Life — September 4, 1913 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoons from Life Magazine, August This page contains several satirical cartoons commenting on early 20th-century American politics and social issues: **Top cartoon**: "The Czar Creates a Ministry of Sport" mocks Russian autocracy through exaggerated physical activities. **Beach scene**: A Wisconsin swimming instructor's recommendation that men wear skirted bathing suits is ridiculed as absurd fashion advice. **"Wilsonade vs. Grape Juice"**: Appears to reference a political dispute in Washington, possibly about Prohibition or President Wilson's policies. **"Salem to Have Flying Fire Engines"**: Satirizes an unusual municipal innovation. **"Ex-King Manuel Pawns His Father's Decorations"**: References Manuel II of Portugal, the last Portuguese king, exiled after 1910, reduced to pawning royal medals—commentary on his diminished circumstances. The overall tone mocks political figures, social pretensions, and absurd news stories of the era.