Life, 1910-04-28 · page 13 of 40
Life — April 28, 1910 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes King George V's 1912 state visit to France and his broader European travels. **"The Greatest Monarch Known"** (top cartoon) depicts the King surrounded by bowing dignitaries in exaggerated poses, mocking the excessive ceremonial deference shown to him. **"In Paris"** (bottom cartoon) shows caricatured French figures—likely President Fallières and other officials—fawning over the King in an undignified manner, suggesting the French were overly eager to please Britain's monarch. The text confirms the King received unprecedented receptions in Paris and Berlin. Life's satire targets the absurdity of royal worship and diplomatic obsequiousness during this period of international relations, particularly the contrast between republican French ideals and their actual behavior toward European monarchs.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘LIFE: | ji ing programme. It has been suggested that His Majesty would enjoy a bunt after Wall Street speculators, and an order to this effect will be given. The King says James R. Keene knows the game better than any other subject. It is uridersiood also that His Majesty is secretly fond of painting, and upon his return it is hoped that he will con- THE GREATEST MONARCH KNOWN sent to a public exhibition of his pictures in the National Art Gallery. In the meantime it would be impossible to exaggerate the reports of the marvelous progress of His Majesty around the world. Early in the month he was received by King Edward in London. As King Edward grasped the hand of our beloved monarch he shed tears. King Pierpont was affected almost as much. As a slight testimony of his regard King Edward has presented our ruler with Shakespeare's house at Avon, the tower of London, both houses of Parliament and Alfred Austin, who will write our poetry in connection with our laureate, Whitcom Riley. All these goods will be shipped soon, frec of all duty. IN PARIS The King is accompanied on his journey by a large reti- nue, practically every magnate in the country serving the royal person in one capacity or another. Former magnate J. J. Hill is now Keeper of the Royal Garter. Former James R. Keene has complete charge of the royal burnt matches and cigar stumps. s has never The ovation extended to His Majesty in Pa been equaled in magnificence even by Louis XIV. The Bourse was closed for the day and every millionaire in the city extended his homage to our monarch. Ten thousand automobiles were in line and the smell of cylinder oil could be noticed in Versailles. The French National Guard was out in full force and the President of the French Republic knelt at the feet of our beloved King. “It is only a question of time," he said, “when this republic will revert to type and ore a monarchy. I see it com- become once ing.”” In Berlin, Emperor William received our King with all the enthusiasm expected. “ Aside from myself," he said, when the royal entourage approached, “I regard you as being the greatest monarch alive.”” His majesty is now approaching China and Japan, where preparations have been in progress for weeks to entertain him suitably. In the meantime affairs at home under Regent Hetty Green are moving smoothly. It must be acknowledged, however, that our present head is not quite so broad as His Royal Highness. Half portions of everything ordered for the table, and the palace retinue has been cut down one-half. Yes- terday all the milliners in the kingdom ee, were ordered to show their stock in the mw. palace, it being understood that the high- 7 est price Lady Green would pay is $330. ayonn ce rue We await His Majesty’s return with pysaontriin eagerness. Gita been EMPEROR IN THE INVINS comicbooks.com