Life, 1910-04-07 · page 28 of 76
Life — April 7, 1910 — page 28: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page celebrates the birthdays of three prominent American men through satirical tributes: **Lewis Nixon** (shipbuilder): Praised for his naval engineering achievements, credited as a monument to American genius. **Charles E. Hughes** (likely the jurist/politician): Backhanded praise mocking his role in stock exchanges and poolrooms—satirizing his connection to financial institutions while grudgingly acknowledging his reformist efforts. The "militant whiskers" reference is a jab at his distinctive facial hair. **Joseph Pulitzer** (newspaper magnate): Lauded as an exception to press corruption, praised for maintaining editorial independence against advertising pressure and commercial interests—a contemporary concern about whether newspapers served the public or advertisers. The page also features: - A Thomas Flyer automobile advertisement - Mary Cassatt paintings exhibition notice - A satirical section on "Incurable Credulity" mocking Americans' willingness to consult fortune-tellers and stock brokers despite education and printing press availability The tone throughout is witty mockery dressed as congratulation—typical of Life's satirical approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
6) PULAR HERES HOW LEWIS NIXON Bom April 7, 1861 Americans have long been noted as shipbuilders. In t line, about the only thing we have not been able to build successfully is a ship of state, although many attempts have been made. Mr. Nixon is one of our most eminent Jers of ships. Our present American is largely a monument to his genius. . we have never heard the slightest thing to your discredit. As for what you have done, we offer you our continuous con- gratulations. And we wish you many happy returns of the day. CHARLES E. HUGHES Born Apel 11, 1862 Dear Governor Hughes, on this thy natal day, every horse- less racetrack delights to do thee honor! The jockeys, filled with deep r : stable owners, their hearts resounding’ with encomiums, and the devout bookmakers, all unite in praising thy name. Thou are indeed an eminently re spectable person, Thou hast left us, it is true, the Stock Exchange and the poolrooms and ‘all the other multifarious financial in- . where those who desire to be re eved of their superfuous wealth may still be fleeced. But one reformer in his own time not expect to play too many parts. May your militant whiskers never grow less! And may you live long, and never do it again! JOSEPH PULITZER Born April 10, 1847 There are continued evidences that the power of our press is not what it once was. There are rumors that the adver- tising columns shape the news and editorial departments, and that certain ideals which are supposed to be desirable for American zens to hold do not have a permanent abiding place in the hearts and souls of our newspapers. Mr. Pulitzer appears to be the exception to this rule. He has constructive ability, no false pride and not. too much conscience to interfere with his reforms, many of which have been well worth while. Here's to you, sir! May you long con tinue to send your searchlight into the dark places, “WioLYER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT WE ARE BoTHE THE SAME size!” A THOMAS FLYER PAINTINGS BY MISS CASSATT American Girl Shows Striking Collection in Paris Gallery Special Cable to the New York Times, Panis, March 5.—A_ striking collection of twenty paintings by Miss Mary Cassatt, daughter of the late President of the Penn- sylvania Railroad, &e., Se ISTER of the late President Cassatt, please, neighbor. Miss Cassatt is one of the most distinguished of Ameri- can women. She doubtless was an American girl when she went to Europe to study art in 1875, Incurable Credulity E N in this generation and this age, said to be enlight- ened, there is immense credulity. In spite of printers’ ink and universal education men and women troop in droves to consult clairvoyants, seventh sons and stock brokers. comicbooks.com