Life, 1888-03-01 · page 12 of 16
Life — March 1, 1888 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Political Satire from Life Magazine This page satirizes 1880s Republican politics. The main political section mocks several presidential prospects: **James G. Blaine** (former Secretary of State) claimed he wouldn't accept the presidency, which Life sarcastically endorses, suggesting his political ambitions are finished. **Chauncey Depew** is ridiculed as a laughable presidential candidate—the text notes his name always triggers laughter, implying he's inherently absurd. **Governor David Hill** receives similar mockery, triggering "exceeding great laughter." **Joseph B. Foraker** (Ohio politician) receives passing mention as a failed candidate. The "Lines" poem jokes about Mrs. Grover Cleveland's gracious handshake at a White House reception, where each guest believes himself uniquely favored—satirizing both her politeness and masculine vanity. The top cartoon shows an Irish immigrant (O'Hoolihan) refusing to remove his horse's tail for fashionable sleigh decoration, mocking adoption of upper-class customs.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HIS LAST CIGAR, NEES Mr. O'Hoolihan (who has been persuaded to follow the prevailing styles in sleighing): No, Mary Ann! OPLL NOT TAKE THE TAIL AFF HIS BACK TO PUT IT AN HIS EAR IF IT does DESTHRY YER HULL DOM “TOOT ASSIMBLY !” POLITICAL. 5 INCE reading Mr. Blaine’s extraordinary letter from Florence, we have Es fy come to the conclusion that this high-priest of the Republican party would See not take the Presidency if offered him. At first we thought Mr. Blaine insincere, but mature reflection convinces us that his political aspirations are dead, and that all he desires now is to be left alone to his literary labors. The Republican party should most assuredly exert itself to the utmost to do its idol’s will, and not tempt him from his well merited retirement and rest. * * * HY is it that whenever Mr. Depew is mentioned for the Presidency, it is always followed by [Laughter] or [Great laughter] ? There is nothing absurdly ridiculous about the proposition. Were ~7- Governor Hill hounded by hilarious brackets we would not be so ~ much surprised, for as a Presidential candidate he is—well, excuse our hilarity, but—[Exceeding great laughter]. * * * HIO people are kept awake at night by the booming of Foraker in that State. They have the comforting reflection that it cannot last long. LINES By a susceptible Bachelor on shaking hands with Mrs, Grover Cleveland at a White House Reception. HAT radiant smile, that cordial grasp, that pressure of the hand, With egotistic ecstasy have made my breast expand ; For, though we've never met before, it’s very plain to me, That, of the throng, ’tis I alone she’s waited there to see. But when, with conscious pride, I chance to make this sweet confession, I find that every other man has got the same impression And thinks that he’s been singled out. It’s preference for none, But just her fascinating way of greeting everyone. Ah, could an angel such as this by heaven to me be sent, I really think I might agree to be a president. D.C THE KEROSENE “CATCHES ON.” comicbooks.com