Judge — May 14, 1904 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes President Theodore Roosevelt's anticipated success in the 1904 election. The figure, dressed as a farmer in a wide-brimmed hat, represents Roosevelt "sowing seeds" labeled "ADMINISTRATION SEEDS WARRANTED TO SECOND TERM"—a reference to his policies and political machine. The caption "HE WILL REAP AS HE SOWS" plays on the biblical proverb, suggesting Roosevelt will harvest abundant votes in the fall election due to his political efforts. The accompanying newspaper quote confirms this interpretation: "Reports have it that Roosevelt will reap an unprecedented crop of votes in the fall." The cartoon expresses confidence—or ironic confidence—in Roosevelt's electoral prospects through agricultural metaphor, a common nineteenth-century political imagery.