It has come to my attention of late, that with the growing popularity of such novelties as Outcault's The Yellow Kid and Edison's "moving pictures" and the European experiments with zoetrope animation, that so-called "cartoons" of this ilk (low brow entertainment, to be sure) may become the next rage. With that in mind, I've decided to devote a small portion of this column every week to covering how such diversions relate to the law as we know it. I'm sure this phenomenon will quickly fade from the public consciousness or, certainly, wane from popularity like many of the "fads" of the Gay 90's (can anyone say "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show "?), but for the time being, at least for the next column or two, I shall endeavor to cover such folderol with my usual élan and perspicacity...

In light of this, I find myself looking elsewhere in the wonderful Hearst-owned papers for new, and potentially thrilling "comic" characters. One that immediately leaps to mind is the marvelous Thomas Nast's rendition of his "Uncle Sam" character. Uncle Sam is intended to be the very personification of America. This is a rather smart move on Nast's part because, limited though flag waving, jingoistic characters may be in their appeal, you cannot, as yet, copyright a conception... therefore, Mr. Nast may feel free to engage in any sort of story or diatribe he wishes concerning injustice (real or perceived) in America, free from any sort of reprisals from the government. The character may (and must) embody all that is strong and brave and forthright in the Land of the Free. Truly a heroic ideal for all, especially the nippers. But, a word of caution here... such a powerful, iconic figure could be easily misused. Say, perhaps, one were to feature a story (or series of stories) where the good uncle were, say, a drunken stumblebum embracing and reflecting (nay, reveling in) the seamier side of society (no doubt fostered by the rash influx of foreign rabble to our shores). The government, to my belief, would have no recourse but to declare such a character and its creator a subversive, counterproductive to the growth and grandeur of the Gilded Age. With that stigma attached to him, any sane man would have no option but to quietly drink himself into oblivion. The mind fairly reels from the Vertigo of it all...

Next time, we'll discuss that other great, iconic Nast creation, the modern incarnation of Father Christmas, Pere Noel, Saint Nicholas... the so-called "Santa Claus". With what impunity (within the auspices of the law) may such a character be used? Annual albums (or Penny Dreadfuls) with Christmas-themed frivolity for the youngsters? Most of a certainty! P.T. Barnum-esque pitch man for consumables such as, say, sarsaparilla or some other soda fountain treat? Appalling as that may sound, the law guarantees otherwise...

Be here for that and other incisive, cogent commentary of a judicial and litigious nature. Until then, I remain...

Robert M. Ingersoll, esq.
Friday March 10, 1900