Life, 1901-09-26 · page 9 of 20
Life — September 26, 1901 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Political Satire Analysis This page from *Life* magazine contains two woodcut-style cartoons satirizing journalism and sensationalism. The left cartoon shows a man labeled "OPHIR FARM" reading a newspaper while seeking "a good situation." The accompanying poem critiques yellow journalism and the corrupting influence of the press on society. The right cartoon depicts a man in an urban setting with the caption "There is only one Heart." The accompanying verse mocks the press's hypocritical morality—claiming to champion truth while spreading rumors and scandal. Both pieces attack newspapers for sensationalism and ethical hypocrisy. The final section includes "A Tip," a brief satirical dialogue about identifying strangers by physical characteristics—likely mocking prejudiced stereotyping common in the era. The satire targets media manipulation and societal judgment rather than specific named individuals.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Tm seeking @ good situation.” And grimly took to rubbering, I always fall to blubbering when I reflect that nothing can be right. For the gist of my song T would have you know : The world is all wrong, And [ told you so! On every hand monstrositie their velocities, are gi ethics day and night. ‘There's nothing left but vanity and no hope for humanity. I'm thoroughly con- vinced there's nothing right! increasing ning on true (He soda softly and gradually disappears, while @ weird light plays over the scene. Suddenlya loud burst of muste is heard and all start up. There ix a wild scramXe for places and all is again animation. The band plays * The Con querlng Hero Comes,” az W. R. Hearst, at the head of a crmpany of yellow journatiste, marches in. All bow profoundly as he steps furweard.) Sone ov Ti . WR. Hearst. Tam edi From m ‘To observe this det For it pleases me int It's extremely gratifying, From a checkered crowd lik Yes, it's more than satisfying ! You may dabble in dirt and mendacity And emulate methods infernal, And yet, though you strain your capacity, You can never come up to my Journal! With a strenuous zest You may do your best picture all sorts of excrescences, But of mixtures designed To make morbid the mi Why, mine are the only true essences! And it’s soothing indeed to my nerve To observe, as with en ju burst, Though the gods of the gutter you serve, You're aware there is only one Hearst ! Cnorvs. When it comes to the worst, there is only one Hearst Whose methods are truly infernal, And whatever capacity you have for men- dacity, It is nothing compared with the Journal! (Mr. Hearat now lade the entire company around the stage, after which they all join hands and sing) Frvat. Chores. To the furthermost ends of the whirling world y hour, with a lightning specd, We're spreading what he who runs may read Here's Ho! for the sound of the presses’ roar That ripples to many an alien shore, With its story of murder, and guilt, and woe, And things unhealthy that are not so. Here's Ho! for the Truth, that sickens pines And dies unnoticed between the lines And the Lies that flourish in je With our voices strong We lift our song! Here's Ho! for the trail of the Press! r stress! Yellow fevntars.) Tom Masson A Tip. DAUGHTER: There will be liter- ary people there. Motner: Yes, and be on your guard with them. “ Bat how mother?" “ By their hair; long in the men, and short in the women.”” shall I know them, comicbooks.com