Life, 1907-04-25 · page 11 of 24
Life — April 25, 1907 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The illustration titled "Hogs Is High" depicts a satirical scene at what appears to be a riverside encampment. The cartoon illustrates a narrative about financial speculation and political corruption involving Standard Oil, railroads, and the National Administration—likely referencing early 20th-century trust concerns. The story dialogue reveals a scheme where Billy, apparently a businessman, has positioned himself to profit from political connections. References to "Molasses Preferred" controlling the Administration suggest satirizing how corporate interests manipulate government policy. The "Supreme Justice" mentioned implies judicial involvement in these arrangements. The satire targets the cozy relationship between big business monopolies and government officials, a common Progressive Era critique of how wealthy industrialists wielded political power through corruption and insider dealing.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“EGGS Is HIGH” “L referred to the National Administration—that is, the country.”” “But I thought the country was owned by the Standard Oil and the railroads.” “It was. But things move fa:t in these days.” Billy trembled. “When will the news be known ?” he said. “To-morrow noon.” “Ah, ha!” Then he turned to her abruptly. “Why have you done this for me—a stranger?” he said. She blushed. “Because,” she smiled, “I hope some day to get a divorce from you.” Billy clasped her hand feverishly. “Darling,” he murmured, “be mine. Lose no time—there must be a Supreme Justice near. He will unite us.” But firmly she held him at arm's length, “You have not won me yet,” she muttered. “You must prove to me first that you are the man you represent yourself to be.”” “What shall I do?” ‘ollow your own judgment. And meet me here in twenty-four hours. If you have done right I will marry you.” ‘The next morning at four a.s. Billy was speeding back to Wall Street and glory. * * * It was the same time the next evening. Minnie Songpepper, Queen of the South, sat idly clasping her hands as she waited for the man she had put her trust in. Outside the window, even though it was nearly midnight, she could hear the mournful voices of a few United States Senators as they begged for bread. ‘The President had retired carly, practically every man of note in the country having been called a liar, and he was getting some much-needed rest. All was still, until suddenly a firm step was heard in the hall Billy Hardcastle entered, his face wreathed in smiles. “Darling,” he cried, “I have won.” “You mean "’—— ““That Iam one of the richest men in the country.” “How did you do it?” “This morning, knowing from you in advance that Molasses Preferred would control the Administration from now on, I not only sold every share I had, but I went short. This afternoon the stock, as you know, closed at nothing.” She smiled and blushed as she put her hand on his shoulder. “I was afraid,” she said, “that you might buy. But you have guessed right—and won me. How did you do it?” And Billy laughed back. “How could I help it? How could Molasses Preferred amount to anything when it began to get mixed up with the Administration?” T.L.M. comicbooks.com