Life, 1908-10-08 · page 9 of 24
Life — October 8, 1908 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon depicts a rotund, elaborately dressed figure (likely representing a wealthy industrialist or monopolist) being confronted by a smaller, working-class figure carrying a cane. The title "Second Empire" references France's Second Empire period (1852-1870), suggesting American wealth and power mirror that historical era's excess. The accompanying article, "The Consumer," critiques economic inequality and the disconnect between producers and consumers. The cartoon illustrates this tension: the bloated capitalist, laden with goods and wealth, faces accountability from ordinary citizens demanding fair practices. The satire mocks how the wealthy insulate themselves from market consequences while ordinary people bear the burden of economic imbalance—a progressive-era critique of unchecked industrial capitalism and monopolistic practices.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Consumer N order properly to consider the ques- ] tions arising from modern produc- tion and distribution, we must go back to that memorable week that Mr. Gene- sis speaks of, that weck when the whole trick was turned of light, water, air, earth, sea, sky, man, woman and the devil. Right then was the great mistake made in not differentiating between the great economic classes. For instance, the con- sumer was not made to stand alone. In addition to being a consumer, he is also a producer, The seller has not a single function, He is a buyer as well. That's what mixes us up, and we are very easily mixed up anyway. If the seller did nothing but sell, he would know where he stood, but he has to buy before he can sell. Accordingly, he has to fight for high prices on some things at some times and for low prices on other things and at other times, So, it is hard for him to get hold of a political yardstick that is sufficiently elastic for universal use. — Like- wise, with the consumer.- He wants low prices for what he uses and high prices for what he pro- duces, whereby, unless he is very careful, he is apt to be barrassing led into em- inconsisten. cies. Now don’t you see how simple it is or would be? The mistake was made 50 long ago that it is not worth while for anyone to try to write a really scientific political economy, or one that would be any- thing but dismal in its confusion. The preachers after all are about as scien- tific as the professors. Their doctrine of being contented as long as possible and kicking only when you have to will do very nicely. By nature, man is scien- tific. That is where monkeys have the advantage of us. The idea of organ- izing their methods of production and distribution so that a few can force all the rest to work for them never entered monkeys’ heads. That is singly and solely because they are not scientific. Therefore, monkeys are probably an- archistic or socialistic or paternalistic or what not, but whether this is because SECOND they have no newspaper editors to con- fuse them, it is difficult to say at this distance. Ellis O. Jones. ‘Won't Anybody Sue Him? “ Every statement in the — — 1 stand for. The publishers of my book have affi davits to substantiate every charge made against the kings of finance.” course, Upton, a lawsuit would help the book, but we doubt that any of the kings is fool enough to sue you. There is not such a great deal in exposure, and you have worked the game pretty hard now for a number of years. EMPIRE It is good for a haul now and then, but not for steady profits. Why not take President E ad- vice, and cultivate the disposition to see the superiorities, in people rather than their inferiorities? The styles have changed, Upton. Did you ever hear of the Rochester lady who complained that the garbage man had come to be that particular that he wouldn't take the bage unless it was served with a meringue on top? The public is getting that way now. It is tired of garbage, and must have a meringue on it, if it is to take it at all, Practice up in meringues, Upton! ots. comicbooks.com