Cornell University Library Digital Collections

His 128th Birthday. "Gee, but this is an awful stretch!"

Title:
His 128th Birthday. "Gee, but this is an awful stretch!"
Full Title:
His 128th Birthday. "Gee, but this is an awful stretch!"
Collection:
Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
Creator:
Keppler, Joseph Ferdinand
Date:
1904
Date posted:
2017-04-14
ID Number:
2141.01
Identifier:
PJM_2141_01.jpg
Subject:
Politics & Government
Pictorial
Unusual Projection
Imperialism
Spanish-American War
Extent:
(cm, H x W) 25 x 21 on page 35 x 25
Collector's Notes:
A cartoon map on the cover of Puck Magazine questioning American expansionism on the eve of the Fourth of July. The American eagle sits just north of the proposed Panama Canal, one wingtip in the Philippines, the other sheltering Puerto Rico. The caption expresses concern: "Gee, but this is an awful stretch!"
Puck's caution contrasts sharply with its competitor, Judge Magazine, which published at least five cartoon maps supporting and encouraging U.S. expansionism during this period of time. See ID # 1123 (The Trouble in Cuba), ID #1132 (Unlucky "13"), ID #1136 (A Thing Well Begun is Half Done), ID #2126 (Hands Across the Sea), ID #2154 (We Must Finish the Nicaragua Canal).
Note:
For further information on the Collector’s Notes and a Feedback/Contact Link, see https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/about-collection-personal-statement and https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/feedback-and-contact
Source:
Puck Magazine, June 29, 1904.
References:
For full details on references, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/references.
Repository:
Private Collection of PJ Mode
Rights:
For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.

About the collection

This is a collection of “persuasive” cartography: maps intended primarily to influence the opinion of the viewer -- to send a message -- rather than to communicate geographic information. The collection reflects a variety of persuasive tools: allegorical, satirical and pictorial mapping; selective inclusion or exclusion; unusual projections, graphics and text; and intentional deception. Maps in the collection address a wide range of messages: religious, political, military, commercial, moral and social.