Life, 1889-01-10 · page 10 of 16
Life — January 10, 1889 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Analysis: Life Magazine Political Correspondence This page features satirical letters supposedly from "Russ" reporting on New York politics and high society during December 1880s. The correspondence mocks the incoming Harrison administration and political appointments—particularly discussion of potential Cabinet positions like Secretary of War, with names like Blaine and Platt mentioned as contenders or obstacles. The top illustration ("À La Mode") shows fashionable women discussing dress styles, captioned with a Chicago woman claiming her gown is made in "empire style"—likely satirizing pretentious fashion claims. The bottom cartoon depicts cattle thieves in windstorms, with crude visual humor about rustlers unable to steal livestock during bad weather. The page primarily relies on textual satire about political maneuvering rather than visual caricature.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“BADE E © A LA MODE. Miss W. (from Chicago): Do YoU KNOW, MY DEAR, I THINK I SHALL HAVE MY NEW DRESS MADE IN THE UMPIRE STYLE. TELEGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE OF THE PRINCE IMPERIAL. NEw York, December 17. To Gen. B, F. HARRISON, Indianapolis, Ind. : /AAPRWVED safely. Church three times yesterday with Colonel Shepard. Has no favors to ask, but takes strong interest in War Department. While out, man named Elkins called four times. Who is he? 36 D. H. Russ. * * * New York, December 18. (Same address.) ADE good impression on New Yorkers. Many calls, invitations, etc. Colonel Shepard introducing me into society. Jolly tea-party last night at Young Men’s Christian Association. Colonel says your administration ought to have vigorous Secretary of War. Who is Elkins? 41 D. H. Russ. * * * New York, December 19. (Same address.) ENT behind scenes last night, “Crystal Slipper.” Save fourteen ‘lady clerkships in Treasury until my return, Elkins found me home. Says Maine ought to have representative in Cabinet. Suggests name—James G. Blaine of Augusta. Says he is able, honest, well known through State. 46 D. H. Russ, * * NEw York, December 20. (Same address.) INED with Elkins. Name of Blaine happened to come up. Every one at table seemed to think well of him. Told Elkins you would give Blaine place. Met gentleman named Platt. Seems to know good deal about New York politics. Says new administration should be care- ful in this State, and especially not recognize two pirates named Miller and Depew. Says he would be willing to give you any assistance in his power. Invited him to spend week with us in January. Colonel Shepard says you ought to have good Christian for Secretary of War. Asked him if he could suggest any one. Blushed, and said no. 78 D. H. Russ. * * * NEw York, December 21. (Same address). ONFIDENTIAL talk with Colonel Shepard. Says he considers his work as Editor of the Biblical Department of his paper his highest duty, but if you cannot find any one of suitable qualifications for Secretary of War, will try to ar- range to give you his services. Told him to make arrange- ments accordingly. Have secured Mr. Platt’s conditional acceptance for Treasury Department. John O’Brien agrees to accept Collectorship Port of New York. 69 D. H. Russ. * * * NEw York, December 29. (Same address.) ELLOW here claims to be your son, If son, order him back to Indiana. Suspect bunco. Quay. * * * INDIANAPOLIS, December 29. To RUSSELL HARRISON, Care Mazl and Express, N. Y. City: OME home, first train. If short, borrow from Shepard. Don't ask Quay for loan. 14D. H. PAPA. Metcalfe. INANCIAL BLUE DEVILS—Imp-ecuniousness and Demon-itization. IT’S AN ILL WIND, BTC., ETC. Western Farmer: WELL, THERE'S ONE CONSOLATION, THE CATTLE THIEVES CAN’T CARRY OFF MY STOCK!