Life, 1896-01-02 · page 5 of 20
Life — January 2, 1896 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# December Satirical Commentary - Life Magazine This page presents December-themed political satire. The central figure "Bombastes Clevelandio Furioso" appears to reference President Grover Cleveland, depicted in exaggerated martial pose with sword drawn, challenging "all the human race" to combat. Surrounding smaller cartoons mock various December topics: one references writing being preferable to the presidency; another shows "Cold Day for the Mugwump" (likely criticizing political fence-sitters); others touch on holiday themes and Chicago University. The satire seems aimed at Cleveland's combative political style or controversial policies. The "Bombastes" reference—evoking bombastic, theatrical aggression—suggests the cartoonist viewed Cleveland as overly aggressive or melodramatic in his governance. The overall tone is mocking, using exaggeration and caricature typical of 1880s-90s political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
IP's BETTER TO WRITR THAN TO BE PRESIDENT. NSN c co > | 7 s LD | =. Day} f=} PR “al ‘i STOCK. MARKET. ‘ ete af" = BOMBASTES CLEVELANDO FURIOSO == s rcs, “WHOEVER DARES THESE Boys DISPLACE. MUST MEET BOMBASTES FACE To FACE. — , THUS Do T CHALLENGE ALL THE HUMAN RACE!” = ee i o A TTS SESMINS FORWARD > comicbooks.com