Life, 1913-05-29 · page 11 of 44
Life — May 29, 1913 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top illustration titled "EXTRAVAGANZA: GOTROX WEEK-END DIVERSIONS—FEEDING THE GOLD FISH" appears to be a satirical depiction of wealthy leisure activities, showing figures in elaborate dress engaged in frivolous pastimes. Below, "What State, If Not Alabama?" critiques Alabama's child labor practices. The text argues that Alabama has disproportionately high child labor compared to other states and inadequate educational facilities. The satire suggests Alabama should voluntarily address this problem rather than requiring external pressure. The short piece "Power" satirizes women's political influence. After a woman wore modest clothes, Congress convened in crisis. The joke: women's economic power (through fashion choices affecting Wall Street) exceeds their formal political suffrage, making them more influential than their official status suggests. Both pieces mock social/political hypocrisy of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ae PENIS EXTRAVAGANZA GOTROX WEEK-END DIVERSIONS—FEEDING THE GOLD FISH What State, If Not Alabama ? T stands to reason and to everything else that some State in this Union has more child labor than any other State. Likewise it is necessarily true that some State has fewer educational facilities than other State. ‘cording to the best available figures, Alabama seems to fill both of these bills. Many people in Alabama, however, modestly protest against this overplus of laurels. They say it is too much. In truth, it does seem a little too much, but what can be done about it? Noth- A Bp ing is so pitiable and uninteresting as “aw unemployed laurels, and so these must perforce find a wearer. If Alabama isn’t entitled to them, what State is? Perhaps our Alabama friends will help us to solve the vexatious problem. Perhaps some State will come forward voluntarily as a claimant for the |ScHoou! honors. Perhaps some casual statistician will enlighten us. We are open to conviction. While we are at it, let the matter be settled right Power ‘OMAN having decided to wear modest clothes, an extra session of Congress was immediately called. The President was present in person “The gravity of the situation,” he said, “is unnecessary for me to dilate upon. The question is—what can be dot.es” committee was appointed to wait upon the ladies, who remained firm. Wall Street was suspended and the leading banks all failed. The balance of trade reverted against us by several billions, and on top of this the crops gave indications of total collapse. Thereupon woman, fanning herself complacently, re- marked: “What is the use of having suffrage when we can do things like this?” comicbooks.com