Life, 1912-06-06 · page 16 of 56
Life — June 6, 1912 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes American political corruption and voter manipulation. The poem "Politics" mocks campaign theatrics—orators with "roaring, raucous throats" spouting sophistry while party operatives (called "heelers") work backroom deals to "put out the bait" and fix election outcomes. The message: political campaigns are elaborate theater that don't actually matter because the result is predetermined by bosses controlling "the slate." The satirical "Life's Lucid Lexicon" reinforces this cynicism, defining political terms mockingly: an "aphorism" is "a plausible lie," and "afterthought" describes politicians' disregard for public welfare. The cartoon "The Compleat Angler" (punning on a fishing classic) depicts politics as fishermen landing prey—suggesting voters are bait to be caught. The bottom cartoon references Columbia (America personified) and Wilson, appearing to comment on inappropriate political language or behavior, though the exact context isn't entirely clear from the visible text.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
DIGGING FOR BAIT Politics ING a song of politics, A pocketful of votes; Four and twenty orators With roaring, raucous throats. When the meeting opens, Much sophistry is said ; The audience were better off At home and safe in bed The heelers in the barroom Are putting out the bait The boss is in the back room Fixing up the slate. A most momentous campaign, Judging from the throes, But it really doesn’t matter Which way the contest goes. Life’s Lucid Lexicon PHORISM—A plausible lie briefly expressed Afterthought—A thought of | sec- ondary importance, such as the public welfare in the minds of office-seckers. Amity—A condition of harmony formerly much in vogue with the Re- publican party. THE COMPLEAT ANGLER DIFFICULT TO LAND Columbia: “e's Not ON GIRL SAYS SHE ABUSING BILLIE, BUT THE LITTLE WILSON R heard sucw LaNcuace! comicbooks.com