Life, 1902-07-03 · page 9 of 24
Life — July 3, 1902 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis The main illustration shows two figures in a dark, cavernous space labeled "THE QUICK OR THE DEAD!" This appears to be a political cartoon addressing New York infrastructure, specifically a subway or tunnel project. The accompanying text quotes Mayor and President discussing a major public works initiative. The Mayor expresses confidence in the project's success and its economic benefits ("Dividends and Darkness!"). The President responds that the undertaking is overwhelming but necessary. The satirical point critiques the grandiose promises made around this infrastructure project—likely New York's early subway system—while the dark, shadowy illustration suggests the "darkness" and uncertainty surrounding both the literal tunnel work and the questionable financial outcomes being promised to citizens and stockholders. The right side contains unrelated content: a fashion illustration and a brief joke about hats.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
New York, with four Said the Mayor: “Mr. President, in permitting you to carry on this grand work, thus assuring your stockholders a glorious future, I do so in behalf of the citizens of the Metropolis, who feel that they can lay their entire con fort and lives in the hands of the New York Central Railroad with perfect confidence that it will be abused.” Saidahe Presiden “Mr. Mayor, I cannot thank you too much for the expression of your sentiments. Our motto hereafter will be ‘ Dividends and Darkness! While the Legislature at Albany still lives!’ The work will pro- ceed as fast as possible. Our aim will be to prepare a long black hole for the use of our patrons, and it will not be our fault if it isn’t profitable.” Said the President of the Undertakers’ Association : “Gentlemen, this is too much | a great future ahead. leading florists. I see 1 am overwhelmed THE QUICK OR THE DEAD! by your kindness. Not even death shall separate us." The meeting then adjourned and the work of darkness begu Heroic. Tisa very neceseary thing that there should be some professions, sone trades where the same demands are made now as have been made {n the past upon the herote qualities In 8 man, and these demands are made allke upon the soldier and upon the doctor. — President Rooserelt, addressing the Assoctation of Military Surgeons of the United States. Of course this is not to say that doc- tors and soldiers are the only ones who have demands made on their heroic qualities, There are the persons at the other end of the water-cure appara- tus, for example. The Main Point. * SHE hasn’t much of a figure, has she?” “No, but her father has.” “WHY NOT MAKE THE NEW HATS USEPUL, GIRLS?” comicbooks.com