Life, 1902-05-22 · page 9 of 22
Life — May 22, 1902 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct satirical pieces about American involvement in the Philippines during the early 1900s. **Top image ("After the Christening"):** Depicts a christening ceremony with military and colonial figures. The caption warns "Old John" (likely Uncle Sam) to watch for American influence "backsliding from American influences on this little island—off goes your trade towns." **Bottom cartoon and poem ("The Filipino to His Benefactors"):** A sketch shows a Filipino figure at a window, with accompanying verse. The poem is ironic—it thanks America for "enlightening away / Our future happiness" and mentions Spain's rule, but sarcastically addresses American soldiers as "philanthropists." The text criticizes American imperial policies in the Philippines, particularly muzzling of Funston (likely General Frederick Funston) and suggesting the occupation wasn't genuinely benevolent. Both pieces critique American colonialism as hypocritical "civilization" efforts.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
AFTER THE CHRISTENING “Now, EDDIE, OLD JOUN OVER THERE 18 A LEETLE PEEBLE, AND I'M A UOIN' TO LET YOU PLAY BEING BOSS. BUT YOUR UNCLE KEEPS ONE EYE ON “WHY, DEBORA, WHERE ARE YOUR cunist” “THEY CUT THEM OFF WHEN I HAD THE FEVER.” “are! wow po you catcu rt?” The Filipino to His Bene- factors. “The natives are learning to love Amert- can Institutions,"— Oficial report from the Philippines. BENIGHTED savages were we— Long ruled by Spain, the foul oppressor ; But Uncle Sam has set us free— Sam, of all wrongs the great re- dresser ! Beneath his mild, enlightening sway Our future happiness is sure; We love him better every day, And oh, we love the water cure! Too long we've dwelt among the mists Of ignorance and degradation All hail those kind philanthropists, The soldiers of your mighty nation! 'Tis bliss indeed to see them burn Our homes and smash our furniture ; But most of all, our fond hearts turn With longing to the water cure. YOU, AND IP HE SEES ANY RACKSLIDING PROM AMERICAN INYLUENCES ON THIS LITTLE I8LAND—OFP GORS YOUR CROWN.” With rulers of such gentle mood No fear, no careshalle’er distress us ; We beam with joy and gratitude When as “damned niggers” you address us. Long may your banner o'er us wave, To make our liberties secure ; Your institutions, sirs, we crave— And don't forget the water cure! "Tih erent of the hazardous experiment of muzziing Funston will be awaited with anxtety. Is tt not to lay @ pretty heavy handicap on manifest destin ¥ The sanguine will argue that treason has been chastened hy the hard sledding it has been having since the General came home, and will probably be content to rear tte hydra head tn moderation hereafter, and the hopeful will hope for the best; attll there will be many to view with alarm. HE whose actions speak need never speak of his actions. comicbooks.com