8-28-09 The Looking Glass Of 1787 At The Height Of

8-28-09 The Looking glass of 1787 At the height of the ratification debates over the proposed federal constitution in Connecticut as elsewhere those favoring ratification were called federalists; their opponents were referred to Antifederalists. The artist of this cartoon, who is possibly Amos Doolittle, favored ratification. Connecticut is represented by a wagon sinking into the mud under its heavy load of debts and paper money as the two faction pull the wagon in opposite directions, the man in the wagon states “Gentleman this machine is deep in the mire and you are divided as to its relief.” To the left, under a sunny sky, are there five federalist councilors, on the right, under a stormy sky issuing lighting bolts, are six of the seven Antifederalist councilors, one of whom says “Success to Shays.” The seventh Antifederalist councilor is below and identified as “Agricola” which was the pseudonym William Williams used. He is saying” I fear and dread the Ides of May.” May 15th was Election Day for the Connecticut upper house. The character identified and “S?H?P” is Williams’ enemy.