Life, 1889-01-03 · page 12 of 16
Life — January 3, 1889 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Life Magazine Satire Page Analysis This page contains several brief satirical commentaries typical of Life's style: **"Selling Out at Cost"** mocks false advertising—a clerk nails up this sign while the text sarcastically notes "No man is a hero to his wallet," suggesting merchants deceive customers about pricing. **The paint-can cartoon** (three panels) depicts slapstick comedy: a figure repeatedly gets covered in black paint from an overturned can—visual humor requiring no explanation. **Bishop Potter's legs** satirizes prudish social criticism. The text defends Bishop Potter's appearance in knee-breeches and silk stockings (formal 18th-century clerical dress), mocking those who found it scandalous. The satire suggests critics lack sophistication and that the Bishop's choice reflects "deeper insight" into morality—a tongue-in-cheek defense of ecclesiastical dignity. **Miscellaneous notes** reference Eli Perkins (a romancer/writer, unclear what's meant), the Young King of Spain, actress protections, and a Harvard Crew article—insider references for contemporary readers. The page exemplifies Life's mix of visual gags and witty social commentary targeting hypocrisy and pretension.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“* ANOTHER lie nailed,” 2 ‘ said a clerk as he { nailed a “Selling Out at Cost” sign on the door. USTO) : [see you are advertising something new in‘coffee; what is it? DEALER: Coffee! No man is a hero to his wallet. more than the consciousness of his own virtue to reward him. * * * ND, by the way, where is Eli Perkins these days, and how does it suit him to see Osman Digna filching from him his hard-earned international reputation as a romancer. * * * HE actors want protection, too! What is becoming in these days of the admired theory of the survival of the fittest? After all, they can give high authority for the reasonableness of their desires, for the most thoroughly protected of any American industry is that of being President of the United States. * « * E it here recorded that in these days the staff poet of the Suz is leaving extra pretty footprints in the sands of time. They may not be lasting, but they are handsome. ELS. M. Mee young King of Spain does not relgnehe squalls. ISS PARENTALSTEM (age 35): So you are going to get married at last, Pauline ? PAULINE: Yes, dear, I should think it was about time; you know I'm 24. AN ECCLESIASTICAL MATTER. E have heard, with the deepest regret, certain disre- spectful comments upon Bishop Potter's appearing in knee-breeches and-silk stockings. There were ever grov- eling natures who scoff at everything. Even a Bishop's legs inspire them with little:reverence. How are we to know the motives that prompted him to this step? It is not for individual members of the laity to pass judgment upon ecclesiastical affairs ; for a Bishop's legs ought certainly to come under that head. It is also manifestly unfair to accuse him of personal vanity, a quality unknown to a medel Bishop. Equally unfair would it be to assert that he did it because “it’s English, you know.” Rather let us believe Bishop Potter possesses a deeper insight than ourselves into the subtle influence exercised upon the morals of the community by a reasonable display of the contours of those useful members. I? is rumored that there is an article in preparation for the North American Review, entitled “The Slow Set at Harvard,” by a member of the University Crew.