Life, 1910-06-30 · page 11 of 41
Life — June 30, 1910 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical employment "opportunity" letters, a common Life magazine feature mocking absurd job offers and requests. The main cartoon illustrates the concept of a "distinguished traveler" receiving ridiculous employment proposals. The letters parody real correspondence, including: - A meatpacking company seeking a "boss killer" - A South American revolutionary group requesting a military commander - A boxing promotion requesting referee services The humor derives from the absurdity of these offers—treating serious or violent occupations as casual employment opportunities for a random "distinguished traveler." The accompanying illustration shows a bewildered gentleman overwhelmed by impossible job proposals, satirizing both the desperation of job-seekers during this period and the equally absurd nature of some actual employment advertisements.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
IR EE Mr. Bug: worry STREET TAMPA KIND poor. NEPSY, AND SEE THE FINE NEW TLEMAN HAS PLACED BEFORE OUR Opportunities for Employment Offered to a Dis- tinguished Traveler About to Be at Liberty Orrices of Tue Excetstor Proxocrarn Co. Recoxp Derartaent, June 18, 1910. Dear Six:—Being aware of your abilities as a continuous talker we would be glad to enter into negotiations with you In our business no one is criticised for talking too much, and we think you would find the employment thoroughly congenial Yours very truly, Tur Excetsion Proxocrarin Comrany. JUNTA ELLA INsuRRECIONE Perretuate, tic oF Bocavor, Sour America. : ¢ much in need of fire-caters. Our late commander, General Bombastes Furioso, is now serving a ninety-day sentence in the county jail for disturbing the peace. We are in need of a brave commander for the revo- lutionary army. The regular monthly revolution is set for July 17, and we would be obliged if you could report for duty before that date. Your brother in arms, Don Tanasco pr Votcano, Secretario, P.S._ In case of success we can provide fat places in the Bogador Custom House for yourself and as many Rough Riders as you care to bring with you. Vauiant Su (e ‘aram) Saw Francisco, June 20, 1910 ¢ your terms to referee the fight? Answer pre- JEFFRIES AND JoMNSON. What “LIFE: 1179 Staventer Hovses or Tue Picsticxer Packixc Comrany, Kaxsas City, Mo. Dear Sik;—We are in need of a boss killer in our slaugh- nt? Think you tering department. What pay do you ¥ would like the job. Yours truly, Tur Picsticker Packtnc Compaxy Eptrortat. Rooms oF Tue Yettow Bazoo, New York, Curcaco, Dear Coronrt.:—How would you like to be our Wash ton correspondent? ary fifty thousand dollars a y space rate of twenty dollars a word. You are just the man we want, We do not insist on veracity, Yours fraternally, Wittig Weast, San Francisco, Ere ar and Svewre Vattey, Rorrentie & Paciric R. R. Co., Orrice. or tHe Directors. June 28, 1910. Dear. Siz:—My fellow-directors and I having gone largely short of the securities of this company would like to do some- thing to knock the price on the Stock Exchang accept the presidency of the road we will divide profits with you. Particulars on receipt of your acceptance. Yours sincerely, Hikast Crreataat, Chairman of the Board. If you will Courtesy Ciun, June 25, 1910 My Dear Sin:—I regret that I have been’ instructed to recall the open invitation extended to you to be a guest at the annual dinner of this club. So many of the members have expressed a fear that you might criticise the management of the club, or the character of the members, or the quality of IN FAVOR OF A QUIET FOURTIL comicbooks:com