Life, 1898-01-27 · page 1 of 20
Life — January 27, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This is the cover of *Life* magazine from January 27, 1898 (Volume XXXI, Number 789). The main cartoon, titled "A Masterly Position," depicts a man in formal dress bent over in an awkward, submissive posture near water labeled "Hawaii" and "United States." The caption states it was "strongly recommended by Senator Morgan, Cabot Lodge and other great statesmen who do not agree with the founders of the Republic." This satirizes the annexation of Hawaii, which occurred in 1898. The cartoon mocks pro-annexation politicians (Morgan and Lodge were imperialist Republicans) by showing the compromised position America adopts through imperialism—visually suggesting that pursuing overseas expansion contradicts American founding principles. The bent figure represents America's departure from its democratic ideals.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOLUME XXxI. NEW YORK, JANUARY 27, 1898. NUMBER 789. Entcred at tho New York Post Office as Sccond-Class Mail Matter, Copyright, 1808, by MitcnaLt. & Mitten, ~N preRiCanys SE LSM. g LS) ae 8 ANCE ‘A MASTERLY POSITION. I have ; STRONGLY RECOMMENDED BY SENATOR MORGAN, CADOT LODGE AND OTHER GREAT STATESMEN WHO DO NOT able of AOREE WITH THE FOUNDERS OF THE REPUBLIC. valent