Life, 1888-09-20 · page 5 of 14
Life — September 20, 1888 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 159 This page contains satirical commentary on late 19th-century American politics, specifically attacking Democratic Party figures and policies. **"A Revenue-Cutter"** mocks the Democratic Party as corrupt tax collectors. **"Look Before You Sit"** shows three sequential cartoons of a man being repeatedly pranked with a chair—likely satirizing gullibility or foolishness, possibly targeting a specific political figure or voter base. **"Psalm IVXIXLIV"** is a lengthy biblical parody criticizing a political deceiver ("Roger of Texas" appears mentioned) who misleads the public. The text attacks Free Trade policy, protectionism debates, and accuses Democrats of deception regarding tariffs and trade—core political disputes of this era. The piece advocates voting for Grover Cleveland's opponent, suggesting this predates or follows one of his administrations.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT LOVE. AGISTRATE: Madam, your husband charges you with assault. MADAM: Yes, your honor; I asked him if he would ever cease to love me, and he was so slow in answering that I hit him with a mop. I'm only a woman, your honor (¢ears), and a woman's life without love is a mere blight. ONEY makes the mare go, and some- times the mare makes the money go, notably at the races. sé E can take it out in tirade,” as the abusive man said of a creditor. REVENUE-CUTTER—The Demo- cratic Party. LOOK BEFORE YOU * FATHER, HOW PO YOU SPELL PHILOSOPHER 2?” ““WID A LARGE F, OF COORSE—HOW p>? LT WISH VEZ WOULDN'T SE BOTHER- IN’ ME WID THINGS YEZ OUGHT TO KNOW VERSELF.” PSALM IVXIXLIV. (1) He bemoaneth the state of the people, and showeth how a ceceiver is come among them. (4) He describeth him and his party, (6) Of what he says. (14) He exhorteth them to do that which is right. 1. Why do the Heathen so furiously rage, and why do the people imagine a vain thing? 2. A deceiver hath come among you, and ye flock to hear him, 3. He hath preached in Maine, from Portland even unto Old Orchard, and ye have listened to his words. 4. Verily, he is fair to look upon; he hath a deceitful smile and a reverend white beard, and words flow from his mouth like sweet honey, but within he is as a raven- ing wolf. 5. His words sound as the words of wisdom, but are very foolishness. 6. He speaketh of State Charters, and of Trusts, of which he knoweth not. 7. For he is in truth a protectionist of the protectionists, 8, He is of them that rejoice more over one ‘bloated monopolist” that desireth to be protected, than over ninety and nine just laboring men that need no protection. 9. To the rich man that hath, they say, shall be given, and from the poor man that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath, 10. How is it that he said when he spake unto you, that Trusts were private affairs, and that ye should not interfere with them? Know ye not that Trusts rob the poor man and drive small manufacturers from business? 11, How is it that he said when he spake unto you, that Grover, the leader, was a friend to the English? Hath he not but just now desired to retaliate against them ? 12. How is it that he hath said that we should be ruined if we have Free Trade? Doth he not know that England, which hath Free Trade, is richer than all other protected countries ? 13 And, again, that Roger of Texas would seek to ruin ye by the bill which he hath made, because he putteth wool on the free list? Know ye not that the G. O. P. would have free whiskey, which is the ruin of all men? 14. Verily, he speaketh but to deceive, and ye are as sheep to be led by him. 15. Therefore, be wise, and when the time cometh to render your vote, see that ye cast it for Grover, which is right. 16, Verily, then shall all his enemies be defeated, and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Davidus Rex. comicbooks.com