Life, 1904-02-11 · page 3 of 20
Life — February 11, 1904 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main illustration depicts "Miss Democracy Scanning the Political Horizon" — a woman in classical dress using a telescope to peer across turbulent waters toward a dark, uncertain future. This represents democracy's vigilant observation of political threats. The accompanying text sketches below present brief satirical dialogues. "Culpable Delay" mocks bureaucratic incompetence, while "A Condition, Not a Theory" contrasts past civic virtue (fighting "for his home and heart") with present concerns about "radiators." "His Yearn" features a character named Poor Feebles seeking a pastor to perform an opening prayer. The overall theme appears to critique American political apathy and institutional decline, using classical symbolism and domestic humor to suggest democracy requires constant watchfulness against emerging dangers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Culpable Delay. E: The White House. Any old. MESSENGER : Sire, a dele- gation waits without. Tue Supreme: Who are they? “They say they are from the State of Colombia. They ask for justice “Well, give ‘em thirty seconds to get out of sight.’ “Very well, Sire. Here also is a card, It bears the name of Marcus Hannicus.”’ “Ah, indeed. Tell Mark I'm asleep at the switch, and won't wake up until the Ides of March, 1905."" “Your servant, Sire. is a telegram from Mr. And here Platt.” MISH DEMOCKACY SCANNING THE POLITICAL HORIZON. 2? But never It's bound to “What does it sa mind, Don’t read it. be something unpleasant.” “Very well, Si Here are eighty- one bills to sign. “ Pigeonhole them.” “ And, oh, Sire; by the way, there's a man outside who says he knows you'll see him.” “Um; what's his name?" “ Wood.” “Good heavens, villain, what means this delay? Show him in at once. To think of keeping him, my one, my only Leonard, waiting all this time.” A Condition, Not a Theory. [eat MAN (timidly) the ice safe to-da; Boy: Yes, sir—if you s enough Little boy, is te fast N the old days a man fought for his home and hearth, now he fights for his home and radiators. His Yearn. Pook FEEBLES (about lo be operated on for appendicitis): Doctor, be- fore you begin I wish you would send and have our pastor, the Reverend Mr. Harps, come over. Dr. Cutter: Certainly, if you wish it, but—ah !— “T'd like to be opened with prayer.” comicbooks.com