After completing the full resource kit, answer the questions.

Governor of New York Grover Cleveland, seated at his desk, and a twenty-six-year-old Theodore Roosevelt are engaging in “their good work” as well-known reformers. Roosevelt, the future 26th President, began his political career in 1881 as a Republican in the New York State Assembly. 
Nast groups these two future presidents together because of their careers in New York politics and dedication to reform policies, even though Roosevelt was a Republican and Cleveland a Democrat.

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Macculloch Hall Historical Museum

Reform Without Bloodshed

The caption reads, “This Year Do Your Duty Like a Man,” as President Cleveland send his New-Year messenger forward with the money bag of $1 million for the Freedmen’s Bank depositors. They were waiting for their payment for 13 years after the bank failed.

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The President's New-Year Messenger

Or, to put in sports terms, would you support a rival football team because you like their new quarterback instead of the one you've supported longer?

Nast portrays President-elect Grover Cleveland as a strong political force. He holds a club to fight off the approaching Democratic Tiger. Cleveland wears the skin of a tiger, symbolizing the taking down of Tammany Hall. He stands ready to hit the approaching tiger with a club labeled “Independent” underscoring his position as not beholden to the Democratic pollical machine. The caption reads:

“Ability and zeal in the service will be the measures of usefulness. The rules of the Civil Service Commission will govern all minor appointments.”- Grover Cleveland. 

One of Cleveland’s campaign promises was to appoint people to office on merit and not political affiliation. Nast wants Cleveland to hold true to this promise of Civil Service reform. 


Standards for Reflection and Discussion Questions

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework

National Core Arts Standards