“The ‘Come Back’”

This cartoon depicts Republican "Uncle Joe" Cannon, who represented Illinois for many years in the House of Representatives. He served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and is perhaps best known for his four terms as Speaker of the House. By the end of 1909, however, many progressive Republicans had grown tired of Cannon's iron rule. He was ousted as Speaker and lost his reelection bid in a Democratic sweep of Congress in 1912. This cartoon shows Cannon--with his ever-present cigar--running toward the "Congressional Special," attempting a "come back" for his House seat in 1914. Cannon won the election and served in the House until his retirement in 1923.