Life, 1899-11-16 · page 8 of 20
Life — November 16, 1899 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This *Life* magazine page satirizes a visiting dignitary, likely a foreign celebrity or politician referred to as "the Major." The portrait sketch shows a distinguished gentleman with distinctive facial features. The text critiques the Major's behavior and etiquette, noting he lacks respect for social conventions—appearing in unconventional dress or behaving unexpectedly in public. The author expresses hope the Major won't disappoint by arriving with "some foreign celebrity hitherto unknown." The secondary article, "How Our Fathers Taught," is an unrelated humorous anecdote about teaching gun safety through unconventional methods. The small cartoon labeled "OXIDE OF IRON" depicts horses or animals, likely another separate satirical illustration. The page's overall tone mocks foreign visitor pretentiousness and American eagerness to be impressed by international celebrities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
*LIFE-: above a whisper and has been advertised, is tracked to his lair, Although no respecter of persons, it must not be presumed that the Major is not particular in some respects. Hislong residence in Jersey City hus made him a stickler for etiquette, as witness what he says about Hamilton Mabic: “* As an orator he is popular in the same sense as Everett, . . « « inhis quiet intensity and refinement of appear- ance on the platform he belongs to the same,school.” Itis a relief to know this. If Mr. Mabie should appear in pink tights, or should romp about the stage, walk on his hands, or behave in other unbecoming ways, we should all beshocked. We are led to believe, however. that he appears in evening dress and behaves io the usual manner. And now let the good work goon! We warn the Major, however, that we shall be grievously disappointed if he does not surprise us, before the season is over, with some foreign celebrity hitherto unknown. The American public is waiting, with moncy in its pocket, to be hoodwinked in the usual manner. We are accustomed to making fools of ourselves, and we hope the Major is not going to fail us this year. How Our Fathers Taught. WESTERN man was on a visit to his Eastern cousin, and his host was entertaining him by showing the family heirlooms. “See this old gun,” he said. “Tt taught me my first lesson in arithmetic.” How 2” his guest asked, curiously. “Tvs dead easy. Guess.” “Father promise to let you shoot it on your next birthday?” “No” “Point it at your head, if you didn’t count correctly ?” “Nothing of the kiod.” “Shout you through your left ear?” ** No; we do not believe in pierced cars.” “Then I give it up,” the Westerner said, with a deep sigh. “Oh,” bis cousin replied, repressing a broad grin, ‘ he laid the gun away, and used the ramrod.” urge lim to extend his bill of fare, and get him to talk to us on the Honor of France? And now we have sad news, The most careful examination of the Major's prospectus fails to mention Ian Maclaren. Have we deserved this of you, Major Pond? Persuade him to come if possible. Offer him ten per cent, more, and he will surely be with us, cheering us by his presence and raising the moral standard of the whole country. It must not be supposed, however, that, because the Major makes a specialty of foreign celebrities, the home market is allowed to go to waste, Scouts from the Everett House are sent v out daily, and any author, scientist or specialist, who can speak OXIDE OF THON. comicbooks.com