Life, 1910-03-03 · page 37 of 80
Life — March 3, 1910 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This 1912 Life magazine satire depicts "Official Washington" as a hellish salon where an imperious host (likely representing a political authority figure, possibly President Taft or a cabinet member) tortures a visiting stranger with molten lava, red-hot chairs, and melted lead—yet the stranger remains cheerfully compliant. The joke is that this "eminently successful man" can impose absurd, painful rules on others while they accept them gracefully. The stranger's comfort despite the torment suggests he's recently endured worse (a Florida winter resort's "norther"), making even hellish hospitality seem pleasant by comparison. The satire critiques Washington's power dynamics: how political leaders enforce arbitrary rules and discomforts on the public, who accept them without protest. The final caption about "Seltzer" as "a regular chaser" appears to be a separate joke about Washington social types.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
OFFICIAL WASHINGTON IN 1912 TABLEAUX VIVANTS CHEZ LA MARQUISE DE GIRAFFE He Was Pleased “DELIGHTED to sce you," said his Imperial Majesty. “Die you have a pleasant journey? The stranger drew his cloak about him and bowed. “ Thank you, yes. “Tf you please.” His Imperial Majesty led the way through a hall where fountains of molten lava were playing prettily. “Hope you are not too uncomfort- able."” ot at all.’* They sat down near a burning Ja The stranger settled back on a red-hot morris chair Sorry to trouble you,”” said his Im- perial Majesty, as a couple of fiends came out with a hose. “but I will ask you to straighten up a bit, as those fel- lows must play on you with some melted lead."* “Don’t mention it.”’ said the stranger, with a smile: “nice weather we are hav- ing”? Shall I follow you? ”” irst rate. You may think me a nui- sance, but one of our rules is that you shall put your feet on that glowing gridiron.’” “Anything to oblige you. re place you have here. I couldn't have a warm drink, could 1?" “We have some boiling mercury.”” “Nicely, thank you. Ah! That was fine. His Imperial stranger with some curiosi be enjoying Majesty regarded the yourself.’” you what Christian Science Church you came from?'* “T am not a Christian Scientist.” “May I press you further, and ask why you seem to be so comfortable? '’ The stranger motioned to one of the fiends to play on his other side. “ Certaint; he replied. “ Just be- fore I came here I was staying at a Florida winter resort when a norther came on; and I’m just beginning to thaw out, thanks to your attentions.”” E is an eminently successful man who can induce those around him to abide by rules which he himself dis- regards. “WHO 1S THAT CHAP? ’* “THAT IS SELTZER; THEY SAY HE IS a REGULAR CHASER.” comicbooks.com