Life, 1893-01-05 · page 49 of 60
Life — January 5, 1893 — page 49: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes recent French political turmoil. The text references republican institutions being "shaken up" and mentions figures like Clemenceau, Derouléde, and Col. Robert Neville in connection with dueling—suggesting France's political class resolved disputes through violence rather than legal process. The cartoon "Poor France!" depicts the nation as a woman in distress, surrounded by warring factions. Other sketches ("The Devil Grins," "A Miscreant of Peace," "Met Its Master") appear to mock French politicians' conduct. The satire's point: while France claims republican virtue, its leaders resort to duels and police court brawls. The "Christmas in Africa" reference appears unrelated, possibly satirizing colonial ventures. The overall message criticizes French political instability and the hypocrisy of republican institutions undermined by aristocratic violence.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
E. are not making history very fast these days, and the world is to be congratu- lated that the last month of 1892 adds no especially striking events to the year's record. © be sure the republican institutions of France have been getting a little shaking- up, but probably no more than was good for them, It’s better for France that her present xovernment should have its rotten spots dis- covered in times of peace and when there is no rabid pretender running loose and looking for a chance to grab a throne. AX” during the season of peace on earth and good will towards men Messrs. Varkhurst and Byrnes seem to have laid aside their cudgels and gone to work at their usual business. All the same, they are probably both stacking up ammunition for future en- counters, OW the conduct of Mst, Clemenceau and Derouléde shines by contrast with the recent display of Col, Robert Neville! They have helped the newspaper business a great deal more, but instead of winding up in a vulxar police court they have had all the xlory and fun of poking holes in the circum: ambient atmosphere with projectiles from a real pair of duelling pistols. Poor FRANCE. \Oe CHRISTMAS IN AFRICA: comicbooks.com