Trade regulation--Government policy

The Republican elephant uses his trunk to support, overhead, an infant labeled “Infant Industries” in a cradle labeled “Protective Tariff.” The U.S. Capitol building is visible in the background.

comments and context

Comments and Context

The meaning of this cartoon was the real situation and a growing dilemma in United States politics and the American economy. High-tariff and protectionist policies after the Civil War, and accelerating as industries thrived and prosperity asserted itself, became something of an anomaly. Industries largely thrived on their own as America achieved manufacturing and trade dominance in the world, monopolies frequently profited moguls as citizens sought lower retail prices, and the Republican Party’s identification with their vaunted “infant industries” needing protection had become burdensome.

President Roosevelt believes the Interstate Commerce Commission is doing “the most important work of the Government at this time” and asks them to investigate the allegations made by the director and chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad Edward Henry Harriman. Roosevelt sees this as an opportunity for the Commission to profit from criticism by evaluating and improving their methods.  

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-10-10

Allen W. Thurman approves of President Roosevelt’s recent message to Congress, particularly with regard to his statements on the “a limitation and regulation of contract,” and the development of waterways in the United States. Thurman wishes that someone would find a way for the federal government to protect migratory birds, as currently such protections are only given by the states. While Thurman did not vote for President-elect William H. Taft, he believes that he will do a good job, and that Roosevelt’s actions while in office will have paved the way for him to continue what Roosevelt has begun.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-14