Life, 1887-12-15 · page 12 of 16
Life — December 15, 1887 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Political Satire from Life Magazine This page contains Washington political commentary and two cartoons satirizing late 19th-century American politics. **Top cartoon ("Too Much for Her Nerves"):** Shows a woman fainting at the sight of a circus or theatrical performance, likely satirizing public reaction to Congressional proceedings—suggesting politics is as absurd and overstimulating as cheap entertainment. **Main text:** Discusses Congressional reorganization under Mr. Carlisle and mentions specific senators (Evarts, Cox, Riddleberger) as power players. The tone is mocking—suggesting the Senate contains barely enough brains to prevent the country's ruin, and that wealth rather than wisdom drives their machinations. **Lower cartoon ("Leading the German"):** Depicts two figures in a dance pose with German text, likely satirizing diplomatic or political maneuvering with Germany during this period. **Plymouth Church reference:** Alludes to a dispute between Rev. Joseph Parker and church members, resolved amicably—suggesting even religious figures engage in calculated conflict and "weaponize" their ability to write about disputes. The overall message: Washington politics is theater, wealth-driven, and populated by mediocre opportunists.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
TOO MUCH FOR HER NERVES. “RuN, 'Liz'setH JaNe, RUN FOR A NAMBULA: } THE SIGHT O° THAT WINDER HAS MADE HER FAINT!” FROM WASHINGTON. with all the perspicacity which pertains to a Virginian who [* spite of the best efforts of the police, Congress has again reorganized, and under the guidance of Mr. Carlisle will lay siege to the surplus for some time to come. realizes that the eye of his family is upon him. Senator Evarts, who has spent the summer framing a sentence on the Tariff, will begin to deliver it on the t4th inst., and hopes to finish it in time to see the old It is a pleasure to note that Mr. Samuel Sullivan Cox year die. If he can’t, he will break it off short on the is back again in the councils of the Nation. With this 31st of December, and will begin it again at the first verb gentleman in the House of Represen- tatives there should be spice enough in the debates to make the coming issues of the Congressional Record worth reading. In the Senate there is the same leaven of wealth which so materially affected the whole lump last session. On the whole, there is a fair supply of brains amongst our Senatorial servants —almost enough to warrant us in be- lieving that the country may survive their machinations in its behalf. Mr. Riddleberger is the power that sits behind the throne, and will doubt- less look after the interests of the land *LONGES —~ back when the session resumes its “BEN Zu ANARCHY!) Gg sitting. i E Beyond the excitement which always attends the purchase of a new hat by Secretary Bayard, all is quiet along the Potomac. Ps T is a comfort to know that the Rev. Joseph Parker and the brethren of Plymouth Church parted good friends after all. It has been diamond cut diamond between these worthies, and neither have got off without some scratches. Dr, Parker has one weapon left. He can go LEADING THE GERMAN. home and write a book. comicbooks.com