Life, 1919-10-30 · page 26 of 36
Life — October 30, 1919 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate satirical pieces: **"The Lingerer"** (top left): A poem by Arthur Guiterman mocking the social nuisance of guests who overstay their welcome. The humor lies in the guest's repeated false departures—saying goodbye but then launching into more conversation on the doormat or landing, forcing the exhausted host to endure endless "ratiocination." **"Earning and Grabbing"** (center): Social commentary contrasting farmers' work ethic (laboring 16 hours daily to purchase land) with railroad workers' approach (loafing 16 hours daily while demanding the government buy railroads for them). This criticizes what appears to be railroad monopoly favoritism and government subsidy abuse. **Lower cartoons**: A domestic scene showing an ex-lieutenant refusing to walk his wife's small dog ("Peke"), calling himself "aide-de-camp" to emphasize his reduced status post-military service. The final panel shows "New Neighbors" beginning a flirtation, suggesting potential marital trouble. The page reflects early 20th-century American anxieties: social etiquette, corporate privilege, and changing gender dynamics post-WWI.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Lingerer “WW/ELL, I really should be going!" And he took—his—hat But there wasn't any knowing When he'd leayve—at—that For he has the trick of standing, Inexhaustibly expanding His opinions, on the landing Or the front—door—mat. “Now, I won't detain you longer!” Were the sounds—he—made But his impulses were stronger, And he stayed—and—stayed, Showing skill in conversation And in picturesque narration And in ratiocination Of the top—most—grade The jood-by! T must be starting!” Were the words—that—fell. So I wrung his hand in parting. While I sighed—* Fare—well!” bs But, for all I care, he may go ‘ To the Island of Tobago nee (Ags sie Or to Tierra del Fuego, @.CIRRRET FAL Where the Pen—guins—dwell ! ~ : Arthur Guiterman, His Wife: 1 Wis You'b TAKE FIDO OUT FOR A WALK, CHARLES. Ex-Licutenant: LOOK HERE, MABEL, I HATE TO REFUSE YOU ANYTHING, BUT I'M DARNED IF I'LL BE AIDE-DE-CAMP TO A PEKE, Eaming and Grabbing HEN a farmer wants a farm, he labors sixteen hours a day until he can save money to buy one. When railroad men want a railroad, they loaf sixteen hours a day and order Uncle Sam to buy one for them. “yes, 11'S PRETTY PAINFUL. I'M ON MY WAY.TO THE DENTIST Now. NEW NEIGHBORS “LUCKY BEGGAR! I HAVE TO GO SHOPPING WITH MY WIPE.” SHE BEGINNING OF THE LOVE AFFAIR comicbooks.com@u