Life, 1907-10-03 · page 17 of 36
Life — October 3, 1907 — page 17: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks the Roosevelt and Taft administrations' policies as worthless "bargains" being hawked like junk. The text presents political issues as marked-down merchandise: - **"Theodore"** (President Theodore Roosevelt) sells the U.S. Constitution itself—suggesting his policies violate it - **"Philippines"** refers to America's colonial acquisition, presented as an unwanted burden - **"William J."** (likely William Jennings Bryan) hawks free-silver and progressive reforms as damaged goods - **"C. J. Bonaparte & Co."** alludes to corruption in corporate penalties - **"Billiam Taft"** (President Taft) advertises contradictory political views, mocking his inconsistency with Roosevelt The accompanying illustrations show children playing, labeled "HE LAUGHS," "BEST," and "WHO LAUGHS LAST"—suggesting children's innocence contrasts with corrupt adult politics, or that the ultimate joke is on citizens who trust these leaders. The satire attacks Progressive Era reformers and executive overreach as fraudulent schemes.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Bargain Day 2 ‘OR quick sale; no longer wanted; antiquated; \ worn with age; 2) Slightly damaged ; at a bargain; somewhat dog: eared; once the rage; Some museum might acquire it as a souvenir of yore— One U. S. A. Constitution; write at once to “Theodore.” Here’s a bargain on the counter of your Uncle Samuel: A collection of fine islands; present owner glad to sell; Well provided with sea-water; good for raising lima beans; In aclimate warm and genial; write at once to “Philippines.” " Marked down issues in great plenty at enormous sacrifice: One free-silver question, most new, only used it once or twice; One Initiat-Referendum, somewhat bent and rather gray— If you want to buy an issue, write at once to William J. Do you want to buy an interest in avery brilliant chance Of a kind that’s full of promise for a very slight advance? Fifty dollars for a nickel; do not let the bargain go— Funded Fines of Malefactors—C. J. Bonaparte & Co. Uncle Andrew on the corner has a fortune big and bright s anxious to dispose of ere the coming of the night. I sell all through September special millions for a cent. a chance like this for riches, why continue paying rent? views while I am absent on my Oriental jaunt codore, The White House; he will give you all you want— Views on every public question, starboard, larboard, fore and aft, With my name blown in the bottle. Yours for travel, Billiam Taft. If Prosperity you're after, try the nineteen-seven brand. *Tis for sale by everybody in our broad and fertile land. Here’s a chance to get a bargain undeniably immense, Special lots marked down from ninety to a paltry thirty cents. Wilberforce Jenkins. WHO LAUGHS LAST comicbooks.com