In Africa after March 4—may-be

President Roosevelt has his big stick at his feet and holds out his hands toward a snake, a lion, a tiger, a giraffe, a rhino, and a monkey. The “G.O.P.” elephant says, “He hypnotized me.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

The Washington Herald’s Joseph Harry Cunningham paid subtle compliments to President Roosevelt in this cartoon that was published precisely a week before the Republican National Convention would convene in Chicago. Presidents did not attend their parties’ conventions in those times, nor did candidates unless they were nominated in last-minute stampedes or compromises.

The president was as busy with convention matters as if he were an aspirant for the nomination himself. And while not present, he pulled strings and kept in close contact with his representatives about seeing that William H. Taft maintained his pledged delegates; that convention officers be favorable to the Administration (Roosevelt lost a showdown over selection of the temporary chairman); that speeches and platform planks be vetted to support his policies, and criticisms suppressed.

The country knew — with predictable fascination, and to confirm the president’s intentions to take leave of American shores — that a month after Inauguration Day, the wild beasts of Africa, not the Congress, would be confronted.

Many cartoonists had already speculated about Roosevelt’s upcoming encounters with wild animals, but Cunningham’s clever twist was built upon Roosevelt’s unlikely victories of late over Congress and the convention managers — and he playfully attributed Roosevelt’s magic to hypnotism. And, perhaps, as the cartoon suggested, hypnotic gestures, like music, could soothe the savage breasts and beasts of the Dark Continent.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-09

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