Driven to the tall timber

A “railroad magnate” sits in a tree with a top hat labeled “railroad” stuck to a branch. He says, “For heavens sake Theodore, save me!” as a bear below him labeled “state law” growls, “two cents – mile.” President Roosevelt, armed with a gun labeled “federal law,” marches away from Washington and toward the tree. There is a sign in the foreground that says, “No trespassing on these grounds.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

This cover cartoon in The Meddler the short-lived regional aspirant to the field occupied nationally by Puck, Judge, and Life, addressed the recent and well-publicized meeting of J. P. Morgan, representing railroad magnates, with President Roosevelt at the White House.

The business titans sought a meeting with Roosevelt to plead their case that recent legislation and regulations were inimical to the industry’s health. A specific argument was that imposition of lower rates that could be charged to passengers and particularly freight contractors threatened the ability of railroads to secure bank loans for expansion and improvements.

That is the context of this cartoon, obviously sympathetic to the rail lines and hopeful in the case of the president’s response.

Cartoonist John F. Collins might have been the same John Collins who subsequently drew Sunday color comic strips for the World Color Printing Company of St. Louis, titles including Mister Smarty and Pinkie Prim.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-23

Creator(s)

Collins, J. F.

Language

English

Period

U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)

Page Count

1

Production Method

Printed

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