Life, 1918-06-06 · page 13 of 40
Life — June 6, 1918 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate prose pieces rather than political cartoons. "A Trade Secret" depicts a conversation between a man and woman about young men being sent away for military service during wartime—likely referencing WWI conscription. The man cynically suggests the departure of eligible young men benefits middle-aged men's romantic prospects. "The Cure for Care" presents dialect humor about a Black character's folk wisdom regarding how to manage troubles through sleep. "A Ray of Hope" is a humorous poem advocating for electrically-heated clothing to keep aviators warm at high altitudes, presented as innovation solving a practical problem. The page reflects early 20th-century attitudes toward war, class, and racial humor typical of the era's satirical publications.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
syne”. - s A Trade Secret UPID did not even pause when I appeared at the threshold, as he deftly dipped a shaft into the hot glue. “Well,” he said “what can I do for you? rather — shortly, “T had rather expected,” I replied “to discover you more at leisure.” “On account of the exodus of young men for the army, I suppose,” he r plied. “You were never more mis- taken. It really doesn't make much difference. When there is a gap in trade something new always develops.” “What causes your present rush? “I'm getting ready for my summer ade with middle-aged men. fiddle-aged men?” ertainly. Their day has come at last. Think of what a perfectly bully time they are all going to have, with the country full of delightful young girls and all the boys at the front! Had you thought of that?” OPTIMISTS “No, I hadn't,” I confessed. “It is rather alluring, isn't it? But will the young girls—?” He motioned me away. “Go 'long!” he cried. “I'm too busy to talk. Besides, I'm not giving any secrets away.” And as 1 moved off I heard him whispering to himself: “It wouldn't be fair to the middle- aged boys. They haven't had their inn- ings for such a long time!” The Cure for Care . HY is it, Sam, that one never hears of a darky committing sui- cide?” inquired the Northerner. “Well, you see, it's disaway, boss: When a white pusson has any trouble he sets down an’ gits to studyin’ "bout it an’ a-worryin’, Then firs’ thing you know he’s done killed hisse’f. But when a nigger sets down to think ‘bout his troubles, why, he jes’ nacherly goes to sleep!” A Ray of Hope Electrically-heatec clothing has been invented for the purpose of keeping aviators warm at great alti- tudes.—News item. OME, noble electrician, And come, my tailor true; Make me a suit of clothes to wear When winter chills me through. Electrify the trousers, Electrify the vest, Electrify the coat and shirt, And likewise all the rest. Although I'm not an airman, I'll need such clothes, I fear, If coal-less Mondays come again When autumn skies grow drear. So have my garments heated To sixty-cight degrees; And then, despite what Garfield does, I'll never have to freeze. Kenneth L. Roberts. comicbooks.com