A complete issue · 16 pages · 1877
Puck — September 12, 1877
# "Kelly's Dainty Dish" — Puck, September 12, 1877 This cartoon satirizes what appears to be a political or social figure named Kelly. The illustration shows a Native American chief and a well-dressed white man sharing a meal from a large pot, with the caption "How the Tammany Appetite is Appeased." The reference to "Tammany" indicates this attacks Tammany Hall, New York's powerful Democratic political machine known for corruption and patronage. The "dainty dish" likely refers to illicit dealings or graft. The Native American imagery—a common 19th-century satirical device for depicting "savage" or corrupt behavior—suggests Kelly engages in crude, predatory politics. The shared meal implies collusion or backroom deals between political operators. Without additional context, the specific Kelly referenced remains unclear.
# Analysis of Puck Magazine Page 2 This page contains editorial content rather than political cartoons. The main pieces are: **"Puck" Editorial**: The editor celebrates the magazine's success and influence, appealing to readers' patriotism while criticizing "knaves" and "Tammany" (the corrupt Democratic political machine). The tone is self-congratulatory. **"Kelly's Dainty Dish"**: This satirizes Controller Kelly and Tammany Hall's corruption, suggesting Kelly distributes offices and farms to benefit himself while claiming to fight corruption. It's commentary on New York City machine politics. **"Mac Mahon's Sorrow"** and **"Cashiers and Cash"**: These appear to be brief satirical pieces on political and financial topics of the era. The page reflects Puck's role as a vehicle for attacking Democratic political corruption in Gilded Age New York.
# "The Coming Mormon Prophet" — Puck, page 3 This page satirizes **Henry Ward Beecher**, a prominent Brooklyn preacher, through an interview titled "The Coming Mormon Prophet." The cartoon depicts Beecher as a potential Mormon leader, mocking his personal scandals (he faced adultery allegations) by suggesting his polygamous inclinations suit Mormon doctrine. The satire plays on Beecher's public prominence and moral authority contrasted with his private conduct. The piece questions whether someone with Beecher's reputation should lead a religious movement, using Mormonism's actual polygamy practices as the vehicle for ridicule. The accompanying illustration shows exaggerated caricatures typical of 19th-century Puck's visual style, emphasizing grotesque features for comedic effect.
