Life, 1920-06-17 · page 34 of 45
Life — June 17, 1920 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines corporate advertising with social satire. The dominant feature is a **Bell Telephone System advertisement** justifying high service costs by arguing that quality labor requires adequate compensation—presented as economically sound principle rather than generosity. The **"Socialism" poem** on the right offers biting class satire: it contrasts two groups of men, noting that well-dressed ones are clerks and mechanics, while poorly-dressed men are doctors, lawyers, and bank presidents. The joke targets the irony that professional status doesn't guarantee visible prosperity or fashionable appearance—mocking both class pretension and the gap between professional standing and actual wealth. The page also includes minor comic anecdotes (about landing a political job; daughters bringing sons-in-law home) and advertisements for Cuticura Soap, Forhan's toothpaste, and Bogalusa lumber company. The juxtaposition suggests Life's editorial stance: while AT&T argues workers deserve fair wages, the "Socialism" poem questions whether America's class system actually reflects merit or visible success.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The laborer is worthy of his hire All service is worthy of its hire and good service cannot be continuously ob- tained unless adequately rewarded. From the beginning of telephone history the American public has received the best telephone service of any country in the world. In proportion to the service ren- dered the people have paid less for this telephone service than any other country in the world. The reason why the American people have received the highest type of tele- phone service at the least proportionate cost is because the Bell System has been operated on a scientifically economic basis. Every device which inventive skill, engi- neering ability, labor and time saving talent | has been able to create; every efficiency known to buying, operation, executive control and financial conduct has been employed. Public service companies feel the high | cost of living as well as individuals. Pay them enough to make possible their giving good service. There is no perma- nent saving in poorly paid service. | In this land of opportunity none of us is willing to jeopardize his success or happi- | ness by stinting the payment necessary to | secure the most helpful and efficient service. | | AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES One Policy |Cuticura Soap IS IDEAL: One System “The New South’s Young City of Destiny.” It's where the Great Southern Lumber Co, takes up and lays a mile of railway track daily (60 m. total). Universal Service | Naturally “There goes a fellow who chased around for years trying to land a political job.” “Well, what does he do now?” “Nothing—he’s got the job.” —Kansas City Star. “One by one our children leave us,” said the mother sadly, as the fourth daughter started on her wedding journey. “Yes,” replied the father, a little more sadly, “and one by one they bring our sons- in-law back to us."—Boston Transcript. Socialism I SEE men on the streets Dressed in the latest fas (Silk shirts, soft hats, ties.) I ask who they are. They tell me they are clerks in Butchers, Automobile mechanics, Errand boys in banks. I see other men on the streets Who are not well dressed! (Old shoes, shiny suits, I ask who they They tell me th Doctors and lawy Manufacturers of automobiles Bank presidents. frayed collars) OME women they find their house is r invite compa a spur to make them put thing EALTHY eet cannot bve in > Prorhea germs. 19 into the body, bee wed cae Pyoethea begin we tender and beeseg tem of the posers germs that breed © need nothaves Vat your dene eft 35e and Gers U.S, wd RHAN CO. Ne tel orhan's Lah Plo comicbooks.com -