Life — February 12, 1925 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political cartoon titled **"With Charity for All"** attributed to Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois. The image shows a figure in striped prison clothing reaching toward a wall where a lamp labeled "JUSTICE" hangs above. The prisoner's hand is raised as if pleading or grasping toward the symbol of justice. The cartoon appears to critique the gap between American ideals of justice and their actual application—likely referencing Lincoln's famous phrase about charity toward all. The imprisoned figure, rendered in shadow and darker tones, contrasts sharply with the illuminated "JUSTICE" symbol, suggesting that justice remains visibly present yet unreachable for the incarcerated or marginalized. The satire points to the failure to extend equal justice to all people despite the nation's stated principles.