Tornadoes

An ostrich labeled “Republican Party” tucks its head in a hole labeled “‘Stand Pat’ Policy” as a tornado advances from behind with dark clouds labeled “Tariff Reform.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

The Republican Party’s attitude toward tariff reform is depicted in this cartoon by Pughe as one of foolish or willful neglect, with sure disaster as the price. Yet with President Roosevelt at the helm, it is generally the case that avoidance of dealing with the tariff issue was a calculated risk.

In the wake of a tornado outbreak in Mississippi, President Roosevelt informs Governor Noel of the legal channels through which the War Department will dispatch aid and personnel, and provides him with the names of people to ask for aid. The Red Cross is also sending aid and nurses.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-02

President Roosevelt offers Mississippi Governor Edmond Favor Noel sympathy and federal aid following destructive tornadoes in Mississippi.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-26

A woman labeled “Democratic Party” peers through an opening labeled “Jeffersonian Principles” in an underground shelter, while a tornado rages overhead with dark clouds labeled “Indignation, Dissatisfaction, Defeat, [and] Hard Times.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1894-05-02

Several men emerge from an underground shelter after a tornado labeled “November Elections” has passed. One man is labeled “Special Privilege” and others are labeled “Grafter” and “High Protection.” Among them are Joseph Gurney Cannon and Joseph Benson Foraker. Caption: Special Privilege — All right now, boys. You can come out.

comments and context

Comments and Context

In 1908 Puck Magazine could not help but stay fairly neutral between the presidential campaigns of Democrat William Jennings Bryan and the victorious Republican William H. Taft. The traditional Democratic magazine preferred the postions of Taft (actually the policies of outgoing President Roosevelt) and regarded Bryan as anathema.