The Secretary of the Interior Investigating the Indian Bureau

Political cartoon condemning corruption in the Office of Indian Affairs.

In the last quarter of the 19th century, the Office of Indian Affairs had become notoriously corrupt; rife with political patronage and individuals using their positions to enrich themselves. There was a strong push among many in the government (especially within the military) to transfer the bureau’s responsibility to the War Department, who could then proceed unabated with the ongoing process of forced displacement. Secretary of the Interior Conrad Schurz was opposed to this idea, and began a widespread investigation to root out corruption.

This political cartoon, based on a drawing by the talented Thomas Nast, reflects the results of that ongoing investigation in 1878. Schurz is seen pulling on various drawers, which release the spirits of fraud, dishonesty, and irregularities straight into prison. A broadside in the background reads, “A public nuisance that smalls rank to the nation. Let the War Department take charge of the Red Man.”

Published as the title page to the January 26, 1878 issue of Harper’s Weekly.