|
|
|
 |
| |
   |
|
| |
Democratic National Convention |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Can He Do It?” |
|
| |
Cartoonist: G. Bull |
| |
Source: Harper's Weekly |
| |
Date:
July 6, 1872, p. 527
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click to see a large version of this cartoon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Complete HarpWeek Explanation:
This cartoon appeared shortly before the
Democratic National Convention began in Baltimore. Having captured the
presidential nomination at the Liberal Republican convention in Cincinnati,
Horace Greeley now prepares to win the Democratic nomination. With the
popularity of P. T. Barnum's "Greatest Show on Earth" and other
circuses in the second half of the 19th century, cartoonists often chose the
visual analogy of circus acrobats to politicians. Here, Senator Carl Schurz
holds the Cincinnati hoop for Greeley, while Democratic party chair August
Belmont holds the Baltimore hoop. The acrobat/candidate, a trade protectionist,
attempts to straddle the backs of two horses, "Protection" and
"Free Trade," the latter representing the position of most Liberal
Republicans. In the front row of the audience, Tammany Hall Democrats (l-r)
Peter Sweeny, William "Boss" Tweed, and Mayor A. Oakey Hall applaud
Greeley's amazing feat of political dexterity. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warning
1860
