The Crown covers a multitude of shortcomings Sir James (G.B.) "No one will miss it now, you know" Th. Nast 1888

Cartoon shows former Senator James G. Blaine as a heavy-set man in a loud plaid suit with unkempt hair, a white beard, a monocle, and spats. Next to him can be seen the rear of a lion with a crown labeled "Jimmy I" on its rump. On the other side sits an empty round box labeled "Crown Box." A sign on the wall reads "The New Key Note -- or The Senatorial Crowning Folly -- Sherman's 'Cool Cautious Spirit of Amicable Compromise.' London, Daily News -- 'A Step in the Right Direction of Free Trade,' (with Canada). "The (Senate's) Cunning Attempt to Repair the Damage.'" Blaine was an extremely popular Republican politician who would probably have been elected president if he had not been continually dogged by charges of corruption. He spent much of 1888 in England and in Europe, returning in August 1888. Although he refused to run for President that year, and supported Benjamin Harrison in his campaign, Blaine's enormous popularity caused him to be considered the "uncrowned king" of the Republican Party. Blaine attacked Democratic President Cleveland for his efforts to have legislation passed that would allow the United States to retaliate against Great Britain and its Dominion of Canada for their refusal to grant fishery rights to American fishermen. The crown on the lion's rump probably alludes to Blaine's penchant for "twisting the tail of the British lion." Senator John Sherman also rejected the legislation, but advocated closer economic and political ties to Canada. Although Nast had been a strong Republican for many years, he refused to support Blaine whom he viewed as untrustworthy. This is the second of two cartoons in which he parodies the supposedly British pretensions that Blaine has picked up during his visit to England.
Published in: The Daily Graphic, September 27, 1888 with title: The Crown covers a multitude of shortcomings. Sir James (G.B.) "No one will miss it now, you know."
Title from The Daily Graphic.
Signed and dated lower right.
Forms part of: Art Wood Collection of Caricature and Cartoon (Library of Congress).
Exhibited: Cartoon America: Highlights from the Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature, Library of Congress, 2006-2007.
Unprocessed in WOOD/Nast.428
Sources: Muzzey, James G. Blaine, p. 360-391; American National Biography Online; New York times, Aug. 8, 1888, p. 4; Aug. 18, p. 1; Aug. 25, p. 1; Aug. 27, p. 1, Sept. 9, p. 2; Sept. 19, p. 8; Sept. 20, p. 4; Washington Post, Aug. 13, 1888, p. 4; Letter from Charles Calhoun, Mar. 5, 2006 ljr