1880 – Pro-Garfield presidential campaign flyer that demands married men consult with their “equally interested” wives before casting their vote
Brooklyn, New York: 1880. This one-page presidential flyer is datelined “Brooklyn, Oct. 29th, 1880. In nice shape with mailing folds. It is enclosed in a mailing envelope addressed to a Brooklyn address and bears vermillion 2-cent Jackson stamp (Scott #193) that has been cancelled with a duplex postmark, dated October 30th. The reverse of the envelope bears a hexagonal handstamp that reads, “Riled in the Office of / U.S. Chief Supervisor / of Elections, / Eastern District / Nov 1 1880. . ..” In nice shape with mailing folds, two beginning to split.
In this flyer, the Republican Party not only makes its position known on tariffs but gives a nod to the ever-increasing demand that women should have a voice in politics. It reads in part:
“On Tuesday, November 2d. between the hours of six thirty-two A. M. and four fifty-six P. M. you will have an opportunity of casting your vote for President of the United States.
“Before dong so, . . . consider carefully for which candidate you will deposit your ballot so as to secure the greatest benefit for yourself and family. The Democratic platform declares for ‘a Tariff for Revenue only’. . ..
“The Republican platform declares, ‘We reaffirm the belief . . . that duties levied for the purpose of revenue should so discriminate as to favor American labor. . ..
“There can be no mistaking this language. It means that the Republican party is in the favor of protecting home industries so that . . . “our manufactories [and] labor shall be protected against the low-priced labor of Europe. [Whether manufacturer or workingman,] your interest lies with the Republican party for this election at least. . ..
The flyer closes with a pitch, highlighted by green crayon, recognizing the importance of women’s political opinions, demanding that
“If you are a married man, consult with your wife before you make up your mind which way you will vote, as she is equally interested with you, and then go to the polls early in the morning and deposit your ballot. . ..”
. Item #010690The 1880 U. S. Presidential Election was between Republican James A. Garfield and former General Winfield Scott Hancock of the Democratic Party. In a hard-fought campaign mainly over issues of Civil War loyalties, tariffs, and Chinese immigration, Garfield narrowly won both the electoral and popular vote.
No doubt, this flyer led to breakfast table discussions regarding not just this election but the ever-increasing hot-button issue of women’s suffrage as well.
.Price: $250.00