Life, 1918-05-09 · page 38 of 40
Life — May 9, 1918 — page 38: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two main elements: **Left side:** An anecdote about Theo. P. Shonts, president of New York City's private streetcar corporation. The satire mocks corporate pomposity—when a power outage throws passengers (including Shonts) to the floor, an Italian laborer accidentally knocks off Shonts's hat and, not recognizing him, responds to his angry self-identification with: "Well, then, you're makin' an awful mess of it, ain't yer?" The joke is that a common worker's honest criticism deflates the executive's self-importance. This reflects Progressive-era skepticism toward unaccountable corporate power over essential public services. **Right side:** Advertisement for Listerine antiseptic (marketed for wounds and personal hygiene) and a book announcement for *Drowsy* by John Ames Mitchell, described as a story of "mechanical and spiritual triumph of man." The page reflects early 20th-century American attitudes: corporate critique, working-class vernacular humor, and faith in technological progress.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE! Osean I a ly ss WY LISTERINE THE SAFE ANTISEPTIC is readily obtainable throughout the United States and in the countries of our Allies. It is a dependable dressing for wounds and a very acceptable mouthwash, gargle, lotion and douche in matters of personal hygiene. Booklet “Domestic Medicine” mailed on request. Manufactured only by Lambert Pharmacal Company St. Louis, Mo., U.S. A, $F NO How Mr. Shonts Ran His Railway Anecdote N the days before public utilities were owned by the government, the Street transportation system of New York City was operated by a private corporation, of which a gentleman by the name of Theo. P. Shonts was pres- ident. One evening Prexy Shonts was not in a hurry to reach home, so he dis- missed his limousine and started up- town via the underground tramway. Not knowing the mighty Mr. Shonts was aboard, the power suddenly short- circuited, throwing the passengers in a heap on the floor. A native of Italy, with a pick and shovel under his arm, rudely bumped into Mr. Shonts, knock- ing his Knox to the floor, where it was completely demolished by the unsus- pecting hoi polloi. “Here, you!” shouted the angry railway executive, “do you know who Tam? I run this road.” “Well, then, you're makin’ an awful mess of it, ain't yer?" replied the Ital. ian, in excellent New York English, Mr. Shonts told of his experience at the next meeting of the board of di- rectors of his corporation, Creating so much merriment that no business was transacted, “ Gracefully he tloated over their heads Humor, Romance, Adventure, Conquest DROWSY By JOHN AMES MITCHELL The author of ‘“‘Amos Judd”? and ‘*The Pines of Lory,’’ has written story of the future mechanical and spiritual triumph of man. His hero anticipates the Garabed. Published by Stokes. Sent upon receipt of $1.50 by Lire Pusisuinc Company, West 31st Street, New York City. Second Edition we for toms reve year asp hatic plain lesio card olin rus, marl corp ly a nucl blast erytl cited take his com presi hour time was woul in Ti prof vari year kno woul they die |