Locks and keys

The gigantic figure of Bluebeard labeled “Protected Monopolies” holds a set of keys identified as the “Keys to Rate Regulation, Meat Inspection, Pure Food and Anti-Trust Laws.” He is speaking to Theodore Roosevelt, dressed as “Fatima,” and pointing to a room labeled “Tariff Revision.” Caption: Blue-Beard — With these keys, my dear, you may go as far as you like, but don’t let me catch you in that room!

comments and context

Comments and Context

The Bluebeard story is famous, and at the time of this cartoon readers would also have known the popular 1882 short story by Frank R. Stockton “The Lady? or the Tiger?” Everyone can relate to the dilemma of choices… and the temptation to peek behind a forbidden door.

An angry Uncle Sam holds up a lantern labeled “Congressional Legislation” to illuminate a rotund man wearing a crown labeled “Trusts” and a robe decorated with dollar signs. The man has a ring with many keys hanging from a cord around his waist, and he is sitting on a stack of books that are labeled “Day Book, Ledger, Entry Book, Stock Book, [and] Cash Book.” He has his right hand on an open book. All the books are locked with padlocks. Caption: Uncle Sam — You’re a powerful big man, and you have your uses. But if you’re honest why do you hide in the dark? – Open up those books!

comments and context

Comments and Context

Pughe’s cartoon is on a theme that often had been visited by cartoonists and editorial writers for decades in criticism of the trusts and monopolies: publicity. Reformers knew that the glare of public scrutiny would accelerate the demise, or at least the more onerous practices, of rapacious business combinations. The seeds planted by critics bore fruit in the century’s first decade from new unlikely sources — the presidency, under Theodore Roosevelt, and the “Muckrakers” (by coincidence, Roosevelt’s term) who, in print of both fiction and exposes, eviscerated the corruption and venality of monopolists. 

A small dog wearing a collar labeled “Boutelle” is bound with heavy chains and a large padlock labeled “Democratic Majority.” The dog sits outside a doghouse labeled “Minority Kennel.” He is exposed to the cold and snow of winter.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1894-02-14

Theodore Roosevelt provides a brief update on his attitude and appearance while studying in Dresden. He provides illustrations of an incident where the family lost their keys, when he brought a dead bat to the Minkwitz home, and a humorous view of Darwinian theory.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1873-09-21