Life, 1921-08-04 · page 13 of 34
Life — August 4, 1921 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three letters of recommendation under the heading "Some Letters of Recommendation." The content is satirical social commentary rather than political cartooning. The letters mock contemporary figures by offering backhanded endorsements: Bryan recommends W.J. Bryan as "devilish" and disruptive; Straton recommends John Roach Straton for slum work; Harvey introduces George Harvey as so modest he avoids publicity. The accompanying illustrations show everyday American scenes—people under a gazebo, a cottage during a house shortage. The bottom joke depicts "The Beardsleys" remarrying, with the caption revealing the husband "couldn't afford to pay her alimony"—satirizing marriage, divorce, and economic hardship during what appears to be the 1920s. The humor targets prominent figures and social issues through ironic praise.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
August 4 Some Letters of Recommen- dation Mr. Stillman had written a letter of introduction in which he recom- menicd himself to the real estate agent as “Mr. Leeds.” Newspaper Report. From Bryan to Bryan VAR Friend: D The bearer of this, Mr. W. J. Bryan, has been on more or less intimate terms with me for some years, and I have iistened to him so much that I have become fairly accustomed to him. I will say, however, that in spite of this fact, he has often driven me to grape juice. Although a man of very high integrity, he is sometimes very devilish, especially when running for office—but he is getting over this rapidly and I don’t think it will ever occur again. Anything you can do to keep him quiet hereafter will be ap- preci ced, Chatauquatalkily yours, W. J. Bryan. rom Straton to Straton LOVED Brethren: I take pleasure in recommending to your attention Mr. John Roach Straton, the bearer of this, If you want anyone to go into the slums, report dives, or obtain salacious evidence—in fact, any sort of rough work that no self-respecting American would want to indulge in, he is your man, I cannot speak of him too highly. Besides, he needs the notoriety. Yours for the short skirt, “The Beardsleys have remarried, haven’t they?” Joun Roacu Srraton. “Yes. He couldn’t afford to pay her the alimony.” From Harvey to Harvey CU 7 This will introduce to you Mr. George Harvey, who has been known to me personally for some time. He is a man of intense honesty and the most in- variable good taste—was never known to be anything but a high-minded gentleman. He is also very modest. In fact, he is so modest that he shrinks from the slightest publicity. During the last campaign, for example, he kept himself in the back- ground so much that it became a public scandal, and Mr. Harding just had to drag him forth. His refinement is only exceeded by his diplomacy. Cordially and sincerely yours, Georce Harvey. HE CUSTOMER (in drug store): You seem to have everything in this place but what a man really needs. During the house shortage the Browns forgot to leave a guard in charge Cuerk: . And about how much of that of their cottage while they went to the movies. would you like, sir? comicbooks.com