Life — September 5, 1912 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Scandal Commentary in Life Magazine (September 5, 1912) This page critiques President Roosevelt's denials regarding the Standard Oil Company's contributions to his 1904 campaign. The article sarcastically documents Roosevelt's claim that he knew nothing of a $150,000 donation, despite accusations from oil magnate Henry H. Rogers and Standard Oil executive John D. Archbold. The text mocks Roosevelt's subsequent "reformed" Republican stance, questioning his credibility given this financial entanglement. The piece also previews the 1912 presidential race, discussing Wilson, Taft, and Roosevelt as candidates. The cartoon (left margin) appears to caricature Roosevelt, emphasizing the hypocrisy between his "clean" political image and his actual acceptance of corporate money—a central scandal of the Progressive Era.