Life, 1912-10-17 · page 26 of 44
Life — October 17, 1912 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several distinct satirical pieces mocking early-20th-century American society: **"Hygienic Magnates"** satirizes the introduction of money-washing machines by suggesting the country should metaphorically "launder" corrupt business leaders—specifically naming "Mr. Perkins" (likely George W. Perkins, J.P. Morgan associate and trust executive). The satire equates financial corruption with literal dirt needing removal. **"Religion To-day"** mocks shallow marriage conflicts and social climbing, suggesting couples discover religious differences only after years together, while bridge parties determine social status. **The main cartoon** depicts a husband's undercoat clinging to his overcoat during reluctant attendance at church—physical comedy about marital pressure regarding religious observance. **"Parsimonious" and "Patriotic"** are brief character sketches: one mocks a stingy newlywed, the other satirizes exaggerated patriotism (the "Hari-Kari" reference suggests overblown devotion to President Taft). The overall tone reflects Progressive-era criticism of corporate malfeasance and social hypocrisy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Hygienic Magnates By January first. next, money washing machines will be in opera tion at the Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis and New Orleans sub-treas- uries, with the possibility that ma- chine: be installed in banks and department stores in the larger citi ww York World. HE idea of having clean money is a very good one; but why stop there? Why not have clean city fran- chis clean contracts, clean news- papers, clean literature and clean mag- nates? If a national laundry could be established to perform this cleansing operation, think of how much better we would be as a nation. If you could send the head of a trust to the laun- dry and have him ironed out and the stains removed from his character, while at the same time his natural abilities were left, what an immense gain! Think of having Mr. Perkins regularly renovated! The possibilities for the general welfare are so great that the thought of delay before they are finally put into operation, is dis- tressing to dwell upon. Religion To-day M*®- WAYUPP: So they have just had their first quarrel? Mrs. Buase: Yes. After fifteen years of married life they have just discovered that they belong to opposite churches. AUD: Mrs. Newcome never gets asked to any bridge parties. Beatrix: Does she play too well or not well enough? MRS. JACK PERSUADES HER HUSBAND TO ATTEND DIVINE SERVICE THIS 1S THAT MOMENT WHEN HIS UNDERCOAT STICKS TO HIS OVERCOAT Parsimonious Patriotic RS. WILLIS: I am afraid the RIGC I hope nothing will hap- pen to President Taft. Grices: Why? 3riccs: Well, I should hate to have to commit Hari-Kari. young man who married our Emma is very parsimonious. Mr. Wittis: How sc Mrs. Wiitis: She writes that their _ honeymoon is scarcely costing over his T the poor all things are poor. first ten years’ salary, GUARDED IN HIS EXPENDITURES comicbooks.com