Life, 1913-07-03 · page 18 of 48
Life — July 3, 1913 — page 18: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes early-1900s anarchist and radical movements in America. The text, credited to Wallace Irwin (a humor writer), features a character named Hasimura Togo—likely a Japanese immigrant—discussing Emma Goldman, the famous anarchist activist, in broken English for comic effect. The satire mocks anxieties about "foreign" radicalism: Goldman was arrested for carrying fireworks (a reference to bomb-making fears). The protagonist contrasts her with patriotic symbols like George Washington and Fourth of July celebrations—ridiculing the contrast between radical talk and American traditions. The lower cartoon, "The Darlings," darkly jokes about domestic anarchist terrorism: a couple casually discusses "dispatching the bomb" and mailing "the infernal machine" before attending tea—treating violent anarchist acts as mundane household tasks. The humor relies on period fears of immigrant-led bombings and anarchist plots.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Harry Thaw, turkey trott and other forms of horseracing ; if it enable them to shake off the yolk of street R R's and raise shoot-guns against impurity in elections and other canned goods, then I shall become enthusiastic to murder myself and friends with skyrockets like every true E Pluribust Unum should on date of July 4. Otherwise, not!!" ‘I am entirely disgust with your Emma Geldmanship!” gawsp Sydney. “Ah No!" I rejuvenate. “Hon, Emma should be ar- rested for carrying fireworks in her mouth.” “And yet you talk garbage,” naggravate S. Katsu, Jr. “T should rather talk garbage than vacuum,” I jab forth. “Perhapsly!” he snib. “We each has our favorite languages. But when I speak this red-white-and-blue ora- tory on July 4 I shall do my duty by all eagles and Hon, Geo Washington who shall be mentioned.” “Could you not forget Hon. Geo slightly?” I ask plaintifely. “Why should?” he collapse. “Are not Hon. Geo still a respectable Father of His Country? If not, why should his photo be on all postage stamps “ Sydney Katsu, Jr.,” I rake off, “ reply this conundrum. What are difference between a postage stamp and a 4th July oration?" “I give it upwards,” say Sydney. “A postage stamp is worth 2c," I snagger cowcattishly while Sydney stomp away leaving me quite divorced. Hoping you are the same. Yours truly, Hasuimura Toco. (Per Wallace Irwin.) SSSR mtr Young, *. RES THE DARLINGS “JENNIE, HAVE YOU DISPATCHED THE BOMB? * “YES, DEAR.” “HAVE YOU MAILED THE INF “YES, MY ANGEL.” “THEN POWDER YOUR NOSE AND WE'LL GO TO MRS. STIM- SON’S TEA.” AL MACHINE?" comicbooks.com