Life, 1908-12-31 · page 15 of 21
Life — December 31, 1908 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces of satire: **"Government by Veto"** (left) is a scathing critique of American political gridlock. The author lists the cascade of veto powers—from Congressional members through the Speaker, committees, House, Senate, President, and Supreme Court—demonstrating how legislation can be blocked at multiple levels. The satire's punchline: if a bill somehow survives all these vetoes, it's probably something the public doesn't want anyway. This reflects frustration with a legislative system so encumbered by checks and balances that meaningful action becomes nearly impossible. **"At the Park Corner"** (right) is a romantic poem accompanying a decorative illustration of a woman with an umbrella, depicting a nostalgic romantic encounter. The page's header "Fifty Years Ago To-Day" suggests these pieces commemorate or reference historical events from approximately 1859-1860, though the political critique appears timeless to Life's readership.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
749 Government by Veto ‘O, used in connection with public ts, is a euphemism for smother, squelch, kill, ete. Owing to the elaborate sys- tem of vetoes which has been evolved during a long period of standing pat, our country may well be called the “veto country.’" If ‘a Member of Congress wishes a bill passed, it may be vetoed by the Speaker. If the Speaker wishes it passed, it may be vetoed by a committee. If the committee wishes it passed, it may be vetoed by the House. If the House wishes it passed, it may be vetoed by the Seni If the Senate wishes it passed, it may be vetoed by the President. If the President wishes it passed, it may be vetoed by the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court wishes it passed, it may be ignored and thus vetoed by any execu- tive officer into whose hands it may fall If a bill succeeds in getting through all these safely, it is a good bet that it is something the people do not want. Ellis O. Jones, FIFTY YEARS AGO TO-DAY Needless O F course Paul Revere rode to Lexington and beyond, and Mr. Walter min’s doubts about it are absurd. Why go back 135 years to dig a doubt when there is plenty of mili- tant dubitation left over San Juan hill! Ben, At the Park Comer ark corner I see her waiting, and bird-like, graceful of poise; their tender freighting Of little anticipative joys. T the P: Bonnie Iris eyes, wi Hither (* Do Is th thither her glances wander; I call him, t he who is coming yo to be so late!) er There at the turn by the roadway gate? Nay, and her brows in a tiny wrinkle ind her lips are a shade severe; a winnin: . wha That lock has by winsome crinkle her sea-shell ear!) “ Pit-a-pat!"" how her foot is beating Under the skirt of her tailor suit! A laggard lover for such a sweeting !— What would she to a substitute? On my word, but the thought is thrilling! (1 confess it’s a pleasant thrill!) And I know a lad who'd be more than willing— More than willing to fill the bill! Clinton Scoltord. comicbooks.com