Life, 1895-07-04 · page 7 of 18
Life — July 4, 1895 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis The main illustration depicts a figure on horseback in an exaggerated, dynamic pose, labeled "ON JULY FOURTH" with the caption "The Father of his Country: What is the D——l is all this Chinese business?" This appears to be a satirical commentary on American foreign policy, specifically regarding China. The artist invokes George Washington (implied as "Father of his Country") to question involvement in Chinese affairs—suggesting this contradicts traditional American principles of non-intervention. The accompanying text references Chinese place names, humorously suggesting confusion about distant, unfamiliar locations. The right-side content titled "THEIR TURN" contains humorous dialogues and verses mocking various social groups, typical of Life magazine's satirical approach. Without a specific date visible, the exact historical context remains unclear, though the reference to "Chinese business" suggests concerns about American imperial or interventionist policies in Asia.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ON JULY FOURTH. The Father of his Country: WAT IN THE D—L 18 ALL Tunkhannock attracted me, Wapwallopen charmed me, Mockanockwah fascinated me. Manunka Chunk, Nay-Aug, Onativia, Succasunna, Sanquoit, Nesquehoning, Hockendauqua, Quaka Starrucca, Canisteo, Conemaugh, Daguscahonda, Sinnemahoning. With what delight I contemplated the list! with what eagerness I prepared to start! until I found out that they are all populous. Not to be balked, I pursued my task with increased ardor. I neither ate nor slept. Other lists | made, and other disappoint- I made a list of the names of the places that sounded propitious. 7 ments I felt. But I never wavered. I never doubted. At last, worn out, I slept. When I awoke the unwonted silence in the city amazed me. Hurriedly 1 sought my landlady, and demanded the cause. It was Sunday. And the date? I screamed aloud, my vacation was over! Beguiled by the Demon of the guide I had spent it in my room. Alex, R. THEIR TURN, MARYELIS, Chloris, Phyllis, Inspirations of the poet, Tell us now of your affections, Adoration, as you know it. Write for us a clever sonnet Tender love song, dainty lyric, On the virtues of your lo You compose a pancgy! In this time of Woman's Congress, Bloomers, wheels and other crazes, You've no need to wait till leap year To resound your lovers’ praises. Do not hide your admiration, But in graceful verses show it, And we'll read with eager pleasure. ** Lines (by Chloris) to a Poet.” KL HL AL NOT FROM HIS STANDPOINT. OPULIST: How much did you say you owed, $1,000? Now, my friend, with free silver it will cost you only $500 to pay that off. FARMER: Umph! I'm afraid that wouldn’t do me any good. PopuLisr: But why not? FARMER: I want to borrow $1,000 more. COHEN: Ikey, I tink it vould be agood plan if you vould choin dot Salvation Army. YOUNG COHEN: Vot for should I choin dot Salvation Army ? COHE Vell, if you could vork yourself up in der organization, ve might get der gontract for der uniforms. se O, Victor,” said Atalanta, pensively; “how can I be yours when our cycle club, ‘ The Bloomers,’ has just taken for its motto, ‘ Divided we stand, united we fall?'”