Life, 1914-11-19 · page 12 of 44
Life — November 19, 1914 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This *Life* magazine page contains two satirical cartoons mocking wealthy industrialists and political corruption. The top cartoon titled "Fat Burglar" depicts a grotesque figure emerging from a tree, satirizing corrupt business dealings. The accompanying article "How to Run a Railroad" sarcastically advises acquiring millionaires and stock brokers to manipulate legislation and profit from railroad bonds—describing a system of bribery and insider dealing. The bottom cartoon shows "Uncle John" offering candy to a child, with text joking about bribery ("gimme some more candy I'll let you kiss me"). The right illustration depicts a wealthy man commissioning an artist to paint his portrait, with the caption mocking how the newly rich acquire "ancestral" artwork and furnishings to appear cultured—satirizing nouveau riche pretension and the corruption of Gilded Age industrialists.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘LPP E* Fat Burglar: ecco, veRN Ye, ER I'LL FALL ON YE! “UNCLE JOHN, IF YOU'LL GIMME SOME MORE CANDY I'LL LET YOU KISS MF, AN I'LL, PROMISE NOT TO RUB IT OFF” Our Useful Department How to Run a RatLroap G acquainted with four or five millionaires and. any stock broker. Step into any State and buy a good working Legislature. If you spend a little time and put your mind on the job you can get one cheap. From a department store order a modern railroad equipment and have it delivered on the spot. When your rails have been laid, issue enough bonds to pay for the trouble you have caused others. From the bonds issue stock, Divide the proceeds among your millionaire friends, and with your share become a United States Senator. Thus you will complete the circle and show that you love your country for what it has done for you. The Artist: WHat Is IT YoU WISH ME TO DO? Millionaire (who has just acquired an ancestral home- stead, including furnishings): Just GIVE THEM A TOUCH HERE AND THERE SO THEY WILL HAVE MY FAMILY RESEM- BLANCE