Life, 1898-01-27 · page 7 of 20
Life — January 27, 1898 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Studies in Demonology" - Political Cartoon Analysis This satirical piece depicts a confrontation between a young politician and what appears to be the Devil (indicated by the horns visible above). The young politician declares the machine will be "smashed" to destroy the foundations of government—specifically rejecting the idea that government exists "of the people, by the people, for the people." The Devil responds that such "independence of action" is absurd and makes people uncomfortable. When the politician insists he'll never compromise, the Devil counters that "all politicians have compromised." The cartoon's satire mocks idealistic young politicians who claim they'll reform the system while remaining unmoved by practical realities. It suggests political corruption is so fundamental that even the Devil knows compromise is inevitable.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HE machi shall smas stnash it,” young pol he was a : suey peed A PETION very OLOGY: “It has come to a in American politics, when this the Machine, threatens to the very foundations of our Young P pass, Government: ‘ Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” And it “Never!” you is a time when independence of action on the part of a few determined ones might rid us of this dread incubus.” Just then the Devil appeared. ‘Independence of action is such an absurd thing,” he remarked. so many people feel uncomforts oT the way they should feel,” said the fiery young man. “Now, my dear fellow, mpromise ?” “Never! Ail politicians have compromi “Are compromised, you mean.” why don't