Life, 1903-04-02 · page 27 of 36
Life — April 2, 1903 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page consists primarily of **advertisements**, not editorial cartoons. The top half showcases early automobiles from Columbia and the Electric Vehicle Company (circa 1903), highlighting competing technologies: gasoline-powered touring cars versus electric runabouts. The single **cartoon** (right side, top) depicts a confused elephant apologizing to a large tree, saying "Oh, I beg your pardon, sir! I mistook this for a tree-trunk!" This is a visual pun playing on the elephant's trunk—a simple joke with no political content. Below is a **Prudential Insurance advertisement** using an image of the Rock of Gibraltar to symbolize strength and permanence, a common metaphor in early insurance marketing. The page reflects the era's automotive competition and emerging consumer insurance products rather than political satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Automohbiles have been in successful service since 1895, The latest models are a result of eight years steady and consistent attention to largest and best equipped , and are unequaled for effi- jency, durability, perfection of details and elegance of finish. COLUMBIA 24-H. P. GASOLENE TOURING CAR Mark XLI. New and exclusive features throughout. All parts of ission gear instantly accessible. All operating parts Igniting plugs and valves removable without tools. four to forty-five miles per hour. Minim of vibration and noise. t body work and furnishings ever seen on an automobile. Price, - $5,000 COLUMBIA LIGHT ELECTRIC RUNABOUT Mork XXXVUL One of the sensations of the New York and Chicago Shows. Most con- est Electric Runabout in the 1903 market. ry and motor beneath the floor, leaving entire body space available ggage. Low center of gravity gives great steadiness and splendid nualities. Two brakes. Five speeds up to fifteen miles per hour. rty miles on one charge of battery. Price, $900 ELECTRIC BROUGHAMS, HANSOMS, COUPES, CABRIOLETS, TONNEAUS, SURREYS, VICTORIAS, RUNABOUTS, SPECIAL SERVICE WAGONS, BUSSES, WAGONETTES, DELIVERY WAGONS, TRUCKS, PATROL WAGONS, AMBULANCES 33 Catalogue and full information will be sent on request Electric Vehicle Company HARTFORD, CONN. NEW YORK SALESROOMS, West 39th St., opp. Metropolitan Opera Mouse BOSTON, 43 Columbus Ave. CHICAGO, 1421 Michigan Ave. “OH, T BEG YOUR PARDON, SIN! 1 MISTOOK THIS FOR A TRER-TRUNK |"? pa tHAS THE AA (STRENGTH OF (GIBRALTAR \! A Nee very Productive Life is capital in itself and has a definite money value to those dependent upon it. Life Insurance in THE PRUDENTIAL protects that capital and renders that value permanent and certain. Policies AD Ages, 110 70 Both Sexes, Amounts, $100,000 to $18. Wr tr Iairanien, Dept 0. THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE CO. OF AMERICA 20M F. DRYDEN, Prete. HOME OFFICE, Newer. KA, comicbooks.com