Life, 1912-02-22 · page 18 of 44
Life — February 22, 1912 — page 18: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical pieces targeting American attitudes and social hypocrisy: **"Horse Thief"** (top cartoon): A cynical dialogue between an unnamed American businessman and Sun Yat-Sen (Chinese revolutionary leader). The American boasts he'll "fix" China by imposing factories, child labor, and slums—openly admitting these as features of "progress"—while condescendingly suggesting China lacks the sophistication to recognize its own problems. The satire mocks American imperialism and the export of industrial exploitation as civilization. **"Disagreeable"** (middle): A child callously mentions her sister Ethel "fell out" of a moving car. When questioned, she matter-of-factly explains: you tolerate inconveniences when riding in others' vehicles. The joke darkly satirizes upper-class indifference to harm when it's socially awkward to complain. **"Charge of the Light Brigade"** (right): A parody of Tennyson's famous poem, substituting Lenten fasting observances for military glory. The "Four Hundred" (wealthy society figures) charge forward with canned sardines and salmon, sacrificing steaks and Delmonico restaurants. It mocks ritualistic religious observance among the privileged.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Horse thief; 11's s GREAT HELP TO ME IN MY BUSINESS ment on the side? Then for religions— well, I think I should give you an as- sorted lot; you might just as well have a little variety. You have plenty of slums on hand already, haven't you?” Sun Yat-Sen laughed. “Nothing to what you have,” he said. “You see, my people do not know enough to realize when they are well off.” “Well, we'll fix that, old man. No republic is complete without the fac- tory system and, thank God, children enough to supply it.’ I got up and slapped him cordially on the back. “Never was such an opportunity for a full-fledged republic,” I excla “you've got every element! It won't be more than two years now before you will hav you that will make W; like thirty cents. I can see now. The greatest republic on the face of the earth, and me at the head of it.” Sun Yat-Sen politely demurred. “My dear fellow,” he said, “don’t count me in at all. Knowing that you were the most up-to-date newspaper man in America, I have just been wait- ing for you to come over here and take things off my hands.” And so it is all settled. I have written to J. Pierpont to get his per- mission, and inside of another week I expect to have this Chinese Republic working overtime to catch up. Mean- while, cable me a couple of dollars until the receipts from the tariff begin to come in. It is my firm intention to see Sun Yat-Sen again and blow him off to chop suey. Disagreeable HE young uncle had one of his moods on and didn’t want to be worried with conversation. “Oh, but we'll be so good,” said “we won't speak all the So the chauffeur speeded, with the little ones far in the back. Ozone cleared the mood and uncle looked back to say a bright word or two to the children, “Where's Ethel?” Margaret, ina as. hushed voice. GAS “She fell out a ee while back.” “And you didn't say anything!” “But you know, Uncle Tom, you often have to do things you don’t like when you ride in other people's machines!” “Why,” said OR a_ while Adam was a leading citizen of the Garden of Eden. Charge of the Light Brigade (A Lenten Ditty) ORTY days, forty days, Forty days onward, Into the valley of Lent Rode the Four Hundred. Forward in limousines, Charging the canned sardines, Into the valley of Lent Rode the Four Hundred. Salmon to right of them, Salmon to left of them, Salmon in front of them, Volleyed and thunder'd Stormed at with balls of fish Fresh from the chafing-dish, Into their jaws they passed, Noble Four hundred. “Forward, the Light Brigade!” Was there a soul dismay’d? No, for they loved it so, Tho’ the world wonder'd. Their’s not a steak to fry, Their’s not to reason why, Their’s but to fast or dic, Happy Four Hundred. When can their credit fade? O, the wild charge they made— All the world wonder'd. Honor the charge they owe, Sherry, Delmonico, Noble Four Hundred! Charles Hanson Towne. comicbooks.com