Life — September 4, 1902 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis This satirical cartoon depicts a procession of automobiles carrying figures holding protest banners with messages like "DOWN WITH SPEED STRAINS," "DEATH TO THE HORSE," and "PANIC." The drawing appears to critique the early automobile industry and leisure-class adoption of cars. The satire works on multiple levels: the vehicles themselves are causing the very hazards they claim to oppose ("speed strains," "panic"), suggesting the contradiction between automobiles' promise of progress and their actual social costs—traffic dangers, pedestrian risks, and general chaos. The cartoon likely references early-1900s debates over automobile safety and their displacement of horse-drawn transportation. The title "OUR LEISURE CLASS MUST..." (partially cut off) suggests criticism of wealthy drivers and their reckless behavior. The artist is F.T. Aitcheson.