A complete issue · 16 pages · 1877
Puck — November 7, 1877
# Political Satire: Hayes and the "Pennsylvanian Blister" This November 1877 *Puck* cartoon mocks President Rutherford B. Hayes as "the modern Sir Walter Raleigh." The central figure, Hayes, wears an elaborate cloak labeled "Commission of John Welsh—A Pennsylvanian Blister," which he offers to Queen Elizabeth Evans (a female figure, likely representing something Hayes is trying to conciliate). The satire targets Hayes's appointment of John Welsh as a Pennsylvania commissioner following broken political promises. By comparing Hayes to Raleigh (who allegedly laid his cloak for Queen Elizabeth), the cartoon suggests Hayes is making grand, hollow gestures to cover up political failures—offering pageantry instead of substance to smooth over broken commitments ("mud-puddle of broken promises").
# Analysis of Puck Magazine Page This page is primarily **text-based editorial content** rather than illustrated cartoons. The main pieces include: 1. **"The Man Who Doesn't Vote"** — A first-person narrative about voting rights and citizenship, discussing the author's experience registering to vote and the importance of political participation. 2. **"The English Mission"** and **"The Tammany Show"** — Political commentary pieces. The Tammany section critiques Tammany Hall (New York's Democratic political machine), discussing electoral manipulation and questioning the integrity of candidates like Augustus Schell and John Morrissey. The content reflects late-19th-century American political concerns: voting eligibility, machine politics, and electoral corruption. The satirical tone targets political establishments and encourages civic engagement. Without visible illustrations, the humor relies on rhetorical argument rather than visual caricature.
# Analysis of Puck Page 3 This page contains two satirical pieces about New York politics and law: **"Home Again! The Ex-Mayor Returns"** presents a dialogue between a reporter and Oakey Hall, the former New York City mayor. The satire mocks Hall's evasiveness about his activities and sudden reappearance. The reporter's persistent questioning—about Hall's travels, business dealings, and reasons for leaving—suggests Hall faced scandal or legal troubles that forced his departure. Hall's deflective, noncommittal responses ("I'd rather not mention it") imply guilt or embarrassment. **"Staten Island Law: A Sad but True Story"** is a poem satirizing judicial corruption, describing a judge who helps a man avoid paying debts by providing legal loopholes. The tale mocks both dishonest judges and those exploiting the legal system, suggesting widespread corruption in local courts. Both pieces critique New York's political and legal institutions through humor.
