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Puck, v. 54, no. 1400

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At the turn of the year

At the turn of the year

Uncle Sam stands on steps, holding a large folder labeled “Root’s Portfolio” containing papers labeled “Army War College, Insular Policy, Modernized Military, Coast Defenses, [and] General Staff.” He is tipping his hat and saying goodbye to Elihu Root who is holding his hat, coat, and gloves.

comments and context

Comments and Context

The short comment on this cartoon is that Elihu Root served as Secretary of War under presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. A man of credentials, accomplishments, and universal respect, he was only back in private life for a year and a half after this cartoon was drawn. Upon the death of Secretary of State John Hay in July, 1905, Roosevelt persuaded Root to serve in the cabinet’s premier seat.

The modern Cincinnatus, who will not leave his plough

The modern Cincinnatus, who will not leave his plough

Former president Grover Cleveland, as “Cincinnatus,” is working a field with a plow labeled “Domesticity.” An elderly woman labeled “Democracy” is standing in the field, holding a paper which states “Cleveland’s letter of retirement ‘Unalterable and Conclusive’.” She is perplexed as Cleveland gestures with his right hand for her not to approach him.

comments and context

Comments and Context

President Cleveland is depicted as Cincinnatus, the Roman citizen who yielded to pleas that he serve as leader during various crises, but always relinquished power and returned to his farm. George Washington is the American most frequently likened to Cincinnatus.