Life — April 20, 1916 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 737 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.