Life, 1889-03-21 · page 14 of 20
Life — March 21, 1889 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon, "The Farmer and the Cabinet," satirizes anxieties about a young, inexperienced political appointee—likely James G. Blaine, who served as Secretary of State under Benjamin Harrison (referenced by name). The farmer's worry isn't about President Harrison himself, but about "Jamie Blaine," whose "innocent, eager spirit" faces corruption risks in Washington politics. The satire critiques how powerful politicians' children receive preferential treatment: Russell B. and the McKees enjoy protection through family connections and "special police in the White House." The cartoon suggests that without such patronage, Blaine is vulnerable to political harm. The remaining items are typical *Life* magazine humor—short comic dialogues on unrelated topics like coffee's effects, romantic timing, financial debt, and medical advice. These appear designed as filler rather than political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE FARMER AND THE CABINET. = oe I™ fearsome, wifie, fearsome.” The gray old farmer said, As he pushed away his paper, And wearily sought his bed. “Oh, why are ye fearsome, Goodman, And what are ye fearsome on?” “I'm thinking of all the perils That await him in Washington !” “Oh, fash not for the perils That await him in Washington A wary man and skillful Is Benjamin Harrison.” “Ye miss me, wifie, sorely ; ’Tis not the President.” “Was it Russell B., or a little McKee, Oh, Goodman, that ye meant?” “Nay, wife, it was not Russell, For he has a kind papa; And the little McKees have special police In the White House with their ma. “But, wife, my heart is heavy When I think on him who brings His innocent, eager spirit So nigh to hurtful things. ‘For Harrison and Morton Miss Belle (warningly): SALLY, THEY USED TO TELL ME, WHEN I WAS A LITTLE I feel no care nor pain; GIRL, THAT IF I DID NOT LET COFFEE ALONE IT WOULD MAKE ME FOOLISH. But, oh, may the white-winged angels Sally (who owes her one): WELL, WHY DIDN'T you? Surround our Jamie Blaine!” LOVE’S OPPORTUNITY. ERTHA: This is the very day to ask papa’s consent, Arthur. ARTHUR: Why?* Is he in a good humor? BERTHA: No; He's frantic over my dress-maker's bill, and will let you take me off his hands at once. THE SQUARING CIRCLE, ON’T fret about your treubles, Jack,” said Wiggins, cheerily, As the world goes round it bring, us all things in time.” “I know it,” returned Borrowit, doh. fully; “and as it goes round it brings tle time for me to square up!” 2 6 UNNATURAL EXERTION. IRST CHAPPIE: Why, Algernon, deah boy, what |, the mattah? You look weak and pale. You showly consult a physician. t Deacon Kneelem (to the Sunday-school children); Now, LITTLE S : GIRLS AND BOYS, I HAVE JUST SHOWN YOU ON THE SCREEN A SECOND CHarpie: My deah fellah, Ihave, The docth ficrust or The PRODIGAL'S RETUAR, AND 1 WANT: TO KNOW IP says it is the wesult of violent exertion, and has advised Re ANY GOOD LITTLE BOY OR GIRL IN THE ROOM CAN TELL ME WHAT i THE PRODIGAL SAID TO HIS FATHER. to discahd my eye-glass. [Then some bad little boy sprung the above on him.) comicbooks.com