Life — January 15, 1920 — page 25: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes Postmaster-General Burleson's claimed indifference to criticism. The image shows him sleeping peacefully despite being pelted with letters and envelopes—a visual contradiction of his boast that unfair attacks don't disturb him. The cartoon's title, "Fatuous Slumber" (foolish sleep), mocks his statement as naive or self-deceptive. The letters covering him suggest the mounting complaints or "assaults" he dismisses. The small figure at bottom left appears to represent the public or press. The satire works through irony: his peaceful slumber contradicts his defensive quote, implying he's either lying about his composure or genuinely oblivious to serious criticism—neither flattering. This likely references controversies during Burleson's tenure as Postmaster-General under President Wilson.