Life, 1893-04-20 · page 13 of 16
Life — April 20, 1893 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two separate humorous pieces satirizing American society circa early 1900s. **"His Intentions"** (main story): A visiting Denver investor and local Big Union officials discuss the town's prospects. They're impressed by Leonard P. Jennings, a wealthy landowner with 1,200 acres, presented as the town's most influential figure. The satire's punchline: when asked if he'll improve newly-purchased land, Jennings explodes that he plans to *mortgage* it instead—revealing that even this supposedly shrewd businessman is speculating rather than developing. The joke mocks boom-town land speculation mentality. **"At the Salon"** and accompanying jokes: These are brief quips. One exchanges bon mots about a woman who is "a poem" but nobody wants her—likely satirizing pretentious salon society or artistic circles. Another mocks the pointlessness of smoking the second half of a cigarette. The cartoons and lighter pieces suggest Life's satirical range from economic folly to social affectation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HIS INTENTIONS, HEY were standing in front of the post office at Big Union; the bank president, the editor, the fruit grower and the visitor from Denver interested in Big Union property. They had discussed the outlook for the new year and viewed it in all its aspects. They had guessed on the peach crop, the rate of money, and the number of new subscribers. Then they fell short of a subject. And still the mail tarried. A short man with a gold watch chain, an air of prosperity, and a small cigar, approached, stepping briskly along up the street. “ Here's Jennings,” remarked the editor. “Who's Jennings?” asked the visitor from Denver. “Jennings, Leonard P. Jennings,” re- plied the bank president, ‘is one of the most influential men in the Valley, sir. His guarantee alone will sell a quarter section. He owns about twelve hundred acres of Big Union land, and is a firm believer in the future of our city.” The visitor seemed impressed. Mr. Jennings approached, “ Well, Jennings,” cried the fruit grower, AT THE SALON. “Jove! THAT's FINE BROAD HANDLING, ISN'T IT?” “YES, AND A FINE BROAD SUBJECT, TOO.” “{ hear you've bought that eighty of Snider's. What you going to do with it, sell or improve?” “Do with it!" responded Mr. Jennings, in righteous wrath. “Do with it! I'm going to mortgage it, you dern fool! Did you think I was going to let it stand idle ?” Richard Stillman Powell. Creu (throwing away a half-made cigarette): 1 wondah why the last half of a cigawette isn’t fit to smoke. THE Major: Perhaps for the same reason that the first half isn’t. HE: She is a poem. A STEAM HEATED FLAT. THE PorT: Why? Does no one want her ? comicbooks.com