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We are offering an original political cartoon by J. Keppler that appeared in an 1883 Puck Magazine, exposing the corruption of some members of the New York Democratic Party.
The cartoon depicts a man on the right who apparently represents "Tammany", the powerful political machine that ran New York City. By one hand, he drags a Supreme Court Judge; in the other hand, he drags a man holding a paper with the word "Register" on it [maybe a newspaper, not sure], indicating that the two, by force, must go along with him and do his offerding [likely through bribes or threats, as is usually the case].
The man in the middle, represents Irving Hall, that originally opened as a venue for lectures, balls and concerts, and later became the base for one faction of the Democratic Party. The man has a City Court Judge "in his pocket".
The man on the left is identified as representing "County Democracy" - he carries a Supreme Court Judge under one arm, as he drags a City Court Judge by the other arm.
The caption at the bottom of the cartoon reads - "THE NEW YORK DEMOCRATS UNITED AT LAST. - THE "SWAG" AMICABLY DIVIDED". We've looked up Swag but couldn't find any information on it. One of you history buffs out there may know. The Metropolitan Hotel and City Hall are in the background.**NOTE** - The entire piece including the frame & mat measures 11 3/4" x 14 1/4"; the cartoon measures 8 3/4" x 11 3/4". Condition is Excellent.
