Life, 1921-01-13 · page 8 of 36
Life — January 13, 1921 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes various social encounters and worker grievances of the early 20th century. The main cartoon shows a nightclub scene where a waiter receives a phone call from his wife while working, with the caption emphasizing he recognizes her voice. The surrounding dialogue snippets mock different professions and their complaints: a conductor giving overly detailed directions, a hotel clerk, telephone operator, and notably a government clerk resigning due to overwork and poor health. A chauffeur and pedestrian exchange final quips about who comes "after" whom. The humor targets workplace frustrations, class divisions between service workers and patrons, and the absurdities of bureaucratic employment—common themes in early 20th-century American satire about labor conditions and social hierarchies.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE: What We Voted For ahd Expect ESTAURANT PATRON: I do not see your hat boy. Proprietor: Take your hat and coat right with you to your table, a We provide extra chairs for that purpose. Warter (gently but firmly pushing back tip): Iam amply paid for the work I do. I am a naturalized American citizen, and it is repugnant to me to be an object of charity. Conpuctor off, sir? A Former Strap-Hancer: Where do you wish to get T want to Attendant at Club: Conpuctor: I shall let you know when we come to ‘he cross-street; walk two blocks east and turn to your right. It is the third door from the corner on the north side of the street. Don't mention it. It is our duty to know the city perfectly. Lapy oF THE Hous I will drop you a note if I decide to take you. I have two other maids under consideration. Maw: I hope you will take me. TI prefer a pleasant home and refined sur- roundings to work in a store or a factory, and I am an excellent cook. Constituent: Yes, senator, I think I am entitled to at least an assistant seere- taryship. YOUR WIFE IS ON THE PHONE, SIR, Blender: How bo You KNow 17’ MY WIFE? “HER VOICE FELT LIKE 17, SIR.” Senator: Do you know anything about the tariff or customs? No; but what has that got to do with at?" “Everything. If you were going to hire a chauffeur, you would expect him to know. something about automobiles, wouldn’t you?” Horet Arrivat: Did you get my wire for a room and bath? New York Hoter Crerk: Yes, indeed I have you down for a nice, sunny front room for two-fifty. Front! Recutar TreLernone Sunscriner : you please give me the correct time? Teternone Girt: With pleasure. Four minutes after ten. Will EncusumMan: Do you know, old top, I jolly well like the United States. American: Not a bad country, is it? “T should say not. I couldn't wait to take out my first papers.” Fan: I want two seats for the opening game of the world series to-morrow. Ticket Setter: Two dollars, please. THEATREGOER the tenth row. Ticket Seer: one-fifty, please. Orchestra, please, about Aisle seat, ninth row; Thank you. Dayton Netcunor: Jim, are you going to run again for anything? Cox: Bill, I’m off politics for life. Manicure Girt: I wish to notify you that I am leaving at the end of the week. Heap Barser: Why, what's wrong? “T find I can make more moncy teach- ing school.” Wire: Dear, 1 knew you were coming lrome to-day. Huseann: My telegram reached here ahead of me. must have Government Crerk: Here is my resig- nation. Department Heap: ter? Cuerk: The pay is excellent, but I have to work too hard. It is undermining my health, What's the mat- Auto Driver: rhonse. PrDESTRIAN : ton, After you, my dear Al- After you, my dear Gas- Collin Davis. comicbooks.com