Life, 1915-02-04 · page 34 of 44
Life — February 4, 1915 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains several short humor pieces typical of early 20th-century American satirical publications: **The cartoons/jokes** mock everyday situations: a groom losing enthusiasm on his wedding day; a couple debating the origin of "he laughs best who laughs last" (implying the English are naturally pessimistic); a stock market collapse where worthless mining stock is sold as wallpaper; and a police interrogation where a frightened Black man claims ignorance of a gambling raid. **The racial humor** in the last piece reflects the casual racism of the era—the "scared-looking negro" character is presented as comedic through stereotypical dialect and assumed stupidity. **The page is primarily advertising**, with prominent ads for Plymouth Dry Gin and a bound volume collection offer for *Life* itself. The satire targets financial speculation, English temperament, and authority figures, while the racial content reveals period attitudes. Modern readers should recognize this as reflecting historical prejudices rather than endorsing them.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The worried countenance of the bride- groom disturbed the best man. Tiptocing up the aisle, he whispered : “What's the matter, Jock? lost the ring?” “No,” blurted out the unhappy Jock. “the ring’s safe eno’. But, mon, I've Jost ma enthusiasm.” —Youth's Companion. By Intemal Evidence “Where do you suppose we got the saying, ‘He laughs best who laughs last ’?” asked Mrs. Binks of her husband. “Probably some Englishman first said it,” replied Mr. Binks. “He was doubt- less trying to set a national failing in a favorable light."—Youth's Companion. Hae ye Joxes: What's the Oh Joy silver mine stock selling for now? Broker: We just sold the last ten rolls of it for wall paper. —Philadelphia Bulletin, Doc 18 Lire ls published every Thareday, simultaneously In the United States, Great Britain, ‘anada and British Possessio $5.00 a year in advance. Additional postage to foreign countries in the Postal nion, $1.04 a year; to Canada, 52 cents. Single cur- ent copies, 10 cents. Back numbers, after three months from date of publication, s_gents. Tesues prior to toro out of print. The tect and illustrations in Live are copyrighted. For Reprint Rights in Great Britain apply to Li Londow, W. C. PLYMOUTH Dry Gin Men who want to be sure of the Gin they serve, always serve Coates’ Plymouth— For Coates’ Plymouth is the original Dry Gin. It hasa characteristic flavour that is all its own. ALEX DISH AW «€c0 ny WHAT WE MAY EXPECT WHEN THE POLICE On the Safe Side Zeatous Sentry: Afraid I can’t let you go by without the password, sir. Irate Orricer: But, confound you! I tell you I have forgotten it. You know me well enough. I’m Major Jones. Sentry: Can't help it, sir; must have the password. Voice rrom tHe Guard-text: Oh, don't stand arguing all night, Bill; shoot ‘im.—Tatler, Not Hard “How long did it take you to learn to run a motor-car?” “Oh, three or four.” “Weeks?” “No, motor-cars."—Boston Transcript. A rar had been made on a negro gambling house and a dozen inmates arrested. In police court the next morn- ing, each of the accused was heard in turn, The last in, the row was a large, scared-looking negro. “Well,” asked the judge, “what do you know about this case?" “Who? Me?" asked the negro. “Yes, you.” “Well, I just tell yo’. All T knows about dis case is dat I wasn’t dar!” —Green Bag. PERFECTED Livy is for sale by all newsdealers in Great Britain and may be obtained {rom boo! gellers in all the principal cities in the world. The foreign trade supplied from [t's ndon Office, Rolls House, Breams Buildings, London, E. Yo contribution will be ‘returned unless accompanied by stamped and addressed Lave, does not hold itself responsible for the loss or non-return of wmis Prompt rotifcation should be sent by subscribers of any change of address A BOUND VOLUME OF if INTERESTS EVERYONE SEND US YOUR LOOSE COPIES AND HAVE THEM —e BOUND FOR PERMANENT USE. CHILDREN PORE OVER THEM CONSTANTLY. GROWN FOLKS REVEL IN THEM. Ds. PRICE, FOUR DOLLARS A VOLUME. ONLY TWO DOLLARS WHEN YOU RETURN YOUR LOOSE COPIES. WE WILL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT IF YOU WILL WRITE LIFE, 17 W. 31ST STREET, NEW TORK