Life, 1910-07-21 · page 21 of 40
Life — July 21, 1910 — page 21: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes the bloated, corrupt patronage system of American government—likely from the early 20th century, possibly targeting a sitting president or wealthy industrialist treated as a "king." The numbered list mocks absurd court positions that parody real government roles and influence-peddlers: a "Chancellor of the Campaign Fund" suggests corruption, "Subsidizer of the Press" mocks media manipulation, and "Defender of the Holy Tariff" references protectionist trade policy. Positions like "Keeper of the King's Conscience" and "Knight of the Order of Graft" are deliberately contradictory, highlighting hypocrisy. The cartoon shows numerous figures in formal dress surrounding a central authority figure, representing sycophants and hangers-on seeking money and favor. The caption notes these are "sycophants, snobs and hangers-on who need the money." The satire attacks cronyism, the appointment of unqualified friends to positions of power, and the pervasive corruption where government exists primarily to enrich insiders rather than serve the public interest.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE KING'S COURT Royal Chamberlain Admiral of the King’s Yacht Keeper of the Golf Balls Chancellor of the Campaign Fund Lord High Interpreter of the Law Superintendent of Senators Cfficial Horn Blower and Subsidizer of the Press Keeper of the King’s Conscience Presser of the Royal Pants Favored College President Major Domo Chorus Girl in Waiting Chauffeur Extraordinary Chauffeur in Ordinary Procurer of Foreign Titles for the King’s Daughters Knight of the Order of Graft Coupon Cutter in Ordinary First Groom of the Garage Poet Laureate Grand Carver of the King’s Meat Defender of the Holy Tariff Court Painter Knight of the Holy Order of Special Privilege In background: The King's private militio—sycophants snobs and hangers-on who need the money Comicbooks.com