Life, 1908-01-02 · page 21 of 44
Life — January 2, 1908 — page 21: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page reflects on America's emergence as a world power following the Spanish-American War (1898). The narrative poem and accompanying illustration satirize President Theodore Roosevelt and American imperialism. **Key references:** - The USS Maine's explosion in Havana harbor (cited as the war's catalyst) - Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" cavalry unit - Commodore Dewey's victory at Manila Bay - America's controversial acquisition of the Philippines **The satire's point:** The poem traces America's confident wartime leadership under Roosevelt, then shifts to ambivalence about the consequences—particularly being "stuck with the far Philippines." The text celebrates Roosevelt's vigor ("master of luck") while expressing uncertainty about whether American expansion solved or created problems. **The political content:** References to Roosevelt wielding the "Big Stick" (his foreign policy philosophy), praise for enforcing laws against trusts, and concern about social change ("Gibson girls are mothers now") reflect contemporary Progressive Era anxieties about modernization and America's new international role. The overall message expresses faith in American character while acknowledging unease with imperial overreach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Confidence rising again, Straightway prosperity’s tide j Turned and began pouring in. Hark! Was that Cuba that cried? Shricked to us “Save me from Spain!” While we considered our answer Down to her doom went the Maine In the mud of the Tropic of Cancer! War! Couldn't stay it then. War! Vain the appeals of outsiders. Bristled the sea and the shore, Roosevelt raised the Rough Riders. Dewey—Manila Bay—May Day— } Turn the long page full of lines; | Sce us in Glory’s huge heyday, \ Stuck with the far Philippines. ' ‘Theodore, master of luck; Theodore, marvel of vigor; ‘Toe in the stirrup, tongue on the cluck, Finger not far from the trigger; Eager to swim in the tide’s swiftest eddy, Fatefully steered on his way there, Him in the White House finding already, We-all cried: “Theodore, stay there!” Every one now must be good, No one the laws may ignore, Magnates must do as they should, Trusts may not hog any more. Righteousness garnished with rue! (Hark to the stock-ticker’s click!) ‘As you'd be done by, so do! Failing, beware the Big Stick! + 8 ® So here we are, and p'raps you know Where we'll come out; I don’t. ‘The yeast’s been working in the dough. ‘That's good, I guess. Oh, yes! but oh! It’s agitating; differing so From old-time use and wont. But let it work; so history's made, While we stand by and gape. Nor is Time’s stormy current stayed Because onlookers are afraid. When Destiny's big games are played, They're played, and no escape. My Gibson girls are mothers now Of daughters fair as they, And of prospective voters, too: Wise voters, doubtless; anyhow As wise in prospect, all allow, As are their si. s to-day. A country’s strength is in its men; Ours are their mothers’ sons. ‘The breed's been duly tried, and when Have problems stumped it?) Duly then We'll see our problems solved again: So history’s forecast runs. Let’s all be good and trim our sails, And hold our courses true; For never mind what mischief ails, Unless the human factor fails, The old God-fearing grit avails To pull the patient through. ‘COl micbooks.com