Life, 1892-12-01 · page 7 of 14
Life — December 1, 1892 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 315 This page contains two distinct pieces: **"An American Code"** (top left): A satirical editorial arguing Americans need formal rules governing fistfighting, similar to codes protecting swords and pistols in other countries. It critiques bare-knuckle boxing as disruptive to public order, suggesting regulated fisticuffs would reduce bar-room violence and police interference. **"Another Industry Gone"** (bottom cartoon): A comic dialogue between working-class men lamenting lost prosperity. One recalls when he could indulge his family with luxuries like cranberries and turkey weekly; now he can only afford sirloin and cauliflower for Sunday dinner. It satirizes economic hardship affecting ordinary workers' living standards. **"A Retrospective Widow"** (right): A narrative illustration showing a widow in mourning encountering another woman, reflecting on her late husband's memory and her remarriage.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
- LIFE: AN AMERICAN CODE. HE epidemic of fisticuffs which prevailed during Horse Show week suggests that in America we need a modern code, whereby Americans who desire to thrash : meone may accomplish that often desirable purpose with- out any misunderstanding as to the manliness of the partici- pants or doubt as to which contestant gets the better of it. In "he excitement which surrounds such events it is possible » the adherents of the parties to the dispute to claim all sor.’ of things and the real merits of the case are lost in con- flicting statements. The laws and the state of public sentiment are so strongly against duelling that in these days only a fool seeks to secure satisfaction under its code. The old knife-fighting of the Sc ath-west is too gory to suit the modern fancy. The human fist is a weapon which is able to inflict serious punishment and at the same time is so rarely fatal in its action that it seems especially fitted for the purpose desired. The principal objection to its use is that it is always present and is likels *- into operation where ladies are spectators and in pu. where peace-officers are likely to interfere with vulgar cc -equences. If the American fist could be hedged about with the same formalites that in other countries protect the sword and pistol we would have an excellent method of settling differences and be saved the annoyance of having bar-room fighting introduced into polite society. ANOTHER INDUSTRY GONE. Professional (to tradesman): AS | WAS A SAYIN BEGGIN’ AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE, BY NO MEANS. THE TIME WHEN T COULD INDULG DERRIES AN’ TURKEY TWICED AW BUT THEM DAYS 1S OVER. T CAN'T AFFORD IT, (With @ sigh) IT'S HAR LINES, MISTER HAZLITTS, WHEN I'M OBLEEGED TO ORDER SIRLOI: CAULIFLOWER AN' TATERS FOR MY SUNDAY DINNER. Mr. Haztuitts, I REMEMBER MYSELF AN’ FAMILY IN CRAN- 315 A RETROSPECTIVE WIDOW. AFTER SIX MONTHS OF WIDOWHOOD BRIDGET CONSENTED TO AGAIN ENTER THE MARRIED STATE, A FEW WEEKS AFTER SHE WAS LED TO THE ALTAR HER FORMER MISTRESS MET HER ON THE STREET, DRESSED IN DEEPEST MOURNING, “WHY, BRIDGET,” SHE EXCLAIMED, “FOR WHOM ARE YOU IN BLACK.” “For POOR Tim, ME FURRST HUSBAND, MUM, WHEN HE DIED Iwas THAT roor I couLDN'T, UT I saip IF IVER T cout I WOULD, AND NE NEW MAN, MIKE, IS AS GINEROUS AS A LORD.” TO A FIVE DOLLAR BILL. ILLIAM, | have not seen you for along time. We have not been intimate friends; and yet the fault has not been mine. I have sought you everywhere and other places. I would that | might keep you here in my room. 1 would that we might be always together. How faithful I would be to you if you would but be faithful to me. But, alas! It is not to be. Affection such as mine for thee was born but to be blighted. Come, | will introduce you to the landlady; and she in turn will present you at the court of the seller of hams and bacon. How terrible your fate! remain in good society. It is indeed sad that you may not comicbooks.com