Life, 1908-12-31 · page 9 of 21
Life — December 31, 1908 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece depicts wealthy industrialists and politicians gathered around a table like dogs, with the caption suggesting they should each "have his day." The sketch plays on the phrase "every dog has his day" — a proverb about temporary fortune. The figures appear to represent major business trusts and monopolies of the era. The dialogue references Scottish bagpipes, Andrew Carnegie (identifiable by name), and conflicts over tariffs and pricing. The satire mocks how these powerful men, though rivals, band together to maintain control and "raise the present tariff" for profit while working people suffer. The bottom cartoon shows politicians being "investigated," suggesting public scrutiny of corrupt business dealings.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
\ ee Gary. 'Tis well, and with your kind permission all Will you consider this my earnest plea. Some of our workmen have but one bathroom, And others not a place to spread a cue. All due, my lords, to this same tariff wall, Which ought to be twice higher than it is. I know whereof I speak. Why, I have seen This day in Wall street magnates crying for their bread. Therefore, I say, move quick, and give us what In duty’s name we are entitled to. Cannon. It shall be done! My word is law. If Bill Taft squeals, why, we'll impeach His very life. My friends, come one, come all, And speak your mind, What can I do for you? The representatives of all the trusts now crowd around, each one reciting his claim, The burden of their plea in each case is to raise the present tariff all the way from ten per cent. to fifty. A hub- bub ensues, until suddenly a strange noise is heard, All faces blanch as they AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT EVERY DOG SHOULD HAVE HIS DAY recognize the sound of Scottish bag- pipes. Strong men grasp each other. Enter Andy Carnegie, dressed in kilts. Carnegie. Shame and confusion! I'll put you on the rout! Hot coals of vengeance! Now's the time for me. I've made my pile, and little do I care Except to bolster up my doubtful fame. I say you do not need to raise the price! I say you batten on the country’s loins I say you once were friends, but now I see A way, by making breaks like this, To stir things up, and help myself along. Cannon. In Heaven's name cease! Carnegie. What, me? Is that like me To cease when some new way presents itself To advertise myself? Not on your life! I'll cease when I have gotten all there is Out of this sudden Providential thing. He skips out merrily, playing on his bag-pipes, while all the crew look at each other in dismay. Enter John Rockefeller, Tom Ryan, and E, H. Har- riman. Rockefeller. We've been investigated. We are pure As driven snow. Therefore, good friends, just list Pay no attention to that little Scot, His blare was but a merry incident. Pluck up your hearts! Come one, come all, Without ado and raise that tariff wall. Cannon. The king has spoke. Le: get to work Good infants all. No auty must we shirk. (Curtain) Thomas L. Masson. “WE'VE BEEN INVESTIGATED"? comicbooks.com