Attributed to Henry Dacre
Called to Account
Publisher: H. R. Robinson
Lithograph
1839 |
Early in 1839, the House of Representatives formed a special committee to investigate the Treasury Department in the wake of the Swartwout embezzlement scandal. Traditionally, the Speaker of the House decided who served on each House committee. The current Speaker, Democrat James K. Polk (right), had demonstrated his willingness to appoint pro-administration chairmen and majorities to all important committees. However, the Whigs saw to it that this special investigative committee was chosen by vote of the House instead.
The devil, whose features resemble President Van Buren’s, berates Polk, who promises to pass Van Buren’s Independent or Sub-Treasury Bill. The Bill had already failed in the House several times and did not pass until June 1840. |