Life, 1883-10-18 · page 3 of 16
Life — October 18, 1883 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks wealthy families' false economy claims. The dialogue shows Paterfamilias (the father) defending his decision to own horses rather than use a livery stable, citing financial prudence. However, the itemized costs reveal the actual expense: $1,443.93 total, with a $391 loss on Harry's injured horse alone. The satire targets upper-class hypocrisy—families convincing themselves that private horse ownership is economical when the arithmetic proves otherwise. The accompanying illustration depicts a gentleman, woman, and young boy with horses, representing this aspirational lifestyle. The piece ridicules the self-deception of the wealthy about their spending habits, a common target of *Life* magazine's social commentary during the Gilded Age.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE ECONOMY OF KEEPING YOUR OWN HORSES. Paterfamilias who has just returned, having been away all Summer; WuY DON'T YOU RIDE YOUR OWN HORSE, JULIA? Julia: Way! DIDN'T WE WRITE YOU ABOUT HER ACCIDENT? HARRY TRIED TO JUMP A FENCE WITH HER AND SHE FELL, AND GIBSON SAYS SHE WILL NEVER BE GOOD FOR ANYTHING AGAIN, Paterfamilias: GooD HEAVENS! WHY DIDN'T THE BOOBY RIDE HIS OWN HORSE? Julia; HE SOLD HIM TO PAY HIS COLLEGE DEBTS. Paterfamilias ; AND WHAT HORSE IS THIS, PRAY? Julia: OW THIS 1s ONE OF THE LIVERY STABLE THINGS WE HAVE BEEN RIDING ALL SUMMER. Paterfamilias finds the result of his attempt at economy to i as follows, : Dk. to Livery Stable, - - + $ 472.93 Ruined Pony, = - - 580 00 Difference between sum paid for Harry’s horse and what he brought at auction, 391 00 $1,443 93 HER CHARACTER ALBUM. To reveal my most cherished ambition 2 fe fo yi A Ah, that’s too ambitious to show ; “YOU sake ete erie aren nem Beside—you would hardly forgive me I should always be rueing the folly If I should let every one know. Of what I should probably say. So to state for which one of the vices I must name my pet detestation ? I am conscious of feeling most ruth, How can you deny that you knew I confess, in a character album, The thing that I dislike most keenly It would be the concealment of truth. Is being disliked by you? A, G. W. comicbooks.com