The two bridges - Political cartoon, public domain image

As in "Texas Coming In" (no. 1844-28), a bridge over Salt River is the central motif, making the difference between the Whigs' successful crossing to the "Presidential Chair" and the disastrous route taken by the Democrats. The artist shows Whig candidates Clay and Frelinghuysen crossing a sturdy, modern "People's Bridge." In contrast, Democrats Thomas Hart Benton, George M. Dallas, and James K. Polk tumble from a rotting "Loco Foco Bridge" into Salt River. Benton is laden with a heavy bag or knapsack of "Mint Drops." Polk carries another sack marked "Annexation Texas," naming a major issue in the campaign. A sign on the bridge reads: "All persons are forbid going over this bridge faster than a slow walk." (The People's Bridge on the other hand is "adapted to swift travelling.") Party leader Martin Van Buren is already neck-deep in the water below, and Democratic patriarch Andrew Jackson tries to support part of the collapsing span on his back at right. Benton: "Alas! we were loaded too heavy. I forgot the old bridge was rotten." Van Buren: "I do believe that I shall never get out. I am stuck fast in the mud like a stationary buoy."
Entered . . . 1844 by J. Baillie.
Lith. & pub. by James Baillie 33 Spruce St. N.Y.
Lithography and print coloring on reasonable terms.
Signed: H. Bucholzer.
The Library's impression of "The Two Bridges" was deposited for copyright on June 26, 1844.
Title appears as it is written on the item.
Weitenkampf, p. 73.
Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)
Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1844-23.