Cartoon in the Elmira Advertiser

President Roosevelt sits at his desk and holds a book entitled “Big Game in Africa Shown to Be Extinct” in one hand and “Petition from [T]exas. Spare African Animals. Signed–School Children. Petition from New England. Have mercy on African animals. Signed–School Children” in his other. His rifle–“my pet”–is on his desk as well as “Nature Stories.” On the ground is an open book: “Political Game in America: Dead and Dying.” Kermit Roosevelt says to his father, “Dad, they’re mollycoddles.” President Roosevelt replies, “Oh! No! This needs investigation.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

As Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency drew to a close. he was not less busy as some Chief Executives who managed to “transition,” but rather more occupied than usual, which famously was hectic and strenuous at normal times. He was involved in a messy dispute with Congress, he hurriedly made appointments, proclamations, and executive orders while he had those powers, he prepared to meet the returning Great White Fleet from its circumnavigational tour, he did what he could to implement the initiatives that grew from the National Governors Conference he convened (on conservation matters), and so forth.

Personally, he finished the drafts of the major speeches he would deliver in European capitals (at Berlin, at the Sorbonne — what would be the famed “Man In the Arena” speech — the Romanes Lecture at Oxford University, etc.) and sought advice from many people including George Cabot Lodge. And was involved with extensive preparations for his African safari: advice, logistics, financing, museum arrangements, publishing plans.

Yet nothing was cast to the side, not even letters from children and “petitions” from schoolrooms concerned about his safety in Africa, but more often — and coincidentally publicized in Democratic newspapers — worried about the wild beats he planned to shoot. Roosevelt is shown with a beloved firearm nearby, and guides to slaughtering animals strewn about.

To such letters and petitions — and to such cartoons and editorials — Roosevelt patiently explained that his plan (which was followed) largely was to hunt exclusively for museum and scientific purposes; and for food for the large contingent in his party.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-30

Creator(s)

Cunningham, Joseph Harry, 1865-1946

Language

English

Period

U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)

Repository

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

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