Life — January 24, 1918 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 130 The page critiques President Wilson's cabinet selections and administrative choices. The main text argues Wilson failed to appoint experienced "big men" to key positions—he avoided selecting major political figures like those who led the Civil War (Lincoln, Grant, Sherman). Instead, Wilson chose less-established figures, which the author suggests makes government less effective. The political cartoon "When We Dead Awake" (bottom) depicts figures in a tug-of-war, likely representing competing political factions or interests pulling at the government during Wilson's administration. The ship photograph titled "Oil on the troubled waters" (top right) appears metaphorical—illustrating attempts to calm turbulent political or economic conditions through governmental action. The overall message: Wilson's cabinet lacked sufficient gravitas to handle national crises effectively.