Life, 1904-09-22 · page 6 of 20
Life — September 22, 1904 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon illustrates a contemporary take on the Biblical parable of the Prodigal Son. The image shows a woman (the mother) embracing a returning figure, while another woman stands apart—likely representing a wife or romantic interest. The accompanying text "The New Excuse" humorously depicts James Henry Phudd returning home unexpectedly at 3 AM, offering an alibi about visiting Deacon Brewster's new sh*loon on Main Street. His wife questions his disheveled state and late hour. The satire mocks modern domesticity: instead of religious redemption, the "prodigal" seeks forgiveness for dissolute behavior—staying out late at saloons. The joke relies on readers recognizing the absurdity of comparing drinking and carousing to the serious moral failings in scripture, updating ancient morality tales for contemporary urban vices.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HOMEWARD BOUND, Our Fresh-Air Fund. Previously acknowledged... Fair given by Dorothy, Louis, Donald. W.W. B. $6,927-25 At a recent meeting of the trustees of the Branchville Fresh-Air Association, at Lire’s Farm, the following resolution, among others, commemorating the death of ex- Governor George E, Lounsbury, a fellow-trustee, was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That we deeply mourn the loss of one whose wise counsel and earnest sympathy were never sought in vain; ever and always alive to the moral and intellectual interests and uplifting of mankind in general, more especially those orphaned, or unfortunate ; setting the mark for lofty attainments and noble aspirations. COLORED CHILOREN EAT WATERMELON. Saturday afternoon the colored fresh-air children at Live's Farm, Branchville, had a pleasant outing. Forming in line at the Farm, and headed by a little wee mite of a chap, in a policeman’s uniform, and also by a drum corps composed of their own number, they marched through Branch- ville. Stops were made at the homes of Deacon Gilbert and Major Miller, where the children sang. They then marched to Deacon Gilbert's wood: where a picnic was held. Following the children was a wagonload of water- melons, sandwiches and cookies. The aftersoon was spent in playing games, and at five o'clock the great event of the day took place. It was the time for serving the watermelon and refreshments. To say that the colored children were happy would only express it mildly. It was a most comical sight to watch their smiling faces as they buried them in the melons, and it was a great treat for the children, Later they again formed in line and marched back to the Farm, tired, but as happy as larks.—Aidgefield Press. A XIOUS ENQUIRER: No; the English Primate will not be lodged in the Primates’ House in Bronx Park, when he comes to New York. He will probably put up with Bishop Potter or Mr. Morgan. He is not the kind of a Primate that goes to the Bronx, though it is true that the irreverent sometimes speak of him as the high munk-a- munk of the Anglican Church. The New Excuse. “WY. James Henry Pthudd !" exclaimed his wife, as he clambered up the stairs at three a. Mm. ‘* What in the world do you mean by coming home at this hour, and in such a condition?"’ explained James Henry, carefully, “you jusht calm y’rshelf. I been wiz Deacon Brown an’ Parson Jones, ded’catin’ th’ new sh'loon on Main Shtreet."” THE PRODIGAL UP TO DATE. “TMANKS JUST AS MUCH, POP, FOR THE PATTED CALF, BUT VEAL 15 50 DEUCED UNWHOLESOME, You KNOW. comicbooks.com -