Life, 1908-05-21 · page 11 of 28
Life — May 21, 1908 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main illustration depicts a mountainous landscape with what appears to be a wooden structure or boat on the left and figures in the foreground. The caption reads: "PERSIA WAS SUFFICIENTLY HILLY TO GIVE THE ZIP A GREAT VARIETY OF EXERCISE." The accompanying text discusses Mr. Comstock being urged by the Czar to become Russian National Censor, with Nicholas exclaiming "Think of it!" The passage satirizes Comstock's censorship activities by humorously suggesting he would find work in Russia. The joke appears to reference Anthony Comstock, the famous American moral crusader and censor, implying his rigorous censorship would suit an autocratic Russian regime. The lower section contains unrelated content including "Proper Questions to Ask Upon Meeting an American for the First Time" and a brief exchange about "Humpty Dumpty."
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
PERSIA WAS SUFFICIENTLY HILLY TO GIVE THE ZIP A GREAT V. Mr. Comstock was urged by the Czar to become the Russian National Censor, at a magnificent salary. “Think of it!” exclaimed Nicholas. “With Comstock at the head of the sup- pression movement, no revolution would be possible, Siberia would scarcely be big enough to hold the innocent ones corralled.”” But the thought of Paris was too much for Anthony. “My duty lies elsewhere!” he exclaimed. In the evening a public dinner was held, at which the Czar made the following speech: “Monsicurs Taft, Melcalfe, Comstock, Gibson and Shaw: It gives me great pleasure to welcome to my country such distinguished gasoline representatives. While not fond of explosions myself, I appreciate them in others. Once more Russia and America join hands across the sea in a common odor. Once more”— At this moment a bomb was let off, mer- cifully stopping the Czar from making the usual after-dinner speech. In the meantime Comstock was getting restive. “Don't let's waste any more precious moments over these East-siders!” he ex- claimed, “I say, on to Maxim's!” After this, Paris! (To be concluded) BIRD in hand is good, but, on the whole, I'd rather have one in a casserole. Proper Questions to Ask Upon Meeting an American for the First Time OW much is he worth ? Is he married, single or divorced ? Does he play poker or bridge? Who is his favorite author—Ade or Chambers? Does a quiet place disturb him ? Does he own part of his own home and the rest mortgaged in an automobile? Was he once a Democrat? hate \ Roosevelt ? adore How much does he { “ HAT happened to Humpty Dump- ty?” “He bought stocks on a margin.” comicbooks.com