Life, 1903-10-15 · page 5 of 24
Life — October 15, 1903 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine features a satirical illustration titled "A Slight Change" paired with commentary on two contemporary issues. The main illustration depicts a frontier/colonial-era wagon train with horses and settlers moving through mountainous terrain—likely referencing westward expansion and manifest destiny themes. The text below satirizes two concerns: First, "A Slight Change" mocks old-fashioned pioneers' trust in God, suggesting modern times require different values. Second, under "Alarming," the piece critiques Ottoman Empire policies regarding Christian persecution in the Balkans, proposing bureaucratic solutions like permit systems—satirizing both Ottoman governance and Western governmental responses to humanitarian crises. The final section uses humor about debt to transition topics. The overall tone suggests *Life* was commenting on both American historical identity and contemporary international religious conflict, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“1 REG YOUR PARDON, MY PRIENDS, PER THIS SEEMIN’ IMPOSITION, HAVE CIVEN AWAY ALL THEIR WEALTH, AN’ THIS METHOD SEEMS MORE A Slight Change. ‘TRE old-fashioned fellows who founded this land, Who turned the first furrow and broke the first sod, Emblazoned this motto on every hand: “Our trust is in God.” But should they come back from their bowers of bliss, Should they rise once again from the mouldering dust, They'd find their old motto reads something like this : “Our God is a Trust.” Denis A. McCarthy, Alarming. CONSTANTINOPLE: The Sublime Porte is thoroughly alarmed by the latest reports from the Balkans, The Bureau of Game Preservation estimates that unless a stop is put to the wasteful massacre of Chris- tians, the latter will presently be ex- terminated. . ‘The following remedial measures are being considered : 1, NoTark to be allowed to massacre a Christian without a permit in due form. 2. No permit to be issued except on * FUNDS TO ESTABLISH A HOME FER INDIGENT PINLANTHROPISTS WHO MANE THAN ORGANIZIN’ A TRUST. NOW SHELL OUT, PLEASE.” certification of a reputable physician that the applicant for such permit is dying to massacre comebody. 3. The massacre of a Christian, ex- cept under official supervision, to be made a misdemeanor. In these measures the Government counts on the cordial support of all true sportsmen. [HE man who owes you money may or may not think a great deal of you, but it is certain that the man to whom you owe money thinks of you a great deal. comicbooks.com