Life, 1900-06-14 · page 9 of 20
Life — June 14, 1900 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis The main illustration depicts a dramatic scene in what appears to be a Roman amphitheater or arena (dated A.D. 56 and A.D. 1900), showing a gladiator standing over a fallen opponent. The caption indicates this references "THE PEACE AFTER THE BOER WAR" with "CECIL RHODES" represented, "ALLOWING THE TIGER AND JOHN BULL TO CHANGE PLACES." The accompanying poem "England's Triumph" satirizes British colonial ambitions, criticizing England's brutality in South Africa. It references "Zulus slain" and "Maoria, killed for gain," condemning imperial violence. The second comic dialogue "Getting It Over With" humorously depicts a father granting his son permission to avoid studying by going swimming instead. This appears to be post-Boer War (1899-1902) commentary criticizing British imperial aggression and colonial practices.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
509 England’s Triumph. OD in far heaven with a frown In anger turns His face, While ruthless England tramples down One more unhappy race. The selfish world stands by to see, Nor lifts a helping hand, Watching incarnate tyranny Triumph in one more land. Lo! England prays in minsters high For mercy, justice, peace ; While ‘neath th’ whole circle of the sky Her warfares never cease. The blood of hapless Zulus slain Reeks from the stolen sod ; And butchered Maoris, killed for gain, Carry the prayer to God. Though brave men seek the wilder- ness, ‘The last hope of the free, Insatiate on their trek no less Tracks greedy tyranny. Dead faces set in deathless ire Witness to manhood’s worth, Where England writes in blood and. fire Her title to the earth, For lust of gold is England's creed ; Her gospel that of fight. Her honor eaten out by greed, She knows no right but might. How long, O God of justice named, How long shall these things be? ‘Till England's brutal pride is tamed No weak land may be free! Arlo Bates, Getting It Over With. «PAPA, will you give mo a good, sound licking?" “* What for, Bobbie?” “Well, I am going to sneak off and go in swimming, and I don’t want to be bothered with a future.” OUNTRY COUSIN: But, somehow, the men don't seem to take to me. Crty Cousix : What can you LW Tus AECOXD SCENE TI PIKLALE FIGURE REFRISESTH DUTCH INDEFENDENCE IN SOCTH expect, dear? You don't drink ; AFRICA. BY ALLOWING THE TURK AND JOHN BULL TO CHANGE PLACES: you don’t smoke; you don’t THE PICTURE 18 UP TO DATE. talk cither golf, science or slang. comicbooks.com