Life, 1913-10-09 · page 13 of 44
Life — October 9, 1913 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon satirizes the selection of a new Poet Laureate. A well-dressed man in a top hat stands beside "Tammany the Bandit King" (a tiger wearing a sash), suggesting Tammany Hall's political influence over literary appointments. The accompanying poem mockingly lists various literary figures claiming "I" should be chosen, each boasting different qualifications—smooth verse, strong verse, great length—culminating absurdly with A. Dobson claiming last place. The satire targets both the vanity of competing poets and the implication that Tammany Hall's machine politics, rather than literary merit, determines such prestigious honors. The cartoon criticizes the corrupting influence of political machines on cultural institutions in the Gilded Age.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“OUR MARVELOUS TAMMANY WILL ONCE MORE DEMONSTRATE THE ART OF ESCAPING FROM HIS SHACKLES IN VIEW OF ALL” Feldspar, the management, talking to Chief of Police and other press agents. “You are less ashamed than for- merly,” I narrate hashly. “Why should I feel ashamed of em- ploying Truth among my actresses?” he snagger. “T never saw Truth behave so care- less!” I dib. “ She are most truthful when naked,” he exclam. “ She are,” I renig forscorns, “ But when Hon. Stage Manager dress her in X ray skirt she appear entirely dis- honest. Hoping you are the same Yours truly, Hasuimvra Toco. (Per Wallace Irwin.) Too Democratic INATOR THOMAS, of Colorado, has made an interesting proposal regarding the currency. It is to re- fund the entire public debt with ten- year two per cent. bonds, which may he converted on demand into currency. Interesting, but too democratic for the experts. Elastic, yes, but entirely too clastic. Government bonds may now be converted into currency on demand, but only the national bankers have the “open sesame”, and, too, they have this monopoly on a most ingenious basis which aliows them to convert their bonds while still drawing interest. We can't, therefore, consider such a revolutionary notion at this time, It would ruffle too many silk hats. 605 The Choosing of the Laureate Wott be the next Laureate? “1,” said Rudyard K. “Twill pay, pay, pay! To make me next Laureate.” Who'll make a great noise? “I,” said A. N. Again and again, “Tl make a great Noyes.” Who'll write good odes? “T," said Mrs, Meynell, Ly facile pen'll Write very good odes.” Who'll write smooth verse? “1,” said Phillips (Stephen), “My metre is even, T'll write smooth verse.” Who'll write strong verse? “1” said T. H—. “Choose My Hardy Muse, I'll write strong verse.” Who'll write at great length? Cried J. Masefield, “ Done! Reader, count in as one Of your Everlasting Mercies My Everlasting Verse: I'll write at great length Who's last on the list? “I,” said A. Dobson, “Though not Choice of Hobson, I'm last on the list.” (And ever since the new Laureate has been appointed) Many bards have an air Of sighing, “It’s too late, But you should have chosen ME For Poet Laureate!” Sarah Redington. Free and Equal “T)O you truly and honestly believe that all men are born free and equal?" asked Jimpson, of the genial philosopher, “TI sure do,” replied the G. P. “ Free of all responsibility, and equal to not less than three square meals a day.” comicbooks.com