Life, 1903-05-21 · page 15 of 24
Life — May 21, 1903 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**Top Cartoon ("The First Syndicate Performance"):** A satirical takedown of a traveling circus or museum exhibit claiming to show "Noah's Ark" — likely a contemporary con artist's attraction. The ragged showman is hawking tickets to this fraudulent spectacle, while a shabby man in front complains he's been ejected. The title suggests this is the first performance of a "syndicate" (organized scheme), mocking both the charlatan promoter and gullible audiences willing to pay for obvious fakery. **"Golfer Cupid" Poem:** A light romantic verse playing on golf's popularity, imagining Cupid using golf clubs instead of arrows to strike lovers. **"Delaware" Section:** Satirizes Delaware's political irrelevance and poverty. The bon mot about "If I wear my New Jersey, what will Delaware?" is a dismissive pun. Text notes Delaware is the only U.S. state unrepresented in the Federal Senate (historically accurate), and references "Mr. Addicks's equity"—likely referring to disputed Delaware political claims. The bottom photo caption jokes bitterly about poverty and homelessness.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Golfer Cupid. TPPHERE'S mischief in his merry eye ;— (Beneath the veindd lid What laughing wiles unnumbered lie To witless mortals hid! ) There's pranksomeness within his air; There's roguery in his pose ; Aye, man and maid had best beware When Cupid golfing goes ! He takes a ball, Behold him swing with faultless art,— And what a blow is his! Before his prowess all must bow, This “ bogey,""—ah, our woes! No need of bow and arrows now That Cupid golfing goes. Clinton Scollard, {HERE is nothing so hard to wear aso mask, THE FIRST BYNDICATE PERFORMANCE, Delaware. L ELAWARE was founded in the seventeenth century by Lord de la Warr, and: almost at once sprang into prominence in the famous bon mot, “If I wear my New Jersey, what will Delaware?” Prior to Senator Depew’s po- litical birth, Delaware was con- cededly the home of the peach par excellence. However, Providence has been kind to Delaware, on the whole. Delaware is the only State in the Union not repre- sented in the Federal Senate. Delaware people are a self-pos- sessed people, except for Mr. Ad- dicks's equity and a few minor liens. They exhibit the dignity Ara = Mn i ATT TS THE ONLY SHow ON CART, \Yoro man Noaw times ranning as high as five dollars each, It used to be thought that Delaware was no bigger than a pint of cider drank up, but more accurate surveys indicate that this view is erroneous, Litde Potato: vaturn, wuo TURNED Us OUT OF OUR HOME? of conscious worth, votes some- “Tam MAW WITH THE Hog,’ MY CHILD.” comicbooks.com