Life, 1917-02-01 · page 6 of 40
Life — February 1, 1917 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement** for Weed tire chains, not political satire. The page uses a humorous visual metaphor to sell automotive safety equipment. The cartoon shows a grotesque face/head forming the differential mechanism of a car's rear axle, with the caption "What's the use?" The accompanying text explains why two chains—one on each rear wheel—are necessary for traction and safe braking, not just one. The "face" isn't a caricature of a specific political figure, but rather a generic scary visage used to comedically personify mechanical failure. The advertisement argues that motorists who skimp on safety chains risk disaster, making the product seem essential rather than optional. This reflects early automotive safety concerns from the pre-modern tire era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
z ‘, a 4 Two chains, one on each rear heel, are absolutely necessary— One is rather a detriment and in most cases is even inclined to accentuate the skid and throw the car out of balance. Is it any wonder the differential looks pained and worried when inexperienced motorists insist upon working it overtime ? Do you know the purpose of the differential and how it operates ? Without it no motor car would be able to turn a corner evenly and smoothly. Power is supposed to be transmitted evenly to both driving wheels. When either of these wheels meets with resistance, the ever watchful differential transmits that power to the other where there is less resistance. Now, what is the result when a chain is used on only one wheel? A certain amount of resistance or gripping. So the power naturally goes to the other wheel and as this has no gripping surface, it spins. The specific purpose of the chain is thwarted, worse still, it has a natural tendency to accentuate the skid. Furthermore, can’t you see this spinning will unnecessar- ily wear the tire and throw your whole car out of alignment? Suppose one of your break rods smashed and only one remained effective. What would happen when you applied the one brake? Your car would swerve, of course. An added uneven strain would be thrown upon the whole mechanism, doing probably irreparable damage. The conditions are similar. The necessity for brakes for both wheels and chains for both wheels is obvious and clearly defined. If one chain would do the work, why use more? But motorists and mechanics who are well posted gaze with pity at the man who foolishly drives with only one chain when two are absolutely necessary on the rear wheels and twe on the front wheels are an added precaution, Weed Chains for all Styles and Sizes of Tires are sold by Dealers Everywhere. Sole ‘Manufacturers of Weed Anti-Skid Chains AMERICAN CHAIN COMPANY Inc. BRIDGEPORT, are U.S.A. In Canada— DOMINION CHAIN co... Jktd: x comicbooks.com