St. Paul pioneer press (Saint Paul, Minn. : 1909-1985)

A stone that contains President Roosevelt’s likeness rolls from St. Paul, to Yellowstone, to St. Louis, to Denver, to Los Angeles, and has begun to be covered by a moss labeled “support for nomination in 1904.” A well-dressed GOP elephant looks on. Caption: The G. O. P.: A rolling stone gathers no moss—unless it is strenuous stone.

Comments and Context

George W. Rehse made reference to President Theodore Roosevelt’s peripatetic “swing” through the Upper Midwest, the Northern Plains States, the Pacific Northwest, California, and the Midwest at the time of this cartoon — a trip that included notable stops for touring and recreation in places like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. His speeches and frequently addressed major policy issues.

This extensive trip, as the cartoon suggests, was not only strenuous but conducted with an eye on the next year’s presidential contest.

President Roosevelt holds the “nomination in 1904” chicken by a string as Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna–appearing as an African-American–looks on. Caption: Uncle Mark: Dat’s a mighty fine chicken and I’se glad you got it.

Comments and Context

Cartoonist George Rehse in this cartoon offered a graphic version of one of the era’s greatest faits accomplis. 

Ohio Republican Senator Mark Hanna by common consent of politicians and observers in 1903, harbored presidential aspirations. He was ambitious enough in the mode of his closest friend, the late President William McKinley; but he also was a Republican who was at best a reluctant supporter of President Theodore Roosevelt’s policies and reforms.

President Roosevelt easily drives a cart hitched to an elephant on the road while Alton B. Parker’s “campaign rig” cart driven by a donkey is stuck in the mud. Caption: The Judge: It begins to look as if I would have to get out in the mush and mud and push this thing.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-09-11