Life, 1910-02-03 · page 24 of 44
Life — February 3, 1910 — page 24: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical pieces: **"Fame"** mocks the pretension of recording trivial daily life. The poem humorously elevates a man who merely "kept a diary for a year" above historical figures like Croesus and famous martyrs—satire on vanity and the human impulse to document the mundane as if significant. **"For Leopold's Repose"** addresses King Leopold II of Belgium's recent death (appears to reference early 1900s). The text sarcastically praises the Catholic Church's elaborate funeral efforts, suggesting they're working hard to secure divine forgiveness for Leopold—implying his life required extensive spiritual damage control. The cartoons humorously show priests and a parson appearing unexpectedly at dinner, suggesting the Church's ubiquitous involvement in Leopold's affairs. **"Help for the Alaskans"** concerns Alaska coal disputes, likely referencing the Ballinger-Pinchot conservation controversy of 1909-1910, which paralyzed Alaska coal development through political scandal. The final aphorism about love and cards is unrelated social commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
208 Fame HEY have sung the fame of Crasus, Ivanhoe and Old Rameses; They have polished gem for poct, peasant, bart.; They have told of gods infernal and of cherubim Supernal, And of men of Science, Letters and of Art. They have penned in lines poctic deaths of martyrs most pathetic; They have dedicated hymn to sage’s bier,— But no syllable’s preserving fame of hero so deserving As the man who kept a diary for a year. L’ENVOL Here's fo you, man of daring, man of patience, burden- bearing, — To your memory we shed a silent tear,— May your fame ne'er be diminished,—well done, thy work is finished, — You're the man who kept a diary for a year. Louis Ephraim Boyer. For Leopold's Repose Rome, Jan. 17.—A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of the late King Leopold of Belgium was celebrated by Cardinal Van- nutelli- in the Sistine Chapel to-day. The Pope took part in the services and pronounced absolution over the catafalque. cardinals now in Rome and many diplomats were present. funeral oration was read by Mgr. Augli. All the A Latin E have followed with interest, admiration and sympathy the efforts of our Roman Catholic brethren to do what was fair by the late King Leopold. He was a “ good Cath- olic’ and a King. Also a very rich man. No doubt when a King, and a very rich King, is a “ good Catholic,’ it counts, and what can be done should be done. Our brethren got onto the job promptly, and have stayed on it persistently and with superior energy and devotion. Maybe they have gritted their teeth, but they have not showr it. Half-measure would not have done in such a case. Te make Leopold comfortable was a feat that called for every cylinder in the machine to be connected up with the driving- shaft. Certainly the wheels have turned: we have admired their revolutions. Leopold was a very embarrassing man. And yet, since he was a “good Catholic’ what can be attempted in his behalf is being tried. We do admire our brethren's grit. OPENING THE POT WITH A PAIR OF JACKS *LIFE* sere fane “MURRY, MARIE, AND PUT ON ANOTHER PLATE; HERE’S A PARSON DROPPING INTO DINNER,’” Help for the Alaskans E are sorry for our friends in Alaska—railroad and steamship friends especially—who need to use coal in their business. They are suffering. We understand that the enormous row over the Alaska coal pile has scared everybody off of that coal for the moment, and that coal on the Pacific Coast has about doubled in price in consequence. It is of much im- portance that the necessary laws should be passed to open up that coal for use on just terms at the earliest moment con- sistent with doing it right. Remember the Alaskans! HE game of love cannot be played with the cards on the table. Vs) comicbooks.com