Life, 1903-04-02 · page 11 of 36
Life — April 2, 1903 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a satirical cartoon titled "LOOKS BAD FOR THE BILL." The main illustration depicts an eagle (representing America or American interests) being attacked or restrained by a large bull labeled "SENATE," while a smaller figure appears to struggle beneath them. The accompanying story text concerns a character named Dimpleton and his horse, dealing with themes of debt ("hundred-dollar bill") and domestic tensions with his wife Marie. The cartoon appears to satirize Senate obstruction of legislation—the "bill" referenced in the title. The eagle-versus-bull imagery suggests conflict between executive/national interests and Senate resistance or power. Without knowing the specific historical moment, the exact legislative battle remains unclear, but the satire targets Senate obstruction as harmful to national progress.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
There again was that wail. Then he re- membered that he must either bear it or play horse again. He sprang tothe nursery, mad as a hornet. This time Marie, it being her turn accord- ing to the schedule, was doing her best. “TH teach him,” he exclaimed. “It's evident that this kid has been spoiled, I'll teach him! Now, sir, you sit there!” The baby, however, was quick to perceive the difference between his father's morning and afternoon mood, He yelled louder than ever. ‘ Then Dimpleton yielded. He became a horse again for fifteen minutes, Once more back in his study, he picked up his paper. But he could not read. His mind was in a tumult. What infernal in- terruption would happen next? He thought of Lis business. How he longed for it! He would go—he would steal away, if only for an hour. LOOKS HAD FOR THE BILL. Just then the door opened quietly A woman faced him. He could not be- lieve his senses, “Didn't you go?” he gasped at last. “Of course not,” said Mrs. Dimpleton. “went shopping. You don't suppose I would leave you in charge for more than a few hours ata time, do you? How did you geton?” Dimpleton was silent for amoment. Then he went over and put his arm around his wife, while he pressed into her hand a rew hundred-dollar bill. “Here, my dear,” he said, “take this as a slight token of my esteem and admiration. I wouldn't have your job fer a million dol- lars!" Tom Masson, as E OW beautifully Sadie’s cheeks are colored, It must be arti- ficial.” “Notat all. That’sastraight flush.” A Liont Diet comicbooks.com