Life, 1911-01-05 · page 91 of 104
Life — January 5, 1911 — page 91: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page concludes a serialized humorous story about a man named Cortly who apparently completed some daring feat on Lake Erie. The satire mocks the sudden opportunism that fame attracts: three men—a reporter, publisher, and lecture bureau head—immediately appear at his door wanting to profit from his accomplishment by publishing his story, advancing him money, and booking speaking engagements. The joke's punchline: when Cortly invites them to his wedding at Glendale-on-the-Erie, they politely *refuse*, fearing they might lose their jobs attempting another dangerous Erie crossing. The satire targets both the mercenary nature of media/publishing and the self-interest underlying seemingly enthusiastic support. The page also contains period advertisements (Rauch & Lang electric automobiles, coal for the poor) typical of Life's mixed editorial-advertising format.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
TE28 GAORENT Cairo Office: Opposite Savoy Hotel. limited to ten persons. Sailing Jan. 7, 21, Feb. 18. Private Leip crrages provided f facili Pa ily. Special f= anny Teatien tor inde: | I E fesdent travel on the aa Rates. booklet on request. TABET’S TOURS COMPANY, 399 Fifth Avenue, New York Glendale-on-the-Erie (Concluded from page 90) Hurrying to his lonely apartment he did the only thing possible under any circumstances. He flung himself on his chair and, leaning over his desk, buried his face in his hands.* Suddeniy he listened. Steps were coming up the stairs. The door was flung open. Three men stood before him. Who are you?” he asked vaguely. “1,” said the first man, “am a re- porter, I want from your own lips the story of how you braved the rigors of the Erie, and visited Glendale at night—the first New Yorker who ever attempted the feat.” “And I,” said the second man, “am Shaft or Enclosed Chain Drive —as You Choose Rauch & Lang Electrics may be procured with shaft or en- closed chain drive. This allows all who have preierences to suit themselves in regard to the drive and still have the exquisite finish and style which distinguishes all Rauch & Lang cars. Both drives are noiseless, efficient and strong. Both are produced in our factory, where every process is carefully watched. The Rauch & Lang name stands back of the car no matter what method is used for transmission. Exide Battery (standard equipment), “Ironclad” Exide or Edison Batteries can be furnished, if desired. Tires—Palmer ‘Web Pneumatic or Rauch & Lang Motz Cushion. These options mean that whatever your mechanical ideas may be, they can be had in Rauch & Lang cars, the notable cars for style and appointments. There are Rauch & Lang agents in all the principal cities. Tel- ephone for demonstrations or write direct for catalog to factory. a publisher. Here is advance payment on your book called the ‘Hero of the Erie,’ and he drew a couple of thou- sand dollars out and placed the con- tract before Cortly. “And I,” said the third man, head of a lecture bureau.” Cortly rose and bowed. “Excuse me a few moments, gentle- men,” he said, “and I will let you know my decision.” . He went out to the long-distance telephone booth. When he returned he said: am “Gentlemen, I accept all of your Propositions with pleasure. And now will you come to my wedding?” “When and where will it be?” “At Glendale-on-the-Er at the bride's house on the arrival of the noon train from New York—that is some time between noon and midnight opyrighted phrase. THE RAUCH & LANG CARRIAGE COMPANY 2271 West 25th St. é. Cleveland, Ohio COAL $12 PER TON! The poor buy it by the pail, paying twice what you do.” EVERY DOLLAR. you give through us to warm them GETS TO THEM promptly. Send us cast-off clothing. especi OL iid seeking to relieve t) climate purpose ia ENCE THe us to do this. It is a great but not hopeless taking THE NEW YORK ASSOCIATION FOR IM- PROVING the CONDITION of THE POOR R. Fulton Cuming. Pre. Robt. Shaw Minturn, Treas, Room 200, 105 E. 22nd St., New York. as (A.1.C. P.) —if the engine holds out. Guests are requested not to send flowers, as they will fade before being received.” The reporter bowed. “Speaking for all of us,” he said, “we must respectfully decline. Just because you've won fame and fortune is no reason why we should join your rescuing party and stand the chance of losing our jobs.” Thomas L. Masson, “you NAUGHTY Boy! I’LL NEVER WAL THROUGH A TUNNEL WITH You AGAIN!" ~ comicbooks.com