Life, 1900-11-22 · page 9 of 20
Life — November 22, 1900 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Life" Magazine, Page 409 This page contains a parody of "The Cock Robin" nursery rhyme, repurposed as political satire about Paterson, New Jersey. The three panels show an Owl, Dove, and Rook claiming roles in Cock Robin's death—paralleling how different figures might claim responsibility for events in Paterson. The lower section discusses local political issues: election fraud, jail conditions, and industrial mismanagement. It references Paterson's brewery industry and criticizes saloon culture and corrupt governance. "Trusts" (monopolistic corporations) are depicted as a predatory dog in the main cartoon. The satire suggests Paterson's problems stem from industrial neglect, corrupt leadership, and moral decay—issues the magazine frames as systemic rather than individual failures. The Cock Robin parody obscures specific culprits intentionally, mirroring actual political evasion of responsibility.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Who'll dig his grave? “1,” said the Owl, “With my spade and show'l IN dig his grave.” This is the Owl With his spade and show'l. become very broad, and Alice rubbed her eyes to find herself seated before the large mirror in which was reflected a picture of Shylock and Antonio. “And was it really that picture,” said Alice, musingly, ‘that made me dream of the Theatrical Syndicate?" "(HERE has been some resumption of interest since election in that Paterson case of the girl who died as the result of a debauch with four men. About the conduct of the men there is little difference of opinion. All four are in jail awaiting trial. The condi- tions of which their crime was the fruit are worth considering. The men who run Paterson are brewers, and they run it in the interest of their indus- try. Neglect cost the girl her life ; the neglect that turned Paterson over to be governed by the keepers and pro- moters of saloons: the neglect by parents that made it possible for respectable, or semi-respectable, girls to be drinking in saloons with evil- minded men. Paterson needs a big shaking up, but it does not need it more than hundreds of other cities do. It is more likely to get it because it has had its lesson, Who'll be chief mourner? Who'll be the parson? “1,” said the Dove, 7 “1,” said the Rook, “T mourn for my love. “With my little book, I'll be chief mourner.” I'll be the parson.” This is the Dove This is the Rook Who Cock Robin did love. With his little book. And who'll toll the bell? “1,” said the Bull, “ Because I've a pull.” And 80, Cock Robin, Farewell. “And so, Cock Robin, Farewell.”