Life — December 10, 1885 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Question of Principal" - Life Magazine, Page 325 This cartoon depicts a social satire about wealth and morality. A well-dressed man (Mr. Follibud) is being confronted by Miss Angelos about his lack of principles. He defends himself by noting he has financial "interest" in her—specifically $200,000 and its "reflecks" (returns/reflections). The joke plays on the double meaning of "interest": moral concern versus financial investment. Follibud essentially argues that money *is* his principle—he's interested in Miss Angelos solely because of her substantial wealth. The satire mocks wealthy men who equate financial ties with genuine personal virtue or concern, exposing how capitalism can substitute monetary calculation for ethical behavior. This reflects Gilded Age anxieties about materialism replacing traditional values.