Another jack-in-the-box

New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes is depicted as a jack-in-the-box and holds two paddles: “I know no boss” and “my own ideas.” Hughes says to President Roosevelt, who seems surprised, “Haven’t said a word.” Meanwhile, William H. Taft runs away with “Cleveland’s election” cut into the seat of his pants and says, “Back to the Philippines for Willie.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

President Roosevelt, resolutely refusing to seek renomination in 1908, resisted the speculation and the desires of many who wished that he would break his pledge. He let it be known –not officially but clear to anyone reading between the lines of his letters and comments — that his preference lay with Secretary of War William H. Taft.

There were other aspirants for the Republican nomination, including allies and former cabinet members, as well as “dark horses” and those favored by factions. One such figure was Charles Evans Hughes, who at the time of this cartoon’s publication had been governor of New York for less than a year. As a crusading prosecutor of insurance-industry corruption, Hughes was suggested for the gubernatorial office by Roosevelt himself (partly as a middle choice between two warring factions).

The reformist impulses of Republican Hughes, from the nation’s most populous state, immediately thrust him into discussions about 1908. In Cunningham’s cartoon, Roosevelt is surprised to the point of contortion by the emergence of Hughes and his recent statement about political independence. There was speculation that Hughes made a veiled reference to Taft’s being in the political thrall of Roosevelt. Taft is seen running away from the encounter; the patch on his pants refers to the Cleveland mayoralty loss earlier in the month — Taft’s ally, Representative Theodore E. Burton, having failed to unseat Cleveland’s incumbent mayor Tom Loftin Johnson. It was viewed as an example of deficient political influence or skills in Taft’s home state.

In a revealing letter at this time, addressing the situation depicted in Cunningham’s cartoon, Roosevelt discussed the Cleveland loss and his assessment of Taft as a candidate. Writing to his daughter Alice (November 10, 1907), he maintained that his support of Taft was really sub rosa as befits the party’s leader; and, in practical terms, support that appeared too emphatic would embolden opponents of Roosevelt and backers of Taft. He also makes the surprising comment that Taft seemed the best successor, but the convention could do as it wished. The philosophical resignation was momentary but revealed less than total confidence in Taft.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-17

Creator(s)

Cunningham, Joseph Harry, 1865-1946

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