Life, 1888-02-02 · page 5 of 16
Life — February 2, 1888 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 61 This page contains several satirical pieces: **"An Embryo Agitator"** mocks a child asking his father for toys—a kite, top, wagon—which the father dismisses as insufficient for "a new labor party," suggesting the boy is being groomed as a labor activist. **"A Considerate Tramp"** jokes about union protectionism: a tramp refuses wood from a man because he doesn't belong to the Wood Sawyers' Union and fears being "boycotted for employing a 'scab.'" **"The American Idea"** criticizes foreign-born public school teachers, asserting Americans are "tired of having them issue forth as Irishmen." **"The Why and Wherefore"** references General Adam Badeau's account of American ministers avoiding Queen Victoria during his diplomatic service, attributing this to fears about public criticism. The illustrations satirize labor unions, immigration, and diplomatic propriety circa late 19th century.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
2 SRR CI ITS ON erage AN EMBRYO AGITATOR. Para: Well, Johnny, what is it? JOHNNY: Please, I want a kite—and a top —and a wagon—and—and—everything ! Papa: Whew! You're just about modest enough to lead a new labor party. A CONSIDERATE TRAMP. AWKINS: Now, my man, as you've had your breakfast, don’t you think you should saw some*of that wood for me ? TRAMP: Are you crazy, sir? I don't belong to the Wood Sawyers’ Union, and surely you don’t want to be boycotted for employing a “ scab!" . THE AMERICAN IDEA. E beg to assure the Commercial Advertiser and Professor Boyesen of our most distinguished con- sideration. We second heartily their motion that foreigners who go through our public schools should come out Ameri- cans, We are distinctly tired of having them issue forth as Irishmen, THE WHY AND WHEREFORE. I* a recent article in the Maz! and Express, General Adam Badeau says: “ During the twelve years that I passed officially in England, no American minister dined with the Queen, except Mr. Pierrepont, and that was during the visit of General Grant. Reverdy Johnson, General Schenck, Mr. Motley, Mr. Welsh, all came and went, and never visited Windsor, except to present their credentials or their recall. Mr, Lowell may have been invited after I left the country, but this typical American courtier received no royal summons to dinner while I was in England,” We can only account for this on the ground that Her Majesty was afraid Mr. Lowell would bring Adam along with him. The Queen evidently knew Mr. Badeau’s habits of turning out reading-matter by the yard, and objected to the garish glare of publicity. EAR little boy, the times are bad = Indeed when Love is bat the fad Of Grandmammas who say thy arts, Now lost, were practiced on their hearts ‘When they were young : now one grows sad Contemning life without thy darts; Life wherein Dame Fashion's marts Are stocked with maidens, money-mad, Dear little boy. Maids daft on togs and gems and carts, Maids caring for no man of parts, But choose a dude, or choose a cad Possessed of wealth, or a wealthy dad, Who says, Here's plenty when he starts, Dear little boy.” Gallant Old Chappie (addressing lady whose figure has suddenly subsided): EXCUSE ME, MADAM, BUT I THINK YOU'VE DROPPED YOUR—AHEM—MUFF, comicbooks.com