A few words
Subject(s): Hunting, Magnifying glasses, Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919, Speeches, addresses, etc., United States. Congress
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“Congress” holds a magnifying glass to read the large and tightly rolled “president’s message.” President Roosevelt walks away saying, “Now for the hunt.”
Comments and Context
By 1908, Congress — or at least “Old Guard” and reactionary leaders in both houses — were not only weary of the strenuous president’s many messages, orders, and proclamations, but growing more hostile to them. Theodore Roosevelt, despite his imminent retirement, or maybe because of that fact, increased his initiatives.
His previous Annual Message (now called the State of the Union address) was viewed as gargantuan in length and detail. His last message, transmitted to the Congress on the date of this cartoon, was no less ambitious.
It would not be like Roosevelt to flag in his advocacies; but he was concerned about justifying his tenure, continuing his policies and programs as he could, and cementing his legacy. His supporters among insurgent and progressive ranks in both parties were more willing to devour the message; certainly more than the iconic figure in this cartoon, representing the Old Guard.
“Now for the hunt” refers to the African safari Roosevelt was planning. He would sail from the United States three weeks after leaving office.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1908-12-08
Creator(s)
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Page Count
1
Production Method
Record Type
Image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
A few words. [December 8, 1908]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o301944. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Wisa, Louis. A few words. [8 Dec. 1908]. Image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. April 2, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o301944.
APA:
Wisa, Louis., [1908, December 8]. A few words.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o301944.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. April 2, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
