Life, 1905-09-14 · page 8 of 24
Life — September 14, 1905 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes excessive social reserve and emotional restraint. The story shows "Buddway" (a fictional character) being advised by his wife that he's "too reserved" and should be warmer to others, citing the popular Mr. Caperton as an example of friendliness. The cartoons illustrate the contrast: one shows Buddway's stiff, uncomfortable demeanor; another depicts two figures playing chess, captioned "Voice of Caperton (from the other room): WHO'S WINNING? HE: I THINK I AM." The satire mocks how some men maintain rigid emotional distance even in casual social situations, suggesting that genuine warmth—even performative politeness—would serve them better socially. It's a gentle critique of emotional guardedness as a character flaw.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
To Thine Own Self. “MY” DEAR, you are too reserved and blunt" Buddway looked at his wife soberly. fo you mean?" he said, “I'm “That's the trouble, you are too much so, You don’t put yourself out cnough for others. You are too cold It is hurting you. Look at Mr. Caperton—how popular he is. “Nonsense. My friends understand me. They know that Iam not a p. ve as many friends as verer t’s all right, but will find that it would make a t difference if you would cople a little Try to them. They like it.’ y reflected anything in it?" heasked Voice of Chaperon (from the other room): WMO'S WINNING ? He: 1 THINK 1 AM, -LIFE- EVERY ONE WAS SURE NOKBY WOULD END ON THE GALLOWS, BUT ME LATER BECAME PRESIDENT. “[ don't think. Iknow. Domea favor. Just try it and see.” “ Well—perhaps I will.” Buddway started out. Maybe, after all, his wife was right. He didn’t gush enough. He thought about his friend Caperton. ‘aperton certainly knew how to do that sort of thing. Buddway envied him. “Tl do it,” he muttered to himself. “I can and I will!" Suddenly he looked w Stinson was a t aw Stinson ahead of him, siness ntance. He was about to pass, wi t nod of recognition, when Buddway grasped ally by the hand Delighted!" he cried,“ This pleasure. How's the wife—and f But you is indeed an unexpected and self? How were handsome." nson gasped at him in astonishment. Had the reserved, rather distant chap whom everybody respected, and whom he had always wanted to get better acquainted azy ? ou are lookin with, suddenly ¢ “Glad you think so,” he half stammered, and, excusing himself rather abruptly, hurried on. Buddway entercd his office. \h, good morning, Mr. Jones," he said to his chief clerk, cordially, with a bright smile. ‘ How are you this morning? Always up bright and early, Don't over- work yourself, We must give you a little rest.” J ht his breath and opened his eyes in wonder. Buddway usually came in silently, walked to his desk, opened his mail, and gave his instructions in as many monosyllables as possible. Jones escaped with the news as soon as he could and spread it around the office “The old man must have gone crazy," he whispered. comicbooks.com