Life, 1905-06-08 · page 13 of 26
Life — June 8, 1905 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a two-part satire on hypocrisy and small-town morality: **Main Story ("Vanquished"):** A "Village Gossip"—a woman who spreads scandal and controls town reputation through rumor—meets her match in a new, sophisticated woman who openly admits to vices (drinking, smoking, gambling). The Gossip attempts to expose and shame her, but discovers the town actually *wants* these "wicked" activities. The scandal-monger loses her power when people prefer secret vice to public morality. The satire mocks towns that simultaneously condemn immorality while actively pursuing it. **Legal Cartoon ("Cause"):** Shows a prosecutor questioning a juror who admits receiving legal advice from the defendant's counsel, yet claims he'll remain unbiased. The satire ridicules this obvious conflict of interest—the man clearly *would* sympathize with the defendant, making fair judgment impossible. **Title reference:** The caption "Is This the Attitude of the Protestant Episcopal Church?" suggests the cartoon critiques institutional hypocrisy or selective justice.
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Vanquished. y (-YNCE there town named rowville, that was pre- sided over by a Village Gossip. The Village Gossip became a human yellow journal by — decorating herself with — three-inch headlines about the latest scandal, and was read by + everybody and despised by all. One day she called on a new tamily who had just moved in. The lady of the house came down with an outstretched hand and a large smile. She had heard of the Village Gossip and had been warned about her and was prepared. “I'm so glad to see you," she said. “Twas afraid I was going to be lone- some. You know my husband is rarely home,” “Business, I suppose,” said the V. G. “Ob, no. But you know he drinks, You'll hear all about it later, We are on the verge of a separation, By the way, do you smol Here are some really good cigarett: The Village Gossip gasped and de- clined. “T'm afraid we're a trifle narrow here,” she said; ‘‘but you know we been educated up to this Oh, no, I suppose not," said the You still go to church serve the Sabbath, and all that sort of thing, I suppose, But you'll get over that all right. That's what I've come for.” “What did I understand you to say you had come for ?"’ said the V. G. **T didn’t say,” said the New Lady, calmly, ‘but I will. I've come to re- form the town, I’ve come to introduce Scotch Highballs and Bridge and specu- ation, and Sunday golf and_ flirta- tions, and everything you can think of. You see, my husband and I are out, and I've got to have something to oc- cupy my mind. I'm afraid you're too wicked for me,” said the Village Gossip, as she Tose to go. The next day was the busiest day the Village Gossip ever had. Oa Oe “I consider it my solemn duty to yagai ch awoman,"” she said, as she went the rounds. “I actually saw her smoking, and she calmly told me she going to do all she coutd to make everybody here as thoroughly bad as she is. I shall certainly never enter her door again.”” The result was that when anyone in town wanted to have a really good time, and not have anyone know what they were doing, they went to the New Lady, who soon became the most popu- lar person in the place 679 And the Village Gossip was thrown completely out of business, Monat. ys tell the truth and » Gossip. Addison Fox, Jr. ame the Cause. ROSECUTOR (examining men): Have you ever known the prisoner or his counsel ? TaLesMan : Yes—h me some advice once Prosecutor: You you would evidently sympathize with the prisoner. tales- counst ina lawsuit are excused— gave 18 THIS THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH ? comicbooks.com