Life, 1919-05-15 · page 20 of 50
Life — May 15, 1919 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct satirical pieces mocking American social reform movements and government overreach circa 1920s: **"Attention, Fanatics!"** ridicules the "Fanatics Club," a thinly-veiled jab at prohibitionist and anti-pleasure reform movements (note references to "Anti-Saloon League" and "anti-cigarette movement"). The club's absurd resolution to abolish all recreation satirizes how puritanical reformers sought to eliminate human happiness and natural enjoyments. **"Lord Burleson"** attacks Postmaster General Albert Burleson, depicted as a petty tyrant methodically raising rates and cutting wages while hypocritically claiming the public loves "Government Ownership." This mocks Wilson-era government expansion and Burleson's unpopular policies. **"In 1930"** shows a father dismayed that his son chewed gum—a dark prophecy about how intrusive government surveillance and control might make children fear minor infractions, turning boys into nervous wrecks. It warns against authoritarianism. All three pieces share anti-prohibition, anti-reform sentiment typical of Life's skeptical editorial stance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Attention, Fanatics ! IFE. is lugubriously pleased to ann that the membership of our F is constantly increasi With the endorse: e, the WC. T and the ant ette movement, our suc is assured Do you have occasional gleam happiness? Are you sometimes fied to let others do as they ple. Would you believe in fairies if could? Have you ever permitted y self to obey any natural human imp Did you ever dance? Or sing? Ort at the sight of a beautiful thing harbor joyful thoughts? If so. our Fanatics Club at once. The first meeting of the club held last Thursday. J. Snarl Glo: bagger, the president, _ presid. Among those present were M Gastlee Grinn, Mr. Bilious Phi Mrs. Groucher Glumme and Miss Snifton Sneake. 1! following resolution was unanimously passed “Whereas, The American people have hitherto enjo “ HERE COMES THE BRIDE” the blessings of liberty, therefore be it “Resolved, That hereafter all recreation of whatsoc Lord Burleson nature shall be immediately abolished.” (A Tragic Farce) CENE: The office of the Postmas- S General at Washi He Lorp Burteson (to his secretary) Did you reduce the wages of the letter carriers in first’ and — second-class cities ? Srcrerary: Yes, my lord Lorp Burteson: Did you order an increase in telephone toll-rates through- out the country? Secretary: Yes, my lord. Lorp Burteson: Did you order the suspension of Lire for lack of respect to me? Secrerary: I did, my lord. Lorv Buxtesox: And did you see that the parcel-post and telegraph rates were doubled ? Secretary: I arranged that, too, my lord. Loro Burteson: Very good, indeed! Now, take dictation, please, for this speech on “ Why the Public Is in Love with Government Ownership.” In 1930 ATHER: I'm afraid our son is on we wellvet—~ the downward path, Morner: What's he been doing? “ARE YOU CERTAIN HE'S GI Fatner: T caught him chewing gum “ CENTLE’S NO NAME FOR IT, SIR. WHY, IF ANYTHING WAS TO HAPPEN TO YOU in the barn to-day. WHILE YOU WAS ON THAT HORSE'S BACK, HE'D CRY LIKE A CHILD.” comicbooks.com