The True-Hearted Squire, from "Harper's Weekly"

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The True-Hearted Squire, from "Harper's Weekly"
The True-Hearted Squire, from "Harper's Weekly"
Artist/Maker (American, born Germany, 1840 - 1902)
Datepublished May 22, 1886
MediumWood engraving on paper
DimensionsComposition/Sheet: 16 1/2 × 11 1/2 in. (41.9 × 29.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of the artist's son
Object number1944.1.71
Not on view
DescriptionThis cartoon features "The True-Hearted Squire," Rollin Squire, the New York City commissioner of public works at the time. He pulls aside his coat and vest to place his hand on this heart, over a money bag. Behind him at the upper left is a sign that reads "More plans for the Aqueduct" and depicts a horse and cart dumping money bags into a pocket. Others read: "Notice - in order that the city revenues (Squire & Co.) should be increased we propose increased water taxes for less water;" "A communication from commissioner Squire to the Speaker of the House: 'I have nothing but the interests of the city at hear.';" and "No water in my aqueduct stock!" It was revealed that in 1884, Squire used bribery to gain his political position in exchange for government contracts. Once this was released to the public, his lost his reputation. It then became clear that he was using a project for an aqueduct as a way to steal public money, and he actively tried to increase taxes on water to put even more money in his pocket.
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Additional Details

Provenance 1943: Hamilton College, by gift of Mabel Nast Crawford and Cyril Nast;
? - 1943: Thomas Nast family (Mrs. Thomas Nast, Thomas Nast Jr., Mabel Nast Crawford, and Cyril Nast), presumably by gift or inheritance from the artist.
Signature Recto Lower Right: "Th: Nast" (in print)
Inscribed "The True - Hearted Squire"
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