Life, 1914-02-05 · page 31 of 44
Life — February 5, 1914 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct satirical pieces: **"An Application"** mocks the new income tax system under President Woodrow Wilson. A character named Hannibal Hardup applies for a tax-collection job, listing absurd "qualifications": having no income, spying on neighbors, spreading gossip, hating the wealthy, and making it difficult for others to claim income. The satire targets both the incompetence of patronage-based government hiring and resentment toward Wilson's redistributive tax policies. His endorsers (a coal dealer, grocer, drygoods merchant) are local businessmen—implying the system rewards ordinary people connected through local networks. **"The Story of the Kodak Album"** is a Kodak advertisement (not satire) promoting photography as a way to preserve family memories. **"Bad for the Laurels"** is a brief literary anecdote about critic William Dean Howells mocking a young novelist whose early fame has faded because he rests on past achievements rather than producing new work. The page emphasizes contemporary concerns: taxation, patronage politics, and literary merit.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
An Application 'O his Eminent High Mightiness, Hon. Woodrow Wilson, Dis- penser of Jobs: I, the undersigned, Hannibal Hard- up, of Hungaryville, hereby make application for some position in the new income tax collection service. My qualifications are as follows: 1, I have no income, and need one, 2, I am an expert at prying into my neighbors’ affairs. 3. 1am acquainted with all the gos- | i . If it sips in town, and we often swap misin- rs. AY formation. "i isn't an 4 I possess the shiftless person's 4 Z ? j m Eastman, hatred of the provident, and a bond- . j it isn’t holder is to me anathema; also a | ; i f a Kodak. stockholder. 5. I am prepared to make it as difficult as possible for every one with an income to draw it. 6. I am confident that I shall man- age to collect enough income tax to equal my salary. 7. My character, energy and high ideals are enthusiastically vouched for by the undersigned endorsers, who have known me for years, and have proved their faith in me by allowing me to run up bills in their stores, which I shall be able to pay if I get this job. Hanniwar Harpur. writen Sat, Gone. The Story of the 1g | Andrew Mustard, Grocer. James C. Yardstick, Dry-goods and : ——— as The friendships of school days, the very atmosphere of the home, every phase of life that makes for companionship—in all of these is an intimate picture story—a story that glows with : human interest, grows in value with every passing year. > . owers Let Kodak keep the story for you. ‘aed te taegee? Ask your dealer, or write us, for “At Home with the Kodak,” a delightfully illus- jlew Ne mab ies: H trated little book that tells about home pictures—flashlights, groups, home portraits and the like—and how to make them, It’s mailed without charge. x EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, AS| t| es oe | ROCHESTER, N. Y., The Kodak City. Albert K. Whip, Livery Stable. Bad for the Lawels A. V. Daily, Newsdealer. 714 Chest: St be rates HENRY A. DREER, Aare pect Martha L. Pompadour, Milliner. William Dean Howells, according to the Washington Star, was admonishing a young novelist, who, after writing a fine novel, had produced only slight com- L. Jenning Screw, Hardware. Lucy Lark, Music Teacher. VISIBLE OLIVER Ribs and Roasts, Butchers and Fish- mmeccial ihiage, TYPEWRITER dealers. - “Two critics,” he said to the young hing Down-Free Trial. Leas than _ Crumley Crisp, Baker and Confec- man, “were discussing a certain author. A teat ze. hipped on woorgel err Dope, Drug Stor ; “*His laurels,’ said the first critic, month. Our booklet is worth send- oes * ig store. already seem faded and bedraggled. es - tnd far, becouse i tolle you how to at R. Dosem, M. D., Family Physi- ie iba she ether critic ante ‘is SUTING SYNDICATE . . cause he has been resting on ther 4 ETee NE eee ENR ICATE Amos R. Wells. —Youth’s Companion. comicbooks.com