Life, 1905-05-04 · page 18 of 48
Life — May 4, 1905 — page 18: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon depicts six prominent American publishing figures as misbehaving schoolboys being disciplined by "Life" (personified as a teacher). The named figures are Eddie Bok, Brisben Walker, Sammy McClure, Frankie Munsey, and Dicky Gilder—all real magazine editors and publishers of the era. The satire mocks these rivals for their competitive boasting, ethical shortcuts, and self-promotion. When asked the lesson ("A fakir is without honor, except in his own country"), the cartoon suggests these publishers behave like charlatans, prioritizing advertising and circulation-building over journalistic integrity. Their childish quarreling and empty braggadocio are presented as moral failings. The piece uses the Sunday-school format to imply these powerful men lack basic ethical principles that even children should learn—a cutting critique of Gilded Age media competition and commercialism.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Frankie Munsey, stop at horn, Munsey cht Sammy McCcure: He can’t help it, t habit. Now ne lesson for th Look 1 now I have w It's my own who to reac Samay Fan m stand it. be good like little how nics Eddie Bok Why, he has’ his the hair he sits up. only one who ever brushed. Brispex Warker: I can lick him! Socan I! sey: Socan I! Lire : Quiet ! Who knows the for the day Samay McCuvre: I know, Lire: Well, what is it? Sammy McCture: It pays to ad- vertise, Lire: Not Dicky Gilder can tell Dicky Gitper: Oh, I A 2t is made, not born. Lire: What do you think about it, Frankie Munsey ? ‘KIE Munsey self be foxy. L And you, Eddie Bok ? Eppir Box : Be a lady Brisnex Waker: Blow thyself ! Live: You're all wrong. And until you learn your own lesson, you may all go home and try again. Samay McCiure quite. Perhaps little know To thine own- Gitper: What is the real sson, teacher ? Lire: A fakir is without honor, except in his own country. Dicky In France. ove (in-law) Boni de Castellan speaking of the threatened sep: of Church and State, in France, exclaims “Ttis a duel between God and dema- ge and God willsurely win.” No doubt. The unfortunate part is that it isa French duel, and demagogy will therefore come off with only a light pinking. Inscription for a Missionary Box. ET him who is without sin among you cast the first coin. comicbooks.com