Life, 1901-12-19 · page 5 of 20
Life — December 19, 1901 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Political Cartoon Analysis The main cartoon depicts a cow standing on a pedestal labeled "THE TRUST suckling the babes Republican and Democrat." This is a classical satirical image critiquing monopolistic business trusts (large corporate combinations that dominated American politics in this era). The cow represents a trust that "suckles" both major political parties equally—suggesting that Republicans and Democrats alike are dependent on and controlled by big business interests. The caption pointedly asks: "HOW WOULD THIS LOOK IN WALL STREET IN PLACE OF THAT STATUE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON?"—implying that corporate trusts have effectively replaced democratic values at the nation's financial center. This reflects Progressive-era concerns about trust power corrupting American democracy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HOW WOULD THIS LOOK IN WALL STREET IN PLACE OP THAT STATUE CP GEORGE WASHINGTON? Our Personal Column. NTHONY COMSTOCK is consid- ering an offer from the Boston Library to act as its official censor. It is not probable, however, that he will accept, for while the atmosphere would no doubt be thoroughly con- genial, it is thought that New York, even with a reform administration, ofters him a wider field for the gratifi- cation of his individual tastes. The new work by the dishonorable Russell A. Alger is said to be doing very well. General Nelson Miles is reported to have said that it ‘‘is the most interesting work of fiction I ever remember to have seen. Among his- torical novelists the author is entitled to first place.” 53) Astor is contemplating a flying visit to this a ae se “THE TRUST suckling the babes Re Republican and Democ#at Friends of Mr. John D. Rockefeller will be pained to learn that his Stand- ard Oil dividends during tbe last year have amounted to only 48%, or $16,- 000,000, on the stock which he holds. Up to the last moment it was supposed that the last quarterly dividend would be 10% instead of 8%, thus bringing the total up to 50%. In this emergency the prayers of all good Baptists will surely not be withheld. M. Santos-Dumont is busy construct- ing a flying machine for the use of Lord Kitchener in South Africa. Rumor has it that Dr, Charles Park- hurst will have his sermons dramatized. Mr. Paul Dana, of the Sun, will whip them into dramatic shape. It is said that William Waldorf country. It is hoped, however, that at the last moment Washington will in- terfere, and prevent what would properly be considered a hostile act on the part of the British Gov- ernment. Menelik II.,King of Abyssinia, hasextended a cordial invitation to all of our Southern editors to visit him at his home on the east slope of Africa. Menelik says he can show his friendship for Booker T. Washington in no more fitting way than to arrange for a grand barbecue, with his distinguished journalistic guests as the star actors. One of the courses will be “ planked editor.” Lord Rosebery, in a re- cent speech, declared that astronomy was not a good thing to be taught, as it took away ambition. It is said that, following this hint, Mr. Richard Croker, for some years past re- ceiver of taxes in the Bor- ough of Manhattan, will immediately place him- self under the complete charge of Sir Robert Ball, F.R.A.S. LAWzER: When I was a boy, my highest am- bition was to be a pirate. Cutest: You're in luck. It isn’t every man who can realize the dreams of his youth. This isthe “Merry Christmas Time.” It comes but once a year, Bat when {t comes —thero’s uo mistake—Pa Knows that It ts here,