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Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...
Item # 701466
February 13, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788 This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronicle, also from Boston.
Russell, the publisher, devised a cartoon showing each state as a column for the new federal edifice, adding a new column as word of each ratification came in. Each pillar is labeled by a state in order of its ratification, showing Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts--which ratified on February 6--with the pillar of New Hampshire in an early state of erection with text noting: "This day the Convention of the state of New Hampshire meet at Exeter, for the purpose of erecting another PILLAR, to support the great Federal Superstructure, by ratifying the proposed Constitution."
In reality, New Hampshire would not ratify until June 21, which being the 9th to do so would put the Constitution into effect. After Massachusetts, Maryland and South Carolina would be the next to ratify, followed by New Hampshire.
This cartoon is among the first political cartoons ever printed in the United States, and it is recognized as the first cartoon series.
The front page begins with the report announcing the ratification of the Constitution by Massachusetts (in the city where this newspaper was published), noting in part: "Be it known--That upon this eighth [sic] day of the month of February...WE THE PEOPLE in GRAND PROCESSION moving, have ordained, resolved and declared...THAT for, and in consideration, that the FEDERAL CONSTITUTION was by the CONVENTION of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ASSENTED to, RATIFIED, fully CONFIRMED and ADOPTED in the meeting-house...".
The balance of the front page has considerable discussion concerning the Constitution, carrying over to take much of page 2 as well. Photos show only portions of the interesting discussion from this historic period in the formation of the federal government.
Page 3 has a note from Charleston mentioning: "It gives us much pleasure to advise you that the state of Georgia have adopted the Federal institution; and have no doubt ours will follow their example early in the spring."
The back page begins with: "An Address to GEORGE WASHINGTON, On the Anniversary of his Birth-Day...". Then: "...the gratitude of the people of this town on the great event of the ratification of the Federal Constitution by the Convention ion of this Commonwealth exhibited in their forming and proceeding in GRAND PROCESSION to the Houses of the several delegates..." with a detailed listing of the parade.
An exceedingly significant issue on the formation of the federal government. One of the best we have offered in many years.
This cartoon is among the first political cartoons ever printed in the United States, and it is recognized as the first cartoon series.
The front page begins with the report announcing the ratification of the Constitution by Massachusetts (in the city where this newspaper was published), noting in part: "Be it known--That upon this eighth [sic] day of the month of February...WE THE PEOPLE in GRAND PROCESSION moving, have ordained, resolved and declared...THAT for, and in consideration, that the FEDERAL CONSTITUTION was by the CONVENTION of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ASSENTED to, RATIFIED, fully CONFIRMED and ADOPTED in the meeting-house...".
The balance of the front page has considerable discussion concerning the Constitution, carrying over to take much of page 2 as well. Photos show only portions of the interesting discussion from this historic period in the formation of the federal government.
Page 3 has a note from Charleston mentioning: "It gives us much pleasure to advise you that the state of Georgia have adopted the Federal institution; and have no doubt ours will follow their example early in the spring."
The back page begins with: "An Address to GEORGE WASHINGTON, On the Anniversary of his Birth-Day...". Then: "...the gratitude of the people of this town on the great event of the ratification of the Federal Constitution by the Convention ion of this Commonwealth exhibited in their forming and proceeding in GRAND PROCESSION to the Houses of the several delegates..." with a detailed listing of the parade.
An exceedingly significant issue on the formation of the federal government. One of the best we have offered in many years.
Four pages, light damp staining, good condition.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
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