Life, 1889-06-06 · page 15 of 20
Life — June 6, 1889 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This small cartoon satirizes legal disputes over alleged defamation. A duck (labeled "Our Web-footed Friend") protests indignantly that being called "web-footed"—a literal, biological fact about ducks—constitutes "downright slander." The joke targets the absurdity of frivolous libel claims: the duck objects to accurate description of its own nature as though it were insulting. This likely comments on contemporary lawsuits where plaintiffs sued over factual statements, claiming injury to reputation. The cartoon mocks both the litigious culture and the circular logic of those who deny observable truth. It's a brief, pointed jab at legal overreach disguised as defense of honor.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
FOR SOLID COMFORT IN CITY OR COUNTRY mt HAMMOQUETTE RECLINING CHAIR IS THE CHEAPEST, BEST AND MOST POP- antiy, to, any desired position from up- ent, by the slightest effort. HE BEST Reclining, Resting, Rend- lid, Lounging, Sleeping, Steamer cr ing Chair made. Our catalogue, delighted purchasers, sent 0 LOVELL MFC. ANOTHER CASE OF LIBEL, Our Web-footed Friend: WELL, NOW, IF THAT ISN'T DOWNRIGHT SLANDER! 2 AGAINST ACCIDENTS whether you go abroad or stay at home. Are you going to Europe this summer? Send ; a postal card to this office and our repre- » gentative will call upon you. $10,000 insurance with $50 weekly indem- “€ nity and liberal payment for loss of hand, foot or eyes will cost you not over $18 for ten weeks. The same amount by the year costs about $30, in addition to membership fee of $10 paid but once. THE UNITED STATES MUTUAL. ACCIDENT ASSOCIATION, 320, 322 & 324 Broadway, New York. CHARLES B. PEET, JAMES R. PITCHER, President. Secretary and General Manager. comicbooks.com