Life, 1903-03-05 · page 5 of 22
Life — March 5, 1903 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The cartoon depicts a doctor offering medicine to a large, rotund patient labeled "Bill"—likely referring to a legislative bill rather than a person. The doctor asks, "How is this pill to be taken?" with the patient responding, "Swallowed." This is satirical commentary on legislative process. The "pill" represents a proposed law that someone must reluctantly accept or "swallow"—implying the bill is unpalatable but necessary medicine. The cartoonist mocks the difficulty of passing legislation, suggesting it requires forcing something disagreeable through the system. The page's lower section contains testimonial letters praising servants and employees, unrelated to the political cartoon above.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A PILL FOR BILL “pocTOR, HOW 18 THIS PILL TO BE TAKEN t” SWALLOWED.” Some Letters of Recommendation. pre bearer of this has been my husband now for several years, and is only leaving me because we both feel the need of a change. He is willing and obliging, a first-rate man about the house, runs errands and carries bundles cheerfully, never kicks about expenses, and is used to one night outa we I can cor- ially recommend him to anyone looking for a good, durable i Mrs. A. Tonguer. ‘oung lady who bears this I have loved passionately for . and she is leaving me now only because [ cannot afford ner any longer. She is easily loved and responds readily to caresses. She is very fond of flowers and candy, and expects regular supplies. She likes to go to the theatre and eat anything on the bill of fare. and broke at the same time will find ber up te Anyone who wishes to be passionately loved Mi the requirements. Theodore Stuffer. The bearer of this has been in our employ for more than a year, as conductor, and has given complete satisfaction, During that time he was never known to stop a car at the right corner, or to speak @ civil word to a passenger. We are sorry to lose him. Met. St. Iy. The bearer of this has been my typewriter for two years past, and only leaves me at my wife’s urgent request. She has a kind, gentle and loving She enjoys the theatre very much, and is fond of long drives. Sledger Skate, comicbooks.com