Life, 1912-10-17 · page 9 of 44
Life — October 17, 1912 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This political cartoon depicts figures in formal dress revealing their animal heads—a visual metaphor for exposing politicians' "true natures." The accompanying article discusses Colonel Roosevelt's recent activities and upcoming election prospects, suggesting the cartoon satirizes political hypocrisy during the 1912 election cycle. The text references "Brother Bryan" (likely William Jennings Bryan), Roosevelt, Taft, and various Democratic and Republican political maneuvers. The article criticizes Colonel Hearst's involvement in politics while defending Roosevelt's campaign efforts and suggesting his opponents should "not be discouraged." The "unmasking" metaphor suggests the cartoon is about revealing hidden character flaws or true intentions beneath politicians' respectable public appearances—a common satirical device in Progressive Era political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
1993 fault. After some of them have called Dr. Wilson “ Professor,” and others, including Mr. Taft, have said that the times are good and that any affront offered to the sacred ark of Protec- tion will mean lean years, they are about through, and must be conscious that they have not made an impres- sive showing. The pacification in the Democratic ranks this year is wonderful. There is room for speculation about Mur- phy’s processes of thought—if he has them—and doubt is possible that he wants Wilson elected, but, of course. Murphy is not much of a Democrat, anyway, and the election of anybody must scem to him just a detriment to business and a necessary evil. But about Bryan there is no longer any complaint. Nobody doubts his hearti- ness in the campaiga, and nobody seems very much afraid of what he may do after the campaign is over. He had his at Baltimore and it did him good, and his efforts and their re- sult gave him a new interest in the campaign. THE UNMASKING WHAT SOME OF US REALLY ARE Brother Bryan was never so popu- lar. His experience is an example to all perpetual candidates to try to get broken of their habit. S wae ag “age HE Colonel has roamed and vocif- crated about the country so fast that it has been hard to keep track of him, On his Western trip he seems to have worn himself out and discov- cred his nerves. In Georgia he was acceptable to the Tom Watson Popu- i and, of course, he has been an object of popular interest everywhere. But there is no sign that the South is moving his way, or that he will get more than his own anywhere, The most interesting current political speculation concerns the _ relative strength of Roosevelt and Taft, and which will run last. Nevertheless, the indirect results of the Colonel's intrusive activities are likely to make very interesting read- ing on November 6, and it seems fairly safe to anticipate his post-election announcement that he accomplished everything he hoped to accomplish, and had a bully time. The gist of the Colonel's testimony before the Senate investigating com- mittee was that a good many things happened in his campaigns that he did not know about, including Mr. Mor- gan's contribution of $150,000, and that no contributor received favors no matter what he gave. The witness calm and polite, and made a good im- pression. Do Not Be Discouraged XPOSERS of Mr. Hearst have been having a run of rather mean luck lately. Brother Hapgood's letter forgeries story did not pan out much, and the Mayor is not percep- tibly ahead on his tale about Mr. Hearst's disorderly houses. But, cheer up, brothers. Colonel Hearst is sure to keep on doing bad. and from time to time, of course, you will catch him. was comicbooks.com