Life, 1887-12-08 · page 13 of 42
Life — December 8, 1887 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Life Magazine Page Analysis This satirical page contains several brief humor pieces typical of early 20th-century *Life* magazine: **"Always Moving"** jokes about a wife's alarm at cellar noise—relieved when her husband identifies it as merely a gas meter. The humor is domestic and gentle. **The Political Jab** mocks politicians who court public favor by kissing babies, calling this not genuine statesmanship—likely referencing campaign tactics of the era. **"Its Probable Source"** satirizes sensationalist newspaper reporting through an editor and assistant discussing an absurd story about ducks laying boiled eggs. The joke: attributing it to *The Christian at Work*, suggesting that publication prints implausible stories. **"Ancestral"** is a poem (credited to J.R. Bangs) mocking pretentious family histories—Grandpa lost his bride to her father's superior social standing on Manhattan's prestigious Murray Hill. **"An Idea"** shows two figures discussing a weighing scale, making a joke about weight and currency (a penny). All pieces reflect *Life*'s satirical focus on contemporary American social manners and pretensions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ALWAYS MOVING. ¢¢ JOHN,” said a frightened wife in the middle of the J night, “there is something moving down cellar, I'm sure.” John listened intently. “Oh, it's nothing but the gas-meter pegging away,” he said, with a sigh of relief. S the time now draws nigh when numerous patriots will try to “ get there,” it might be well to say to the public that kissing babies is not statesmanship. ANY a homely, unattractive girl gets a husband on account of her Pa value. ITS PROBABLE SOURCE. DITOR (40 assistant) : Here is a clipping to the effect that a Yankee has taught ducks to swim in hot water with such success that they lay boiled eggs. Do you know what paper it's from ? ASSISTANT: Must be The Christian at Work. T is said that the poet Goethe's death was hastened by his hearing an American pronounce his name. Ancestral. sarewas long ago tbat Grandpa courted The lovely Knickerbocker, An days when all our front-doors sported The polisbed brazen knocker. Sbe lived on Murray Hill. 'Twas when Sobn Adams ruled tbe nation, Betore we built our upper ten, With finance for foundation. yp Grandma? Pes. Though, as a bride, She lett Grandpa dejected. You see be came on Papa’s side: Ma's fatber sbe selected. 3. R. Bangs. AN IDEA. “ BILLY, YER DON'T WEIGH NOTHINK AT ALL—PUT YER PENNY IN YER MOUTH AN’ SEE IF THAT MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE.” comicbooks.com