Life, 1909-02-18 · page 7 of 32
Life — February 18, 1909 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes social lying and deception. The main cartoon depicts a biblical scene—"The Condemning of Ananias and Sapphira" (Acts 5)—where early Christians were struck dead for lying about charitable donations. The irony is stark: this ancient punishment for dishonesty contrasts with modern acceptance of lies. The article discusses prevalent social lies of the era—white lies at tea parties and bridge clubs, marital excuses ("You must be mistaken"), professional deceptions among politicians. A secondary cartoon jokes about politicians' expensive lies requiring "material" (money) versus cheaper social lies. The page mocks how lying has become normalized in society despite religious/moral condemnation, suggesting early 20th-century concerns about eroding honesty in social and political life.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Styles in Lies HITE lies are still worn. They have been largely seen at after- noon teas and bridge clubs. There is a greater variety of matri- monial lies than ever. They come in all colors, ranging from the dark brown to the long green. Some of the most pop- ular are seen about two in the morning in the front hall. While there are some new effects, as a general rule, the men stick to the same old styles, varying them to suit their individual require- ments. Some of the most popular phrases ac- companying lies are “Honor bright,"” You can search me!’* “ Why I never hought of such a thin ou must be mistaken, I was at home in bed at the tin “So sorry to have missed you.” “I have had a perfectly corking time."" “How young you have grown, “T would dearly love to, but I have an- other engagement.” “ Would like to ac- commodate you, old man, but my bank xccount is already overdrawn.” “ What 1 perfectly dear little baby !'? “T shall be all broken up if you don’t come. W simply can’t get along without you.”” “And to think I should have won the first prize: and Oh, it is just exactly what I wanted!’? “Our directors’ meeting will probably last until mid- night, darling, but don’t worry or sit up for me.” Bare faced lies have a certain vogue among a select few. George, Sr.: wy pip you cHor pows THAT CHERRY TREE WITH youR LITTLE uateMET, Georcr? George. Jn.: BECAUSE 1 COULDN’T FIND THE AXE, PATHER, ING OF. ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA St Peter: ye MAVE NOT LIED UNTO MEN BUT UNTO ME.—Acts, chap. 5 The lie direct is going out in Wash- ington. Politicians still affect the more ex- pensive lies, never using any material vnless it has been bought and paid for. Witness-stand lies among magnates are still in vogue. They are very quiet in their effects, but get there just the same. UNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHER: What was Adam’s punishment for eating the forbidden fruit, Johnnie? Jounxiz (confidently): He had to marry Eve. “coop ror’ revit” comicbooks.com