Life — April 14, 1927 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts an infant (representing America or American power) wrestling with serpents labeled "Medievalism," "Foreign Domination," and what appears to be additional threats. The infant wears a paper crown marked "The New China," suggesting the cartoon comments on American influence or intervention in China. The reference is to the classical myth of infant Hercules strangling serpents in his cradle—a symbol of overcoming great obstacles through inherent strength. The satire appears to celebrate American power confronting foreign and antiquated forces, though the specific historical context regarding China policy would require additional dating to fully clarify the cartoon's exact commentary on American imperialism or diplomatic efforts.