Getting Rid of the Spoils System Deadwood, from Puck Possibly 1887

"Getting Rid of the Spoils System Deadwood" is a political cartoon by Joseph Keppler, published in the satirical magazine *Puck* in 1887. The cartoon depicts President Grover Cleveland, attempting to remove the "Spoils System Deadwood" (representing patronage jobs) from the political landscape. The cartoon is a critique of the spoils system, which was a practice of awarding government jobs based on political affiliation rather than merit. Keppler, known for his biting political satire, uses the cartoon to highlight the challenges faced by Cleveland in attempting to reform the system. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this satirical masterpiece.