(Election of 1884 and Protectionism) Broadside, 37 1/2 x 23 in. (sight), titled “ELECTION OF 1884” (Philadelphia: Avil & Co, Show Printers, 3941.5 Market St., 1884).

A superb illustrated campaign broadside extolling Republican pledges to protect American manufacturing from “JOHN BULL AND ALL OTHER FOREIGNERS FOR FREE TRADE”. A dramatic illustration below depicts stalwart American workers on the ramparts awaiting the arrival of an armada of foreign ships on the horizon behind which stands the vague figure of “John Bull” (with he clouds forming a subtle Union Jack to drive the point home). The illustration is headed: “Hungry John Bull with his cargo of merchandise waiting for Democratic Free Traders to open American Ports”.

Beneath the “WAR FOR BREAD” slogan is a quote from Blaine assuring that he favors “‘PEACE WITH THE WHOLE WORLD. COMMERCIAL EXPANSION IN EVERY PRACTICABLE DIRECTION. ENCOURAGEMENT OF EVERY FORM OF AMERICAN INDUSTRY. PROTECTION TO EVERY CITIZEN, NATIVE OR NATURALIZED, AT HOME OR ABROAD'”. Interestingly enough, an anti-Catholic/immigrant slur by a prominent Blaine supporter would galvanize the Irish and Catholic vote against Blaine which in November cost him the state of New York, and the election.

Several minor losses at folds affecting several words in text, some marginal ships and tears, else very good. Framed. Not examined out of frame.

(EXA 4499) SOLD