Life — June 20, 1907 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **advertisements with one satirical article**. The main content is "Tribulations of a Consul," a humorous epistolary piece where a U.S. Consul abroad complains about his job's absurdities. The writer describes receiving ridiculous requests from constituents—including samples of bullets, gum-opium, sandals, and various trade goods—all from Americans expecting consular assistance with commercial matters. The satire targets **American entitlement and consular service misuse**: citizens treating diplomatic officials as personal shopping agents or business facilitators rather than understanding proper governmental functions. The surrounding ads (Corbin automobiles, Mobiloil, Abbott's Bitters, etc.) are period commercial content, not satirical. The cartoon illustrating the article shows the harried consul dealing with impossible demands, emphasizing the piece's comedic frustration.