Life, 1916-09-28 · page 10 of 41
Life — September 28, 1916 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several humorous pieces typical of early 20th-century American satire: **"The Balance"** is a poem by Charlotte Becker exploring life's need for equilibrium—arguing that constant joy, sadness, or even perpetual blooming would be meaningless without contrast. **"That Sudden, Early Close"** satirizes Judge Gary's unexplained absence from public view, humorously speculating about his whereabouts (suggesting Japan). **"With Proper Apologies"** mocks Congress members for secretly building fences while opponents slept—a jab at underhanded political maneuvering. The page includes an illustration of a woman at a desk and another showing what appears to be a domestic scene. The humor relies on wordplay and situational irony typical of Life's satirical style during this era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
526 Life’s Fresh Air Fund +$8,048.64 10 00 Previously acknowledged . “Jim Smith" Proceeds of ‘mouth, M ranging of age ..... R. L. MeKay..... Sunday collections at € during August... 20... ee 4 ._by_ nine children, five to twelve years $8,095.23 ACKNOWLEDGED WITH THANKS. Twelve children’s dresses from Mrs. John E. Woodward, Flushing, L. 1. The Balance F the world were always gay, Mirth to-morrow, jest to-day; All delight without alloy— What would be the use of joy? If the world were always sad, Care and grief the meed we had, Doubt and fear the only gain— What would be the use of pain? If the world were always fair, Ever, in each street and square, Bloom below and song above. What would be the use of love! Charlotte Becker. That Sudden, Early Close HERE is that “sudden, carly close of the war” that Judge Gary invited us last winter to look for? The last heard of Judge Gary he was making speeches in Japan. Is he looking for it there? The Baby: wet I'VE GOT HIM ASLE: THANK HEAVEN! At Last! Voice at the Other En HELLO! 18 THAT YOU, DARLID The Maiden: \' AFRAID YOU HAVE THE WRONG NUMBER, SIR, With Proper Apologies TH seats in Congress reached and kept Were not attained by sudden flight. Their owners, while opponents slept, Were building fences day and night. wonder DEBUTANT i women used to wear such wide wedding rings. why Biase Matron: Because at that time, poor things, they expected them to last a lifetime.