Individual and public servant

In the first cartoon, President Roosevelt holds his “big stick” and a paper that reads, “Election Day 1904: Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for or accept another nomination.” In the second cartoon, Roosevelt holds his “big stick” and a paper that reads, “December 12, 1907: I have not changed, and shall not change the decision thus announced.” In the third cartoon, the people holds the “big stick,” and Roosevelt defers to it in Chicago on June 16, 1908. In the fourth cartoon, a larger group of people hold the “big stick” and Roosevelt defers on November 3, 1908.

comments and context

Comments and Context

Joseph Harry Cunningham of the Washington Herald apparently wanted to be a prophet as well as a cartoonist in this four-panel treatment of the 1908 political season. Aided by veloxes or photostats to enable him to depict identical figures, even in evolving sizes, Cunningham depicted the phases of President Roosevelt’s declination of another term in the White House.

The “Big Stick” of his refusal grows in size, in his hands, and then grows more substantial when poised against him, in 1908. Roosevelt’s stature — representing his obduracy — shrinks as the figure, awkwardly rendered, representing the mass of citizens and public opinion, grew in size. By Cunningham’s prediction, the people would overshadow Roosevelt’s will.

It was not to happen, but Cunningham’s cartoon seemed to be plausible prospect, and one in the hearts of many countrymen.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-03-19

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