Life, 1920-11-11 · page 42 of 44
Life — November 11, 1920 — page 42: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical article mocks the 1920s coal crisis and resulting fuel shortages. The author uses absurdist humor to critique multiple targets: **The Coal Shortage**: References "heatless Mondays" (a Wilson administration rationing measure) and suggests miners have arranged similar hardships for the next administration. **Class Commentary**: Jokes that coal isn't scarce—mining districts have plenty of cars, "mostly sedans and limousines," implying wealthy miners or operators hoard resources while ordinary people freeze. **Price Gouging**: "Egg coal" sells for inflated prices ($1.10/dozen) and is allegedly infested with worms, satirizing profiteering. **Desperation**: Darkly humorous suggestions that people will burn furniture and rely on Grand Rapids (furniture manufacturing hub) for fuel. **Economic Hypocrisy**: The Woolen Trust cynically "reduces" winter flannel prices from $2 to $4.75—still a massive increase, mocking false charity. The piece criticizes government mismanagement, corporate greed, and class inequality during an energy crisis that left working Americans freezing while the wealthy remained comfortable.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
890 The Cold Facts of the Coal Situ- ation AS we understand the coal situation, © miners demand a six-hour day seven-reel_ movies. eee The idea that coal is scarce on account of the shortage of cars is preposterous. There are plenty of cars in the mining districts. The only trouble is that they are mostly sedans and limousines, se. The Wilson administration gave us neatless Mondays. But the miners have arranged it so that the next administra- a jar Musterole handy Sometimes, in the night, Pain comes to your house. Then is the time, most of all, when you rely on good old Musterole. No fuss, no bother,no worry—no mess- ing about with plasters or waiting for water to heat. Quickly you go tothe Musterole jar. A bit of that clean white oint- ment on little Bobbie's chest, and lightly yourubit in. A gentle tin- gle of skin puts Dcctor Nature to ‘work, and soon a healing warmth reaches the congested spot. Then comes a soothing coolness, and Bobbie drowses off to sleep. For coughs, congestions, bron- chitis and croup, Musterole is uncommonly effective. It is good, too,todrive away the pains of rheu- matism, lumbago and neuralgia. Musterole relieves — without discomfort. It is better than a mustard plaster, with all the virtues of the old-time plaster but none of its disadvantages. Musterole does not blister. And it is easy to apply. Just rubit on. Rub it on—for little Bobbie's cold —for Sister's bronchitis—for Grandma's pains in chest or back. It's an old-fashioned remedy in a new-fashioned form. Keep a jar handy. Many doctors and nurses recommend Musterole. 35¢ and 65c jars. $3.C0 hospital size. The Musterole Co., Cleveland, Ohio BETTER THAN A MUSTARD PLASTER oT 8 LN CISTED Herbert rey ton London Popular Sin 5O¢ Also packed in half pound ey pound tang Smoking Misxture «) vi Theres something about it you'll like At your Dealers or Sample on request Salk ToCacer Ine. irvo Broadway New York tion can give us heatless days for the rest of the week. eee This year Jack Frost and John Barley- corn have made the cellar the most valu- able part of every home. From now on, second-story workers are simply for all that they can get upstairs are the platinum brooches and the The Scranton jewels and the sparkling home brew will be lodged in the cellar, where the gas meter lies; and the think- ing householder will see that his burglar alarm is attached to the cellar door. eee fools, silverware. The coal speculators are filling our bunkers with bunk, That is why strictly fresh egg coal sells for $1.10 a dozen, and chestnut coal is $3.00 a bag, and not guar- anteed to be free from worms. eee Even if there is a coal strike, the American people will keep cool. You can't fool yourself into believing that you're at Palm Beach by wearing a Palm Beach suit, carrying a palm-leaf fan and spending your money recklessly. eee The astute person, to keep the home fires burning this winter, will go from ashes to hes, and then to coal dust. After that he may start burning furniture. If the worst comes to the very worst, we can depend on Grand Rapids for our fuel supply. We understand that the Woolen Trust, out of sympathy for the coal sufferers, has reduced the price of winter flannels from $2.00 to $4.75 per square itch. eee Don’t blame your coal dealer if your coal refuses to burn this winter. His slate is clean. Neal R. O'Hara. PETER J. CAREY, PRINTER Cuticura Soap —The Safety Razor— Shaving Soap Cuticura Soap shaves withoutmug. Everywhere Se. Ever-ready for the emergeoq- for the sore throat, the painit! cough, the irritating hoarseses that comes so suddenly—Pis’s should always be kept hasdy to prevent these little ills frea growing big. It is good f& young and old, Contains » opiate. Buy it today. 35c at your druggists for Goughs & Colds — Two to six biscuits a day ol keep the bowels regular. Ver Especially keeping children healthy. no drugs, Used for yea b teres from exotica Th apes eee 2c extra weet of J. S. IVINS’ SOM, . Broad Stree, te Pindgnic ree Dr-Voris Health Biscuit the Natural treatment constipation comicbooks.