Life, 1898-01-27 · page 8 of 20
Life — January 27, 1898 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 68 The main cartoon depicts a dialogue between the Devil and a young politician about obtaining wealth. The Devil suggests the politician needs an office and leisure income (from bread and butter money) to gain independence—a satirical commentary on political corruption and graft. The phrase "I'll introduce you to him this afternoon" implies the Devil will connect the politician to someone who can facilitate this corrupt arrangement. The secondary cartoon shows what appears to be a donkey or mule in a cage being viewed by figures outside, with the caption "SAY, PA, ARE THOSE ANIMALS CHRISTIANS?"—likely satirizing hypocrisy in religious communities regarding animal treatment or broader moral failings. The "Some New Names" section proposes humorous street name changes for New York locations, mocking urban political corruption and vice districts through wordplay.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
68 “Oh, we won't quibble,” said Devil. “What you want to do is to sce the boss,” he went on “TL die first.” “He's an easy boss.” “T know too well.” “You'll be utterly poweriess until you get an office,” taking another tack. the remarked the Devil, “ That's so. “Well, he can get you one.” “T know—but— A. lucrative ut two or three thousand a year.” “Do you think so?” “LT know so; you one, would then have some Icisure to be independent. Now, it is a good deal of a hustle for bread and butter, isn’t it?” “Yes,” replied the young politician, thoughtfully, “TL will introduce you afternoon,” said the Devil. “It's very good of you.” said the young politician “Not at all,” laughed the meaningly, as they went out tc to him this Devil, ther. “They went out te Anthony Comstock. IHS gentleman is already so well known that it is almost impossible to say anything which will add to bis reputation, From the Lombrosi point of view, he is deserving of some attention. The extreme shortness of his head indicates great ex- AL ARE THOSE ANIMALS CHRISTIANS t" clusiveness, and when he has a good thing, be it a book, a statue, or any other object, he delights in keeping it to him- self and away from others, He has a sensual mouth, and the growth of his whiskers indicates a fertile mind and lively imagination which stops at nothing. The arch of his eyebrows shows obser- vation very well developed, and he is not likely to miss anything along his line of march, The angle at which his ears is set shows that he is passion- ately fond of bigh kicking, and even indulges in it himself when he isalone. His brain is of me- dium texture, containing two grains of gray matter to the pound, and the temperament is purely animal and high- ly dangerous when aroused. Altogether, here is an interesting subject, worthy to be studied from a psychological point of view, A perverted taste and a highly discolored view of society, and no regard for common decency, are the main characteristics. He needs careful watching, with a view to a per- manent residence in some good institution, Some New Names. To avoid duplication in The Greater New York, it will be necessary to re-name some of the streets, WSPAPER REPoRT, HIS isn't so fearfully, wonderfully hard. We might begin with a BOSS BOULEVARD. Local color should also gain One good touch in CORRUPTION LANE. *Twould do no harm for the “boys” to rally In haunt appropriate: BOODLE ALLEY. And those who prefer could likewise meet, Doing business in FRANCHISE STREET. ’Twould be well done could we hope to trace The ins and outsof BRIBERY PLACE, And the voting populace proudly stalk ‘Through emerald-tufted SHAMROCK WALK. Then to crown it all with a dash of sport, Why, what’s the matter with CROKER COURT? But, though we search with exceeding care, In the streets re-named we shall find no SQUARE.