Part 6 (2/2)

[Ill.u.s.tration: Balaam and Balaam's a.s.s.

One of the caricatures inspired by the United States Bank Case.

_From the collection of the New York Public Library._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: A New Map of the United States with the Additional Territories on an improved Plan.

1828.

_From the collection of the New York Public Library._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: The Great American Steeplechase for 1844.

Among the various candidates for the Presidency shown in this cartoon are General Scott, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, James Buchanan and Martin Van Buren.

_From the collection of the New York Public Library._]

American national feeling on the subject of the European Powers deriving benefit from the discovery of gold in California is ill.u.s.trated by a cartoon which shows the United States ready to defend her possessions by force of arms. The various Powers have crossed the sea and are very near to our coast. Queen Victoria, mounted on a bull, is in the lead. She is saying: ”Oh, dear Albert, don't you cry for me.

I'm off for California with my shovel on my knee.” Behind her is the figure of Russia, saying: ”As something is Bruin, I'll put in my paw, while the nations around me are making a Jaw.” Louis Napoleon, who at the time had just been elected President of the French, is drawn in the form of a bird. He is flying over the heads of Victoria and Russia, and singing: ”As you have gold for all creation, den please give some to La Grand Nation. I have just become de President, and back I shall not like to went.” In the distance may be seen Spain, and beyond the United States fleet. Along the sh.o.r.e stretch the tents of an American army. Ominously coiled up on the rocks is the American rattlesnake with the head of President Taylor. Back of the camp is a battery of American guns directed by the American eagle, which wears the head of General Scott, saying: ”Retreat, you poor d----s! Nor a squabble engender, for our Gold unto you we will never surrender.

Right about face! Double quick to the rear! And back to your keepers all hands of you steer.”

[Ill.u.s.tration: Uncle Sam's Taylorifics.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: The Mexican Commander enjoying the prospect opposite Matamoras.

Can I believe my spectacles? Dare these ”Northern Barbarians” thus insult the ”magnanimous Mexican Natian”? They have taken Texas--They grasp at Oregon--Now they lay their ”rapacious hand” on Mexico! ”G.o.d & Liberty!”--where is my friend, John Bull?

American cartoons of the war with Mexico.

_From the collection of the New York Historical Society._]

The Presidential election of 1852 was cartooned under the t.i.tle ”Great Foot Race for the Presidential Purse ($100,000 and Pickings) Over the Union Course, 1852.” The Whigs, encouraged by their success with General Taylor, put forth another military officer, General Scott, as their candidate, but in this cartoon Daniel Webster is shown to be well in the lead and receiving the plaudits of most of the spectators.

Behind him is Scott, and a little way back is Franklin Pierce, who proved the ultimate winner. ”I can beat you both, and walk in at that, although you had a hundred yards the start of me,” is Webster's conviction. ”Confound Webster!” cries Scott. ”What does he want to get right in my way for? If he don't give out, or Pierce don't faint, I shall be beaten.” ”No, no, old Fuss and Feathers,” retorts Pierce, ”you don't catch this child fainting now. I am going to make good time! Whether I win or not, Legs, do your duty.”

[Ill.u.s.tration: Defence of the California Bank.

_From the collection of the New York Historical Society._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Great Footrace for the Presidential Purse $100,000 and Pickings over the Union Course 1852.

_From the collection of the New York Historical Society._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: The Presidential Campaign of '56.

_From the collection of the New York Historical Society._]

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