Life, 1899-09-28 · page 6 of 20
Life — September 28, 1899 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 246 The page contains "A Personal Letter from Father Neptune," a satirical piece where the Roman god of the sea addresses "Dear Life" magazine. Neptune humorously complains about managing boat traffic and dangerous weather conditions on the Atlantic, mentioning two unreliable boys (likely referring to competing yacht racers) at Sandy Hook. The accompanying cartoon depicts Neptune as an older bearded man sitting with what appears to be a young boy, illustrating the paternal relationship established in the letter's conceit. Below this is "The Patriots," discussing Colonel Albert D. Shaw's election as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Encampment, praising his patriotism and the G.A.R. uniform's honor. The satire uses Neptune as a personified voice to gently mock maritime activities and competitive sailing culture of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Personal Letter from Father Neptune. ) Biveperrus-tn-THE ‘ ATLANTIC, September, 1899. EAR LIFE: I bave been so busy arranging a safe crossing for that good fellow and gallant sailor, Cousin George Dewey, that I have not been able to answer sooner your inquiries with reference to the yacht races, In regard to the weather, 1 can only promise that I will do tho best possible, It is almost time for Boreas to start on his annual epree, but I will keep him steady as long asI can. ‘The approach of winter is also likely to make Auster a bit violent. Those two boys are mighty unreliable, you know, and if they should get together off Sandy Hook there would probably be trouble. I can't lock them up in their caves, because, if neither of them should be there, the races would be rather tame affairs. I can’t name the winner for you, because, from what I have scen from below, they scem very cvenly matched. My nymphs are threatening to hold back the syndicate’s boat so that the bachelor can win, but, of course, I'll prevent that. You know I like my little joke, and on one of the days, at least, I am going to stir things up some, and make it pleasant for the excursion-boat Johnnies who wear yachting-caps over brains that couldn't tell a yacht from a Barren Island garbage scow. I promise you their agonies will be picturesque and amusing to old salts like you and me. Those are going to be great days on your edge of the Atlantic, and I wouldn't miss them for a good deal, although just now Ihave a slight attack of rheumatism from sleeping the other night in an oyster bed. Ta-ta, Ltre. Come down the bay to meet the Admiral and me. | We'll both be glad to shake your fin. Until then, believe me, your affectionate daddy, Neptune. The Patriots. Watertown, N.Y., Sopt. 12,—Colonel Albert D, Shaw returned to-day from the National Grand Army Encampmont at Philadelphia, whoro he was elected Commander-in-Chlef, and a reception was given in his honor to-night. Ho made a speech in which bo said he would dovote consideruble time to pension legislation and that the pension roll could not be too large. If the burden should prove too heavy, ho favored a patriot pension bond issue, 0 that only the {aterest would havo to bo met from year to year.—Press Telegram, T HEengaging candor of this statement shows that theG.A.R. bas nade no mistake in selecting its new Commander, ‘It is one of the finest examples of sordid patriotism ever seen outside of a sutler's tent. To-day the G.A.R. uniform is not exactly what might be called a badge of honor, Our Fresh-Air Fund. Previously acknowledged Proceeds of Tableanx g! In Memory of Holst. Cash .. Eleanor and A; Ruth W. V In Memory. crt uteti.t ere ttetercseertpee rae ats (5 THE MEASON WNY MRS, GOLPINUTON I8 SREKING A LEGAL SEPARATION. comicbooks.com