Life, 1891-07-02 · page 12 of 18
Life — July 2, 1891 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 418 This page contains two satirical pieces about American patriotism and discipline: **"Once a Year"** (top): A poem by Harry Romaine depicts a boy noticing the American flag flying from City Hall on the Fourth of July. The satire suggests the flag appears so rarely that the boy questions whether it's an error or joke—implying American patriotism is neglected year-round. The father's response that they raised it "to please the few who are left to care" mocks declining patriotic sentiment or civic indifference. **"Force of Habit"** (middle): A brief joke where a father spanks his son "Billykins," then the boy cries that it doesn't hurt "in the s-s-same p-pop-plop" way. The caption notes a girl named Ethel being punished upstairs says she's "truly thankful" for what she's about to receive—dark humor about corporal punishment as routine. **"The First Fourth of July"** (bottom): An elaborate engraving showing chaotic Independence Day revelry with children, animals, and anarchic celebration. Together, these pieces satirize American patriotism, parental discipline, and holiday excess in early 20th-century society.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
418 ONCE A YEAR. FATHER, look!” With exultant shout, I heard the astonished boy call : “See, father ; our flag is hanging out, From the top of the City Hall.” ** Not the British red I have often seen, Nor the French, nor the-German, gay ; Nor the Irish flag of gold and green, That is there almost every day.” ‘Do you think it was a mistake, dad ; Or are they just only in fun? And say! Won't our alderman be mad, When he finds out what they have done!" And the old man said: ‘They have put it there, Where it flutters against the sky, To please the few who are left to care That this is the Fourth of July.” Harry Romaine. TENDERER. L it just as much, my dear little boy,” apa after he had spanked Billykins. FORCE OF HABIT. Billykins. ‘ B-but n-not in the Ethel (who has been sent upstairs to be punished): For wnat 1 amt AROUT TO RECEIVE, MAY [nS TRULY THANKFUL | THE FIRST FOURTH OF JULY. comicbooks.com