Life, 1893-11-09 · page 13 of 18
Life — November 9, 1893 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page celebrates President Cleveland's victory in repealing the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. The "Jeffersonian chicken" is a metaphorical symbol of true Democratic principles—the article argues Cleveland embodies authentic Jeffersonian democracy by championing sound currency (gold standard) over the demands of party politicians, particularly the Tammany Hall machine and Populist faction who favored unlimited silver coinage. The top illustration depicts a chaotic political celebration with formally-dressed figures amid festive vegetation. The accompanying caption about "Poor Little Reggie" appears unrelated—a satirical joke about a drunk aristocrat, possibly mocking upper-class pretension. The article defends Cleveland against accusations that he's "posing as better than his party," arguing his independence on currency policy actually represents true Democratic virtue. The rooster illustration at bottom symbolizes triumphant crowing over policy victory.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“ PooR LITTLE REGGIE! DRUNK AND CARRIED TO THE STATION-HOUSE.” “YES, RUT WHAT WOUNDS HIS PRIDE 1S THAT THEY MADE THE POLICE-MATRON PUT HIM TO BED.” HE Jeffersonian chicken has a good right to crow over Silver Repeal. Not because the Democrats in Con- gress were responsible for its victory, but because the most Jeffersonian and most prominent Democrat in the country insisted upon Repeal. If President Cleveland had wavered or weakened in the slightest degree, the trimmers and com- promisers, backed up by the Populist cranks, would have been masters of the situation. Once more Mr. Cleveland has shown himself worthy of the trust reposed in him by the people. Democrats of the Tammany and David Pot-house Hill kind are always ac- cusing him of posing as better than his party. If this posing consists in his sticking out for sound currency and refusing to be governed by Democratic politicians, the people approve of it. The fact is that Mr. Cleveland isa truer Jeffersonian and a truer Democrat than any of his c Therefore, let the Jef- fersonian chicken rejoice and sound high its clarion of victory. comicbooks.com