Life — February 20, 1890 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine, February 20, 1890 **Main Cartoon: "Apropos of the 22d of This Month"** The illustration depicts two figures examining a large hollow tree trunk. The caption reads: "Little George: 'Father, I cannot tell a lie; I did it with my little hatchet.'" This references the famous apocryphal story of young George Washington and the cherry tree—a myth about childhood honesty that was widely taught in American schools. The cartoon appears to satirize this legend on or near Washington's birthday (February 22). The ornate decorative border on the left contains various emblems and symbols typical of Life magazine's design aesthetic. Without additional context visible on this page, the specific satirical point—whether mocking the myth itself, American patriotism, or contemporary politics—remains unclear from the image alone.