Life — April 23, 1914 — page 22: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a political cartoon labeled "The Navy," depicting what appears to be a coffin labeled "JOSEPHUS D." surrounded by grape vines or similar vegetation, with smoke rising above it. A naval vessel or ship structure is visible in the composition. The reference to "Josephus D." likely refers to **Josephus Daniels**, Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson. The coffin imagery suggests satirical criticism of naval policy under his administration—possibly addressing concerns about military readiness, budget cuts, or administrative decisions perceived as harmful to naval strength. The cartoon's dark tone and use of a coffin as the central symbol indicates this was pointed political criticism of Daniels' tenure, though the specific policy being critiqued requires additional historical context.