Life, 1910-01-13 · page 13 of 36
Life — January 13, 1910 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon depicts anthropomorphized animals in formal dress at what appears to be a Washington social gathering. The animals—including bears, a giraffe, and other creatures—represent political figures engaged in social interaction, shaking hands and conversing. The title "Official Washington in 1912" suggests commentary on the absurdity or animal-like behavior of Washington's political establishment during that election year (notably featuring the Roosevelt/Taft split). By depicting politicians as various animals in human clothing, the cartoonist mocks their conduct as bestial or primitive rather than dignified. The page also features "Popular Birthdays"—brief biographical tributes to figures born in January, including James Mark Baldwin, Charles Augustus Briggs, and others, balancing the satirical cartoon with straightforward celebratory content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
— Che Corny, JAMES MARK BALDWIN Born January 12, 1861 In England, long ago, Huxley pointed out the value’ of psychology in practical life and in the forma- tion of habits. In this country the distin- guished gentleman whose birthday we Celebrate has done much to popularize it. Strange to say, he is philosopher, and s great Dictionary of Philosophy is that thing, always of doubtful value, known asa “monument of learning.”” Professor, you are so young to have achieved all this abstract notoriety that our sense of reverence is disturbed. Here's to your ontological, epistomelogi- cal and teleological career! May it never grow less! CHARLES AUGUSTUS BRIGGS Born January 15, 1841 Heu pietas! Heu prisca ides!—Virgil. Theology has its heroes, no less re- OFFICIAL WASHINGTON IN 1912 Popular Birthdays nowned in peace than in war. In an age of advanced rational- istic speculation such as two thousand years have not witnessed, to have been tried ‘for heresy is a _ notable achievement. There is probably a sense, also, in which such a’ thing is a superfluous pro- ceeding, for who shall say how far the jud themselves secretly agreed with the ac- cused? The difference to-day between the most advanced heretic and the most orthodox believer is not so great as one may imagine. Was it Beaconsfield who said that his religion was the religion of all sensible men, and when asked what that_was replied that it was what no sensible man would tell? Dr. Briggs is an artist in exe His example has inspired many 1 think. Hail, worthy exponent of the higher criticism! May your doubts never grow less! nto JOSEPH CABELL BRECKENRIDGE Bom January 14, 1842 To he a soldie ways in the front and to have taken part in a civil and a for- eign war and not to have been prominent inthe newspapers, is a triple honor. General, we salute you as a’ worthy son of your country ! CEORGE VERE HOBART Born January 16, 1867 What constitutes a humori: been asked in all ages. Also, wi the difference betwe wit and humor? Al- most every writer has had his fling at these questions and each one has a different answer to it We modestly main: tain that_it does not matter. To be able to excite in all kinds of minds, high, low and comicbooks.com