Puck, v. 56, no. 1435

President Roosevelt sits in a chair labeled “Presidency” with a fasces behind his left shoulder and with a gag labeled “Civil Decency” in his mouth. He is looking at a spirit of himself from 1900 when he could speak freely.

comments and context

Comments and Context

This cartoon, signed by Joseph Keppler Junior but oddly unlike his style, and reminiscent of Louis Dalrymple (who had left Puck for the Republican Judge), displays the power of partisanship in election years. Puck, owned by Keppler, had been a consistent supporter of President Roosevelt since he ascended to the presidency upon the death of William McKinley. The magazine extolled the man, complimented his multi-faceted personality, and generally endorsed his policies.

The Russian Bear, as a soldier with rifle, has been turned into a scarecrow. A crow labeled “Japan” bites its nose. Another crow labeled “England” is perched on its cap. A crow labeled “Germany” is flying around its head. A crow labeled “Turkey” is on the ground at its feet. A crow labeled “China” is perched on the rifle butt. All these crows, and several others on a fence nearby, are cawing with laughter at the scarecrow.

comments and context

Comments and Context

The term “Sick Man of Europe” has been applied through centuries of international diplomacy to several countries — the Ottoman Empire and Turkey during periods of decline, and Great Britain when parts of its empire fell away. In the years prior to World War I, Russia surely wore the mantle.

This copy of Puck magazine features a full color cartoon which depicts Theodore Roosevelt seated in a chair “Presidency,” fists clenched and holding a scroll called “Civic Decency” between his teeth. In the background is an image of Roosevelt dancing on a tree stump labeled “1900.” The reverse side contains references to Roosevelt’s 1904 presidential campaign.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Creation Date

1904-08-31