Life, 1909-12-23 · page 20 of 28
Life — December 23, 1909 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **three humorous short pieces** typical of Life's satirical format, plus period advertisements. **"Process of Civilization"** satirizes missionary work and Western imperialism. A man questions why missionaries "civilize" indigenous peoples, noting the ironic cycle: missionaries teach them to abandon traditional ways, which leads them to work for money to become "prosperous and rich"—the very leisure and comfort they already possessed. The joke critiques how Western "civilization" actually disrupts indigenous life while claiming to improve it. **"She Had a Better Plan"** is a romantic joke about testing love. While one girl suggests a folk charm (burning chestnuts to reveal a suitor), another proposes a more direct method: placing a man on a sofa in dim light and observing his behavior—implying seduction as a "test" of his affection. **"A Bargain"** jokes about a woman's illogical economics: she rejected a wealthy suitor but now pursues him after he's broke, because she enjoys getting discounted goods. The page is primarily **advertising** (Florida Water, Galox tooth powder, Philip Morris cigarettes), reflecting Life's revenue model.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“AUT SCISSORS | AUT NULLUS “Her Winter Garb likes a contrast ¢ weather's rough ; Rather believes In elbow sleeves Coupled with a muff Woman likes a contrast When a freeze occurs; Has a quirk For open work Worn with h —Philedelphia Et Process of Civilization “Why do we send missionaries to the savages? ’’ asked the man. To civilize What good does that do them? "’ “Tt educates them out of habits of ness.” And what then? They go to wor “What do they work for? '* “To become prosperous and rich." ta Canada S2 cents. Single current copies. 10 Ce on, 28 cents. nerned unless accompanied by stamped an ‘Ne for the loss or non return of dort not hold reat Britain, The Interna Tire is for sate by aft ‘Newsdealers in AS CHRISTMAS SEEMS TO PAPA “What them?" good does prosperity do “It procures the and com- fort."" “Which was what they ds stirring them up. "Cleveland Leade leisure had before What's Chancery Lane, London arbach's N ees. Par se text and tin fo Live, 118 Sone sack numbers. alter three (envelope. Live onal ampton Row, Lor Prompt notification should be sent by si She Had a Better Plan It was the dreamy hour after Christ- mas dinner and the girls were talking in the hushed tones appropriate to the oc- casion. “T've just heard of a new charm to tell whether any one loves you, and, if so, who it is," whispered Elsie. “What is it?" queried Sophie, ab- sently fingering her new diamond ring. “Well, you take four or five chestnuts, name each of them after some man you know, and then put them on the stove, and the first one that pops is the one that loves you.”” “T know a better way than * Do you “Yes, indeed. By my plan you take one particular man, place him on the n the parlor, sit close to him with the light a little low, and look into his eyes. And then if he doesn’t pop you'll know it's time to change the man on the sofa.""—Ladies’ Home Journal. A Bargain Nett: Isn't she a peculiar girl? She wouldn't look at him when he was rich, no’ after he’s lost all his money, she ace; Bette you know how cra every woman is to get anything that's reduced.—Tit-Bits. but Custoster: Is this an up-to-date doll? Currx: Yes, madan it says, * Votes for women.’"—Harper’s Bazar. Treasure Without exception the best and most popular Toilet Perfume made yy the Bath it is cooling and reviving; on the Handkerchief and for general Toilet use it is delightful ; after Shaving it is simply the very best thing to use, ASK YOUR DRUGGIST FOR IT. ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE! Depends for its virtues not upon strong oils, carbolic or other irritating disinfectants, but upon the presence of Oxygen (prroxide)—Nature’s purifier. Ast your Dentist—he knows, OF ALL DRUGGISTS, 25 CENTS Sample and Booklet free on request. McKESSON & ROBBINS - NEW YORK Beware of Imitations of the fasteners men swear by, not at—look | WASHBURNE ‘Pot. Imp. FASTENERS stamped on the geasize ‘The genuine Washburne ‘Fasteners aro Little, but never let co Comfort to men on their ms, Key Chains ++ Scarf Holders + Cum Holders + Bachelor Ruttons Catalorve Free: | Sold s Berreher Look for the Name Washburn” AMERICAN RING COMPANY, Dept. 6, Waterbury, Cora. 0c Pe “The Little Brown Bos** Philip Morris Cigarettes LONDON Good? Well, rather. comicbooks.com