Puck — March 12, 1879 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Puck Page 3 This page contains three distinct satirical pieces: 1. **"Life Insurance Bubbles"**: Mocks life insurance companies' deceptive practices, comparing them to financial schemes that collapse, leaving citizens defrauded of savings. 2. **"The Robeson Solo"**: A poem satirizing a politician (appears to be named Robeson) who rose through corrupt practices—accepting bribes, manipulating politics, and enriching himself while claiming democratic service. 3. **"The Silly Congressional Ostrich"**: Critiques Congress for avoiding a contentious national question about state mottos, with members burying their heads like ostriches rather than addressing the issue directly. The accompanying roach illustration represents the unwanted pest Congress ignores. **"Roscoe to the Rescue"**: Brief item mocking Secretary of State Gresham's ineffectual diplomatic efforts. All target governmental and institutional corruption and incompetence.