Life, 1916-04-20 · page 9 of 52
Life — April 20, 1916 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main illustration is titled "The Plum Tree: Who Gets Here First?" and depicts a weeping willow laden with fruit, presumably "plums" (a metaphor for political patronage jobs). The accompanying text discusses **political candidacy**, specifically mentioning: - Mr. Wilson should hold onto his "Celestial party" nomination - Natural candidate would be **John R. Mott** - **General Wood** discussed as a Carnal candidate (likely "Canal," possibly referencing Theodore Roosevelt's Panama Canal involvement) - **Coleman Du Pont** mentioned as too wealthy and business-connected to be viable The satire critiques how politicians compete for desirable positions and patronage, with the "plums" representing government jobs. The cartoon mocks the scramble among candidates to secure these coveted posts, questioning who will "get here first" to claim them.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Chicago drygoods man that almost rivals the Arabian Nights. When men trained to get what they go after begin to dream and try to make their dreams come true, very interesting results are liable to follow. Our remarkable coun- try has plenty of wonder-workers in it, and they are acquiring the means by which wonders are worked. They will not always be limited to drudgerics of material acquisition. They will think, they will learn, they will dream, and their contrivings to make their dreams come true will be worth watching, B.S. M, LIHU and Theodore have broken bread together, but not Theodore and Jane THE PLUM FREE WHO GETS HERE FIRST? A Compromise “COIVE us our place in the sun!” they cried; “A place that matches our worth,” “ Take all the sun,” mankind replied, “ But please get off the earth.” The Latest “AJPRS. CROESUS has the most up- to-date social secretary in the city.” “Indeed?” “Oh, no doubt about it. She comes from a magazine, you know, and the very first thing she did was to issue a notice that no invitations could be considered unless accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope for a reply.” Carnal and Celestial Candidates F Mr. Wilson should lose his hold on the Celestial party in these States, its natural candidate would be John R. Mott. Mr. Mott would have to be intro- duced to some of the voters, but he would come into politics very highly recommended. General Wood is talked of a little as candidate of the Carnals. They might do much worse. General Wood is a moderate Carnal, a very moderate militarist, and a very able administrator. Coleman Du Pont, who is also spoken of, is too rich and too closely identified with the powder busi- ness to be a successful candidate.