Life, 1893-10-05 · page 6 of 16
Life — October 5, 1893 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 214 This page contains two distinct elements: **Main Article**: "Some Remarks of Major Brace" presents a dialogue between Major Brace and an "Impertinent Youth" discussing Edward S. Martin's philosophical essays. The Major defends Martin's "Windfalls of Observation," recommending young men read them to develop wisdom and character through understanding human nature. **Cartoon (top right)**: Shows a black cat discovering rat poison, captioned "I WISH HE WAS ALIVE." The dark humor suggests the poison was set for mice/rats, but the cat discovered it instead—implying fatal consequences. The page reflects early 20th-century Life magazine's blend of social commentary, literary discussion, and satirical humor about urban life and human folly.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
SOME REMARKS OF MAJOR BRACE. Apropes of *Windfalls of Observation,” by Edward S. Martin. 66 T°VE been having a delightful afternoon,” said Major Brace, as he slid into his favorite corner of the Club café, and rang the bell. ‘The younger men were dropping in from down-town with the worriment of the financial crisis written on their faces, but the Major's serenity was perennial and contagious, They liked to hear him talk, and this was his favorite hour, As the Martini was placed before him he continued: “While you youngsters have been hustling for dollars that are not in circulation, down town, I have been up in the Club library reading Martin's new book, * Windfalls of Observation.’ There’s a wise youth for you! He has a good, workable philosophy which contains my three cardinal virtues for the man of the world—Courage, Gumption, Serenit) “Come, now, Major,” said the Impertinent Youth, knows that you pat Martin on the back bec A little bit flattered, eh? “There is something in what you say,” replied the Major, affably. “We all have our little vanities. But discounting the vanity, I want you boys to read the *Windfalls.’ Iam twice the age of any one of you, and 1 know what is good for a man of thirty. And I say that it 2s good for men of your years to believe many of the things that Martin talks about. rsity and professional men, You imagine that you have lived a long time, and that you see clear through to the end of the journey. verybody se he occasionally puts your harangues in print. Most of you are uni “1 WISH HE WAS ALIVE.” As a matter of fact you are just fairly started. You are alla little cynical; it takes the form of mistrust of all men and most women. When you only knew your own folks and a limited circle of friends, you imagined that the world was filled with good, decent people. But your business and professions have brought you in violent contact with the offer kind, and now Mrs. B. (reading aloud): THE SITUATION WAS APPALL D WITH THE SHRIEKS AND GROANS OF THE PANIC-STRICKEN INMATES, AND— Mr. B. (interrupting): WWERE WAS THAT—IN A FIFTH AVENUE STAGE ? FULL X THE alk was XQ 7 you go to the other ex- treme and believe that Oh, the cruelty of the wisdom of youth! “But what I like in these essays of Martin's the fine charity which sons the of youth. He looks on the world with the keen eyes of a young man, but tem- pers his judgments with that equipoise and good- will which we are accus- tomed to associate with a lo That is why I am commending his philosophy to you. The sooner you put yourself in that attitude, the sooner will you grasp the secret of the perpetual youth of the heart. When you be- gin to look for the finer, honest side in the men and women you meet, you most men are rogues wisdom ble old age. yourself become the touch. comicbooks.com