Life, 1919-08-14 · page 31 of 44
Life — August 14, 1919 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical "open letters" mocking prominent figures of the era (likely WWI period, given references to "the greatest war in history" and "doughboys"). **The letters target:** - **Claude Kitchin**: A congressman criticized for his anti-publisher stance and tax positions; the writer sarcastically questions what he'll be remembered for - **Professor Frederick M. Roman**: Leading an anti-tobacco crusade; Life mockingly suggests he should physically assault women smoking in restaurants to gain attention, then face "horsewhipping"—absurdist satire of moral crusaders **The cartoon section "What Goeth On at Present"** shows three panels depicting American economic hardship during wartime inflation, with figures labeled "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," "Uncle Sam," and references to "soaking prices"—visualizing how ordinary Americans' finances are being torn apart by rising costs. The humor relies on readers recognizing these public figures and understanding contemporary debates over taxation, moral reform movements, and wartime economic strain.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Some Open Letters To Hon. Claude Kitchin. IR: Speaking of obscurity, fame is 5 peculiar, isn’t it? Lucullus is re- membered chiefly for his shore din- sers. Although Alexander and Bobbie Barns both died as the result of sprees, one of them is remembered for some- thing he said about a daisy, and the other because he thought the world was altogether too small, What will you be remembered for, Mr. Kitchin? For your hatred of publishers, your cight-per-cent. er, or the fact that you tried to make a noise like a real financier during the great- est war in history? income-tax jx We wonder. Sectionally yours, Lire To Professor Frederick M. Roman of Syracuse, EAR SIR: We learn from the public prints that you are the man who is responsible for the crusade against tobacco. We hate to lift you into prominence, but if you are the head of the Anti-Cigarette, ete, League we feel that something ought to be done about your case. You n re- member our old friend Dr. Pease and his untimely fate. He tried to add to his influence by writing under the mame of a lady, but it worked the Uncle Sam: consiperixc THE FACT THAT 1M TO PAY ALL THE BILLS, DON'T YOU THINK IT WOULD HAVE RFEN BETTER To Ler ME IN ON THIS RIGHT FROM THE START? THE WAY A GIRL THINKS SHE LOOKS AT TENNIS, AND THE WAY SHE QUITE AFT TO LOOK other w We suggest. that while the going is good, you do some- thing mi now, © to call attention to your- self. Why not visit some of our most fashionable restaurants and snatch the cigarettes from the fair lips of some This will give you an opportunity to he publicly horsewhipped. After you have practised at this sort of thing you may feel strong enough to tackle a doughboy. There is nothing that a returned doughboy would enjoy more of our more prominent ladies? What Goeth On at Present DR. JEKYLL AND MR, HYDE WHAT AN AMERICAN OF PIXED INCOME THESE PEELS WE AS WITHIN: HIM IN DAYS OP SOAKING PRICES. than to have you do this to him. Remember, sir, that you have no right to foist your own immoral views upon the American people unless you fur- nish them an equal amuse themselves opportunity to your expense. Yours for nicotine, Lire. : Since you have droppéd back into journalism, nobody anything about you, and we (Continued on page 206) hears citeer up! THE WoxsT 18 YRT TO come! comicbooks.com