Life, 1914-04-23 · page 35 of 44
Life — April 23, 1914 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page mixes advertisements with satirical commentary. The main editorial piece, "A Bit of National Excellence," uses dark humor to critique American industrial safety practices. The author sarcastically praises American expertise at accidentally killing coal miners—averaging 2,200+ deaths annually compared to Great Britain's 1,210. The satire's bite comes from reversing "excellence": the U.S. isn't better at mining; it's dangerously worse at protecting workers. The joke's sting lies in suggesting that if other nations wanted to reduce "over-population," they could study America's deadly methods. The remainder consists of period advertisements: Wells Fargo traveler's checks and the Stutz automobile, marketed toward young, speed-loving men. The small cartoon at bottom ("Hi you, Johnny Firefly!") appears unrelated—likely a humorous filler about a child and gasoline danger. The page reflects early 20th-century attitudes: industrial deaths treated as national statistics suitable for satirical commentary rather than urgent policy reform.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
we bs They will be Delivered at your Office or your Home When: you are going abroad— endless things crop up to be done at the last moment. Save time about your money arrangements. Just telephone our nearest office and our man will call—to explain about the checks or to sell you any amount that you may require. From the moment you call up until the last check is cashed, you | will find every Wells Fargo employe your prompt, efficient, interested | Be assistant. WELLS FARGO Travelers Checks Good Everywhere ; Make your European Headquarters or have your mail sent to our handsome new offices at 28 Charles St. 4*ruc Scribe Haymarket, London Grand Hotel, Paris 51 Broadway, New York Wells Fargo & Co Express deeper things in life than we all fectly true,” I said, getting up sing her good morning. “Aren't you going to wear your overcoat?” said Petrucia. “T don't think so, my dear,” I replied. “You see, the weather has been so warm for the past few days tlfat I haven't needed it.” Passing the grocer on the corner, I said: “How are eggs?” “Coming down, sir. Hens have be- gun to lay in the last few days.” “HI YOU, JOHNNY FIREFLY! KEEP AWAY FROM THIS GASOLINE!” SE eR ER A Bit of National Excellence REAT BRITAIN may employ more coal miners than we do over here, but we G are much more expert in killing off our miners in accidents. In the last decade we averaged two thousand two hundred and seventy killed per annum, while the most Great Britain could kill were one thousand two hundred and ten; just about half the number. In fact, we killed more than Great Britain, Japan, France, Belgium, India, Austria and New South Wales combined. If we had John Bull’s ear, or the ear of any of these worthy nations, we might suggest that they send commissions to our shores to find out how we do it. Such information would come in very handy in case of sudden over-population or similar crises, Young fellows who like speed you will find in the sturdy Stutz all the power and speed you want for a friendly “brush” outside the city limits. The Stutz made good the first day of its existence by its wonderful performance on the Indianapolis Motor Speed- way four years ago—and each season since it has made good in all important speed contests. The Stutz is the ‘Official Road Race Champion.’” The great reserve power and specd—the sturdiness and stamina of the Stutz, will, please you and make you proud to say to your friends, ‘“I drive a Stutz.”’ You Will never live to see the day when a Stutz owner will apologize because he drives a Stutz—he needs no excuse —he is justly proud of his choice. The splendid record of the Stutz is not confined to racing events. Wherever motor cars are known, its reputation is for mechanical perfection and unbelievable satisfaction. Write today for booklet Tt will pay you to investigate the Stutz before you buy. Write today for Stutz literature—our yuappy booklet, called “They Say," gives you some ‘‘inside’® facts about the Stutz. Scandal? No, just a straight-forward statement that will interest you—also ask for Catalog B-1, Series E. STuTZ STUTZ MOTOR CAR COMPANY or INDIANAPOLIS WE CAN MAKE CONTRACTS WITH A FEW MORE LIVE DEALERS—WRITE OR WIRE