A complete issue · 16 pages · 1879
Puck — March 12, 1879
# "The Silly Congressional Ostrich" This March 12, 1879 *Puck* cartoon satirizes Congress's avoidance of controversial issues. The ostrich—a creature legendary for hiding its head in sand when threatened—represents Congress burying its head while facing problems labeled "River and Harbor Bill," "Inflation," and "Pension." The caption states the ostrich "thinks if it hides its head it hides everything," mocking Congressional evasion tactics. The sun labeled "Independent Press" shines above, suggesting the media exposes what lawmakers ignore. This appears critical of Congress's reluctance to address major fiscal and spending issues of the post-Civil War era—particularly debates over federal spending on infrastructure, currency policy, and veterans' benefits—by simply avoiding substantive action or debate.
# "HE OWNS THE TOWN" - Political Cartoon Analysis This Puck cartoon satirizes the Postmaster-General of Canada's attempt to suppress the magazine's circulation in Canada. The accompanying text explains that the Canadian official issued threats against newsdealer stamp licenses to pressure them not to sell Puck. The caricatured figure—depicted as a rotund, disheveled man striding confidently through a street—represents this overreaching government authority claiming dominion over the town and press freedom. The cartoon's title "HE OWNS THE TOWN" is sarcastic, mocking the official's assumption of absolute power. The satire criticizes government censorship and coercion tactics. Puck uses the exaggerated, grotesque visual style typical of 19th-century political cartooning to ridicule bureaucratic tyranny and defend press liberty.
# Analysis of Puck Page 3 This page contains three distinct satirical pieces: 1. **"Life Insurance Bubbles"**: Mocks life insurance companies' deceptive practices, comparing them to financial schemes that collapse, leaving citizens defrauded of savings. 2. **"The Robeson Solo"**: A poem satirizing a politician (appears to be named Robeson) who rose through corrupt practices—accepting bribes, manipulating politics, and enriching himself while claiming democratic service. 3. **"The Silly Congressional Ostrich"**: Critiques Congress for avoiding a contentious national question about state mottos, with members burying their heads like ostriches rather than addressing the issue directly. The accompanying roach illustration represents the unwanted pest Congress ignores. **"Roscoe to the Rescue"**: Brief item mocking Secretary of State Gresham's ineffectual diplomatic efforts. All target governmental and institutional corruption and incompetence.
