It says "since 1897", not that's it is 1897. Much like the New York Post exists since 1801. Though I do have to say that for an article that just came out, that's a rather poor-quality photograph.
I know it was a joke, but it's a joke that didn't make sense. If it says "since 1897", then that's not the same as having a publishing date of 1897. Plus, it's hard to know if it's a joke knowing the guys I deal with on these forums. 50-50 that it wasn't a joke just by reading it tbh.