Life, 1913-05-08 · page 33 of 48
Life — May 8, 1913 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page mixes editorial content with advertisements. The main essay, "Cruelty," is satirical social commentary typical of Life's style. The author argues that cruelty has evolved from personal, artisanal brutality into *systematized, industrial cruelty*—now practiced impersonally by corporations, department stores, and commissariats rather than individuals. The satire targets modern capitalism: store owners claiming poverty while underpaying workers exemplifies "unconscious cruelty" masked by economic necessity. The brief dialogue jokes about wives controlling husbands ("apron strings"), a common satirical trope of the era. The rest of the page comprises advertisements for Likly Luggage and Evans Ale—standard magazine fare. No political figures or caricatures appear. The satire's point: industrialization has made exploitation systematic and therefore more acceptable, which Life presents as darkly ironic social progress.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Cruelty RUELTY is practised by soldiers, ~ coquettes, wives and mill-owners. When man primitive and unintel- ligent, cruelty was spontaneous and ir- now, owing to the advance of theological disputes and the spread of idealism, it has become better or- ganized and able to hold its own, At one time cruelty had no excuse, except the pleasure it e those who prac- tised it; now thousands of families de- pend upon it. Once it was a luxury; now it is a necessity. Cruelty, like art, was at one time made by hand; now it is produced by machinery. To have your neighbor saunter through the woods at break of day and lull you swiftly to sleep with a club which he had lovingly fashioned with his own hands, was purely a mat- ter of personal technique; now (unless you have inherited money) you are dealt with by a department store, a fac- tory system or a commissariat. Cruelty has been placed upon a business basis where once it was a matter for individ- ual concern, There are two kinds of cruelty, the conscious and the unconscious. Un- conscious cruelty arises from economic necessity, as when a department store Pproprictor assures you with tears in his eyes that he will have to close up his place, to the great detriment of many workers, if he should be com- pelled to pay his girls more than six dollars a week. Conscious cruelty rarer, but more individual. It is however, practised by your sweethea your landlord and your wife. Without cruelty there could be no progress. For without it, how could countries be conquered, canals built, railroads run, theologica systems. flourish or love be vindica responsit rt, ARKE: Bildat is certainly tied to his wife's apron strings. Lane: Well, in these days he is lucky if he has a wife with ron stri Yachting ‘and Motor Boating Can be made doubly enjoyable If f there 1s on hand Eva @ supply of good of jeter eye yocht.*" Ie the most apt way to put it; of wil nocking around won't hurtit. Always to promote good chi e Order NOW from your supply man, H. EVANS & SONS, Hudson, N. Y. “No Wrinkles” is the motto of all “Likly” Wardrobe Trunks. This midget model is a husky little brother, Its interior is unusually simple. The'Likly” Single Strap Follower (patented) keeps every- thing in place No interfering dewdangles—you can get the fifth garment just as easily asthe first. ¢ foundation box is of three-ply basswood veneer light and tough, Covering is of the heaviest duck. First it’s given three coats of paint. then two coats of carriage varnish, Bound with rawhide. Wardrobe tid: is lined with green fabric leather. Drawers are lined with Irish linen. Prices $80.00 to $97.50. (Add $5 to these prices west of the Mississipi.) Our catalog shows 100 other “Likly” Wardrobes to scleet from. Sent on request. lo. 6 Steamer Trunk) with flying colors is easy work Steamer Trunk. It is chock full of “Likly“quality. Has vulcan- ized hard fibre binding and centre bands. Stout, ture corner caps and bottom protectors. All the rivets are hand driven. Prices $16.50 to $20.50. (Add $2.50 to these prices west of the Mis: pi.) Over 40 other “Likly” steamer trunks are described in our catalog. Sent on request. (No. 132 Suit Case) This suit case is a collection of “extras.” Tt is extra deep, extra strong, extra handsome. Notice the way the handle is attached. The heavy corners are sewed on. There are light set-in basswood ends, Comes in several leathers. Lined in either cloth or leather. Guaranteed for five years. Prices $16.50 to $29.00. Face this fact fairly, doesn’t pay. The bump-bump your trunks get from the porter, expressman and train-hand means short life unless every part is durable. For 69 years we have produced luggage that asks no favors of the luggage-man. Family pride keeps quality in all our products. “Likly”” Luggage lives to a ripe old age. Clap-trap luggage It never did and never will. (No. 260 Overnight Bag.) This “Likly” Overnight Bag makes a spe- cialty of short trips. Slip one under your berth next time. Its frame is hand-sewed. Has plaid lining. Guaranteed for five years. Six leathers to choose from. Probably the most popular bag ever designed. You won't wonder why when you own one. Prices $17.50 to $27.50. If you've any travel in mind, you ought to send for one of our 128-page catalogs. It describes in detail the most varied line of luggage made today. And we'll tell you where to see “Likly” Luggage in your town. HENRY LIKLY & COMPANY Rochester, N. Y. comicbooks.com