Inventory of the James Cartoons Posters, 1920-1921

Abstract

The New Process Electro Corporation was based in the Times Building, on Broadway at 42nd Street in New York City. Its president was Charles C. James, who also served as president of the James Investment Company (St. Louis, Mo.) and the Paramount Advertising Corporation. Dates and activities for this corporation are not known, other than it appears to have been active from at least 1913 through 1921, the date of this collection's latest cartoon.

Collection of 14 political posters, 1920-1921, created as part of the James Cartoons series by the New Process Electro Corporation. Subjects include foreign policy, especially Europe and the League of Nations; the 1920 presidential election between Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox; and financial topics such as Germany's war debts, coal shortages, and the Ponzi scheme.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: New Process Electro Corporation.
Title: James Cartoons Posters, 1920-1921
Language of Material: English
Extent: 3.0 Linear Feet, 14 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

James Cartoons, 1920-1921

Collection Overview

Collection of 14 political posters created as part of the James Cartoons series by the New Process Electro Corporation in New York. The posters, which appear to be by an anonymous artist, were originally part of a subscription available for $1.25 per week. The posters in this collection are all from Volume 7 of the series, dating from 1920-1921.

The posters are chromolithographs, each sized 21.5 x 31 inches. Their condition is good but fragile, as their fold lines and some marginal tears require careful handling.

Subjects include foreign policy, especially post-World War I Europe and U.S. attitudes towards the League of Nations; the 1920 presidential election between Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox; and financial topics such as Germany's war debts, coal shortages in the United States, and the Ponzi scheme. The artist uses caricatures to represent political figures or ideas; for example, the country of Russia is regularly shown as an angry bear, while Germany is a toothless dachsund. The election-themed posters often incorporate a donkey and an elephant representing each political party, usually accompanying the various candidates who are engaged in some sort of competition. The 14 poster titles have been captioned below, along with a brief description of the events being portrayed by the artist.

Administrative Information

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Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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James Cartoons, 1920-1921

(2 folders)

Try Your Luck Boys! Vol. 7, No. 8, dated 1920

At a fair booth, the GOP elephant aims for targets representing the country's problems, including labor troubles, prohibition, and League of Nations disputes. Woodrow Wilson and the Democrat donkey watch.

Oversize Folder 1

Another Cup Race! Vol. 7, No. 9, dated 1920

The Democrats and GOP sail away while the Third Party's sailboat loses its wind.

A Puzzling Situation! Vol. 7, No. 10, dated 1920

Russia (an angry bear) heads towards Germany (a dachsund on a leash) while other European countries look on.

Up A Tree! Vol. 7, No. 11, dated 1920

Russia (an angry bear) tries to chase Poland (a farmer), who is trapped at the top of a tree. Other European powers roll a Blockade (a boulder) in front of the tree.

Ponzi the Great! Vol. 7, No. 12, dated 1920

At his magic show, Ponzi the magician is hauled offstage by Uncle Sam.

How Times Have Changed. Vol. 7, No. 14, dated 1920

Lower classes enjoy chauffered rides and fancy clothes while America's richest citizens stand in line.

A Hornet's Nest. Vol. 7, No. 15, dated 1920

Russia (an angry bear) uses a bayonet to poke Civilization (a beehive) while the rest of Europe watches.

Let's Judge for Ourselves. Vol. 7, No. 17, dated 1920

Presidential candidates James M. Cox and Warren G. Harding whitewash and mud-sling a book, representing the League of Nations.

Oversize Folder 2

The Flying Wedge! Vol. 7, No. 19, dated 1920

Democrats and Republicans play football, with the League of Nations serving as the ball.

Coal, Coal, Who's Got the Coal? Vol. 7, No. 20, dated 1920

The Coal Trust turns away the American general public while selling at a higher rate to coal-starved Europe.

The Home Stretch! Vol. 7, No. 21, dated 1920

At the races, Democratic presidential candidate James M. Cox (on his donkey-pulled chariot) is shown losing to Republican candidate Warren G. Harding (on his elephant).

Those Election Bets! Vol. 7, No. 22, dated 1920

Americans parade with their winning and losing bets following the presidential election.

The Pied Piper! Vol. 7, No. 36, dated 1921

German war payments flood towards France and England, who say that it is not enough.

Signs of Spring. Vol. 7, No. 41, dated 1921

A family prepares for warmer weather and exhibits signs of spring fever.

Historical Note

The New Process Electro Corporation was based in the Times Building, on Broadway at 42nd Street in New York City. Its president was Charles C. James, who also served as president of the James Investment Company (St. Louis, Mo.) and the Paramount Advertising Corporation. Dates and operations for the New Process Electro Corporation are not known, other than it appears to have been active from at least 1913 through 1921, the date of this collection's latest cartoon.