Life, 1920-02-12 · page 19 of 44
Life — February 12, 1920 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct satirical pieces: **"The Old Tiger of France Rests"** shows a resting tiger, likely referencing French military power or leadership (unclear which specific figure without dates). **"Corroborative Evidence"** jokes that people growing more intelligent is proven by three movies going out of business—implying movies appeal to unintelligent audiences. **The main feature** shows a three-panel labor dispute comic. A capitalist employer initially demands workers quickly produce a foreman and timekeeper. During a strike, the empowered labor leader ("Labor") becomes demanding and bureaucratic, reversing roles. After the strike ends, the labor leader obsequiously complies with the same request, submitting to the employer again. The satire critiques labor unions: it suggests striking workers gain temporary power and arrogance, but ultimately lose leverage and revert to subservience. The final panel mockingly depicts an idealized future where capital and labor work as equals—presented as absurdly utopian. The page reflects anti-union sentiment common in early 20th-century American humor.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
t THE OLD TIGER OF FRANCE RESTS Corroborative Evidence AYBROOK: more intelligent? Heston: So you hold that people are becoming There is no question about it. Why, in my vn alone, three movies are preparing to go out of business. hade of Captain Kidd: coop torp! WHAT AN AMATEUR 1 was! Before the Strike APITAL: Bring me a foreman and a timekeeper, and be quick about it, you. Lanox (somewhat nervously) that be all, sir? Ye-ye-ye-yes, sir. Will During the Strike Capitan: . old pal, wha T should have a foreman and timekeeper? Lapor: Well, now, let me sce. That sounds fair. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll hold a conference and let you know the result of our council’s vote in the morning. do you say? Do you think After the Strike Lapor: Hey, you, bring me a foreman and a timekeeper Quick, too, I say. Carita (somewhat nervously) : Will that be all, sir? As It Will Be When the American People Come to Their Senses Capitac: I need a foreman and a timekeeper to carry on my business. Lazor: I'll get it for you, boss, and I won't hold you up, either. I know you're working for me as I'm working for you. IF a woman meant what she said, she wouldn't say it. comicbooks.com