Life — September 4, 1931 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Commentary on Tammany Hall This page critiques **Tammany Hall**, New York's Democratic political machine, through commentary attributed to Judge Seabury (who conducted real anti-corruption investigations). The text attacks **Mr. Curry**, Tammany's leader, for corrupt control of the organization and warns that supporting him could damage **Mr. Owen Young's** (an industrial leader) potential presidential prospects. Young is praised as having an exceptional mind suited for the presidency. The accompanying illustration depicts **Lady Justice** or Liberty, suggesting the contrast between ideals of fair governance and Tammany's actual corrupt practices in New York politics. The satire argues that good government requires exposing Tammany's misdeeds—particularly their manipulation of construction contracts and docks—as essential to cleaning up New York City politics.