Life, 1904-10-27 · page 8 of 20
Life — October 27, 1904 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon depicts an elephant (representing the Republican Party) driving a chaotic vehicle labeled "TO THE WHITE HOUSE" while towing a sign reading "NO RACE SUICIDE!" The elephant carries passengers representing various political figures or factions. The "race suicide" slogan references early-1900s nativist anxieties about immigration and birth rates among white Americans. The cartoon satirizes Republican electoral strategy, suggesting they're cynically exploiting these racial fears to win voters. The crowded, out-of-control vehicle implies the GOP campaign is chaotic and haphazardly assembled. The sign itself—prominent and somewhat absurd—suggests the party is using inflammatory rhetoric on race to mobilize support rather than addressing substantive issues. The overall message critiques both the party's tactics and the social panic they're exploiting.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
402 there is something the matter with your friend. Perhaps this is an off day with him,”” “By Jove! Something 7s wrong, there's no doubt of that. I guess I'll call him up over the 'phone and see.” (He goes to the nearest long-distance ‘phone, and in ten minutes returns, his face radi- ant.) ‘There! I knew it was something, because every- thing has worked so well be- fore under his treatment." “Well, what is it?” “You!"" “or Witnersy: Yes, Yousee, he treatsthe machine. Now, I be- lieve in it, but you don’t. The consequence is that your op- posing thought breaks it every once in a while. Bitter: Well, what do you expect metodo? I can't jolly .up too much sudden faith in this treatment, old chap, when we've already broken down twice, “You don't have to. I've fixed all that, There's another healer going totreat you. Now we'll have a beautiful ride.” ‘Rather expensive, isn't it, when you've got to have a healer for every one who goes out with you?” “My dear boy, no automo- bilist ever considers expense as long as he can make his car run. Hello! I’m all out of cylinder oil.” “That's easy.” (Grimly.) “Tell the healer to put his mind on the piston and it will run as smooth as grease."’ Wirurersy (absorbed): Ah, well, I mustn't let that disturb me. Here goes. (Again he starts up the car, and once more they are off. After some time, in which nothing is heard but the rhyth- mic tune af the machine, Witherby turns confidently to his guest.) ‘* There! You see how it works. It’s great to feel that this treatment is dead sure."’ Bitter: Well, I must say it’s smooth going. Perhaps, after all, there is somethinginit. I— (There isasharp snap. Once more the auto stops still.) Witnerny (turning pale): Old man, that’s the coil—the vibratory coil. I = i dw a Yer Go “PULL, BOLIVAR, PULL.” know that sound, because I've had it happen before. We can't run her with- out that, you know. “* Better telephone that healer.” “That's what I will.” (Rushes off to nearest "phone. Ina few moments re- turns, his face happy.) ‘It’s all right ; all right.”” “Can he fix her?’” “Oh, no. But his wife says that while he was stepping across the way to get an ice cream soda, he himself was run into by an automobile.”” “Hurt?” “Oh, no, of course not! But he has a claim of a broken collar bone, and she says he can’t possibly give us any more absent treatment to-day.” “But how in thunder are we going to get back?” “Well, we can hire a hack, walk, or be towed.” Tom Masson. A Foregone Conclusion. RS. PLAYGOER:. The race be- tween Ben Hur and Messala didn't seem to interest you. Piaycorr: No, I knew how it would end, In the theatrical race the Jew, by hook or by crook, always comes out a winner, comicbooks.com