Life, 1894-05-31 · page 6 of 20
Life — May 31, 1894 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Explanation for Modern Readers This page satirizes Harvard's Commencement Day traditions. The main article criticizes the recent elimination of the ceremonial punch bowl—a cherished fixture at Harvard graduations. The author mocks the decision, suggesting it reflects overly strict discipline imposed on alumni who traditionally enjoyed this convivial beverage. The cartoons illustrate the consequences: graduates attempting to smuggle in alcohol or find alternative ways to celebrate without the official punch. One caption reads "Well, now, if the Professor can subdue this beast I'm willing to lose the bet," suggesting wagers involving alcohol consumption. The "Who is it?" section briefly discusses Peter De Lacy, a sportsman, with satirical commentary about self-aggrandizing claims. Overall, the page mocks Harvard's austere new policies regarding alcohol at graduation celebrations.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HE mind of the most imaginative Harvard alumnus fails to picture Commencement Day without the traditional punch bowl. The recent edict of the President and Fellows prohibiting this cherished factor of the occasion has spread dismay in the ranks of the graduates who are inclined to resent this interference with their rights. That some of the youngsters need disciplining they admit—but the bald and hoary—they who habitually punch with care— dislike being thus taken across the knee of Alma Mater. It were better, they say, to eliminate the red-coated Lancers on their prancing steeds—even the High Sheriff with his Sword—these could be better spared from the festivities than the fragrant and flowing bowl. It does not appear just why the Omniscients black-listed only punch and dis- tilled liquors, There remain other medicines of conviviality whose use and abuse may yet be apparent upon the approaching anniversary. Champagne has been known to excite the blood. Inebriety from beer has at times occurred. Even bottled cider may produce oblivion if consumed to that end. Yet the wording of the edict does not forbid the alumni to fill with these and similar agents the vacuum caused by the absent bowl, It may be that the Dictators mean to let their victims down easy; this year no punch ; next year no punch nor wine; the following year nothing but Polly-water; four years hence even the College Pump may be sealed by Jones with the official seal. In the meantime the Harvard man wonders where he is at, and wishes he had graduated at Yale. HO is it?” “ Peter De Lacy; the sportsman.” “Oh, yes. But don’t you think, Mr. De Lacy, you are flattering yourself a little when you call yourself a sports- man? Lire doubts your right to call yourself even a sporting man, although that term covers a good many shady people. Don't you think that if you had described yourself as Peter De Lacy, the yellow dog, or something of that sort, we'd have recognized you sooner ?" The Professor: No, SIR, DEKE IS NO ANIMAL LIVING WHAT 1 CANNOT SUBDUE BY SIMPLY LOOKING HIM STEADILY IN DE EVE- BALL. I VILL BET ONE TOUSAND DOLLARS. “WELL, Now, IF THE U'M WILLING TO LOSE THE THE SCHEME IS STARTED, comicbooks.com