The July 17, 1909, issue of Harper’s Weekly, in which this print was published, leads off with reports on the income tax amendment’s progress through Congress and the latest in tariff bills. The work's seriousness contrasted with this scene of legislators playing cards after hours in chairs covered in summertime white slipcovers, with tuxedoed servers pouring the drinks. Followed by a photomontage of President Taft playing golf, the context gives a sense of Harper’s tone, which balanced substantive reporting and opinion with entertaining and lighthearted content.
