Life, 1913-06-12 · page 10 of 44
Life — June 12, 1913 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces: **"A Farewell Dinner"** depicts a social gathering where various cultural figures (Art, Fashion, Literature, Society, Drama, Music) bid goodbye to a departing female guest named "Modesty." The joke is that Modesty—representing propriety and decorum—is being cast out or abandoned by modern society. Each guest offers insincere platitudes while essentially celebrating her departure, suggesting early 20th-century anxiety about declining social standards and changing moral values. **"When the Maxim Silencer Comes Into General Use"** shows a couple in bed undisturbed by noise, with the caption suggesting that gun silencers will eventually become common household items. This darkly humorous cartoon satirizes technological progress by imagining a dystopian future where silenced weapons are normalized. Both pieces reflect period concerns about modernity's social consequences.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LA POR « A Farewell Dinner HEY were giving a farewell din- ner, at which were present many distinguished people. Among others may be mentioned Art, Fashion, Litera- ture, Society, and the Drama, not to speak of Music The guest of the evening, dressed in a quiet and becoming costume, sat somewhat pale and dejected while the various speeches were made The Drama arose first ing a farewell toast to our aid the Drama, “I am sorry that my work of late years has taken me somewhat away from her, and I— ahem—know her very slightly indeed I understand, however, from some of the old books that I have read, that she is a very estimable person, and I take pleasure in testifying to her ancient merits.” He sat down amid great applause, and Society arose “T cannot’ recall having ever met our distinguished guest before,” said Society, “but there is nothing mean about me, and this being her fare- well appearance, it gives me great WHEN THE MAXIM SILENCER COMES INTO GENERAL USE pleasure to be here, although we are practically strangers." Fashion responded gracefully to the call. “1 cannot help but grow reminiscent,” said Fashion, “as I look upon the face of the one from whom we are so soon to part. While latterly I have seen nothing of her, I remember in former times how we used to play together and what healthy enjoyment we got out of our pleasure. I take off my cap to her, and although we shall probably never meet again, I wish her well.” Said Literature: “IT wish I could say something inspiring about the old friend who used to be with us so much, but un- fortunately I have lost entirely the gift of ex- pression. So about all I can do is to bid her God- speed and to say that although we have not been very intimate I have always had a lingering respect for her. At this moment a young American girl, who had arrived somewhat late, turned to Music and said: “Who is this distinguished person ¢ getting rid of with so And Music replied, with a rag-time smile “Oh, of course you don't know. I believe her name is Modesty.” HIS HOODOO “THERE GOES A RED-HEADED GIRL. NOW VM IN FOR SOME KIND OF TROUBLE” Doctors [5 es of ota The doctors bold, In ignorance of bugs, Essayed to still A mortal ill, With nauseating drugs. But in this age. . It is the rage, When sickness intervenes, Blindly to treat The obsolete, With serums and_ vaccines. God only knows As Science grows, In years that are to be, How they will send Each ailing friend, Into eternity! Ralph M. Thompson. comicbooks.com