Life — September 14, 1916 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Justice to Josephus" This September 1916 *Life* cartoon satirizes Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson. The allegorical image depicts Lady Justice helping Daniels (shown as a man in a suit) stay afloat amid turbulent waters. Above, Cupid (or a similar figure) appears to oversee the scene. The satire likely references controversies surrounding Daniels's naval administration—possibly regarding preparedness, policy decisions, or personnel matters that his critics felt were unjust. The title suggests the cartoonist is ironically calling for "justice" by depicting Lady Justice herself intervening on Daniels's behalf, implying his critics believed he deserved accountability rather than protection.