Cartoon in the Washington Star

President Roosevelt sits in his chair with various papers around him–“tiger trapping,” “jungle hunting,” “lion taming,” “how to bring down an elephant,” “suggestions for message to Congress,” and “happy hunting grounds Africa.” He says, “Now for an hour of African anticipation.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

In the aftermath of a presidential election, Theodore Roosevelt is pictured lost in thought with immediate plans for his “retirement,” the African safari he carefully had been planning. Any president might reasonably be understood as weary after two terms in the White House; and in Roosevelt’s case the typically strenuous president was as active as any incumbent not running to succeed himself. In many ways he created William H. Taft the candidate, counseled him, and was active in many other non-traditional ways. He would have had a right be lost in reveries, as cartoonist Clifford Kennedy Berryman pictured.

But Roosevelt was Roosevelt, so Berryman’s conception was not quite accurate. Regarding preparations for Africa, Roosevelt had spent months reading, studying, consulting, planning, interviewing experts and possible members of the safari team, securing a publishing arrangement for magazine articles and a book, and seeking support from natural history institutions, and financial backing. This activity commenced before election day and continued seamlessly afterward.

The callers at the door represented the dual demands on the president’s attention — the legislative agenda and his safari. Characteristically, Roosevelt’s daybook reveals that until March 4, 1909, when Taft took the oath of office, some of the busiest days — on all matters — occupied the president.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-12

Creator(s)

Berryman, Clifford Kennedy, 1869-1949

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