Life, 1913-03-20 · page 15 of 44
Life — March 20, 1913 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces from *Life* magazine: **"Overheard at the Milliner's"** depicts women shopping for hats, mocking their obsessive concern with fashion details (colors, materials, prices) and their gossip. The humor relies on the shallow conversation—endless chatter about whether mauve or black suits them, complaints about $65 hats, and catty remarks about other women's appearances. **"High Finance"** critiques the National Citizens League associated with Senator Nelson Aldrich (a powerful Republican financier), who proposed banking reforms. The satire exposes a deceptive scheme: they advertise a $2.50 book but suggest sending $1 instead, which includes league membership—essentially offering a false bargain. The author compares this to shell games and "three-shell propositions," suggesting the Aldrich financial plan itself is similarly fraudulent. The piece mocks the league's pretense of legitimacy while engaging in questionable financial practices. Both pieces use humor to critique contemporary society: women's vanity and consumerism, and elite financial manipulation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Overheard At the Milliner’s “C)H, no! Tcan't wear mauve at all! It makes me look——" “Isn't that cunning!” ‘ace had a toque like that last fall “Yes, black and white is always stunning.” “How can you think I'd wear that thing! It's like a ——" “Well, maline is cheaper, But not so—” wing—” “Not quite deeper.” “No, a pheasant’s that shade—a trifle “Sixty-five dollars!” “Yes, it’s so! Promise me you will never breathe it! She went alone with——" “One big bow, And just a few bluets to wreathe it.” “Oh, well, if you can’t wait on ite" NOW AND EVER “No, never let cerise come near you! It makes you look— ” Forty-three? I'll take it, please.” “Be still; she'll hear you.” “What! “My dear, she looked a_ perfect fright” think these rageous!” IT won't “y prices are out- have it faced with bills Ppageous.” make Jack ram- “T can’t decide between these two- Which do you like?” “ They sim- ply fleeced her, She said——"” “ How dare you show me blue! You know——” “But I want this for Easter! “T heard she threatened to elope Unless: " “Those close effects are trying.” SHALL BE” “Haven't you anything in taupe?” “Oh, I'm just shopping, I’m not buying!” Carolyn Wells High Finance HO shall say that the National Citizens League (of Aldrich Planners) is not composed of simon- pure financiers? They advertise a book for $2.50 net, but tell you confidentially in the same circular that the best way to get the book is to send a dollar, which gives you the book and a mem- bership in the league besides. Great shades of Baxter Street! Some of us, of course, would rather pay the $2.50 and stay out of the or- ganization, but for the rank and file it is a great boon, even better than trad- ing stamps. We therefore commend this attractive little transaction to the populace as being quite as reasonable as some of the three-shell propositions of the Aldrich plan itself. comicbooks.com