Life, 1909-12-23 · page 11 of 28
Life — December 23, 1909 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The central illustration titled "Little Willie Rebate's Xmas" depicts a chaotic scene of commercial excess and corruption. A large figure (presumably representing corporate interests or monopolies) sits surrounded by scattered goods, money, and various symbols of commerce and transportation—ships, trains, bicycles, and buildings. The figure appears bloated or overstuffed, suggesting greed. The surrounding text articles—"The Public Pulse," "A Literary Catastrophe," and "The Sweet Uses of Adversity"—appear to be satirical commentary on contemporary social issues. "The Public Pulse" discusses public opinion and manipulation, while the other pieces mock literary pretension and the corrupting influence of advertising/commerce on ethics. The overall message critiques Gilded Age capitalism and corporate excess.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Public Pulse HE most popular part of the public is its pulse. The populace may peregrinate wheresoever it will so long as its pulse may be properly placed. Preachers pray for it. Politicians plug for it, Publishers probe for it. And promoters pry after it. Solons sigh to seize the public pulse. Fictionists are frantic to finger it. Edi- tors are cager to examine it. Harpies hurry to harmonize with it. Legislators like to locate it. Actors actually adore it. Supreme success surrounds and sup- ports the souls who solve the public pulse. Ellis O. Jones. LITTLE WILUE REBATE'S XMAS A Literary Catastrophe “TEAR about Perkins? “No. What?” “ The poor fellow dropped into the ver- nacular, bumped against a hard word and split his infinitive.” Pretty tough.” HERE are two distinct angles from which we all look at life, the one while we are doing things we ought not and the other when we get caught The Sweet Uses of Adversity ye can wear out your old clothes You are not troubled with visi tors, You are not persecuted to stand sponsor. Begging letter writers will let you alone. Impostors know it is use- less to try and bleed you. You can prac- tice temperance. You are not foolishly flattered. You save many a debt, and many a headache. Finally, if you have a true friend, you'll find it out comicbooks.com