Life — June 6, 1912 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts two rotund figures in an intimate embrace beside a tree. One wears what appears to be formal attire, while the other wears a robe or cloak labeled "TARIFF." The satire appears to be political commentary on trade policy, personifying the "Tariff" as a romantic partner to a government or business figure. The cartoon suggests a corrupt or inappropriately close relationship between political/commercial interests and protectionist tariff policies—common targets of satirical critique in early 20th-century American magazines. The exaggerated, unflattering caricatures and domestic setting mock what the cartoonist views as an indulgent, self-serving alliance. The specific political context—which administration or tariff debate is referenced—is unclear without additional historical documentation.