Life, 1883-07-05 · page 10 of 16
Life — July 5, 1883 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page parodies the children's rhyme "Ten Little Indians," applying it to American political candidates eliminating each other from contention. Each verse humorously describes how a candidate drops out of the race through various scandals or mishaps: - **Private letters** and **tariff controversies** reference actual campaign vulnerabilities - **"Presidential levin" (lightning) struck one prematurely**—likely references a candidate's sudden, unexpected withdrawal or death - **War records looked up**—candidates faced scrutiny of military service - **Wheel-horse made a bolt**—a candidate's support collapsed - **Boom collapsed, submitted to interview, managers sold out**—typical political failures and betrayals The advertisement below for "a Respectable Party" with "Hot Water, Gas & Modern Conveniences" is an ironic jab at the political establishment itself—suggesting the political system is as artificial and constructed as party infrastructure. The cartoon mocks how candidates systematically self-destruct through their own missteps and compromises, leaving none viable by the end.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
TEN LITTLE CANDIDATES. IL | i ee! little candidates standing in a line; One wrote a private letter—then there were nine. Nine little candidates, each making up a slate; One spoke about the Tariff--then there were cight. —=— Il. Eight little candidates; the Presidential levin Struck one prematurely—then there were seven, Iv, \ Seven little candidates setting up the sticks: One pulled the wrong wire—then there were six. J sa Vv. Six little candidates, good men all and live; One's war record was looked up—then there were five. Vi. Five little candidates on a scrub-race tore; One's wheel-horsé made a bolt—then there were four. VIL. TOR RESPECTABLE Four little candidates, active as could be; PARTY. One's little boom collapsed—then there were three. OT WATER GAS Vu. | Three little candidates; to an interview - One of them submitted—then there were two. IX, Two little candidates made a red-hot 1un; One’s managers sold out—then there was one. xX. One little candidate standing all alone; A dark horse kicked him—then there was none.