Monsters

The newly elected Democratic governor of Massachusetts, William L. Douglas, appears as a gladiator holding a sword labeled “Popular Approval” and a shield showing the Seal of the State of Massachusetts. In the arena, he faces a dragon with the head of a bull and fashioned out of industrial parts labeled “Leather Trust, Flour Trust, Beet Trust, Steel Trust, Cotton Trust, Tobacco Trust, Oil Trust, Woolen Goods, Iron, Copper, Steel, [and] Glass.” The dragon’s back and tail are labeled “Monopoly” and “High Protective Tariff.” On the ground between its front legs is a woman labeled “Fair Trade.” Standing in the audience are Republicans O. H. Platt, Henry C. Lodge, Nelson W. Aldrich, Nathan B. Scott, John C. Spooner, and Redfield Proctor.

comments and context

Comments and Context

An interesting figure in American politics was William Lewis Douglas. He was a prominent shoe manufacturer in Massachusetts, a state known for that product. He was friendly to unions (but a foe of socialism); a staunch opponent of monopolies (as depicted in Pughe’s cartoon, where he challenges the Trust Monster); and an advocate of free trade with Canada (if for no other reason that his business bought hides and coal from the neighbors to the north). He pioneered the concept of manufacturer-owned retails outlets, growing W. L. Douglas Shoe Stores to 60 across America at their busiest.

Puck, as a barker at a sideshow, presents as a “freak” the New York City tax payer. Puck points to a sign on the wall that states “Here you are now! The New York Tax-Payer!! The Greatest Curiosity ever on Exhibition! He pays $36 Per Capita. For the Privilege of Living in the Dirtiest and Worst-Governed City in the World!” Tax payers from Brooklyn at “$10.88 per capita, Berlin $7.35 per capita, Paris $5.40 per capita, [and] London $7.40 per capita” view the exhibit. Caption: He excites the wonder and amusement of the civilized world – including Brooklyn.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1886-01-06

A large gorilla-like monster with human head, clutching clusters of buildings labeled “Public Utilities, Competition, [and] Small Business” with his right arm and left leg, crushes a building labeled “Untainted Success, Initiative, Individualism, Independence, [and] Ambition” with his left hand, causing some citizens to flee while others plead for mercy. He casts a shadow over the U.S. Capitol, tilting in the background. Caption: Puck is not an advocate of Socialism, but He finds some grim humor in Monopoly’s argument against it.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1910-01-12

On the left “The Trusts,” as bloated, clownish figures, frighten “The Common People.” On the right, a large gorilla-like monster with human head holds Liberty in one arm and a large coin in the other, as it topples the dome on the U.S. Capitol with one foot. Caption: For years the Trust has been pictured as this, – and laughed at. Why not know Him for what He really is – a brute with brains?

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1909-12-15