Life — August 31, 1905 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a satirical cartoon titled "New Version—By The American Girl" with the subtitle "Rich Man, Richer Man, Wall Street Chief, Magnate, Grafter, Wholesale Thief." The central illustration shows two young men in casual dress sitting together outdoors, apparently playing a children's game or rhyme. The satire appears to mock American wealth hierarchy and corruption by presenting a modern "American Girl" version of what was likely a traditional nursery rhyme or children's counting game. The title and subtitle suggest the cartoon critiques the interconnected nature of wealth acquisition in early 1900s America—implying that "rich men," Wall Street figures, corporate magnates, and grafters/thieves exist on a continuum rather than as distinct categories. The casual, youthful presentation of these serious social criticisms adds ironic humor to the commentary on systemic corruption.