Going Through the Form of Universal Suffrage

Going Through the Form of Universal Suffrage

Thomas Nast

Harper's Weekly was a popular American Political Magazine from 1857-1916. Many important events from U.S. history are documented in this magazine. Thomas Nast was responsible for publishing numerous cartoons for Harper's Weekly, such as this one. Some think of him as the "Father of the American Cartoon." In this cartoon titled, "Going Through the Form of Universal Suffrage," Nast depicts voting fraud, which was a common occurrence during the post Civil War era. You can see in the cartoon that there are several policeman in the room, supposedly to ensure that voting fraud does not occur. However, they appear to be lackadaisical, not being alert at all to the situation. The caption portrays Boss Tweed, a Democrat, reminding voters that they have the right to cast ballots, but Tammany Hall controls which ones are counted. Boss Tweed is accompanied by Peter Sweeny (park commissioner), Richard Connolly (controller of public expenditures), and Mayor Hall. All Democrats, these men are ensuring that their party will remain in power. The doorway above the receptacle is not completely seen, but it is believed to say “The Count, What Are You Going to Do About It?” Nast was showing that though citizens of all color could vote, they still could not guarantee that their vote would be counted.

"Going Through the Form of Universal Suffrage," Harper's Weekly, November 11, 1871

1871-11-11

Schuyler Edmondson

Boss. "You have the Liberty of Voting for any one you please; but we have the Liberty of Counting in any one we please."
"Do your Duty as Citizens, and leave the rest to take its course."