Life, 1919-07-17 · page 8 of 40
Life — July 17, 1919 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes early 20th-century divorce proceedings and gender dynamics. The top cartoon shows a golfer's obliviousness—a husband so absorbed in golf that he can't hit the ball properly, presumably neglecting his marriage. The main sketch, titled "The Divorce," presents a courtroom scene where Mrs. Peace sues Mr. League for divorce. The satire targets Mr. League's absurd defense: he claims importance and references "the Man Who Came Across" and "the Man Who Knows" as authorities—vague, self-aggrandizing appeals rather than substantive legal arguments. The judge dismisses the case with costs against him. The bottom illustration, captioned "TIS AN ILL WIND," depicts rural life—likely contrasting the couple's disconnection from practical reality. The satire mocks both marital incompatibility and men's frivolous excuses in defending against divorce.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
J. W.: How about that, Mr. League ? Mr. : I was ordered to, Your Honor. J. W.: By whom, pray? Mr. : By the Man Who Came Across. (Obeisances as before.) J. W.: The Highest Authority seems to he against you, madam. I'm afraid 1] shall have to refuse you a divorce. But, by the way, how do you two happen to have different names if you're married? (Mr. League and Mrs. Peace look at cach other doubtfully.) Mrs. P.: Well, you see, Your Honor, it was only a trial marriage J. W. (shocked): Only a trial mar- ¢? I'll fine you both for contempt The Amateur Golfist (to herself): WU! FOLKS ALWAYS HAVE A WAY OF of court. Case dismissed, with costs COMING AROUND WHEN A PERSON CAN'T HIT THE BALL! on—ME. William Wallace Whitelock. The Divorce ERSONS: Judge World; Mrs. Peace, plaintiff; Mr. League, de- fendant. Junce: On what grounds do you bring this action for divorce, madam? Mrs. Pract For threatening my existence, Your Honor. I won't last two years if joined to the defendant J. W. (to defendant): Have you anything to say in your own defence, Mr. League? Mr. L. ‘othing, Your Honor, ex- cept that I'm so much more important than she is. J. W.: Who told you that? Me. L.: The Greatest Man Ever. (ALL rise and bow respectfully.) J. We: {That point’s settled, any- how. Are there any other grounds? Mrs. P.: Yes, Your Honor; refusal to support Monroe Doctrine, a child of mine by a former marriage. J. W.: Have you anything to say to that, Mr. League? Mr. L May it please the court, Monroe Doctrine’s a nuisance, very disagreeable to the neighbors and of doubtful legitimacy, anyhow. J. W.: Who's your authority for that? Mr. L.: The Man Who Knows. (AU rise and bow as before.) J. W.: Well, that’s established, at all events. Have you any other com- plaints? Mrs. Pe: Yes, Your Honor. He's always adopting little Utopias and forcing me to support them. “"TIS AN ILL WIND—" comicbooks.