Life, 1916-11-09 · page 29 of 40
Life — November 9, 1916 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This poem satirizes an older naval official (Josephus) appointed to leadership despite lacking maritime experience. A young ensign questions his authority, highlighting the absurdity of his qualifications: he made bayberry candles and worked in a hardware store in youth. The joke targets **Prohibition-era politics**. Josephus ordered the ship's private whiskey stock dumped and replaced it with grape juice—referencing the recent 18th Amendment (1919). The ensign mocks this as sanctimonious meddling by an officious old man imposing moral reforms despite having no legitimate naval credentials. The satire criticizes both the unqualified appointee AND the Prohibition crusaders he represents—suggesting their moral authority is as baseless as an old shopkeeper's claim to naval expertise. It's a common Life magazine jab at Prohibition's supporters as busybodies lacking practical judgment.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
m book d from The Ensign and the Sage “\VOU'RE a landsman, Josephus,” the Ensign said, “And you don't know a butt from a bigh And yet you're appointed head— Do you think, with your training, it's right?” “In my youth,” said Josephus, “TI worked on a farm, A-making of bayberry dips; And the consequent training of eye and of arm Peculiarly fits me for ships.” the navy's “You are old,” said the youth, “and your mind is too weak For anything tougher than Tupper ; Yet you ordered our private stock dumped in the creek, And you make us drink grape juice for supper.” “My son,” said Josephus, “I worked in a store Selling hardware and whiskbrooms and ink; I kept the accounts and I swept up the floor, So I know what a sailor should drink.” “You are old,” said the youth. “One would hardly suppose That your thoughts and were vicious; Yet there isn't a crack where you've not had your nose— What made you so awf'ly officious?” intentions NEW apparel sterols 7o8 to under- take your daily tasks fidence. New garters add to your comfort and to the personal satisfaction that comes from being well dressed. Keep your “Bostons” fresh and at top-notch re Boston Garter SUK soc. Soe Sti VrISLE 206. eater con- Small Missouri ‘$0 cash and $5 monthly; no tntere: uri Farm, acces nehiy productive tas Close to 3 big markets; write for photographs and full inform: ‘on, Manger O10 N.Y, Life Bidg. 3 City, Mo. Refinement T may seem that a hotel cannot select its patrons; but it can. What a hotel is determines in a large measure the kind of people who go to it. Refinement is the essential characteristic of The Hollenden. Refinement everywhere, from the furnishings to the cooking, and re- finement in the people who live in the house. At every point The Hollenden selects the best, and is selected by the best. It is generally admitted that The Hollenden kitchens are among the finest in the country. At a time when labor conditions are at their worst, The Hollenden ig not embarrassed by many changes. Its em ployes have served it for years, have a knowledge of its standard, and the ability to think and act correctly. They are mostly married men who have their own homes in Cleveland, 800 Rooms, 60 per cent new. Rares, wit Barn, Evrorecan Pian: For one person, $2.00, 2.50, 3.00 4.00 and 5.00, For two, persons, $3.00, 3.50; 4.00, 5.00 and 6.00. ‘win beds, $4.00, .00 and 6,00, Suites at various prices. The Red Room at The Hollenden, — adjoining, the Crystal Dining Room, Ladies’ Reception Room and Main Lobby, “TI have answered three questions, and that must suffice,” Said the sage. “I must now go and dine; I may add that your manners are not very nice— Get out or I'll make you resig F. Gregory Hartswick. “So that pretty canvasser sold you a book, eh?” “No, she sold me a couple of smiles and threw the book in.” —Lonisville Courier-Journal. THE “sup MUSICAL PHRASE. DOMINANT comicbooks.com