Life, 1912-11-07 · page 20 of 60
Life — November 7, 1912 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon mocks New York Governor John A. Dix's political weakness and subordination to political boss **Charles F. Murphy**, the powerful Democratic machine leader. The editor of *Life* magazine interviews the Governor, who claims to be honest, courageous, and independent—yet immediately undermines himself by admitting Murphy "does about everything." When advised to remove Murphy's influence to restore his reputation, the Governor's absurd response is to go ask Murphy what he thinks about it first. The joke: Dix is so completely controlled by Murphy that he cannot even conceive of making a decision without Murphy's approval. His supposed virtues are rendered meaningless by his total political dependence. This satirizes the corruption of machine politics, where nominal leaders are puppets of backroom bosses.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
-LIFE.- Sanctum Talks “Well Governor—what can I do for you?” “(CX OOD morning, my dear Lire!” “Why, hello, Governor Dix! When did you come down from Albany?” “This morning. Murphy said that I could get off for the day, and I thought I’d drop in and have a chat.” “Well, Governor, what can I do for you?” “Nothing much. Murphy does about everything. All I want is a little consolation.” “Well, I'am strong on consolation, Governor, and I’m willing to try it with you. Anybody who has lived so long with Murphy. " “Now, look here, Lire, that’s what I object to. I’m an honest man.” “You alarm me!” “T’'m a courageous man.” “You frighten me!" “I'm a fiercely independent man.” “You amuse me!" “And yet, Lire, I am the most misunderstood man in this country. With all my qualities of statesmanship and ability to lead—just because it happens that I have been nice to Murphy—everybody thinks me just the opposite.” “There’s only one way to remedy that, Governor.” “How?” “Kick Murphy out—bag and baggage.” “Do you know, Lire, that thought had occurred to me; but isn’t it too late now?” “Not necessarily, Governor. It might re-establish your reputation, Your fierce and untrammelicd courage might at last be revealed. Why don’t you decide to do it?” “Well, Lire, I must confess there is an idea there. I have it! I'll tell you what I'll do!” “Yes?” “TH run up and see Murphy and find out what he thinks about it.” “Splendid idea, Governor! Good morning.” “Good morning, Lire.” To the New York Policeman ERRANT Knight and Glory of the Force, Who daily saves me from the trampling horse And snatching taxicab; who bends an ear With gentle Irish courtesy to hear My fluttered question of my puny woe; Who tells me where to find and how to go And what the time; who chaperons my trip Across the Avenue with faithful grip Upon my elbow (nay, around my neck, Good sir, kind, clever sir, so you but check That gurgling motor snouting on my trail!)— Who dares malign you with a lying tale? Graft, murder, shame? I know that cannot be— You are so tall, so very kind to me. —Juliet Wilbor Tompkins, The Zone System NE can hardly blame the newspapers for not inveigh- ing against the “zone system” which our federal solons have adopted for the parcel post. We must remem- ber that our newspapers have been very b lately and that it takes a long time for a perfectly judicial and ju- dicious editor to solve such a puzzle. And it is a puzzle than which no effort of Sam T. Jack, or whoever it is that contrives all the puzzles, never elaborated a more confusing mental maze. We should advise the newspapers to look into the matter as soon as they get a little time. UNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER: And what should we do after breaking a commandment, Willie? Wie: Muzzle de papers and hire a good lawyer. STUDY IN EXPRESSION MEETING BETWEEN BOYHOOD CHUMS—ONE OF WHOM HAS SINCE ACQUIRED MONEY comicbooke