Life, 1888-09-13 · page 1 of 14
Life — September 13, 1888 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Advantages of Mt. Desert" This satirical cartoon mocks romantic elopement scandals involving wealthy socialites. The scene shows three figures in what appears to be a seaside setting (Mt. Desert, a fashionable Maine resort). The dialogue references "Fair Francis" eloping with a "vivid one," with "Leopold" (likely a suitor or husband) considering a breach of promise lawsuit. The humor lies in the final quip: a lawyer states Bar Harbor engagements won't hold in law—suggesting the resort's romantic atmosphere encourages hasty, legally questionable matrimonial decisions. This reflects 1888 society gossip about wealthy young people making impulsive romantic commitments at exclusive vacation destinations, with legal complications following. The joke critiques both the frivolity of high-society romance and the legal entanglements it created.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOLUME XII. NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 123, 1888. NUMBER 298 Entered at the New York Post Office as Second-Class Mail Matter. Copyright, 1888, by Mrrewxt & Mitume, THE ADVANTAGES OF MT. DESERT. Fair Fiancée (departing with her loved one): \WHAT NORRID TASTE OF HER TO BRING A SUIT AGAINST LEOPOLD FOR BREACH OF PROMISE! Hostess: AND HOW VERY AWKWARD FOR YOU BOTH, Leopold; OW, NOT AT ALL, MY LAWYER SAYS BAR HARBOR ENGAGEMENTS WON'T HOLD IN LAW. comicbooks.com