Life — September 16, 1915 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **advertising for Exide batteries**, with a small editorial section on the left about railroad shipping practices. The left column's "Putting It Over" discusses whether the *New York Times* unfairly criticizes railroads' parcel-post handling, suggesting the Times may have prejudged the issue. The main content features a humorous illustrated sequence titled "The Same Clock" showing figures labeled "ENGAGED" and "MARRIED," apparently contrasting states before and after marriage—a common satirical theme in Life magazine about how circumstances change. The Exide advertisement dominates, promoting automobile batteries by explaining why manufacturers choose premium batteries despite cheaper alternatives, emphasizing reliability and customer satisfaction as business priorities. The ad uses rhetorical questions and benefits-focused messaging typical of early automotive marketing.