Life, 1912-03-07 · page 30 of 60
Life — March 7, 1912 — page 30: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This Life magazine article satirizes the 1912 Presidential election by humorously proposing that women—not men—might run for President. The piece interviews prominent women of the era, including suffragist **Carrie Chapman Catt** and actress **Lillian Russell**, presenting mock-serious discussions of their potential candidacies. The accompanying cartoon depicts **Uncle Sam** (identifiable by his top hat and characteristic appearance) being chased or confronted by a figure labeled "TRUSTS," while money scattered on the ground suggests political corruption—a common turn-of-the-century concern. The satire mocks both female political ambitions and male anxiety about women's growing power. Notably, the women quoted (particularly **Mrs. O.H.P. Belmont**) boast confidently about organizing women voters and rendering male voters "thoroughly cowed." This reflects pre-1920 suffrage debates and satirizes contemporary fears about women's political potential.
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“DPE E* President in 1912 Candidates for Office dre Looming Up— Lillian Russell Declines Office, But There dre Hopes—Mrs. Catt Woman's Club Vote a Large Factor. Prominent— HE corridors of the Martha Washington Hotel are pre- senting an animated appearance in these days. Last week a cohort of Mississippi River Harem Skirters—as they are called down the valley—moved in with Miss Kate M. Gordon's boom, Miss Gordon is the second vice-presi- dent of the National Woman Suffrage Association. She declined to talk for publication. At the headquarters of the National Woman Suffrage Association on Fifth avenue everybody is on the qui vive. “There is no doubt,” said a prominent member, who did not wish her name quoted, “that Mrs. Caroline Chap- man Catt is our most promising candidate. It is not improbable that the antis will put a ticket in the field.” Mrs, Catt was seen immediately by our correspondent. “What are your chances for securing the nomination in 1912?" she was asked. “T have nothing to say except that if called upon I am prepared to offer up my life on my country’s altar. One thing is certain; No mere man has a ghost of a show This seems a unanimous body The Republican party is thoroughly demoralized,” said Mrs, O. H. P. Belmont, “and as for the Democratic while they seem to have taken a sudden spurt, shall have pinion on the part of every party helieve me, it doesn’t amount to anything. W a woman President in 1912.” “Are you a candidate?” “Tam not prepared to say. I shall make my announce- ment later. In the meantime, I wish to state that this is the greatest movement in the history of the world. We have been quietly preparing for this election coming for several years—organizing our forces and creating a ma- chine. We have belt lines of woman's clubs extending in every direction. Every male voter in the country is thor- oughly cowed. Not a man dare say his soul is his own. You wait and see.” Miss Lillian Russell was seen at a late hour last night. “Your name has been suggested for the Presidency. Is there any hope of your running?” “What nonsense!” “Not at all. Many prominent women are ready tou endorse you. You have demonstrated that you know how to remain beautiful in spite of time, and the general con- sensus of opinion is that we must have a_ fine-looking woman to represent us in the White House.” “But who would carry on the social functions of the country unless I did? I would not have time to attend to those matters.” “That is easy—for you.” Miss Russell pouted. “You forget that I am admired by too many people to run the risk of entering public life.” “Then you are not in the Presidential race?” “Never! I must decline the honor.” At the present writing, however, it looks as though Miss Russell would have to accept a nomination. It is under- stood that there will be a national convention of all the the- atrical delegates in the Lambs Club in the spring of 1912, and that she will be nominated by acclamation. Miss Maude Adams is mentioned also. Word has just been received from Evanston, Ill, head- quarters of the W. C. T. U. that that organization will not endorse Miss Russell for President unless she signs the pledge against ginger-ale and sarsaparilla. Mrs. Lillian M. N. Stevens, the president, was very emphatic. “Charged waters,” she exclaimed, “have been the ruin of many a woman. Under no circumstances will we give our name to the Lillian Russell boom.” « There the matter stands for the present. In the meantime, Lire has not yet announced its can- didate. That we will nominate a woman, there is, of course, no doubt. We wouldn't dare do anything else. At present we are considering every available candi- date. Let the facts be known frst, so that our judgment will be perfectly fair. Ii any one has any suggestions to make or names to offer, we shall consider it a great favor. Please address all communications to Lire’s Campaign Manager, this office. ANOTHER COMING SUIT Comicbooks.com