Life, 1920-09-02 · page 11 of 52
Life — September 2, 1920 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a political poem ("Lo, the Poor Bull Moose!") on the left and a Colt firearms advertisement on the right. The poem references the "Bull Moose" — likely Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party (symbolized by a bull moose) from around 1912. The verse satirizes the movement's initial promise as a reform force ("A symbol of the Great Unbiased"), mocking how it failed to deliver ("tamed to bear a load" / "ploughs the fields of Privilege"). The attribution to "John Strong Nursery" appears to be a satirical pen name. The advertisement is unrelated political content — a straightforward Colt Firearms pitch emphasizing quality and reliability over 80 years, targeted at those valuing craftsmanship. The juxtaposition suggests Life magazine's editorial stance: skepticism toward populist political movements alongside mainstream commercial messaging.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘LIFE. Lo, the Poor Bull Moose! IGHT years ago, a sign of hope, It loomed before the multitude, A force of unimagined scope, Virile, portentous, unsubdued. With antlered forehead proudly tossed Above the legislative storm, Asymbol of the Great Unbossed, It seemed the totem of Reform, Raised to fulfill our ancient dream, To break the politicians’ sway And make the people's will supreme. What does it typify to-day? Behold it tamed to bear a load, Flouted by fools that veer and hedge, Yoked to endure Reaction’s goad, ‘And plough the fields of Privilege! A piteous sight! Obstruction laughed, Freedom let fall a tear, regarding The rampant beast that bolted Taft Humbly returned—to follow Harding. John Strong Newberry. HEY were discussing the feats of Luther Burbank. “He can’t compare to my grocer,” in- terrupted Mrs. Phastalker. “Why, he actually produces eight different varieties of coffee from the same bin!” PRETTY WELL OFF “The Be st that Money Can Buy” "THOSE who pay tribute to the creation of men’s skill find in the exquisite workmanship of a Colt Automatic Pistol or Colt Revolver the same reasons for pride in its possession as does the jewel collector for a flawless gem. In every field the name of some one product always stands forth, establishing a standard of quality by which all others are measured. In the fire arms field that name is COLT For more than 80 years—in the uncertain hazards arising from the unrest of a congested city—in isolated country— amid the dangers of peace and the conflict of war—COLT has stood for the“uttermost perfection in fire arms. For simplicity of construction—dependability of action— certainty of results—the product of COLT'S factories is universally acknowledged “the proven best by every test.” To be satisfied with less is to deprive yourself of COLT protection—“the best that money can buy.” COLT’S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. Manefacturens of Coh's Revolvers Colts Automatic Pistola Colt’s (Browning) Colt’s (Browning) ‘Avtomatic Ma- Ameonic Machine OLTS —~ FIRE ARMS comicbooks.com