Title
Satire of major American political figures
Caption
All on hobbies, gee up, gee ho!' The major figures in American national politics in 1838 are gently satirized, each characterized as riding a favourite issue or "hobbyhorse." At the lead (far left) is President Martin Van Buren, riding a horse "Sub-Treasury," which he calls his "Old Hickory nag." The artist refers to Van Buren's independent treasury program, a system whereby federal funds were to be administered by revenue-collecting agencies or local "sub-treasuries" rather than by a national bank. The Independent Treasury Bill was perceived as an outgrowth of predecessor Jackson's anti-Bank program. Another hobbyhorse, "United States Bank" (center), is shared by Whig senators Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, leaders of congressional opposition to Jackson and Van Buren's respective fiscal agendas.
Date
1838
Credit line
Photo12/Ann Ronan Picture Library
Reference
ARP18A15_277
License type
Rights managed
Available size
60,0Mb (3,2Mb) / 20,3in x 11,5in / 6076 x 3451 (300dpi)