Life, 1911-02-02 · page 16 of 52
Life — February 2, 1911 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct satirical pieces: **"What Is Happening"** mocks the mystical fervor surrounding Mary Baker Eddy (founder of Christian Science) and contemporary spiritualism. The text humorously suggests her rumored "return" parallels messianic prophecy, comparing prediction of her reappearance to calculating Halley's Comet. The piece satirizes both credulous believers and Wall Street's optimism, implying financial interests exploit spiritual movements. **"The Philadelphia Version"** is an illustration satirizing a bell—likely referencing the Liberty Bell—depicted as "local but historic," mocking Philadelphia's obsession with its historical monuments. **"If the Cozy Corner Could Talk"** (bottom cartoon) shows a couple in bed surrounded by sentimental love notes and messages. The satire appears to mock excessive sentimentality and the gap between romantic declarations and marital reality—the cozy domesticity doesn't match the passionate language adorning the bedroom. The page overall ridicules early 1900s American gullibility toward spiritualism, romantic excess, and self-deception.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE PHILADELPHIA VERSION—LOCAL BUT HISTORIC What Is Happening HE recent raid which has been made ‘on some of the most prominent palmists, astrologers and fortune tellers in New York, taken with Mrs. Eddy’s rumored resurrection and probable re- turn, leads to serious reflections. A certain amount of persecution has always preceded the coming of a Mes- siah, In this case, the rapid rise of the woman suffrage movement would seem to have paved the way, so to speak, to one of feminine persuasion. It is by no means impossible that Mrs. Eddy gered long enough, so that this move- ment, by becoming firmly established, would furnish a firm foundation for the apotheosis of woman. We scem to have here all the elements of an ecclesiastic renaissance of no mean proportions, and one which is worth the consideration of all deep thinkers. While private and unheralded ascen- sions are undoubtedly taking place every day, it is rare, indeed, that one occurs which is prominent enough to become public. In this instance, it becomes of the utmost importance to know when Mrs. Eddy will return. In the case of Halley’s comet, we were able to predict ly [BRgee: with certainty; in the case of Mrs. Eddy, we shall have to be on the qui vive and look for the usual signs. Above all things, we must be calm; we must take precautions enough so that nobody will be fooled. Many people who are over enthusiastic may, in their ex- citement, lay too much stress on the weather, or may take something which is of no practical importance, as mean- ing a genuine return. It is our own private opinion that Mrs. Eddy is back already; we believe that she only stayed away long enough to establish headquarters, and that she is now covering the principal parts of the country. It is true that Wall street has as yet showed no signs, But Mr. James J. Hill is distinctly optimistic, and we can ac- HONEY PARLIN OfARES sik! now ~- rar TS MAT rHey ALE Say Ju. Sr ONE MORE REMOVE YOUR ARM ee, No! peaR ! DOW"? 9, CUEVE 4 WORD of “© ere, ‘7 1 Lov count for this attitude of his in no other way. A Boon to Shareholders HE Financial World says, “it is the duty of every holder of a railroa‘l bond or a share of railroad stock + write to the commission and cite t! gravity of the present situation and the mighty responsibility of the commission in the consideration of the problem 2 it affects the rights of these share holders.” Shareholders ought to accept this ad- vice with alacrity. Shareholders mus often feel something akin to shame a the fact that they are unable to assist in making the money they get. Now is their chance to jump in and become a part of affairs MES LR? ma YOU 1 EP ree we. ARI o Go SLE PAPA +&s e YOU wow rou qurr * SHEN Es, iS oo PLEASE ve SWEETHEART "SPO Thar nego Re wes nat rogue 1 THE COZY CORNER COULD TALK comicbooks.com