Life — October 13, 1904 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Cover, October 13, 1904 This satirical illustration depicts a scarecrow labeled "PROTECTION" standing in a field, with two crows nearby. The caption reads: "Better take that down, Cortelyou. He doesn't scare worth a cent." **Context:** This references Secretary of Commerce and Labor George B. Cortelyou, likely during Theodore Roosevelt's 1904 presidential campaign. The "scarecrow" represents the Republican Party's protective tariff policy—a major campaign issue. The crows (representing business interests or political opponents) are unimpressed, suggesting the protection policy isn't effectively deterring criticism or opposition. The cartoon critiques the ineffectiveness of Republican protectionist rhetoric during the election season, implying their policy arguments aren't convincing voters or constituencies anymore.