Life, 1902-02-06 · page 3 of 20
Life — February 6, 1902 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 103 This page satirizes **Rev. Dr. Nichols**, who apparently created a controversial "List of Society" that scandalized high society by publicly naming prominent citizens. **"The New Censor"** poem mocks Nichols for presuming to judge who belongs in "best society"—a privilege traditionally held by social arbiters like Mrs. Astor (the actual arbiter of New York high society). The poem suggests Nichols overstepped by exposing society's hypocrisy: bankers, brokers, and bishops with dubious reputations. **The illustration** shows three men examining what appears to be Nichols's list, with dialogue about its revelations. The satire criticizes both Nichols's presumption and society's pretense—suggesting his "censorship" actually exposed uncomfortable truths about who actually comprises the elite.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The New Censor. “The Rev, Dr. Nichols draws upa new List cf Soctety.”* + —The Sun, “Ww Are McALLISTER, the late, “Was a gentleman whose great Privilege it was to state Just how many mortals Could unquestionably be In our best society There were then 400 he Shut within the portals. Comes another censor now With the laurels on his brow To explain exactly how Ward exaggerated. From his subsequent report On our present Social Court, Scarce 200 hold the fort Duly consecrated. Banker, Broker, Bishop there,— Everyone a millionaire, — With their wives,—and some to spare,— Are IT, quoth this Pastor ; Thence, proceeding town by town, All their names of wide renown In his list are written down After Mrs. Astor. That we have this chance to know Who is who, as ratings go In the world of Comme-il-faut, All our senses tickles : We can now detect a snob When we see one in the mob, And we thank you for your job, Rev. Mr. Nichols! Feliz Carmen. A COUNTRY convert, full ~ of zeal, offered himself for service in his first prayer- meeting remarks, “I'm ready to do anything the Lord asks of me,” he said, ‘so longas it’s honorable.’’ A Sign Over a Little Country Store in Georgia, JoxaTHan WiLK Ice Cream in Season and Embalming on Reasonable Cash Terms, Also Millinery and Tooth Pulling. Hoots, Shoes, Books and Bacon, | The Wife: aust THINK! ONLY PAID PORTY DOLLARS POR IT AT AN AUCTION, AND IT'S WORTM OVER A HUNDRED, CoMns on the Instatment Pian. “WHAT MAKES TOU THINK THAT?" _ | “THE AUCTIONEER TOLD ME 80 HIMSELY.”* comicbooks.com