Life — December 11, 1902 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine, December 11, 1902 This page contains two distinct satirical pieces about wealthy philanthropists and social reform: **Upper section**: Critiques Mr. Frick's plan to build a university in Pittsburgh rather than support existing institutions. The satire suggests his motive is competitive with Carnegie, arguing that "disturbing Mr. Carnegie much by founding universities" would be petty. The piece mocks wealthy industrialists' need for self-aggrandizement through public institutions. **Lower section**: Satirizes Mrs. Sage's anti-smoking stance. She's described as a "Mayflower Descendant" opposing cigar smoking at public dinners, despite being philanthropic elsewhere. The cartoon ridicules her selective moralism—objecting to smoking while being otherwise progressive—suggesting her position is hypocritical or reflects outdated propriety rather than genuine principle. Both pieces critique how the ultra-wealthy deploy philanthropy and social positions.