Life, 1883-05-24 · page 12 of 16
Life — May 24, 1883 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Benjamin Butler" - Life Magazine Satire This is a vicious satirical biography of **Benjamin Butler**, a controversial Union general and politician. The cartoon attacks Butler's character through mockery: **The Satire's Points:** Butler is portrayed as inherently corrupt and muddy—his "early history was accidentally dropped in the mud by Noah." The piece ridicules his Civil War service (implying he stole silver spoons from New Orleans), his failed Congressional career, and his recent election as Massachusetts governor. **The Punchline:** Boston's city motto supposedly changed to "Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are, we elected Ben"—a dark parody of Whittier's famous line, suggesting electing Butler was Boston's greatest tragedy. **Context:** Butler was genuinely controversial—a Republican general seen as corrupt by his opponents. This reflects 1880s political animosity toward him as he pursued higher office. The accompanying "Answers to Correspondents" section mocks readers with absurdist responses, typical of Life's satirical format.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
- LIFE - il ii BIOGRAPHETTES. XVI. BENJAMIN BUTLER. BENIAMINS early history was accidentally drop- ped in the mud by Noah, when he landed on Mount Ararat, and has been in the mud ever since. It is supposed, however, that he is the Benjamin of Scripture, and Boston divines hence always avoid read- ing those passages of Holy Writ wherein Benjamin is mentioned. Other than Sacred writers have thought him to be the Ben Jamin or Jim Jamin alluded to by :sculapius Major in his treatise on Hog Cholera, but this is now regarded by General Cesnola, Susan B. Anthony and other antiquarians as improbable. Ben figured in our late war, and the New Orleans spoon owners have done a good deal of figuring since. Ben likewise went to Congress—Ben did—and then Ben was bereaved of votes and was made a widow. Then Ben in his bereavement went’to Boston and set- tled there. Boston has never been herself since. Last year Ben clubbed himself together and resolved to be a governor. Ben didn’t know what else todo. Ben ran. When Ben runs he gets there. So Ben landed and has been there ever since. Then Boston changed her motto and made it thus: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are, we elected Ben.” ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. (CARTER H. H., Chicago.—(1.) We see no harm in your éy- ing for the nomination in 1884. (2.) Do you stand as much chance as O’Donovan Rossa? Just about. (3.) Yes, from the specimen editorials you enclose, we would say you were right in thinking that there was a little journalistic opposition to you in Chicago. (4.) The business manager says he will print your speech for $1.50 a line. Eutas L., Mew Haven.—(t.) You won. A straight does beat three of a kind. (2.) In that case discontinue cigarettes and smoke a pipe. (3.) There will not be another French Ball until next spring. (4.) It was probably the result of taking the beer after the others. They should never be mixed. O'Donovan R.—(z.) We have carefully examined your plan for blowing up the bridge, but cannot exactly see how injuring Brooklyn will help Ireland. (2.) Yes, it does seem to be the gen- eral impression that you are a blatherskite and a rascal. McCosu, Princeton.—If you coppered the ace, the dealer was right. Morcan D.—(1.) Yes, as an advertisement, it was certainly a good scheme. (2.) No. They are too funny for our columns. Roscor C.—(1.) Yes, if Backus resigns, you might try it. (2.) Curling irons are quicker, but paper injures the hair less: (3.) If steel ribs are too stiff, try whalebone. Davip D.—If you really wish to gain flesh, confine yourself to a farinaceous diet. FreppicE G.—No, we do not think it Aas advanced you socially. Mark T.—Send it to the Oshkosh Christian Advertiser, We couldn’t touch it with tongs. BoLasco.—(1.) No; to take the plot of one play and the dia- logue of another is not usually considered original work. (2.) Translating a play and changing the title does xo place you ahead of the author, even if you do get ahead of him, Tuart tough old citizen, Beggs, Lived on whiskey, tobacco and eggs, Nor was he put out, When, because of the gout, A doctor chopped off his hind legs. comicbooks.com