Life, 1891-09-03 · page 15 of 22
Life — September 3, 1891 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several brief satirical jokes mocking wealthy American society circa early 1900s: **Top section** mixes gossipy society notes with humor: a man loses his yacht in a baccarat game; wealthy Boston clubs obsess over bean cookery; nouveau-riche women display ostentatious diamond jewelry; marriage-minded families converge at Saratoga hotels hoping to catch a wealthy Montana bachelor. **Comic dialogue** targets social hypocrisy and materialism: - "From Hand to Mouth" jokes that a reckless man lives off others' generosity - A woman advises her niece that appearance (what you wear) matters more than character (what you are) - A young woman sarcastically responds to a man's claim she's his first kiss—implying he's lying or she's been kissed by many - Final exchange mocks a man forced to play cards for money he can't afford The overall satire critiques the era's wealthy class for their superficiality, recklessness with money, obsession with status symbols, and moral compromises—themes central to *Life* magazine's social commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
As the result of a little game of baccarat the other evening on board Charlie Softleigh’s yacht, the Scenterbored, Captain Shady, of the British army, is now the owner of that craft. The Boston Browning Clubs will hold their annual convention at the Umstagook House next week. Mine host Lardner has sent his che/ to Boston for special instruction in the cooking of beans. Mrs. Swarzman Icketheimer of Long Branch, appeared in a new bathing suit last werk. The shoulder-clasps consist of three rows of large diamonds, and the girdle is studded with rubies and sapphires in alternate rows. Mrs. Jason Hunter aud the four Misses Hunter, Mrs. Chase Mano and three daughters, and Mrs, Wall Flower and family have just ar- rived at the Union States Hotel, Saratoga. _A pressdispatch announced last week that Mr. S. I. Rich, the bachelor millionaire from Montana, was to spend a fortnight at the same hotel. FROM HAND TO MOUTH. an : Cholly’s a reckless dog ; seems always to live from hand to mouth. THE Major: Yes; and mostly from some other fellow’s hand. RS. STRONG: The great thing is—what you are / HER Pretty NIECE: Wrong, Auntie; the great thing is, what you wear. SHE SPOKE WITHOUT THINKING. This One: Do you Kxow, Miss Hoxevpew—eR—DoLty—vou ARE THE FIRST GIRL I HAVE EVER KISSED! Dolly (incredulously): OM, THAT'S JUST WHAT THEY aff say! Lucullus : Damocles : GET AS CHEAP Wuat’s THE MATTER WITH YOU, OLD FELLER ? NOTHING, EXCEPTING THE AS THAT AND A CHAP’S GOT TO PLAY HaAMt. SAGINAW TO-MORROW NIGHT, IT — Lucullus : SAY NO MORE, PARDNER, YOU HAVE MY SYMPATHY ! comicbooks.com