Credit: Library of Congress
On June 28, 1882, Puck devoted its cover to the political struggle between "independent" Republicans, represented by Oregon senatorial candidate John H. Mitchell and the "bossism" of the Republican machine, represented by a childish James Donald Cameron, who despite his weights of "Threats," "Tricks" and "Bluster" is outweighed by the moral gravitas of the independent Mitchell. President Chester Arthur, dressed as a Roman Caesar, wields the sword of "Patronage," by which he can dictate the outcome of the contest. Despite Puck's endorsement, Mitchell lost his bid for reelection.
