Salt River (politics)

In Richard H. Thornton’s An American Glossary, it gives the definition as "To row a man up Salt River is to beat him or make him otherwise uncomfortable.

This is in contrast to the political nature of the cartoons of Salt River, where the catchphrase "signifies a contest that does not depend on strength, bravery, perseverance, and intelligence but rather on sheer fortune.

"[9] This gives a Salt River cartoon its open-ended characteristic, leaving audiences with questions about what would happen to a party and its candidates if they came to political defeat.

Often used at the time were political references to Salt River through transitory printed pieces such as mock news papers and flyers, known as broadside type ephemera.

Vain Attempts to get in the Mayor’s Office—The Democracy and the Politics—What happened to the Democratic Kite Flyers—A Steamboat Collis-ion—The Old Canal Boat Knocked into Fragments—Rescue by the Broken-Backed Citizens—Off for Salt River—Rally Round the Flag.

Ephemera showed the hardships of the election campaigns of candidates, vividly depicting just how high the stakes were where political defeat seemed extremely dire.

the use of Salt River catchphrases in ephemera generally regarded the area of social policy in government, including: slavery, suffrage, corruption and secession.

A 'correct' chart of Salt River, where its geographical location is used as a tool for political caricature; "Mansion of Despair," "Slough of Despond," "Lake Oblivion."
Fording Salt River - Pictured is Whig candidate Henry Clay submerged underwater while Whig candidates Zachary Taylor and supporter Horace Greeley are pictured with only their heads above the surface. Democrat Martin van Buren rides swiftly on the water. This is in reference to the political campaign of 1848.
Matty's perilous situation up Salt River- Democrat Martin van Buren is sinking into Salt River with weighted boxes on his head. Whig candidate William Harrison watches on, 'It's a pity to let the poor fellow drown; I had an idea of making him Inspector of Cabbages of Kinderhook for that's all he's good for; but I think he will sink. Oh what a weight!" [ 10 ]
Going Up Salt River- Pictured are Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and Virginia representative Henry A. Wilse atop a donkey. Martin Van Buren is at the bank of a stream wishing the Harrison party "a quick voyage, take care you don't spill your valuable cargo." Harrison appears as a donkey wading in the shallows with a barrel of "Hard Cider" tied to its tail. [ 11 ]