Life — October 1, 1885 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Steeplechase" - Life Magazine Cartoon This multi-panel satirical comic depicts a steeplechase (horseback racing competition) as political allegory. Panel 1 introduces "three prominent members of the fair dealing party" who are "short and crafty" and engaged in questionable dealings. Panel 2 shows these figures on horseback jumping the "drop fence"—apparently surviving a minor mistake. Panel 3 depicts them at a water jump, taking a "refreshing bath." The final panel shows them on foot running, having "got away" while their horses are separated, with text suggesting they've "won on the homestretch." The cartoon satirizes corrupt political figures ("fair dealing party") as deceitful competitors who exploit rules, survive scandals ("refreshing bath"), and ultimately escape consequences through cunning—the steeplechase serving as metaphor for their evasive maneuvering.