Life — September 19, 1912 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# 1904 Life Magazine Page Analysis This page contains a satirical poem by Arthur Guiterman addressed to Woodrow Wilson, likely written during the 1904 presidential campaign. The poem mocks Wilson's scholarly pretensions and warns him about entering politics, referencing various political figures (the "Bull Moose," figures like Benedict Arnold and Judas Iscariot as cautionary examples). The accompanying illustration depicts two children peering through a doorway at barrels, with dialogue: "Sorry, shut that door. You have let all the flies in." / "No, mamma, there's one out here yet." This cartoon likely satirizes political corruption or unwanted political figures—the "flies" represent undesirable politicians or parties attempting to enter the political arena. The page also begins an article titled "We Breathe Easier," critiquing Mrs. Fish's newspaper announcements about contemporary issues (tariffs, Panama Canal).