Judge — October 12, 1912 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a **political advertisement**, not a cartoon. The page is a pro-Taft endorsement published by the Republican National Committee (signed by Charles D. Hilles, Chairman, and James B. Reynolds, Secretary). The text defends President **William Howard Taft** against criticism, arguing readers should "judge this man by his record." It praises his accomplishments in three years, including postal savings banks, conservation efforts, and trust-busting, while defending his tariff policies. The piece addresses **Wu Ting Fang** (Chinese statesman) and contrasts Taft favorably with predecessors, suggesting Taft prevented war and advanced democracy. It attacks critics as practicing "playing for popularity" and argues for voting based on Taft's "policies and his method" rather than "untried experiment and disapproved theory." This reflects **1912 election** Republican messaging.