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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
A Big Job for a Weak Washerwoman
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

A Big Job for a Weak Washerwoman

Artifact ID1969.80.133
Object Type Cartoon Clipping
Artist (1857 - 1937)
Date ca. September 1890
Medium Paper, ink
DimensionsOverall H 13 1/2 in x W 10 in (34.3 cm x 25.4 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionCartoon from September 3, 1890 Puck magazine. A woman ("Muzzled Republican Press") works with a scrub board to clean linen (“Force Bill Fiasco”) in a bin leaking water with soap (“Subserviency Soap”). Next to her is a pile of linens (“Reckless Pension Policy”, “Raum Scandal”, “Free Cottage Scandal”, “Reed’s Unpopular Course”, “Quay’s Disgraceful Record”, “Harrison’s Broken Promises”, and “Ingalls’ Foolish Speeches”) she still needs to wash. Outside, two men carry another load of laundry (“Deficiency Blunder”) from the U.S. Capitol. On the wall, there is a sign (“Muzzled Republican Press Laundry… Political Soiled Linen Done Up.”). Caption: "A Big Job for a Weak Washerwoman." Additional text across the top: “Puck” “What fools these Mortals be!”. Additional text at upper left: “Vol. XXVIII. - No. 704.”. Additional text at upper center: “New York, September 3, 1890”. Additional text at upper right: “Price, Ten Cents.”. Additional text at upper left: “Keppler & Schwarzmann, Publishers.”. Additional text at upper center: “Copyright, 1890, by Keppler & Schwarzmann.”. Additional text at upper right: “Puck Building. Cor. Houston & Mulberry Sts.”. Additional text at upper center: “Entered at the post office at New York and admitted for transmission through the mails at second-class rates.”. Artist's signature lower right: “F. Opper.”
Historical NoteAfter the Civil War, Republicans dominated much of politics, but during the 1880s and 1890s, that influence started to decline, especially after unpopular laws such as the McKinley tariffs were passed.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item was given to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum Collection in 1969.
Credit LineGift of Mr. Ralph E. Becker
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts to the LBJ Library (National Archives Identifier 189698391)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Gifted
New York
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