Life, 1917-11-22 · page 39 of 44
Life — November 22, 1917 — page 39: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes Prohibition-era excess. A congressman proposes banning not just alcohol production, but the *reading* of Christmas stories mentioning alcoholic beverages—treating references to "wassail, mead, ale, stout, porter, rum punch" as criminal offenses. The joke's target is the absurdity of Prohibition zealotry taken to its logical extreme. By suggesting legislators criminalize even *literary mentions* of drinks, Life mocks how Prohibitionists sought to erase alcohol from American culture entirely, not merely regulate its sale. The cartoon's title, "Bone Dry," uses period slang for strict Prohibition. The final exchange—a waiter asking what breakfast the man wants, the man responding "bring me what the law allows"—emphasizes how Prohibition restricted daily life to near-nothing, leaving citizens with no actual choices under such extreme legislation. This reflects genuine 1920s debate: Prohibition was enacted in 1920, and critics argued its supporters wanted sweeping cultural censorship.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
oa The Target-tender: ANY Wits, FRITZ? Bone Dry “NAR. SPEAKER,” orates the gen- tleman from Mississippi, “1 move you, sir, in view of the fact that a large percentage of the commonwealths of this glorious Union have enacted strict Prohibition laws, and of the fur- ther fact that the distilling of liquors CAUTION: LIFE employs no direct travel- ling representatives; it does not offer prizes, college courses or other in- ducements for agents to canvass for subscriptions. Anyone soliciting subscriptions on any such basis should be turned over to the author- ities as a swindler. Be sure to place your order with a reliable bookseller, news agent or solicitor, if you do not mail it to LIFE direct. & sf : emma ein ce UNE H o LIFE PUBLISHING COMPANY 17 West 31st Street, New York OF BRAINS 1GARS “MADE AT KEY WEST — 7 FOR p MEN Virginia Hot Springs The only place in America where it can be taken just as comfortably as in the Spring or Fall Many who, in former years have regularly visited Harrogate, Aix-les-Bains, Carlsbad, Vichy and other European Resorts (at present inaccessible on account of the war) are now taking the cure at Hot Springs and find it just as beneficial, and the climate and surroundings much superior. Thecurative value of the waters(celebrated since 1735) isvouched for by eminent physicians fromall parts of the world and by sufferers who have experienced their wonderful effects. THE BATH HOUSE is modern, complete and comfortable, and is connected with the Hotel by a sunlighted viaduct, so that the bather may go to and from his room without outside exposure. Renewed Health—Rest—Recreation Glorious wooded mountain scenery, Riding and Driving over interesting mountain roads and trails—Golf, Tennis, and a variety of other sports give an added zex to outdoor recreation. It would be difficult to imagine a more delightful spot. The Homestead standard of service main- tained throughout the year. If you would learn more of this truly ideal winter resort, write for The Homestead Book graphically describing and illustrating, in colors, the many charms of the Homestead and its sur. roundings and dilating fully upon the therapeutic values of the famous waters. Copies upon request. CHRISTIAN S. ANDERSEN, Resident Manager, Hot Springs, Va. Booking Offices: Ritz Carlton Hotels; New York, Philadelphia from grain has been and is now ended, that this august legislative body take a further step to wipe out all thought and memory of the insidious enemy. I move you, sir, that the printing, vend- ing and reading of any and all Christ- mas stories containing reference to wassail, mead, ale, stout, porter, rum punch, gin and bitters, and such like, be made a misdemeanor and as such punishable in the right and proper manner.” “Waar will you have for breakfast?” inquired the waiter. “What's the use of my sitting here and guessing? You go ahead and bring me what the law allows for to-day.” —Washington Star. “RHE Moving Finger writes; and having writ, moves on,” the writing ng the order for a num- ber of annual subscriptions to Lire to be sent as Christmas gifts to valued friends. comicbooks.com