Life — September 6, 1923 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Life magazine cartoon depicts a well-dressed man in a top hat exhuming or disturbing a grave marked "THE PAST." He's holding up what appears to be a wrapped body or artifact labeled "MEXICO," with explosions or flames erupting from it. The satire likely comments on American intervention in Mexican affairs—a recurring theme in early 20th-century U.S. politics. The gentleman's formal attire suggests diplomatic or governmental authority "digging up" past conflicts or grievances with Mexico, reigniting dormant tensions. The caption "AND THAT'S THAT, TOO" suggests finality or resignation about perpetual U.S.-Mexico relations. The specific historical context—whether referencing the Mexican Revolution, territorial disputes, or diplomatic incidents—remains unclear without the publication date.