Life, 1898-02-17 · page 1 of 20
Life — February 17, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Life Magazine, February 17, 1898 This satirical cartoon addresses New York City's new seal or official emblem. The circular design depicts cherubs surrounding a tiger (labeled "Tammany"), with a bottle suspended above—likely referencing alcohol or corruption. The caption "HOW WOULD THIS DO FOR OUR NEW SEAL?" is sarcastic. The tiger represents Tammany Hall, the Democratic political machine notorious for corruption. The cherubs suggest innocence, creating ironic contrast. The bottle may reference either political excess or specific scandals of the era. The ornate left border displays various vignettes, possibly depicting Tammany's activities or New York life. This cartoon mocks Tammany Hall's grip on New York politics and satirizes any attempt to portray the corrupt organization as wholesome or virtuous.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOLUME XXxXI. NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 17, 1898. NUMBER 792. Entered at the New York Post Office as SccondCiass Mail Matter, Copyright, 188 by MircngLt & MILLER, HOW WOULD THIS DO FOR OUR NEW SEALT