“Grand Excursion!” — Cleveland & Thurman Democratic Campaign Ticket
1888 Presidential Election — 2 x 4 inches
 
A scarce satirical Democratic campaign ticket issued during the presidential contest of 1888, employing the familiar format of a printed excursion or railroad ticket to comment on the defeat of the Democratic ticket. The text announces a mock “Grand Excursion… under the auspices of the Democratic Party, up the charming, far-famed, salubrious aqueduct ‘Salt River,’” with Cleveland & Thurman humorously named as the conductors.
 
The imagery and language draw upon the long-standing American political phrase “going up Salt River,” a 19th-century idiom meaning electoral defeat. The piece further notes the “departure” of the craft Thomas Jefferson on March 4, 1889, the date marking the inauguration of Benjamin Harrison, whose victory over Grover Cleveland brought Republican control of the presidency. Harrison and his running mate Levi P. Morton are accordingly listed at the foot of the ticket as “President” and “Vice-President,” reinforcing the satirical message of Democratic loss.
 
Printed ephemera of this form were widely distributed during late-19th-century campaigns, often designed to resemble everyday commercial tickets while conveying partisan humor or criticism.
 
Condition: Very fine, with old mount present on the reverse.