Judge — May 28, 1904 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1903 Judge magazine cartoon satirizes President Theodore Roosevelt's administration costs. The image depicts a massive safe labeled "FULL TREASURY" bursting open, spilling oversized money bags marked with dollar signs. The caption states the administration cost $2.64 billion against a U.S. population of 80 million. The cartoon's message is a critique of government spending excess—the overstuffed safe cannot contain Roosevelt's expenditures, which literally pour out. The moral at the bottom (partially visible) appears ironic, suggesting expensive administration may have benefits, though the visual metaphor suggests wasteful overflow. This reflects early-1900s political opposition to Roosevelt's expansive executive policies and spending, portraying his administration as financially reckless despite any claimed accomplishments.