Life, 1911-05-04 · page 19 of 56
Life — May 4, 1911 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon depicts a conversation between "Life" (the magazine's personified editor/voice) and Colonel Wagstaff regarding the S.P.C.A. (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Wagstaff admits he's mismanaging the organization but lacks the moral courage to resign, citing pride and self-respect as obstacles. Life urges him to withdraw immediately, promising the incident will be forgotten if he acts on this "good impulse" without deliberation. The satire targets organizational corruption and the cowardice of leaders who know they're unfit but cling to positions anyway. It mocks Wagstaff's contradictory reasoning—he acknowledges his deficiencies harm both the institution and the animals it protects, yet won't leave. The secondary joke about "Mrs. Benham" and "harem skirts" appears unrelated—a brief gag about women's fashion and equality, suggesting that advertising women's clothing with prices "per leg" (like trousers) represents gender equality. The image shows an estate gate, likely representing institutional prestige.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
APTER EARNING OUR FIRST DOLLAR Sanctum Talks OOD morning, Lire Good morning, Mr “Colonel, if you please.” “Dear me, you are not “The same.” “Well, well, bless the flesh, Colonel Wagstat?.” Possibly not, if you had called at my office.” “Yes, so T understand made before.” “On nunierous occasions. I am always there, however, ainst my being absent; I never expected to sce you in I believe the attentpt has been when there is a meeting to p then, of course, 1 have to he there to support my friends.” You are candid.” “Well, the fact is, “Why don't you res “Out of pride. The thing has gone so far now that I can't get out without losing my self-respect.” Congratulations.” “You sce, Iam in an unfortunate position. I realize my own deficiencies, and I havén't the moral courage to get out so that the S. P. C. A. may be conducted more actively.” “Ha! Many a great man has been in your position, Colonel. But you know, of course, that it is only a question of time.” That's just it. Of course, I've got to go. It’s ridiculous Tam really in a false position.” to suppose that an important institution like the 8. PLC. A should continue to be so mismanaged that all the good peo) who have put their moncy into it are getting disheartened, to say nothing of the foolish and misguided animals who put their faith in it “It is certainly unfortunate.” “Now, Lire, tell me what I can do. I re ave some conscience about it. Can't you sugzest an honorable method of withdrawal?” “Certainly, Colonel Wagstafl draw. We'll forgive you everything else if you will do that.” “Do you think the past will be forgotten?” “ Absolutely. We shall consider the incident closed. We shall remember you as a man who realized that he was in To withdraw is 10 with the wrong place, and in spite of his friends had the moral courage to do the right thing.” “Well, I'll think it over “Don't! Colonel. If you do, you are lost. Jusi obey that good impuls “Good morning, Lire.” “Good morning, Colonel. Cours Happy Day! RS. BENHAM: I Benwam: when your harem skirts are advertised like trousers, at cents a leg.” believe in the equality of the sexes. So do 1; 1 am looking forward to the day “99 comicbooks.com