Hypnotism

President Roosevelt has his big stick at his feet and holds out his hands toward a snake, a lion, a tiger, a giraffe, a rhino, and a monkey. The “G.O.P.” elephant says, “He hypnotized me.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

The Washington Herald’s Joseph Harry Cunningham paid subtle compliments to President Roosevelt in this cartoon that was published precisely a week before the Republican National Convention would convene in Chicago. Presidents did not attend their parties’ conventions in those times, nor did candidates unless they were nominated in last-minute stampedes or compromises.

A wily, destitute, European noble, with papers extending from his pockets labeled “Laundry Bill, Hotel Bill, Livery Bill, [and] Tailor Bill,” seeks a fortune among young American heiresses, as he “hypnotizes” them with the crown of his nobility and they, in their weakened state, kneel before him offering bags of money, to the chagrin of young, well-to-do, American men.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1895-10-02

A fashionably dressed young woman dances before a small gathering at a country dance, where one old man, in particular, is mesmerized by her appearance and seems to be making a fool out of himself before the others who look on with chagrin.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1893-12-06