Life, 1913-06-12 · page 14 of 44
Life — June 12, 1913 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"What Congress is Doing"** presents a heated congressional debate about the Supererogatory Archipelago census. Mr. Sombrero proposes counting "finny inhabitants," which Mr. Overlord opposes as violating debate rules. The exchange satirizes Congress's procedural chaos—members constantly interrupting, raising points of order, and losing focus on substantive issues. **"Sanctum Talks"** features a conversation between King Joseph and "Life" about Austria's political troubles, referencing Slavic populations (Russians, Bulgarians, Serbians, Macedonians). The king dismisses concerns, claiming he maintains respectability despite his country being "in a very bad way." The cartoon "As Others See Him" (right) depicts a grotesque demon-like figure—likely representing Austria-Hungary's destabilizing influence in European affairs.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
loll Si ae What Congress is Doing (Being a somewhat altered excerpt from the Congressional Record) M* SOMBRERO (who is delivering one of his well-known masterpieces on the subject of seal fisheries in the Supererogatory Archipelago): The fifty- second proposition which is essential to a census of the finny inhabitants of the Supererogatory Archipelago is— Mr. Sgueak: The time of the gentleman has expired Mr. Somprero: I would like to ask the gentleman if I may proceed for two or three hours more. Mr, Overtorp: I will say that I cannot consent to a vio- lation of the rules of this House, that all speeches such as. this should be seen and not heard. make a special plea that I be allowed to continue on the ground that what I have to say is of no importance whatsoever. Mr. Overtorp: In that case, if it be understood that whatever the gentleman from Vinegar Ridge says from now on will have no effect on any one present, I will with- draw my objection. Mr. Somnrexo: The fifty-second proposition, which is essential to a census of the finny inhabitants of the Super- erogatory Archipelago, is Mr. Insomnta: Will the gentleman yield? Mr. Sominero: Certainly. Mr. INsomnta: I would like to ask the gentleman what is the present population of the northern half of the Malayan Mesopotamia. Mr. Pomps: I make the point of order that this is alto- gether too germane to receive attention at this time. . Mr. Insomnia: The point of order is not well taken, as I am prepared to show that my question has nothing to do with the subject under discussion. Mk. Broavctotu : I should like to ask the gentleman to begin all over again, as I was compelled to absent myself from the chamber in order to get my shoes shined. Tue Cuairsan: Would the gentleman be willing to begin all over again? Mr. Soaurexo: Certainly. Mr. Biatuer: I call for a ruling on the point of order. Tue CuairMan: The point of order is sustained. (No applause.) Mr. Somnrexo: The first proposition, which is essential toa of the finny inhabitants of the Supererogatory Archipelago, is— Mr. Newcomen: I should like to ask: Mr. Squeak : I object. Mr. Umpire: Game called on account of darkness. EL O. J. Sanctum Talks “AH, Lire!” Why, my dear King Joseph— delighted to see you! How is every- thing in Austria?” “T fear me, Lire, everything is not as it should be. Those Slavs—” “Oh! you mean the Russians and the Bulgarians and the Servians and the Macedonians “Yes, Lire; and a good many of my own people, too. They have all got the taste of blood recently. They will be deposing me next.” “Shades of Metternich! Don’t sug- gest such a thing. ‘As if Francis Jo- seph were not the most respected monarch in Europe! “That is where you are mistaken, Lire. The mere fact that I do lead a respectable life does not make me re- spected. Really, my country is in a very bad way. This Bulgarian upstart nation has upset things completely. We don't quite know where we are “Don't worry, Sire. Remember that AS OTHERS SEE HIM comicbooks.com