Life, 1909-09-30 · page 20 of 32
Life — September 30, 1909 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains several satirical pieces reflecting early 20th-century concerns: **"The Dispute"** mocks Arctic exploration rivalries of the era—likely referencing the heated competition between explorers like Cook and Peary over who reached the North Pole first (a genuine controversy around 1909). The joke's irony: the argument becomes absurdly physical despite originating from one participant's dubious authority gained from merely seeing a polar bear in Central Park. **"To the Creditor"** satirizes the Victorian merchant-debtor relationship, where creditors extended credit while being reluctant to actually collect payment—presenting this as quasi-noble charity. **"Dwelling in Gotham"** is a simple joke about New York's high cost of living. The remaining pieces offer mild social humor about kissing etiquette and wartime bravery. The advertisements (Martin & Martin boots, Hampshire Paper) represent typical contemporary marketing. Overall, the page reflects pre-WWI American humor: topical references to exploration scandals, gentle mockery of social pretension and financial customs, and commercial messaging—all hallmarks of *Life*'s satirical approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Dispute Smith said that Cook was surely first To stand upon the pole And Brown said Peary was the man Who won the icy goal Brown added then a few remarks On Smith's veracity, And Smith responded with a punch On Brown's anat Now where had Brown gained Arctic lore To give his views such weight? He once within a skating rink To the Creditor A Toast Here's to the Creditor! Long may he reign is Faith never waver, his Trust nee and gay, Yet quick to resent the least offer of pay— May he soften his heart, as he softened, we're. told, To the Israelites’ “ touch”? the Egyptian of old And when on his last long account he shall leek, The angel will say as he closes the book “The Lord gives you Credit for Credit yea gave!"" So here’s to the Creditor—long may he waive!” —Oliver Herford in Collier's Dwelling in Gotham Foreicn Visitor: Does it cost much to live Had cut the figure And where had Smith acquired his fund * in New York? Of information rare? Host: No, sir; it doesn’t cost much to live i Some years ago in Central Park this city, but it costs like Sam Hill to keep y He saw a polar bear. appearances.—New York Weekly. To steal a kiss is natural. To buy one is stupid. Two girls kissing is a waste of time. To kiss one’s sister is proper. To kiss one’s wife Tur Lavy (to hero who had risked his life to is an obligation. To kiss an ugly woman is gal save her little dog from a watery grave, and lantry. To kiss an old, faded woman is devo looks for some reward): Poor fellow, kow wet tion. To kiss a young, blushing girl is—quite a and cold you are! You must be soaked through different thing. To kiss one’s rich au hy to the skin. Here—I'll give you some quinine LIFE’S SUGGESTION TO HUDSON-FULTON CELEBRA- risy. Kissing three girls on the pills; ca C and two more in an TION VISITORS WHO WISH TO AVOID BEING TAKEN extravagance. To kiss one’s mother-in-law hour's ¢ and Country. FOR STRANGERS, holy sacrifice —The Sun. Bravery Its Own Reward Lure ig published every Thur s ritish Possessions, | $5.0 a year in advance. fitional postage to. Union. $t - Single current copies. 10 ¢en! neery Lane. London, ch's News Exchang ‘ew Coveniry Street, Leicester Square, W. London lan: Mayence, Germany rn nnless accontp ted. For Reprint Rights in Great Bri‘ain ath ‘sponsible for the lors or Hon all Newsdealers to Great lirain Teed (Shoe Wats faction Every one of the merits of custom boots ~ plus several others~may now be yours with. out any waitin . We offer you literal correc ness, fetching smartness, integrity of mater- tal and a rationa price scale, in Fine Boots for Men EYomen Ready for Jostant Service Vhs nm GC Sutin Nol Last 35%S¢ New York LE3 Machigén Ave. Chicago WRITE hurled, the visit That « WHEN YOU a formal note or a social letter, you are ofta forced to choose between a printed busines letterhead, ladies’ stationery, or some of the soft, flimsy paper so often offered men. AX your dealer for ‘‘ the stationery of 2 gentleman,” SibiGinagchee eal into an a paper meeting every social requiremen| and distinctly for men. Keep a box if, your rooms and one at the office. Sample on Request HAMPSHIRE PAPER COMPANY The Onty Paper Makers in the Worl Making Bend Paper Exclusively SOUTH HADLEY FALLS comicbooks.com