Life, 1910-05-26 · page 32 of 44
Life — May 26, 1910 — page 32: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page primarily features a **book review in verse** of Holman Day's novel *The Ramrodders* (published by Harper & Brothers). The satirical poem mocks the predictable plot: set in Maine, it concerns an old political boss named "Duke" Thornton who represents corrupt machine politics and Prohibition-era corruption. His reform-minded grandson Harlan challenges him, wins over the people with "True Reform," and presumably will succeed him—a hackneyed political narrative. The reviewer (likely Arthur Guiterman, credited at bottom) gently ridicules Day's formulaic storytelling: heroes always triumph, villains always lose, and the female characters are literally "stuffed with sawdust"—a dismissive comment on their cardboard characterization. The satire targets both Day's predictable Maine-based political fiction and, indirectly, the real corruption it depicts. The page also contains period **advertisements** for Knox Straws, Sterling Tires, and Summer Coats—typical magazine filler of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Weare only at our best at the conclusion of our last effort. represent our artists’ most recent perfected efforts. Rhymed Reviews The Ramrodders (By Holman Day. Harper & Brothers) Way daown in Maine, where James G. Blaine Among his woods of tasseled fir, Enriched with spoil and party bounty, Te SOL your ne plus ultra: leader, “Duke” Thornton, christened “ The- Lives Holman Day, who ears his pay lismer,” By writing tales “that grip the AA fine old boss, controls a county. reader,” Despite a fake reformer's plan, Of logging-camps, of wealthy scamps He nominates—the old transgres- Who own the backwoods politician, sor!— Of Liquor’s curse, and eke the worse His grandson Harlan, nice young man, Intemperance of Prohibition. To be his ultimate successor. Sterling Tires are only as good as the best, but Sterling Blue ubes have no equal. There are mechanical as well as chemical reasons for this superiority, which is apparent to the naked eye. Somewhat igher in price than most other tubes, but much cheaper per mile. Dealers everywhere. Booklet. Sterling Rubber Works, Rutherford, N.J. 96 But Harlan takes the State by storm; Though Gran’pa sneers and calls him “ smarty,” He gives the people True Reform And renovates the Grand Old Party. Then—oh, the Ladies? Yes, I think There's two; to keep the story going The Author made ’em out of ink— But old Duke Thornton's quite worth knowing. Comfortable, Convenient Summer Coat is one that is light and easily carried—that wont wrinkle and get out of shape— that can be carried ina picnic basket— yet is jaunty and smart when you meer sail il h ose | faultless in fitand finish—as itytsh and become He ing as a perfectly tai- 9 are coat, They are knit from the finest imported yarns by mas- ter workmen—the smallest detail is per- fection, Your dealer keeps them, if not write direct. Our Sweater Coat Style Book is free, send for it today. The Standard Knitting Company co Eras, 1 love the lay of Holman Day, I love its clean, old-fashioned savor; I like his strain of rugged Mair« I like its fresh, pine-woodsy tisvor His Heroes win; his Villains gr! But cre the finish always chaw cust} His men are fine Katahdin pine His women-folk are stuffe! with sawdust. Arthur Guite comicbooks.com