Reform without bloodshed

In the “Governor’s room,” Theodore Roosevelt holds a large paper of “reform bills” that New York Governor Grover Cleveland signs. On the ground is a book of “law and order” and a newspaper that reads, “Cincinnati: The court, judges, and juries denounced by the people. Riots, blood, troops.” On the wall is a picture of Lady Justice, blindfolded and holding a scale and a sword; and a larger crest of a landscape with the word “reform” and “excelsior,” or ever onward, on it; all forming the Seal of the State of New York.

comments and context

Comments and Context

This cartoon by Thomas Nast in Harper’s Weekly, published April 19, 1884, is one of the most significant, and fateful, of the thousands that were drawn during his life. It was not the first, but among the very first, of his career. It illustrates the remarkable fact that his rapid emergence in New York State politics did not so much precede as parallel the notice he received on the national scene.

The 25-year-old Roosevelt, at the time of this cartoon’s publication in America’s preeminent news weekly, by a pillar of American political cartooning, Thomas Nast, was a mere six weeks past the devastating occurrence of the deaths of his mother and wife on the same day, in the same house, by different causes. Of course this might have crushed many men — and Roosevelt’s grief was profound — yet he threw himself into work in the New York Assembly with ever greater fervor. The fruits of his work are lauded by Nast in this cartoon.

No less noteworthy as a prescient historical document is the concept, which likewise offers praise of Governor Grover Cleveland. The governor had similarly risen like a rocket, although to more prominent offices than those of Roosevelt at the time. A mere three years earlier, Cleveland was Sheriff of Erie County, New York; he was then elected mayor of Buffalo; and soon elevated to the gubernatorial chair, swept in — like Roosevelt — by voters demanding political reform.

The two cooperated frequently, in fact did so throughout their careers, each serving two presidential terms. They were of different parties, but Cleveland retained Roosevelt as Civil Service Commissioner in his second presidential administration; and Roosevelt consulted Cleveland during his own administration, and invited him to serve on the reconciliation board over the anthracite coal strike of 1902.

Within months of this cartoon’s publication, Cleveland was nominated by the Democratic Party for president. Many Republican reformers supported Cleveland as their candidate, Senator James G. Blaine, was a charismatic leader with a resume of corruption. Roosevelt — once again despite his youth — was a major figure at the Republican convention, managing the successful choice of a black Mississippian, John Roy Lynch, as Temporary Chairman; and leading the forces of reform candidate Senator George F. Edmunds. Roosevelt did not bolt but offered the most perfunctory endorsement of Blaine, then left for his cattle ranches in the Dakota territory, escaping, for a spell of two years, politics and personal sorrows.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1884-04-19

Creator(s)

Nast, Thomas, 1840-1902

Language

English

Period

New York State Assemblyman (1882-May 1884)

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