Life, 1913-11-27 · page 31 of 40
Life — November 27, 1913 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The cartoon depicts a confrontation between what appears to be a farmer or official and a pig, illustrating absurdist political satire. The accompanying article satirizes economist "Slusher Blabsome," a fictional character whose circular logic exemplifies economic sophistry. Blabsome argues that railroads buying steel rails to improve safety is "unhealthy" because it reduces profits, forces stock sales, upsets markets—creating a chain reaction proving railroads shouldn't prioritize public safety. The satire mocks economists and railroad executives who prioritize shareholder value over passenger welfare, a Progressive Era concern. This reflects actual debates about railroad regulation and corporate responsibility versus profit maximization that dominated early 20th-century American politics. The page also advertises Theodore Roosevelt's autobiography, reinforcing the Progressive reformist context of these critiques of corporate malfeasance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Seiad Lar, ‘LIFE: WOOl-2 ural, porous, undyed, Jaeger’ Made Woolens are the most practical, most healthful and most comfortable of all fabrics, for men’s and women’s underwear— keep the warmth in and the cold out, and maintain an equable temperature. Permit ventilation and absorption, and prevent chills, coughs and colds. Endorsed by the medical glean’ Jaeger Woolen sweaters, coats dam, reelern e., for outdeor wear, Wee far the fats sbeat leges Woelers SU NW ayn Ww Dr. Jaeger’s S. W.S. Co.’s Own Stores New York: 306 Fifth Ave., 22 Maiden Lane Brooklyn: 504 Fulton St. Boston: 324 Boylston St. Phila 1516Chestnut St. Chicago: 126N. State St. Agents in all Principal Cities Mea Ne Very Unhealthy Indication R. SLUSHER BLABSOME, the well-known statistician and po- litical economist, returned from Europe yesterday on the Jdiotic. When asked his opinion as to the increased demand for steel rails, he replied with his cus- tomary assurance: “I consider the increased demand for steel rails a very unhealthy sign.” At this the interviewer arched his brows in surprise, perceiving which Mr. * Blabsome proceeded to explain: “An increase in the demand for steel rails indicates, don’t you see, that the railroads are buying more rails than before. This indicates that the rail- roads are paying more attention to the public demand for safe equipment. As paying attention to the demands of the public is always costly, it can not usu- ally be done except by decreasing sur- plus or dividends, or both. A decrease of surplus or dividends makes the stock less valuable. If the stock is less valuable the banks demand more security for the loans for which the stock is collateral. This forces nany of the owners to dump their holdings on the market. This has the effect of upsetting the market. And this has the effect of —” “Do you think, then, that it is a fatal policy for the railroads to give heed to the demands of the public?” Mr. Blabsome was asked. “I most certainly do. History Proves it. These vast systems have been built up on exactly the opposite policy. Does it stand to reason that they can suddenly depart from policy with impunity?” TRD 'SOvEZ BON E. 0. J. Lapy (at piano): They say you love good music. Youtn: Oh, that doesn’t matter. Pray go on—Le Rire. New Macmillan Books. The Best Holiday Gifts “A Book of world-wide interest” Col. Roosevelt’s Own Story of His Life THEODORE ROOSEVELT: svrost¥earuy __ This exceptional story of a life replete with human interest, told in Col. Roosevelt's characteristically vigorous and easily flowing colloquial style, is one that will make a strong and satisfying appeal to every class of readers. 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