Life, 1912-09-19 · page 19 of 44
Life — September 19, 1912 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon, titled "The Greatest Show on Earth," depicts three circus performers balancing globes and performing acts. This satirizes a commission (likely government-related) meeting about President Taft, mocking their proceedings as theatrical spectacle rather than serious governance. The caption references an adjournment and going "home for a much needed rest," suggesting the commission's work was trivial or performative. The lower cartoon, "Bridge Term: A Grand Slam," shows two figures in a exaggerated dance or struggle, using bridge-game terminology to comment on political maneuvering or conflict—possibly related to Taft administration disputes. The Shakespeare quote about hearing "Sleep no more!" appears to accompany a photograph suggesting anxiety or troubled conscience, likely criticizing government inaction or failed promises. Overall, the page satirizes political theater and governmental ineffectiveness under President Taft.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ee public, It was voted t some time soon, if the weather was good and. President Taft did not object The Commission then adjourned and went home for a much needed rest. eet again BRIDGE TERM A GRAND SLAM THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH “ METHOUGHT 1 HEARD A VOICE CRY, * LEEP NO MoRE!"” —Shakespeare. comicbooks.com