The Alaska Purchase

Brady Tuttle ~ Junior Individual Website

Seward's Folly, Seward's Icebox, and Walrussia are names applied to the purchase of Alaska.  While diplomatic discussions took place between America and Russia, American newspapermen generated debate through editorials and cartoons.  The evidence suggests a different title:  Seward's Greatest Bargain.  Seven point two million dollars was a considerable sum, but over the years Alaska has proven itself time and again.

Cartoon Captions (www.granger.com)

Our New Senators
Secretary Seward--"My dear Mr. Kamskatca, you really must dine with me. I have some of the very finest tallow candles and the lovliest train oil you ever tasted, and my whale's blubber is exquisite--and pray bring your friend Mr. Seal along with you. The President will be one of the party."

Preparing for the Heated Term
King Andy and his man Billy lay in a great stock of Russian ice in order to cool down the Congressional majority.

Russian America
Canvassing the state ticket.

The Big Thing
Old Mother Seward. "I'll rub some of this on his sore spot; it may soothe him a little."

The Two Peter Funks
Russian Stranger--"I say, little boy, do you want to trade? I've got a fine lot of bears, seals, icebergs and Esquimaux--They're no use to me, I'll swop 'em all for those boats you've got." [Billy, like other foolish boys, jumps at the idea.]

William the Glutton
'Why, then, the world's mine oyster.' Billy Seward--"Pon my word, my dear gal, this is a monstrous fine oyster--just the thing to give me an appetite."