Life, 1895-09-12 · page 3 of 16
Life — September 12, 1895 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Life" Magazine Page Analysis (Volume XXVI, Number 663) This page contains satirical commentary on Christian missions to Japan. The main article, "The Mote in Our Neighbor's Eye," critiques the *Boston Herald* for questioning Japanese missionary efforts in America while America sends missionaries to Japan—a hypocritical "double standard" the author calls out. The cartoon sequences on the right humorously depict a gentleman (likely representing an American) repeatedly encountering a street urchin or vagrant, with captions like "Two blocks that way, then 'The Second Street Up.'" The joke appears to satirize Americans giving directions or advice while ignoring problems at home. The "Blue Point's Lament" at top left shows beached clams—a pun-based joke about oysters and claims. The overall message criticizes American moral superiority regarding foreign missions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
NUMBER 663. THE BLUE POINT’S LAMENT. 66 OHIRTY days hath September,” The clam sang on the bar. The oyster sighed ; '* If I remember, Tt also hath an R.” “11's A WONDERFUL SIGHT, EH SUSANNE?” “* WON-DER-FUL!" “1 DUNNO HOW IT 1S WITH YOU WIMMIN FOLKS, DUT IT MAKES US MEN FEEL LL. INSIGGERNIFIKINT |” THE MOTE IN OUR NEIGHBOR'S EYE. HE Boston Hera/d delivers an opinion concern- ing missions to Japan that moves us to both tears and laughter. Where was the humorous editor when this was written ? The Japanese are like a child that is nearly grown to man- hood, and demands to be allowed to take care of himself before he has a head on him sufficient to carry him straight. Neither in theology nor in the principles of ethics are the Japanese in a condition to go alone, and all that they have reached is due to what the missionaries have done for them. The situation is one of great moment, and must be discussed with unusual court- esy. What the Japanese want is precisely what they are yet unfitted to have granted. They must wait until they come of age before they can take the reins in their own hands. Dr, James L. Barton, who is the chief member of this com- mittee, is a man of great prudence, and it is certain that nothing will be done that will endanger the missions. Now, there is a very able-bodied and rapidly growing opinion in this country, that if the Japanese sent missionaries to America, much ots, 0 . good might be accomplished. Every unprejudiced American who visits Japan seems, at least, to return with that conviction, If Dr. James L. Barton really has the cause of a better civilization at heart, and holds a serious respect for charity, gentleness and court- esy, he will unpack that valise and engage in some useful occupation nearer home. THE SECOND STREET UP.” comicbooks.com