Life, 1919-07-17 · page 26 of 40
Life — July 17, 1919 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This *Life* magazine page contains three distinct elements: **Top cartoon ("If the Romans Had Lived To-Day"):** A satirical sketch imagining ancient Romans driving early automobiles in a chaotic race, with spectators watching from classical architecture. The joke mocks both Roman gladiatorial entertainment and modern motorcar culture—suggesting cars have simply replaced chariots as vehicles for reckless public spectacle. **Main article ("The French Babies"):** A earnest fundraising report acknowledging donations for French war orphans relief following World War I. The magazine had collected over $344,000 and remitted nearly two million francs to Paris. Individual donors and organizations are listed by name. **Bottom cartoon:** A workplace humor strip where an "efficiency expert" (a contemporary business trend) is mocked for teaching employees how to waste time productively—satirizing consultants who complicate rather than improve operations. **"The Gang" comic:** Street children discuss a pie-eating contest, with "Fatty" claiming he needs practice—simple, lighthearted humor about working-class youth culture. The page mixes serious charitable work with satirical commentary on modern life.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The French Babies IFE has received for the relief of the French war orphans, in all, $344,111.88, from which we have remitted to Paris 1,928,555.50 francs We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the following amounts Renewats: In memory of Jay Page Moody, P: $36.50: Pupils of Mrs. J. W. Wallace, White Plains, N. ¥ Etheredge Walker, Trinity Center, Cal., $146; Wheeler, Chicago,” Ill, $36; Mr. and Mrs York City, $73; Mr. and Mrs. James H. Bea $146; Monmouth Chapter, D. A: R., Red Ban Parents ox Account: Mrs. M. L. Walker, Portland, Ore., $6; Miriam Perdue, Washington CH., Ohio, $121 f G. Bickley, Williamsburg, Pa., $3; Mary McCamant, E 0 BABY NUMBER 372 Already acknowledged — Eleanor Vibberts, New Britain, Conn BABY NUMBER 3726 Already acknowledged ... sown, Eleanor Vibberts, New Britain, Conn BABY NUMBER 3720 Class 7-A-t4 of Cleveland Junior High School Mrs. A. H. Rosted, Kelso, N rien “[S that efficiency expert at your office making any prog- ress?” “I should say he is! Why, he’s already shown us how to spend the day without accomplishing anything.” The Gang: say! wot Ye poIN’? DON’T YE KNOW YF'RE ENTERED FER THE PIE-EATIN’ CONTEST TO-NIGHT? Fatty: WELt, I've Cot TO PRACTICE, AID comicbooks.