Life, 1889-12-19 · page 5 of 18
Life — December 19, 1889 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Analysis This page from Life magazine contains social commentary and advice columns rather than political cartoons. The main content includes: **"Two Tales of One City"**: A dialogue between Mr. Palmerhouse and Mr. Brunswick debating Chicago's character—whether it's a grand metropolis or merely a "village of the plain." **The illustration** shows two people examining a map of Manhattan, apparently discussing urban geography or development. **"Common Symptoms" and "Obedience"** sections offer satirical relationship advice. The humor appears to target romantic dynamics: suspicious behavior ("mopes all the time") and controlling partners. Little Arthur's reassurance to his mother about not climbing a ladder represents domestic obedience themes. The page reflects early 20th-century Life magazine's focus on urban commentary, romantic satire, and family social dynamics rather than direct political critique.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
TWO TALES OF ONE cITY. R. PALMERHOUS Oh, Mr. Brunswick, when you look at our palaces and our lake front you are forced to call Chicago the Venice of the West! Mr. BRUNSWICK: And yet when I look at your belles it seems the merest “village of the plain.” HE gentleman who dis- covered that his wife was putting her pin money in the bank against a rainy day now calls it her safety- pin money. A anxious correspondent wants to know if it is true that in Philadelphia water wa/ks down hill. E RIN'S ISLE—Manhat- tan. Wakoure A FULL COUNT. UDGING from the stand COMMON SYMPTOMS. taken by the Trustees Katherine: Has NED BRACEBRIDGE GIVEN YOU ANY REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT HE LOVES YoU ? of the Metropolitan Museum Emily: INDEED HE MAS. HE NEVER SAYS ANYTHING NICE TO ME, AND NEVER SQUEEZES MY of Art, the best way of check- AND, BUT JUST HANGS AROUND AND MOPES ALL THE TIME. ing the spread of vice in this —_ city is to keep that building OBEDIENCE, closed to the public on Sun- RS. BROWN: As long as you live, Arthur, never let me see you climb up that long days. Is that a reflection on ladder again. the contents of the museum? LITTLE ARTHUR: You never will, mamma. _ I was scared myself.