Life, 1919-06-26 · page 9 of 43
Life — June 26, 1919 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces: **"A Republican Asset"** criticizes James C. Blurlesson (likely a fictional stand-in), newly appointed Postmaster. The piece suggests Democrats worry he represents Republican strength and may attract Democratic voters, particularly if he remains in the cabinet. **"A Tragedy of the Future"** satirizes newfangled wireless telephone technology. John Redingote agrees to install a wireless telephone on his vest so his wife can contact him anywhere. The joke unfolds as she immediately uses it to micromanage his day—demanding he buy rubbers, post letters, and run errands—turning the convenience into marital tyranny. The accompanying illustration shows him frustrated while she manages him remotely. The satire mocks both technological optimism and gender dynamics of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“LIFE: 1117 THOUGHT THE NE, HE THREW THE MEDICINE OUT UF THE WINDOW A Tragedy of the Future I “=DINGOTE was newly married. He loved his He agreed to whatever she asked, and did 1s most well-bred husbands agree to tever their wives ask, but don’t keep their agreements. John Redingote did as he agreed. When his wife | him to have a wireless telephone attached to his. steoat so that she could talk to him. whenever she dl, no matter where he might be, John readily agreed. old himself that it would be wonderful to hear his wife's voice throughout the day, Il ral months passed by ‘k in his office. Hello, dearie.” said his wife’s voice from the wireless phone attachment on his vest. “You forgot to take letter you were going to mail. If your shoes are damp, must go out at once and get a pair of rubbers. The ays she is going to leave to-morrow, and I don't know John Redingote was hard what I shail do; for cousin Emmaline is coming over day after to-morrow to spend the d We are going to the movies this afternoon. John, won't you stop at the meat market on the way home and speak to the butcher? He charged us seven! nts a pound for steak! Oh, John, what shall we do? Our bills are simply frightful! John, the kitchen stove smokes : Couldn't you possibly get home during the afternoon and fix it? And, John, the dog has run away again. Won't you telephone the police station about it? And, John, please get some theatre tickets for. ” The patrolman drew the body higher on the river bank “Why,” said he, “it’s John Redingote! Whaddaya sup- pose that guy wanted to drown himself for when he had a young wife and everythin Shaking his head sadly, he went to the box on the corner and telephoned for an ambulance, Keaneth L, Roberts. A Republican Asset HE Republican party is on the verge of receiving a violent and extremely painful blow. It is beginning to look as though Burleson, the justly celebrated Postmaster, were about to be sent back to private life with a bit of tinware attached to him as a token of the sentiments he inspires in everybody. If this actually occurs, a lot of good ns May jump to the conclusion that the Democratic party really has a trace of good sense; and when the next elections come around, they may go so far as to vote for one or two Democrat rom a Republican standpoint, it is highly desirable that Burleson should be allowed to re- main in the cabinet; because if he is, there won't be much of anybody who will vote for a Democrat. ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL” comicbooks.com