Judge — November 4, 1916 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Masked Battery" — Judge, November 4, 1916 This cover depicts a figure wearing a wide-brimmed hat and mask, with a bright smile visible against the darkness. The title "A Masked Battery" suggests hidden or concealed power/weapons. Given the 1916 publication date (shortly before the U.S. presidential election), this likely refers to Theodore Roosevelt's covert political influence. Roosevelt, who had left the presidency in 1909, was rumored to be secretly backing or coordinating political attacks during campaigns while maintaining public distance from direct involvement. The "mask" represents Roosevelt's behind-the-scenes maneuvering, while "battery" suggests concentrated political firepower. The menacing smile conveys the satirical point that despite the concealment, his influence remained potent and visible to observers.