Life, 1899-02-09 · page 5 of 20
Life — February 9, 1899 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 105 **Main Content:** The left portrait appears to be a caricature of a bearded man, labeled "Mother Goose to an Absentee," suggesting a literary or political figure. The accompanying poem "Caine" references someone named Caine who has gone away. **"Not His Own Master" Cartoon:** This section satirizes a new Congressman with three wives, mocking him as controlled by a "syndicate" rather than being independent. This appears to be commentary on political corruption or the influence of special interests over elected officials. **Other Elements:** "A Valentine" poem explores romantic themes. Two cartoon vignettes show domestic/relationship scenarios with humorous captions ("I can't kiss you, dear, unless you stop pouting" and "But yet a woman"). The satire critiques loss of political autonomy and questions who truly controls elected representatives.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Caine bas gone away, come again another day; yone will hope and pray He will not write another play. Not His Own Master. «€7 SEE there is some criticism because one of the new Congressmen bas three wives.” “Why sbould there be?” “They claim he is controlled by a syndicate.” A Valentine. > WEET Saint, what offering can I bring WJ Which shall contain the merit sought, Of being new? And yet the theme I sing Must be with love and sweetness fraught. And love is old—aye, old as time! And sweetness? Why, all love is sweet— Therefore is sweetness old, Alas! my rhyme Bears no new sentiment theo to greet. But, after all, why seck for passion new, When all past timo no dearer joy can clain— 8o, send I all my love, fond, tender, true, And pray thee, sweetheart, send thou me the same. Laura Berteaur Bell. HERE is a vacuum in every human heart, and the human heart abbors it as much as Nature. “BUT YET A WoMaN.”