Life — February 23, 1911 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis The top cartoon depicts two well-dressed gentlemen labeled "Supervising Our Government," satirizing wealthy businessmen's influence over government policy—likely referencing J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller, who were prominent financiers of the era. The page discusses "Boy Grafters," an organization promoting moral character in youth. The bottom illustration, titled "Dyspeptic Patient," shows a doctor with a patient, captioned about medicine before meals. This appears to be unrelated satirical humor rather than political commentary. The overall piece critiques wealthy businessmen's outsized control over government while ironically promoting boy character-building—suggesting the wealthy elite should model ethics for youth, despite their own questionable practices. The contrast highlights Progressive Era concerns about corporate influence and moral corruption.