Life, 1898-06-23 · page 8 of 20
Life — June 23, 1898 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Explanation for Modern Readers This Life magazine page satirizes **Albert Edward, Prince of Wales** (later King Edward VII). The top cartoon shows a tramp asking a wealthy figure to give up "that hill," with the caption suggesting social class conflict. The main article criticizes Edward as an idle aristocrat who exploits credit and loans rather than working honestly. It mocks his social responsibilities—ordering wars, selecting guests, entertaining American heiresses—while suggesting he avoids genuine labor. The bottom cartoon humorously depicts a chaotic breakfast scene where servants scramble to serve food, with dialogue about steak timing. This satirizes the Prince's leisured lifestyle and demanding nature. The satire targets British aristocratic privilege and the frivolous concerns of high society during this period of imperial wealth disparity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“NOW WILL OL IVER GIT CP THOT HILLY” “DE SAME VAY AS 1 COME TOWN : CUUST FOLLER YOUR NOSE.”* Albert Edward. Byer first-class Power should have at least one gentleman as an adjunct. That, in Great Britain, the responsibilities and duties attached to this office are fully absorbed and duly assimilated by Albert Edward, Prince-in-Waiting, no one will presume to doubt, The early knowledge that he could always put himself up as good and sufficient collateral has enabled him to make extensive loans upon his own sys- tem, and thus the first requisites of his office have been carried out. Rapidly issuing a first mortgage in the beginning of his career, he 2 bas now a bonded indebtedness which is well calculated to bring the blush of humiliation even unto J. Pierpont Morgan, Esq., and thus what might have been the stern necessity of doing odd jobs around the palace, and making himself generally useful, has been ded, It must not be presumed, however, that Albert .Edward is not an earnest worker, or unmindful of the grim realities of life. While the great nation to which he belongs is preparing for war, while its statesmen are toiling over intrigues, alliances and ultimatums, Albert Edward, too, has his trials. New clothes must be ordered, new cravats must be selected, lists of invited guests must be carefully scrutinized, American girls must be entertained, social duties be attended to, and many things left unsaid. But Albert Edward never falters, and, amid all the social . ; ‘ © WAITER, WHERE'S MY BREAKPAS and sartorial burdens thrust upon him, preserves a calm “YoU HAVE HAD YOUR STEAK, SIR. THE CAKES WILL RE UP IN A MINUTE.” and unruffled front. “BET YOU FOUR TO ONE THE STEAK COMES UP FIRST.” comlichooks.coin