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Puck, v. 51, no. 1310

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China safe – for the present

An eagle labeled “Germany” and the Russian Bear relax after eating. Bones labeled “Shan-Tung” and “Manchuria” lie at their feet. Caption: Russia and Germany — Of course we want peace. It isn’t wise to exercise on a full stomach.

Comments and Context

Pughe’s cartoon is a bit disingenuous, or at least only a partial treatment of the Chinese situation in the aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion, but the matter was muddled. In the midst of troop withdrawals and the imposition of punitive indemnities on the Chinese, there was a scramble for lands, ports, and territories. The Empress, faced with reality and desiring to keep her throne, acceded to carve-outs from her nation. It was not only the Russians and Germans who feasted. Russia and Japan, neighbors of China, received the most real estate, and Russia outright occupied Manchuria. Among other countries granted spheres of influence and long-term concessions were Great Britain (Hong Kong), Portugal (Macau), and Japan was even granted control of Taiwan.

The joys of attempting the impossible

Senator Mark Hanna draws a life-sized portrait of himself as a Greek or Roman statesman. Two men labeled “Capital” and “Labor” stand nearby. In the background is a large monument stating “In memory of the man who reconciled Labor and Capital.” Caption: “I would want no greater memorial than to have the world remember that I did something to end the wars between American capital and American labor” – From speech by Senator Hanna.

Comments and Context

Despite the ambitions of Senator Marcus Hanna as quoted in this cartoon, there was widespread skepticism of, at least, his beneficent attitude toward labor. The perception was in large measure established in the public’s mind, and history’s judgment, by cartoonists. Keppler’s profile here is mild compared to the unrelenting and famed caricatures of Homer Davenport, chief political cartoonist of the Hearst newspapers. Taking advantage of Hanna’s first name, he drew the senator in garish checked suits with dollar signs in every square; hence the nickname “Dollar Mark.” Davenport frequently drew Hanna as a virtual cannibal, feasting on the carcasses of American laborers. Keppler, here, was mild in comparison.