”; “Sectionalism”; and “Croak and Kick Statesmanship.” On the right is the “Republican Lot” showing “Past Prosperity” and “Constructive Policies” among “Arrogant Rule [Joseph Cannon], Extravagance, Tariff Graft, Parasite Plutocracy, Special Privilege, Swollen Fortunes, Pension Graft, Foraker Type of Statesman, [and as a snake] Wall Street.” Caption: The Democratic lot – Better soil / The Republican lot – a more alluring field.
Comments and Context
“A Question of Courage” was a remarkable cartoon to run in a prominent and usually partisan political journal. Puck, traditional Democrat-leaning, had been ambiguous during the 1908 presidential campaign, declining to be firmer in its tilt toward Republican candidate William H. Taft or utterly disapproving of Democrat William Jennings Bryan.
Its ambiguity had roots in political realities. Through the decade’s first years Puck grew increasing radical, as did many Muckraking and Reform publications; and as did President Roosevelt, whose policies Puck generally applauded. Except for subsequent years when the magazine’s circulation dipped and it had to depend on backing and advertising revenue from Democratic sources, it faithfully followed its lodestar.
Perhaps more remarkable is the cartoonist of this double-page drawing. Art Young (here formally signing “Arthur” Young) was a contributor to Puck was well on his own evolutionary path to radical politics; and famously so for the remainder his career.
These points, noted, the most remarkable aspect of the cartoon is its clarity and forceful presentation of political realities and partisan dilemmas of the time, and of many areas. Young cleverly shows patches of verdant land on the Democratic landscape, but the barren grounds, ugly thatches, and dangerous creatures threatening the pathway.
But on the Republican side, the Average Voter surveys a bountiful harvest under sunny skies, yet close to the ground are malignant faces, thistles, and poisonous impediments.
Readers were and are free to reckon the ultimate points of view of Puck and Art Young — clearly their intention. The voters inclined to the Republican landscape, perhaps; and it should be noted that, a week before the election, Democrat Bryan is portrayed critically; and Republican Taft depicted not at all.
Collection
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Creation Date
1908-10-28
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:
A question of courage. [October 28, 1908]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o289051. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Young, Art, 1866-1943. A question of courage. [28 Oct. 1908]. Image.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 26, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o289051.
APA:
Young, Art, 1866-1943., [1908, October 28]. A question of courage.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o289051.
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. March 26, 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.
