Life, 1904-08-04 · page 25 of 36
Life — August 4, 1904 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes the allure of romantic temptation. Women positioned as "sirens" on rocks by water attempt to lure a man in a boat toward them—classical mythology imagery suggesting seductive danger. The title's subtitle, "Another Victim," implies the man is destined to fall prey to their charms, much like sailors in legend. The accompanying text discusses President Theodore Roosevelt, questioning whether he represents the "typical American" despite London correspondents claiming so. It catalogs his unusual traits: long-distance walking, prolific writing, impatience with his own press coverage, and physical vigor. The page also includes a humorous exchange about editorial censorship, where a magazine editor presses a contributor to ensure their story won't offend advertisers or the magazine's owners—satirizing how commercial interests compromise editorial independence and artistic integrity in publications.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Copyright 1304 by Ldfe Publishing Co Then I shall have wardrobe, which re- attention. I am also novel, which I hope natized, and I hopetomake my social life a grand success, besides giving up as much time as possible to getting rid of our church debt. But aside from these things, dearest, I am utterly and completely yours." And they embraced in the old-fash- ioned way. panion to to keep up my you. writing will be Type. HEN the London correspondents, in close touch with ultimate authority, write home that Roosevelt is the typical American, one dare not doubt, and yet one does not escape a certain bewilderment. Wherein is Roosevelt typical? In that he digests his own food? Or walks thirty miles for fun? Or takes himself too seriously ?. Or would rather THE SIRENS. ANOTHER VICTIM. be right than President? Or is out of patience when he sees his picture in the papers? Or is larger about the chest than about the waist? It is not easy to get out of the way of voting Roosevelt extraordinary. And still, the London correspondents. cannot be wrong. Possibly it is because of his having written so many books on so many subjects. “ oO’ Mrs. Grum hasn't been in such good health in years."" “Why, I never heard her complain more !"" “Prue. But she has more energy.” a Meee: that little boy next door swears like a trooper. you don't play with him.” **No, mother; not now. He's taught me all he knew.” I hope REAT AMERICAN EDITOR: Are you sure there is nothing in this story of yours that might conflict with the interests of our advertisers? Contrisutor : Absolutely nothing. “Nothing that could possibly offend our readet " “No, si “You know I’m working on a salary. Have you written it with due regard to the prejudices of the owners of the magazine? “T have, Not only that, but I have endeavored to suppress myself, and written something that might please you.” “Good. presume.”” “Certainly. Sign it with the names of your oldest subscribers, your best advertisers, the and your. self." You wish to sign it, I owners. comicbooks.com