Life, 1909-08-12 · page 13 of 28
Life — August 12, 1909 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical commentary on economic inequality and government corruption from the early 20th century. **"Supply and Demand"** discusses people seeking wealth redistribution—a reference to socialist or populist movements of the era. **"A Sensible Precaution"** cartoon shows a man at a market stall blocking a woman's access, captioned with dialogue about "birds that play such awful tricks on people." The satire appears to mock dishonest market practices or fraud. **"A Group of Socialists"** illustration depicts what appears to be caricatured socialist figures engaged in conflict. **"A Bad Example"** text criticizes a wealthy woman who evaded customs duties and received government leniency, arguing this sets a corrupt precedent that encourages ordinary citizens to disrespect laws and officials. The overall theme critiques inequality, corruption, and the perception that wealthy individuals receive preferential treatment from government.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
EVERYBODY HAPPY Supply and Demand P OPLE who have moncy are constantly wishing for things that they would be better off without Those people who have no moncy—or a great deal less than they want—are trying to create something to exchange for the moncy of the rich When any for the simple life, he is not playing according to the rules y one comes along, therefore, and makes a plea of the game. He is trying to interest people in his project, for the transient purpose of making something for himself, while at the same time he is working against both parties concerned; against those who demand things and against those who want to supply it to them. Wi ple, but a complicated at the majority of people need, therefore, is not a si The more complicated it is for ety they can add to their pleasures; the rich, the more va’ and thus more opportunities are created for the poor to get some of their moncy away from them. When? Juce (to grim old maid who had charged a laborer with And you assert that this issed her on the street): ng n was perfectly sobs Oto Matp: Certainly Juvce: Before or after the kiss? A GROUP OF SOCIALISTS A SENSIBLE PRECAUTION SHE, WIFEY, HERE ARE THE BIRDS THAT PLAY SUCH AWFUL TRICKS ON PFOPLE “WELL, DEARIE, I'M GLAD THEY MAVE THEM Wire IN.” Consistency F" ND: What are you so sour Cuxoxtce Dysrertic: Oh, I've eat hat reed with me. N OT tong smu bottom to her trunk, and who also got. through a A Bad Example n who endeavored to into this country some goods in a false a wealthy wom $23,000 necklace, was apprehended by the government and told that she would be of the officials remarked that There scems to be little doubt that the woman was uilty and that she ought to be law. Bu comes ba customs offi more arrogant and off dle 9 le of. One exal a? ey would * go the Ti nished according to decent zen who me eve in the m k to this cor try is abnost daily insulted hy als, and a case like this only makes them ious. Our w ole idea of col lecting revenue is wrong, especially when it creates a 0 subject body of prying ruffians lecent people to an insulting scrutiny. Our government scems to set the example in bad manners. comicbooks.com