Life, 1919-08-28 · page 14 of 40
Life — August 28, 1919 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks the early 20th-century craze for spiritualism and séances. The article describes a séance conducted by "Madam Pasadena," a medium who claims to contact the dead and channel spirits through a cabinet (a common spiritualist prop). The satire targets both the credulous wealthy clients and the fraudulent mediums. References include mentions of Jesse James and "Daniel Webster," suggesting famous historical figures were supposedly contacted. The photographs show typical séance staging—people around a cabinet, dramatic gestures, and theatrical props. The humor lies in exposing spiritualism as obvious fraud, with the magazine implying the "psychical research" is merely clever showmanship designed to separate rich believers from their money. This reflects widespread skepticism toward spiritualism among educated satirists of the era.
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N° wishing that Sir Oliver Lodge or Conan Doyle should have any- thing on us, Lire has engaged the ex- clusive services of Madam Belladonna the celebrated lers informed Eucalyptus Pasadena, medium, to keep our ri about the latest doings in the spirit world. In order to secure the essential quiet, the first sitting took place on Thursda afternoon, after the Stock Exchange Everybody was present, including the advertising manager and the office cat. Madam appropriately clothed in a ¢ robe of ethereal cotton bagging, which was carefully examined through binoc- ulars beforehand, all mundane material was closed. Pasadena was phanous being card-indexed. The windows were painted red and the police noti- fied. A shéll-proof cabinet of cor- rugated iron was set up in the middle of the provided to furnish the psychic atmosphere. room, A jazz band had been necessary The rappings began at once. Through the cabinet then issued at first, distinct outline. a form, vague but which gradually assumed “Ts it too late to ask for a drink of brandy?” rapped out a voice eloquent with feeling “Who are you? that we were on the verge of an im- we asked, realizing portant communication. “Tam the spirit of Daniel Webster.” The rappings grew more violent, and the cabinet swayed back and forth. We instructed Madam Pasadena to give Daniel the high sign, which signified that he was better off where he and he disappeared like a flash. was, A large hand then suddenly appeared floating out in midair and gradually detaching itself from the vinet. It waved itself about, with the palm up, approaching each one of the party in turn, “Jesse James,” rapped out our me- dium. “He is in great trouble.” “Can we do anything for him LIFE . yes. He wants to come hack He is very unhappy where he is, AU the people had nothing who with recently passed over them, the govern- having taken everything hefore they left. ment away The advertising manager groaned at this point, and came near breaking up the séance inting. Hewas, however, promptly revived with a nut sundae. What does our good friend Jesse James wish?" we managed to ask in a voice freighted with emoti “He wishes to come hs the head control of the head waiter of a New York restaurant.” At this point the rappings suddenly ceased, and then from the other side of the distinetly room we heard a voice saying othing doing, Jesse. You couldn't fill the position.” Madam Pasadena whispered; ° That's » Kidd,” and the cabinet began shaking approval. Cap! “WHY DID ALICE BREAK HER ENGAGEMENT WITH REGGIE? “AKE YE TEACHIN’ HIM TO SAY IIs PRAYERS, MISTER?" We then turned on the electric lights and carefully Beyond examined the premises a couple of bombs, which the postman delivered during the séance, all was as hefore There was collu- sion of any sort. The gunny bag could he seen at any time. As an extra pre- Madam all her caution, just before the séane: Pasadena insisted upon hav false teeth extracted and the taken out of We have forwarded copies of this re- to the Psychical Re- search. London, Paris and Oshkosh papers, please copy. marcel waves her front locks. port Society of 8 ED. scmason PROMIBITION HAS STOPPED IIS DRINKING.” THAT'S THE REASON, ME'S ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE Now.” comicbooks.conimy