Life, 1918-07-25 · page 12 of 36
Life — July 25, 1918 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines biographical sketches with satirical humor typical of early 20th-century Life magazine. **"Life's Horoscopes"** by William C. Redfield features two portrait-accompanied character sketches: 1. **William C. Redfield** - described as a Brooklyn gentleman with refined taste, characterized through his social affiliations (Dog Star Club, Vice-President of Commerce Department). The satire mocks his pretensions to sophistication. 2. **Reed Smoot** - depicted with orange blossoms and poetic language about Mars and Venus, journeyed to Washington in March 1902. The text's flowery descriptions appear ironically incongruous with his political career. The page also includes "Paid Insertions" (classified ads) and a sketch titled "Self-Consciousness" showing a figure in water. These sections represent Life's typical mix of satire, practical humor, and commercial content for educated, affluent readers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“The Lord loveth a cheerful giver” Life’s Horoscopes WILLIAM C. REDFIELD WING to the perihelion of the [auuuuees Dog Star being covered with the Constellation of the Goat, with Cas- siopeia and the tin dipper ascendant | above the Gowanus Canal, this gen- tleman was destined in 1858 to be an Episcopalian, a Democrat, a pall- bearer to American commerce, to reside in Brooklyn and, with one ex- ception, to sport the most beautiful pair of side whiskers known to his- tory. Being of a sanguine tempera- ment, he was born either to miss being Vice-President or to belong to the submerged Department of Commerce, and will do well to avoid all tariffs, confining himself to trade acceptances and the putting greens of the Chevy Chase Agricultural Golf Club of Washington. Looks well in a Roman toga, cut bias and tastefully ornamented with bills of lading. REED SMOOT ITH orange blossoms decorating the face of Mars, Venus divided into cight mansions, kitchen utensils triumphant in the orbit of Virgo, and Gemini up in the air, this gentleman made his first appearance in full os- culation with Salt Lake City on January 10, 1862. From thence he journeyed by forced marches to Washington, where he arrived in March, 10903, composing his famous song, “Oh, for a Cahot Lodge in Some Vast Wilderness.” He has a sanguine temperament, with oratorical nebulae on the side and with patriotism rampant. Will not need to be reminded that a “little La Follette now and then is hated by the wisest men.” Will do his best work as a trained nurse in a Federal Reserve bank. Looks well in bifurcated brigham youngs, orna- mented with pleated gops. Paid Insertions post: Somewhere on the high seas, by Captain Judas Iscariot of the German U-navy, a sense of shame. If found, the finder may keep it, as it is worth nothing. No reward if returned, Tirritz. Founp: In France, between Picardy and the Vosges, an American army of a million men. This army is obviously misplaced, and is proving a source of embarrassment to the finder. Will pay a large reward to anyone who will take it off my hands, Witnetn, Situation Waxtep: Expert stenographer; have been occupied in taking down the victory speeches of a very exalted conqueror. Victories having ceased, and on ac- count of the expected dissolution of the firm, am open for offers. After a month's recuperation for mental and physi- cal massage, shall be ready for any employment in which truth is no object. Kart. Rosner. SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS comicbooks.com