Life — December 22, 1910 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: Life Magazine, December 22, 1909 This page contains two small political cartoons satirizing President Theodore Roosevelt's administration. The **left cartoon** mocks the debate over Alaska coal lands. It depicts Roosevelt as a figure of hope, referencing Interior Secretary Ballinger's handling of public lands. The text criticizes how Ballinger "exonerates" himself while the Alaska coal fields remain "practically untouched"—suggesting the administration failed to develop these resources despite claiming conservation. The **right cartoon** appears to comment on wool tariffs and trade policy, showing a bull (likely representing American interests or the wool industry). The accompanying text discusses wool manufacturing and imports, suggesting satire about protectionist trade policies affecting domestic industry. Both cartoons critique Roosevelt-era conservation and economic policies as ineffective or contradictory.