Life — July 13, 1905 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine, July 13, 1905: Political Commentary on Cabinet Changes The page critiques President Theodore Roosevelt's handling of Cabinet resignations. The text discusses Mr. Wallace's departure and, more significantly, Secretary of Interior Ethan Allen Hitchcock's role in prosecuting Western land fraud cases. The central issue involves Paul Morton and Mr. Loomis, whose resignations created public confusion. The article suggests Roosevelt was too sympathetic to these figures and their associates, particularly regarding railroad rebate disputes. The author criticizes the President for not sufficiently supporting Hitchcock's anti-fraud efforts—suggesting Roosevelt "shielded" corrupt officials rather than backing prosecution of land thieves operating on public lands. The cartoon (top left, showing bears) likely satirizes the administration's inconsistent stance on corporate wrongdoing and conservation issues.