Life, 1910-04-07 · page 41 of 76
Life — April 7, 1910 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, imagined as if he were an absolute monarch. The top illustration shows Roosevelt on horseback claiming Marcus Aurelius (Stoic philosopher-emperor) as his model—mocking his grandiose self-image. The text parodies Roosevelt's influence by fictionally elevating wealthy industrialists as his "House of Lords": Taft, Carnegie, Rockefeller, and others become dukes and earls. It ridicules his imperial pretensions—declaring him "Emperor of the Philippines" (referencing actual U.S. imperial expansion) and suggesting Washington's Capitol becomes his art gallery. The satire targets Roosevelt's celebrity and control: his fashion choices dictate national style, his movements are breathlessly reported, and even stock prices require "His Majesty's" approval. The side cartoons mock business titans' frivolous concerns and financial cynicism. Overall, Life criticizes Roosevelt's outsized personality and executive power during the Progressive Era, when presidential authority was expanding significantly.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
*LIFE: 625 “WITH MARCUS AURELIUS AS MY MODEL." Already the effect of the new régime is beginning to be shown in our national life. The Rev. Lyman Abbott, by special request, has consented to advise the new King in all important emergencies, and this in itself has given a wonder- ful stability to the new government, The House of Lords at present consists of: Earl W. H. Taft, First Lord of the Custom House. ndrew Carnegie, Duke of Pittsburg. scount Gary, formerly of the Steel Trust. Earl Locb, Second Treasurer of Custom House, Lord of the Garter and Shoestring. William Rockefeller, First Lord of the Treasury. ;, Knight of the Royal Wardrobe and Director Extraordinary of Ladies in Waiting. T. R. Roosevelt, Prince of Oyster Bay and Keeper of the Roya! Zoo. Paul Morton, Earl of Rebate. Robert Peary, Earl of Greenland and Supervisor Ex- traordinary to the Royal Refrigera- tors. Other announce- ments later. The capitol at Washington will be used as an art gal- lery for His M jesty’s art collec- tion. There is still considerable agita- tion throughout the kingdom owing to HIS MAJESTY APPEARED IN THE ROYAL rumors of reforms BOX WEARING A TURN-DOWN COLLAR AND which are bound to oxe stup. take place. His Majesty’s programme will, we hope, ne announced next week and thus set all doubts at rest. The succession is a matter of great moment. Who is worthy? His Majesty no doubt fecls the importance of this matter keenly. Yesterday he was closeted with His Rev- erence Lyman Abbott for nearly an hour. His Majesty has been proclaimed Emperor of the Phil pines. He will send a royal embassy to Manila bearing im- perial presents A shipload of three-dollar cigars, the gift of Cub: yesterday from Havana, They will be immediately p the royal humidor. Last night His Majesty appeared in the royal box, to witness the performance of “The Almigh lar.” His Majesty wore a turn-down collar and o This will hereafter be the prevailing mode in all exclusive circles, Live has been appointed the court journal by special com- His Majesty ap- peared yesterday morning in lemon- colored gloves, on his way to Newport to in- spect his summer pal- ace. As he alighted from his private car he smiled to all the great throng assem- bied. He was with- out decorations John Rockefeller, Duke of Pontico, has been appointed Pre- mier. ADVERTISEMENTS Ready-made suits in all the latest n worn exclu- vely by His Ma jesty. All the spring styles. Call at Beed’s, Broadway His Majesty never does anything without consulting me. Your foriune told by your hand.—Pasidino. Photographs of the royal family, ready for framing. The King on horseback at Jersey City. His Majesty playing his favorite game of bridge. Reviewing the Ancient and Hon: illery at Boston. The throne room. A chat with Miss Lillian Russell. His Majesty arranging the prices of stocks for the day. King’s guard passing Yale Coll His Majesty with all decorations, including insignia of Philippine pire, and many others. By special appointment. Snap- per’s, Fifth Avenue. HUGHES, DUKE OF ALBANY, IN FULL CHARGE OF THE ROYAL STABLES, Great Asset HILANTHROPIST: Will you subscribe five dollars to help a poor man who is troubled with loss of mem- ory? Fixaxcier: No, I won't. A lost memory is as good as a fortune these day Reaoinc history is a lazy man’s way of living the present. comicbooks.com