Life — December 10, 1908 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 671 **"Put a Duty on African Gold"** discusses whether South African gold should face import tariffs to protect American mining interests, particularly against Chinese and Kaffir labor (offensive historical terminology). **"An Ill Turn that Mr. Rhodes Did Us"** critiques Cecil Rhodes' legacy in South Africa, specifically his bequest to Rudyard Kipling. The piece argues Rhodes' money has proven of limited value to Kipling's literary work. **"Profundity"** satirizes Oliver Wendell Holmes and literary pretentiousness, arguing that great artists achieve their impact through simplicity rather than obscure profundity—when people don't understand what's being discussed, they mistake confusion for depth. The cartoon shows two figures in conversation; the caption jokes about partisan blindness regarding money's influence in politics.